Franktown
Castlewood Canyon's historic dam and Cherry Creek gorge — the natural centerpiece of Franktown.
Larkspur
Perry Park's red-rock formations mirrored in a still lake — classic Larkspur.
Franktown and Larkspur are two of Douglas County's small, rural communities — both offer large-acreage living, wells and septic, and a distinct pace from the master-planned suburbs. Franktown sits at the CO-83/CO-86 crossroads east of Castle Rock in ranch and horse country; Larkspur is a foothill community west of I-25 with red rocks, ponderosa pines and Colorado Renaissance Festival country.
Franktown and Larkspur are two of Douglas County's small, rural communities — both offer large-acreage living, wells and septic, and a distinct pace from the master-planned suburbs. Franktown sits at the CO-83/CO-86 crossroads east of Castle Rock in ranch and horse country; Larkspur is a foothill community west of I-25 with red rocks, ponderosa pines and Colorado Renaissance Festival country.
| Franktown | Larkspur | |
|---|---|---|
| County | Douglas County | Douglas County |
| Average home value | ~$1.7M | ~$950K |
| YoY change | median list (acreage) | median list (acreage) |
| School district | Douglas County Schools (A−) | Douglas County Schools (A−) |
| To downtown Denver | ~30 mi · 40 min N | ~35 mi · 45 min N |
| To DIA | ~40 min via E-470 | ~55 min via I-25/E-470 |
| Metro tax districts | Rare | Rare |
| Vibe | Acreage & horse country | Wooded acreage & golf |
| Character | Rural crossroads | Red rocks & pines |
Home values are Zillow Home Value Index averages. Individual neighborhoods vary widely — see the town guides for detail.
A rural crossroads at CO-83 and CO-86 east of Castle Rock. Ranch and horse country — acreage lots, working stables, big open sky. Not a walkable town, no downtown; residents drive to Castle Rock or Parker for most retail and services. Castlewood Canyon State Park is minutes away.
A small foothills community west of I-25 between Castle Rock and Monument, tucked into ponderosa pines and red rocks. Home to Colorado Renaissance Festival (weekends, June–August) and Perry Park (Perry Pines and Perry Park Country Club). The community has more visual drama than most Douglas County towns — evergreens, sandstone formations, glimpses of wildlife.
| Franktown | Larkspur | |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family homes | $700K – $3M+ (acreage) | $650K – $2.5M+ (acreage) |
| Townhomes | Rare | Rare |
| Condos | None | None |
Names link to live listings for that neighborhood on eaglesignaturehomes.com. See the full Franktown community guide →
Names link to live listings for that neighborhood on eaglesignaturehomes.com. See the full Larkspur community guide →
CO-83 (Parker Road) and CO-86 are the primary arteries. Castle Rock is ~15 minutes west; Parker is ~15 minutes north. Downtown Denver is ~30 miles / 40 minutes via CO-83 or I-25. DIA is ~40 minutes via E-470.
I-25 exits 172, 173, and 174 give quick access to the interstate. Downtown Denver is ~35 miles / 45 minutes north. DIA is ~55 minutes via I-25/E-470. Castle Rock is ~15 minutes north; Colorado Springs / Monument area is ~25–30 minutes south.
Dining: Franktown has a small handful of local restaurants (Stagecoach Saloon, Adriana's Mexican Restaurant); most dining is a short drive into Castle Rock (~15 minutes).
Things to do: Castlewood Canyon State Park is 5 minutes south — one of the metro's most underrated state parks, with Cherry Creek Falls, the 1890s Castlewood Dam ruins, rock climbing, and 12+ miles of trails; ranch land, horse property and quiet county roads dominate the local scene; the Elbert County Fair (Kiowa, 25 minutes east) is a real regional draw.
Dining: Local options include Charrito's House, Larkspur Pizzeria & Cafe, Spur of the Moment Bar & Grill, and the private club dining at Perry Park Country Club. Castle Rock is ~15 minutes north for more selection.
Things to do: Colorado Renaissance Festival runs weekends June through August — one of Colorado's oldest and most-loved outdoor festivals; the Perry Park area has a community rec center, golf course, and pool for members; Greenland Trail (Greenland Open Space) offers 8+ miles of hiking and biking with mountain views; Palmer Divide open space, sandstone cliffs and ponderosa forest give Larkspur its distinct look.
The main guide has full lists — dining, events, trails & parks, family fun.
Both are rural Douglas County — most properties are outside metropolitan districts, and property tax structures are simpler than in the master-planned suburbs. That said, land-based purchases here bring their own diligence items: well & septic permits, private-road access, wildfire mitigation (Franktown and Larkspur both sit in fire-country and homeowners should confirm defensible-space compliance and insurance), and utility service maps (fiber and reliable cell coverage can vary parcel-to-parcel).
More comparisons are being added — check back or ask directly for a specific pair.
I'm a REALTOR® based right here in Castle Rock, and I've helped families in both towns find the right fit. Tell me what matters most — commute, schools, budget, amenities, or a specific neighborhood — and I'll help you narrow down which town, and which neighborhood in that town, actually fits.