Westerly in Erie Named 2025 Community of the Year

Erie, Colorado, a rapidly growing Boulder suburb, has just seen its Westerly neighborhood named the Home Builders Association’s 2025 Community of the Year. This prestigious accolade, awarded by Denver Marketing & Merchandising Excellence (MAME), highlights Westerly as a premier residential destination in the broader Denver metropolitan area, recognized for its exceptional design and community planning.

Erie’s Rising Star: Westerly Earns Top Honors

The 2025 Community of the Year award is a significant achievement for Westerly, which triumphed over strong contenders including the Aurora Highlands – a past winner known for its extensive marketing campaigns. Previous recipients of this esteemed award also include Solstice in Littleton, the Canyons in Castle Pines, and Painted Prairies in Aurora, placing Westerly among Colorado’s most celebrated communities. The MAME award considers various factors, from the intricate design of homes and the overarching neighborhood layout to the thoughtful integration with natural and urban surroundings, creative utilization of space and materials, architectural harmony, and effective landscape design, all culminating in overall sales success.

Designing a Desirable Lifestyle: Westerly’s Winning Features

Master-developed by Southern Land Company (SLC), Westerly boasts sweeping views of the majestic Front Range, setting a picturesque backdrop for its residents. The community prioritizes a “curated lifestyle” built on walkability, expansive open spaces, and elevated architectural standards. Homes within Westerly, which include a mix of single-family houses, townhomes, and villas, are all constructed with quality craftsmanship, reflecting a commitment to superior living environments.

Westerly: A Hub of Growth and Amenities

Spanning approximately 800 acres, just over a square mile, Westerly is strategically located near the eastern edge of Erie. This area is currently one of Colorado’s most sought-after places for homeownership, largely due to Erie’s explosive population growth. The town has seen its population swell from 18,000 in 2010 to roughly 35,000 in 2023, nearly 39,000 last year, and now approximately 40,000 residents, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau reports.

Unparalleled Amenities and Educational Opportunities

Central to Westerly’s appeal is its “state-of-the-art” amenity center, known as the Waypoint. This resort-style facility features a sparkling pool, an exciting water slide, a relaxing seventeen-seat hot tub, a fully equipped fitness studio, a charming cafe, collaborative shared work spaces, and inviting fire pits. Beyond its luxurious facilities, the Waypoint fosters community engagement by hosting a variety of events, from hands-on ceramics classes and invigorating yoga sessions to sophisticated wine tastings.

Families are particularly drawn to Westerly’s convenient access to education. Erie High School is located directly across the street to the north, and Highlands Elementary School is situated to the west, both part of the St. Vrain Valley School District. Further demonstrating its commitment to education, SLC has donated a dozen acres for a future middle school south of Westerly. In addition, SLC has generously contributed 22 acres and $7.7 million to the Town of Erie for the creation of two new community parks, enhancing recreational options for all residents.

Future Vision: Continued Development and Expansion

Westerly remains an unfinished masterpiece, surrounded by undeveloped land. When fully realized, the neighborhood is projected to feature more than 3,000 homes, with approximately 1,300 residences still slated for construction. Looking ahead, SLC acquired land about half the size of Westerly in 2023, with ambitious plans to develop it into “North Westerly,” a new low-density residential and retail “village” that promises to further enhance the area’s amenities and living options.

Meet the Developer: Southern Land Company (SLC)

Southern Land Company (SLC), the master developer behind Westerly, brings a wealth of experience to Colorado’s real estate market. In Denver, SLC previously developed well-known mixed-use properties such as Bespoke Uptown, now known as AMLI Uptown, situated at East 17th Avenue and Pearl Street, and Centric LoHi in the vibrant Highlands neighborhood. The company has since sold these properties but continues to build thriving neighborhoods across Texas, Tennessee, and California, bringing their expertise to Erie’s award-winning community.

Award-Winning Communities: A Quick Look

Frequently Asked Questions About Westerly

• What award did Westerly win?
  Westerly won the Home Builders Association’s 2025 Community of the Year Award, presented by Denver Marketing & Merchandising Excellence (MAME).
• Where is Westerly located?
  It is situated in Erie, Colorado, a rapidly expanding Boulder suburb just north of Denver, positioned near the town’s eastern boundary.
• What notable amenities does Westerly offer residents?
  The “Waypoint” amenity center includes a resort-style pool, water slide, a 17-seat hot tub, a fitness studio, cafe, shared work space, fire pits, and hosts various community events.
• Is Westerly a finished neighborhood?
  No, Westerly is still under active development. It is projected to house over 3,000 homes upon completion, with approximately 1,300 homes still to be built.
• Who is the master developer of Westerly?
  The master developer is Southern Land Company (SLC), a firm with a track record of developing communities across multiple states, including previous projects in the Denver area.

For Denver locals considering future living opportunities or tracking significant regional development, Westerly in Erie stands out as a prime example of thoughtful community planning, offering a growing hub of activity, top-tier amenities, and a desirable lifestyle.

Westerly in Erie named Community of the Year