Famous Residents of Cherry Hills Village — Celebrities & Notable People Who Call It Home

Nestled along the western edge of the Denver Tech Center corridor, Cherry Hills Village stands as Colorado’s most exclusive and prestigious residential community. With a population of just over 6,000 residents spread across nearly six square miles, this small city in Arapahoe County has long attracted the rich, the famous, and the powerful — drawn by sprawling estate properties, unmatched privacy, and proximity to everything metropolitan Denver has to offer.

But what truly sets Cherry Hills Village apart isn’t just the real estate — it’s the neighbors. From NFL legends to Fortune 500 executives, from political power brokers to entertainment figures, Cherry Hills Village has served as home to some of Colorado’s most recognizable names for decades. If you’ve ever wondered where does John Elway live, or which celebrities call the south Denver suburbs home, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Cherry Hills Village community through the lens of its most famous residents, the history that made it so exclusive, and what it’s really like to live among Denver’s elite.

John Elway — Cherry Hills Village’s Most Famous Resident

No conversation about famous Cherry Hills Village residents is complete without starting with John Elway, the legendary Denver Broncos quarterback who led the franchise to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. Elway has been synonymous with Cherry Hills Village for decades, and his presence in the community has only reinforced its reputation as Denver’s most desirable address.

Elway first established roots in Cherry Hills Village during his playing career in the 1980s and has maintained a presence in the community ever since. Over the years, he has owned multiple properties in the area, including some of the most impressive estates in the entire Denver metropolitan area. His real estate transactions in Cherry Hills Village have frequently made headlines — not just because of the price tags, but because they reflect the caliber of homes available in this exclusive community.

In the early 2000s, Elway purchased a sprawling estate on Cherryridge Drive, one of Cherry Hills Village’s most coveted streets. The property featured everything you’d expect from a home befitting an NFL icon — expansive grounds, luxury finishes, and the kind of privacy that Cherry Hills Village is known for. He later sold this property and has been involved in several other high-profile real estate transactions in the area.

Elway’s connection to Cherry Hills Village goes beyond just living there. As a successful businessman — he’s owned multiple car dealerships across the Front Range and served as General Manager and President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos — he’s deeply embedded in the south Denver business community. His restaurants, including Elway’s steakhouse locations, have become iconic Denver dining destinations.

For many prospective homebuyers, the simple answer to “where does John Elway live?” — Cherry Hills Village — is enough to put this community at the top of their wish list. Elway’s decades-long commitment to the area speaks volumes about its enduring appeal.

Other Notable Residents and Celebrities of Cherry Hills Village

While John Elway may be the most recognizable name associated with Cherry Hills Village, he’s far from the only notable figure who has called this community home. Over the decades, Cherry Hills Village has attracted an impressive roster of prominent residents spanning sports, business, politics, and the arts.

Athletes and Sports Figures

Cherry Hills Village has long been a magnet for professional athletes, particularly those connected to Denver’s major sports franchises:

• Peyton Manning — When the future Hall of Fame quarterback arrived in Denver to play for the Broncos in 2012, he chose Cherry Hills Village as his home base. Manning purchased a stunning estate in the community and lived there during his tenure with the Broncos, which culminated in a Super Bowl 50 victory in February 2016. Even after retirement, Manning maintained ties to the Denver area.
• Pat Bowlen — The late Denver Broncos owner was a longtime Cherry Hills Village resident. Bowlen, who owned the Broncos from 1984 until his passing in 2019, chose Cherry Hills Village as his primary residence, further cementing the community’s connection to Denver’s most beloved sports franchise.
• Joe Sakic — The Colorado Avalanche legend and Hockey Hall of Famer has been associated with Cherry Hills Village. Sakic, who led the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup championships, found the community’s privacy and prestige perfectly suited to his lifestyle both during and after his playing career.
• Various other professional athletes from the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, and Rockies have owned homes in Cherry Hills Village over the years, drawn by the combination of luxury living and relative anonymity the community offers.

