Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

Texas property taxes hit homeowners harder at effective rates around 1.68–1.8% of assessed value—often $10K–$15K annually on a $600K home—while Colorado’s stay lower at 0.49–0.55% statewide, translating to $3K–$4K on similar value in places like Highlands Ranch real estate or Littleton real estate, though local mill levies and home price differences narrow the gap for buyers moving into pricier Denver metro areas. As Lead Broker of Mile High Home Group at RE/MAX Professionals, I crunch these numbers daily for Texas relocators eyeing Aurora or Centennial, where lower base rates offset higher home values in a balanced Colorado housing market. After guiding clients through thousands of transactions across Arvada, Lakewood, and Englewood, the real takeaway emerges: Colorado’s predictability and homestead exemptions make taxes feel lighter long-term, freeing budget for HOAs and upgrades.

Taxes shape affordability—here’s the straightforward comparison and strategy.

Texas Tax Reality: High Rates, No State Income Tax Offset

Texas assesses at 100% market value, no cap—$700K Dallas home owes ~$11,800/year at 1.68% average. School districts drive 60% of bills; DFW suburbs top 2.2%.

No state income tax helps, but property bites deeper for families. Reassessments chase appreciation yearly.

Buyer shock: Equity from $500K Texas ranch covers Colorado down payment, but expect sticker shock on first bill.

Colorado’s Lower Base: Mill Levy Math Matters

Colorado assesses at 6.25–7.15% of actual value (residential), then applies mill levies—Douglas County (Highlands Ranch) ~100 mills yields 0.51% effective, $3,600 on $700K home.

Denver County higher at 0.64% (~$4,500); Jefferson (Lakewood) 0.55%. Seniors get exemptions dropping 50%.

Predictability wins: Gallagher Amendment caps residential share, reassess every two years.

Texas transplant tip: Highlands Ranch real estate saves $6K–$8K/year vs. Plano equivalent.

Neighborhood Breakdown: Where Savings Shine

Highlands Ranch/Littleton: 0.50–0.52% effective—$3,500–$3,900 on $750K. Douglas County schools justify premium.

Aurora/Centennial: 0.55–0.60% Cherry Creek zones—$4,000–$4,500, offset by newer builds.

Lakewood/Englewood: 0.52–0.58%—$3,800 on $700K, walkability adds value.

Vs. Texas: Frisco ISD 2.1% crushes $14K+; Colorado halves it.

HOAs ($250–$450/month) fund services taxes don’t—paths, pools.

Seller strategy: Highlight tax sheets in disclosures—relocators calculate fast.

Hidden Factors: Insurance, Exemptions, Cycles

Colorado insurance spikes hail-prone ($3K–$5K/year vs. Texas $2K), eroding savings. Wildfire zones add.

Exemptions: Colorado seniors $100K–$200K off; Texas homestead caps increases but not rates.

Market cycle: Balanced inventory favors negotiation—tax proration concessions common.

Buyer checklist:

1. Run mill levy calculator by address.
2. Factor insurance quotes pre-offer.
3. Claim exemptions Day 1.
4. Compare net monthly: CO often 20% lighter.

Hands-on concierge: Custom tax nets Texas-CO, mill levy deep-dives, exemption filings. Relentless budget tweaks.

Over 15+ years through tax shifts and cycles, integrity first: Transparent math, school/HOA fits. Clients become friends via honest forecasts, negotiation coaching.

Colorado taxes reward planning—lower base, steady load.

If Texas taxes push you Front Range, let’s run your numbers. Visit www.MileHighHomeGroup.net or reach out at 720-401-2711. I’m here for no-pressure breakdowns—budget smarter together.