fall in love with westerly: erie’s dreamy master-planned community

We recently spent a day exploring Westerly, a gorgeous new master-planned community in Erie, Colorado – and let me just say, it was easy to fall in love with this dreamy family-friendly community. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to drop everything, grab a lemonade, and move right in.

When we first started telling friends and family in Phoenix that we were moving to Colorado, many told us they were jealous. Since moving, those same friends want to know if it was worth it, and how we like it. We are in our third year in this beautiful state and it’s safe to say – we do love it, and have no regrets!

If you’re a Colorado family thinking about your next move, or maybe you’re coming from somewhere like Phoenix and dreaming of cooler temps and front-porch culture, Westerly checks all the boxes. Think mountain views, bike-friendly streets, pocket parks around every corner, and a real sense of community that feels… rare these days.

Let me give you the inside scoop.

A Master-Planned Community Built With Families in Mind

Westerly is an 800-acre master-planned community, and you can feel the thoughtfulness in every inch. This place was made for families. You’ve got safe, walkable streets (yes, your kids can actually bike to the park without giving you a heart attack), front porches that open onto green space, and trails that invite you to wander.

Over 25% of Westerly is dedicated to parks, trails, and open space – so whether you’re tossing a football at the Great Lawn or heading out for a morning jog with views of Longs Peak and the Front Range, you’re never far from nature.

The community even has a full-time Lifestyle Manager (which, can we all agree, should be a thing everywhere?) who plans year-round events like movie nights, fall festivals, and yoga in the park. It feels like the kind of neighborhood where people actually get to know each other.

The Waypoint: The Heart of Westerly

One of the coolest parts of Westerly is The Waypoint—a 6,100+ sq. ft. community hub that includes a fitness studio, remote workspaces (WFH parents, rejoice!), and a community room for gatherings. Outside, you’ll find my favorite amenity: a resort-style pool, a 17-seat hot tub, fire pits, and space to hang out and connect.

It’s basically the grown-up version of a neighborhood clubhouse—only way better.

Homes for Every Style and Stage

Whether you’re just starting out, upgrading for more space, or relocating from somewhere like Phoenix in search of a fresh start, Westerly offers a wide variety of home styles from three incredible builders—Brightland Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and SLC Homes.

Here’s a quick peek at three of the model homes we toured.

Brightland Homes – Destination: Keystone

Starting at $657,900 | 1,938 sq. ft. | 3-4 beds | 2.5-3.5 baths

This home is cozy but smart – perfect for growing families. The open-concept layout includes a dedicated tech space (great for homework or a home office), a spacious kitchen that flows into a great room, and a dreamy covered back patio for year-round hangouts. Upstairs, the loft and Jack-and-Jill bath between the kids’ rooms are genius.

Cool perks: Optional finished basement, flex rooms, and detached garage add tons of customization.

SLC Homes – Belle Meade

Starting at $939,900 | 2,923 sq. ft. finished + 1,358 sq. ft. unfinished basement | 4-6 beds | 4-5 baths

This one had me at wraparound porch. If you’re all about flexible space and smart tech, Belle Meade is a showstopper. It’s spacious, bright, and comes decked out with all the smart-home features- think remote garage doors, video doorbells, and app-controlled lighting. The kitchen/dining/family room trio is perfect for entertaining, and the HVAC system filters out 99.9% of allergens (hello, Colorado allergy season). I was living out my little girl dreams in this bedroom with a built-in-window seat.

Bonus: Custom floor plan options, built-in humidifiers, and a fresh-air system.

McStain – The Legacy

Starting at $928,900 | 2,638 sq. ft. + 984 sq. ft. unfinished basement | 4-6 beds | 2.5-4.5 baths

The Legacy blends modern architecture with energy efficiency – and it’s absolutely stunning. You can choose from Farmhouse, Craftsman, or Foursquare exteriors, and inside, the layout is totally customizable: add an office, media room, expanded laundry, or go all-in on that luxury suite.

Green living bonus: Solar is standard. Yes, really.

Close to Everything -But With Space to Breathe

Westerly is tucked right near downtown Erie, so you’re just minutes from cute cafés, artisan shops, weekend farmers’ markets, and outdoor concerts. Plus, you’re less than 25 miles from both Denver and Boulder. And it’s a breeze to get to Denver International Airport! It’s the sweet spot: close enough to hit the city, but far enough to feel like you’ve truly escaped the hustle.

And if you’re coming from Phoenix? The seasonal changes, mountain views, and mild summers will feel like a breath of fresh (cool) air.

Who’s Moving to Westerly?

This neighborhood is perfect for a mix of families – young parents with toddlers or big kids like ours, Denverites ready for more space, or families from Phoenix who were DONE with the desert heat and looking for a slower pace and four seasons.

The sense of community here is real. It’s the kind of place where you wave to your neighbors, your kids ride scooters in packs, and you can always find someone to grab coffee with.

Ready to Check It Out?

If Westerly is even kind of on your radar, here’s what I’d recommend:

• Visit on the weekend – when model homes are open and the trails are buzzing.

• Stop by The Waypoint – grab a coffee, check out the pool, and imagine your life here.

• Talk to the builders – Brightland, McStain, and SLC all have seriously helpful teams on-site.

• Bring your kids – they’ll make themselves at home the second they see the playgrounds.

Final Thoughts

Westerly isn’t just another development. It’s a community that was intentionally designed to help families live better, connect more, and enjoy Colorado’s incredible outdoors – all without giving up modern comforts.

Whether you’re making a local move or heading here from out of state, it’s worth putting Westerly on your must-visit list. Come see why it’s easy to fall in love with this well-thought-out master-planned community in Erie, Colorado.