Business Leaders and Executives

Cherry Hills Village has historically been the address of choice for Colorado’s business elite:

• Philip Anschutz — The billionaire entrepreneur, owner of AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), the Los Angeles Kings, and numerous other business ventures, has long been associated with the Cherry Hills Village area. Anschutz, consistently ranked among the wealthiest Americans, exemplifies the caliber of business leader drawn to this community.
• Charles Ergen — The co-founder of Dish Network and EchoStar Communications, one of Colorado’s wealthiest residents, has called the Cherry Hills Village area home. Ergen built his satellite television empire from the Denver suburbs, and Cherry Hills Village provided the kind of prestigious address befitting a billionaire tech mogul.
• Numerous CEOs and C-suite executives from companies headquartered along the Denver Tech Center corridor — including firms in telecommunications, energy, aerospace, and finance — have chosen Cherry Hills Village as their home, creating an outstanding concentration of business influence in a single small community.

Political Figures and Public Servants

Cherry Hills Village has also attracted political leaders and public servants:

• Scott McInnis and other former Colorado elected officials have resided in or near Cherry Hills Village, drawn by its central location and prestigious reputation.
• Multiple former governors, senators, and congresspeople from Colorado have owned property in Cherry Hills Village over the decades, making it something of an unofficial political power center for the state.
• The community’s proximity to the Denver Tech Center, the state capitol, and Denver International Airport makes it strategically convenient for those involved in both state and national politics.

Why Celebrities Choose Cherry Hills Village

What is it about Cherry Hills Village that makes it so irresistible to the rich and famous? The answer lies in a unique combination of factors that few other communities in Colorado — or the entire Rocky Mountain West — can match.

Unmatched Privacy

Cherry Hills Village is, by design, one of the most private residential communities in the Denver metro area. The city has intentionally maintained a rural character despite being surrounded by urban and suburban development. There are no sidewalks on most streets, no commercial districts, and no through-traffic corridors. Many properties are set far back from the road, hidden behind mature trees, stone walls, and gated entrances.

For public figures who deal with constant attention in their professional lives, Cherry Hills Village offers something priceless: the ability to come home and simply disappear. The community’s culture is one of discretion — residents respect each other’s privacy, and there’s an unwritten code of not drawing attention to celebrity neighbors.

Estate-Sized Lots

Cherry Hills Village is famous for its generous lot sizes, with many properties sitting on 2.5 acres or more. Some estates encompass 5, 10, or even 35+ acres. This means neighbors are far apart, views are expansive, and there’s room for everything from tennis courts and swimming pools to horse facilities and private gardens.

The city’s zoning laws strictly limit density, ensuring that the character of the community remains intact. You won’t find townhomes, apartments, or even modest-sized lots in Cherry Hills Village — every property feels like a private compound.

Top-Rated Schools

For famous residents with families, Cherry Hills Village offers access to some of Colorado’s finest educational institutions. The community is served by the Cherry Creek School District, consistently ranked among the top districts in the state. Additionally, several prestigious private schools are located nearby, including Kent Denver School (which actually sits within Cherry Hills Village), providing world-class education minutes from home.

Proximity to Denver

Despite its secluded feel, Cherry Hills Village is remarkably well-connected. Downtown Denver is just 20 minutes north, Denver International Airport is approximately 40 minutes away, and the Denver Tech Center — one of the largest business districts in the Rocky Mountain region — is immediately adjacent. This combination of seclusion and accessibility is virtually impossible to find elsewhere in the metro area.

Natural Beauty

Cherry Hills Village is blessed with stunning natural scenery, including panoramic views of the Front Range, mature cottonwood-lined streets, and the High Line Canal trail running through the community. The area maintains a distinctly pastoral atmosphere, with horse properties, open spaces, and wildlife corridors that make it feel worlds away from the urban bustle just minutes to the north.

The History of Exclusivity — Cherry Hills Country Club

To understand why Cherry Hills Village attracts famous residents, you need to understand its history — and that history is inextricably linked to the Cherry Hills Country Club.

