When a community wins awards for excellence, the accolades tell one story. But the real measure of Denver’s community of the year comes from the people who live there: the families who chose Westerly not just for its impressive amenities or stunning Front Range views, but for the intangible sense of belonging that transforms a neighborhood into home.
Recently honored with Community of the Year at the prestigious 2025 MAME (Major Achievement in Marketing Excellence) Awards hosted by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, Westerly has earned industry recognition for its exceptional design, amenities, and lifestyle. But ask the more than 150 families who are part of the Westerly community, and they’ll tell you the real story is about the connections they’ve made and the life they’re building together.
Here are their stories from Erie, Colorado’s most celebrated master-planned community.
Eric and Cheri King: Building Community Through Music and Connection
After 13 years living in nearby Louisville and Superior, Colorado, Eric and Cheri King were drawn to Erie’s perfect balance of outdoor recreation and metropolitan access. But what convinced them to choose Westerly was the palpable sense of community spirit they encountered during their first visit.
“There’s a great collective energy here at Westerly,” Eric explains. “We’re all new to the community and to one another … it really feels like we’re all contributing to creating a community spirit.”
The Kings have found that The Waypoint amenity center serves as an ideal venue for developing friendships. But equally important are the welcoming small parks scattered throughout the neighborhood and, perhaps most significantly, the expansive front porch of their new home.
A Leap of Faith That Paid Off
The Kings were the first residents to build a “Silverthorne” model by DRB Homes at Westerly. They chose the residence without being able to tour a representative model, relying entirely on floorplan drawings and renderings to make their decision: a testament to their confidence in the builder and the Westerly community vision.
Their 3-bedroom farmhouse-style home features a dedicated music room, essential for a couple deeply passionate about their craft. Cheri is a retired music teacher, and together they perform in an eighties cover band called the 5280s. The seven-member band plays clubs, concerts, and events throughout the area, performing hits by Journey, Bon Jovi, Madonna, and The Go-Go’s. In a perfect illustration of the Westerly community atmosphere, the 5280s recently performed at The Waypoint, bringing their music directly to neighbors.
Bill and Kim Eckman: Where Wedding Bells Ring and Friendships Flourish
When Bill and Kim Eckman celebrated their wedding ceremony at The Waypoint, surrounded by family, friends, and Westerly neighbors, it perfectly captured how deeply integrated they’d become in the community’s social fabric. For the newlyweds, the venue wasn’t just beautiful and convenient: it represented the heart of their new lifestyle.
Finding Westerly Through Work and Word-of-Mouth
Before buying their home in Westerly, the Eckmans first heard about the community through their professional lives. As a Realtor®, Kim showed properties in the Erie area and was consistently impressed by what she saw. Her positive impression deepened when her brother purchased a local ranch, giving her additional opportunities to experience the area’s appeal.
Meanwhile, Bill encountered numerous people singing Westerly’s praises while transporting clients with his luxury, solar-powered car service, Sunshine Stagecoach. The consistent enthusiasm they heard from multiple sources convinced them to explore the community for themselves.
More Than Just a Wedding Venue
The Eckmans’ decision to hold their wedding at The Waypoint reflected how central the amenity center has become to their daily lives. They’ve made genuine friends at monthly happy hours, early morning coffee gatherings, weekly women’s groups, and men’s events featuring bourbon and burgers. They even chose the vintage wine served at their wedding after meeting a sommelier at a Westerly wine tasting event.
“The architecture in the community is very interesting,” Kim notes. “This is not the typical cookie-cutter neighborhood. Interiors are open and have a great flow, and are oriented to take in the Front Range and landscape.”
The Eckmans’ home by SLC Homes embodies the traditional design, quality craftsmanship, and orientation toward views that characterize Westerly residences. Every morning, they wake to Front Range vistas that remind them why they chose this award-winning community.
What Residents Love Most About Westerly
The Kings and Eckmans represent the pioneering spirit of Westerly’s early residents: people willing to invest not just in a home, but in building community from the ground up. While the Kings and Eckmans have unique stories, their experiences reveal common themes that define Colorado’s leading master-planned community:
Genuine Connection: The Waypoint isn’t just a facility; it’s where real relationships form. Monthly happy hours, summer concerts, and wellness classes create natural opportunities for neighbors to connect. The Kings appreciate how events bring together families at different life stages, while the Eckmans found their social circle through wine tastings and community gatherings.
Thoughtful Design: Friendly front porches aren’t decorative; they’re functional spaces where conversations naturally unfold. The Kings spend evenings on their porch, greeting dog-walkers and families, while small parks throughout the neighborhood provide intimate gathering spots beyond the main amenity center. Tree-lined streets featuring native landscaping and carefully selected plantings create a sense of place that honors Colorado’s natural beauty, while the timeless architecture — from craftsman details to welcoming front porches — ensures every home contributes to a cohesive, walkable streetscape where beauty and function come together naturally.
Vibrant Social Culture: From the 5280s performing at The Waypoint to the Eckmans celebrating their wedding with neighbors, Westerly residents don’t just attend events, they create them. Community Lifestyle Manager Emma Ngati facilitates everything from bourbon and burgers nights for the men to professional networking groups for women, but residents themselves drive the energy and participation.
Small-Town Feel with Big-City Access: Families appreciate Erie’s welcoming character while valuing proximity to Boulder and Denver. The Westerly community delivers the best of both worlds: a tight-knit neighborhood where you know your neighbors, with urban amenities and employment opportunities just minutes away.
Your Story in Denver’s Community of the Year Could Be Next
Whether you’re musicians looking for a dedicated rehearsal space with a view, newlyweds ready to put down roots, or anyone in between, Westerly offers the canvas for your next chapter. With move-in ready homes from three premier builders, DRB Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and SLC Homes, ranging from the $500s to $1.5 million, there’s a residence to match your vision.
The Kings found their farmhouse with a music room and a front porch perfect for greeting neighbors. The Eckmans found their wedding venue and a community that celebrated their new beginning. What will you find at Westerly?
Ready to write your own Westerly story? Visit the Waypoint at 86 Westerly Blvd. in Erie, Colorado, or contact us below to schedule your personal tour of Denver’s community of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westerly
Q: Why is Westerly Denver’s community of the year?
A: Westerly earned this prestigious 2025 MAME Award from the Home Builders of Metro Denver for exceptional master-planned design, outstanding amenities like The Waypoint, and vibrant lifestyle programming. Over 150 families agree it’s Denver’s community of the year, Colorado for connection and quality of life.
Q: What do residents say in Westerly reviews?
A: Westerly reviews praise the genuine community connections, thoughtful architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. Residents like the Kings and Eckmans highlight monthly happy hours, summer concerts, and the front-porch lifestyle that makes neighbors into friends.
Q: What types of homes can I find here?
A: Choose from homes, townhomes, and villas by DRB Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and SLC Homes, ranging from the $500s to $1.5 million. Many Westerly reviews mention the quality construction and ENERGY STAR® certifications.
Q: Can I tour model homes?
A: Yes! Visit the Waypoint at 86 Westerly Blvd. in Erie to tour models from three premier builders and experience why Colorado’s leading master-planned community has earned both industry awards and glowing resident testimonials.
Q: What schools serve the area?
A: St. Vrain Valley School District (the highest graduation rate in Denver Metro) includes walkable Soaring Heights PK-8 and Erie High School. A new middle school is planned within the community, a key factor in positive Westerly reviews from families.
