I grew up in Douglas County and it's crazy how much Castle Rock has changed in the last 20-30 years. It used to be very small and quiet with not much to do. There was a rodeo every year which was a big draw, and although you can still see remnants of the past, it has certainly gone modern. The outlet mall is in it's own area with a few restaurants but there's no housing right there, so tourists/shoppers don't have much of an impact on the area, other than economically speaking. I lived not to far from the outlets about 15 years ago and I never really had to deal with anything negative there. There are a couple of subdivisions that use the same exit as the outlets, and during peak times (Christmas shopping, etc.) it can get a little backed up with traffic. Overall, I would say that Castle Rock is a great place to raise a family. There are some really pretty views, nice homes, and plenty of shopping and dining. It's also convenient to both Denver and Colorado Springs for commuters, although the drives can be tricky in bad winter weather. The schools are good and it is a family oriented place. There are two great state parks for hiking/nature walks nearby, one to the northwest and one to the southeast. There is also a great rec center in town that has a lap pool and a fun indoor water park for kids (and adults who play like kids) that has water slides and a lazy river.
