Boundless housing options include single-family homes; low-maintenance townhome, condominium, and patio-home communities; and exquisite custom homes in semi-rural settings featuring forested lots and spectacular mountain views.

As one might expect, pricing options run the gamut as well, from affordable starter homes to multi-million dollar estates.

Typical of the more established neighborhoods to the west of E-470, Mission Viejo, modeled on the classic California development of the same name, boasts looped and circular streets, mature shade trees, Barcelona entrance walls, and Mission Bell street lamps. Community life revolves around Mission Viejo Park, its ball fields, walkways, and picnic areas.

Stocked for trout fishing, Aurora Reservoir and Recreation area, northeast of E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, boasts a marina, sandy beaches, and ten-mile bicycle track, while westside residents enjoy similar amenities at Cherry Creek State Park.

Elegant, affordable homes by the nation's top builders in newer master-planned communities such as Murphy Creek offer fairway, meadow, and mountain views. Fitness and sports facilities include the championship level Murphy Creek golf course, community parks, a recreation center, bicycle paths, and hiking trails. Other fine area golf courses are Saddle Rock and Meadow Hills.