Founded in 1922, Cherry Hills Country Club quickly established itself as Colorado’s premier private club. The club’s championship golf course, designed by William Flynn, has hosted some of the most memorable events in golf history:

• 1938 U.S. Open — Won by Ralph Guldahl, marking the club’s first major championship.
• 1960 U.S. Open — Perhaps the most famous tournament ever held at Cherry Hills, where a young Arnold Palmer staged one of golf’s greatest comebacks, driving the first green on the final day and shooting a 65 to win. This tournament also featured a young amateur named Jack Nicklaus finishing second and the aging Ben Hogan finishing ninth after leading late in the final round. It’s considered one of the most significant single days in golf history.
• 1978 U.S. Open — Won by Andy North.
• 1985 PGA Championship — Won by Hubert Green.
• 2005 U.S. Women’s Open — Won by Birdie Kim with a dramatic bunker shot on the final hole.
• Multiple U.S. Senior Opens, U.S. Amateurs, and other USGA events have also been held at the club.

The presence of Cherry Hills Country Club established the area as a destination for the wealthy and influential long before the surrounding suburbs developed. The club’s membership has historically included the most prominent families in Colorado business, creating a social network that reinforced Cherry Hills Village’s status as the state’s most prestigious address.

The community that grew up around the club naturally attracted residents who wanted to be part of this exclusive world. Over time, Cherry Hills Village developed its own identity as a city — incorporating in 1945 — with governance specifically designed to preserve the character and exclusivity that made it special.

Real Estate in Cherry Hills Village — What It Costs to Live Among the Famous

If you’re inspired by the roster of notable residents and want to call Cherry Hills Village home, be prepared for some of Denver’s highest real estate prices. According to recent market data from the Cherry Hills Village real estate market report, here’s what you can expect:

• Entry-level homes: The most modest properties in Cherry Hills Village typically start around $1 million to $1.5 million, and these are generally older homes on smaller lots (by Cherry Hills standards) that may need updating.
• Mid-range estates: The bulk of Cherry Hills Village homes trade in the $2 million to $5 million range. These properties typically feature 4,000 to 8,000 square feet of living space on lots of one to three acres, with updated finishes, pools, and manicured grounds.
• Luxury estates: High-end properties range from $5 million to $10 million and above. These are the kinds of homes that attract famous residents — sprawling compounds with 8,000 to 15,000+ square feet, resort-style amenities, guest houses, and the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
• Trophy properties: Occasionally, truly exceptional estates hit the market at $10 million, $15 million, or even $20 million+. These are the kinds of properties that make national real estate headlines and attract buyers from across the country.

The average home price in Cherry Hills Village consistently ranks among the highest in Colorado, and the community regularly appears on lists of the most expensive ZIP codes in the Rocky Mountain West. The 80113 and 80111 ZIP codes that encompass Cherry Hills Village are among the most sought-after in the entire state.

What makes Cherry Hills Village real estate particularly compelling is its relative value compared to similar exclusive communities in other major metro areas. A $5 million estate in Cherry Hills Village might cost $15 million or more in comparable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco — making it an attractive option for wealthy buyers relocating from the coasts.

Privacy and Security in Cherry Hills Village

One of the key reasons famous residents choose Cherry Hills Village is the exceptional level of privacy and security the community provides. Unlike many exclusive communities that rely on gates and walls, Cherry Hills Village takes a more organic approach to security:

• Cherry Hills Village Police Department: The city maintains its own dedicated police force, providing a level of coverage and response time that far exceeds what larger municipalities can offer. With a small population and a well-funded department, Cherry Hills Village essentially provides its residents with a private security force paid for through municipal taxes.
• Low crime rates: Cherry Hills Village consistently reports some of the lowest crime rates in the Denver metro area. The combination of dedicated police coverage, affluent residents with their own security systems, and a community culture of vigilance makes crime exceedingly rare.
• Natural barriers: The community’s large lots, mature landscaping, and lack of through streets create natural barriers to unwanted visitors. Many properties are simply not visible from the road, and the winding, unmarked streets can be disorienting to those unfamiliar with the area.
• No commercial traffic: With no commercial zones within Cherry Hills Village, there’s no reason for non-residents to pass through. This dramatically reduces traffic and the presence of strangers in the community.
• Private security: Many of the most prominent residents supplement municipal police protection with private security details, gated entrances, surveillance systems, and other measures. The community’s large lots make it easy to implement these measures without them being visible or obtrusive.

For celebrities and public figures, this multi-layered approach to security provides peace of mind that’s difficult to find elsewhere. It’s one of the primary reasons that figures like John Elway have remained in Cherry Hills Village for decades rather than relocating to other exclusive communities.

The Cherry Hills Village Lifestyle

Living in Cherry Hills Village isn’t just about the homes and the famous neighbors — it’s about a lifestyle that blends luxury, nature, and community in a way that’s uniquely Colorado.

Residents enjoy access to miles of trails, including the historic High Line Canal Trail that winds through the community, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and horseback riding. The community maintains significant open space, and it’s not uncommon to see deer, foxes, and other wildlife roaming through properties.

The equestrian tradition runs deep in Cherry Hills Village. Many properties include horse facilities, and the community’s bridle paths connect riders to a broader trail network. This western heritage is part of what gives Cherry Hills Village its distinctive character — it’s not just a wealthy suburb, it’s a community with genuine roots in Colorado’s ranching and outdoor traditions.

Social life often revolves around Cherry Hills Country Club, the Glenmoor Country Club, and other nearby private clubs. These institutions provide not just golf and tennis, but a social framework where residents connect with their neighbors — including the famous ones — in a relaxed, private setting.

Dining, shopping, and entertainment options abound just minutes away. The nearby Cherry Creek Shopping District offers luxury retail, while the Denver Tech Center provides everyday conveniences. Downtown Denver’s world-class dining, arts, and entertainment scene is a short drive up I-25 or University Boulevard.

How to Find Homes in Cherry Hills Village

If you’re ready to explore the possibility of living in Cherry Hills Village — perhaps even becoming neighbors with some of Denver’s most notable residents — working with an experienced local real estate agent is essential. Cherry Hills Village is a unique market where many of the best properties never hit the public MLS, and insider knowledge can make the difference between finding your dream home and missing out entirely.

Sara Garza, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, specializes in luxury properties throughout the south Denver suburbs, including Cherry Hills Village. With deep knowledge of the local market, established relationships within the community, and access to off-market listings, Sara can help you navigate this exclusive market and find the perfect property.

Whether you’re looking for a $2 million updated ranch on a couple of acres or a $10 million+ trophy estate with every imaginable amenity, having an agent who understands Cherry Hills Village — its streets, its history, its culture, and its market dynamics — is invaluable.

For more information about Cherry Hills Village, explore our comprehensive Cherry Hills Village community guide and the latest Cherry Hills Village real estate market report to get a complete picture of what this extraordinary community has to offer.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Hills Village’s roster of famous residents — from John Elway to Peyton Manning, from billionaire entrepreneurs to political leaders — isn’t an accident. It’s the natural result of a community that was designed from its earliest days to offer the highest levels of privacy, luxury, and exclusivity in the Denver metro area.

The combination of estate-sized properties, dedicated police protection, world-class golf at Cherry Hills Country Club, top-rated schools, and easy access to Denver’s urban amenities creates a lifestyle that few communities anywhere in the country can match. Add in Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine, stunning mountain views, and outdoor recreation opportunities, and it’s easy to see why the rich and famous continue to choose Cherry Hills Village as their home.

Whether you’re simply curious about where Denver’s celebrities live or you’re seriously considering a move to one of America’s most exclusive communities, Cherry Hills Village deserves its reputation as the crown jewel of south Denver real estate.

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