Joy and Jeff Miller, along with their two children, Zeke and Izzy, and a delightful menagerie of pets, have called Highland Hills home for the past two years. They built their home on one of the last available lots in the neighborhood, drawn to the mature landscaping, peaceful surroundings, and welcoming neighbors. Joy and Jeff have found their forever home in Colorado after 16 years in Fort Collins.

 

Jeff is from Miller, Ohio, a town his ancestors settled, where they once operated a ferry across the Ohio River. He still has strong ties to the area, with a brother and many extended family members living there. Jeff’s twin brother lives nearby in Fort Collins, and the two families enjoy a tradition of Sunday dinners, taking turns hosting each week.

 

Joy is originally from South Carolina, where her entire family still resides. While the Millers wish they lived closer to their loved ones, they agree that life in Colorado is simply too special to leave behind.

 

Joy is a project manager for Webapper, a web hosting and application development company, working part-time from home. She attended the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate degree and UCCS for graduate school. Jeff, who attended the University of Cincinnati, retired from his career as a digital verification engineer. Now, he keeps busy (and moving) as a FedEx courier.

 

Their son Zeke, 21, recently graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. He’s taking a well-deserved break before diving into graduate school. Zeke is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, hiking, and camping. He’s a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and the head instructor at Ripple Effect Martial Arts in Johnstown. “Zeke is an excellent cook! He makes a Cajun Mac & Cheese that is amazing. He also makes delicious French bread and focaccia bread. Dessert is his favorite thing to make, and there are far too many delicious options to choose a favorite! His Black & White Cookies might be my favorite – or the Mint Brownies – or maybe the Blueberry Danishes – I can’t decide!”, states Joy.

 

Eighteen-year-old Izzy is studying forensic science online through ASU. She’s passionate about self-defense and law enforcement, currently training in Krav Maga and involved in the Fort Collins Police Explorers program. She dreams of flying helicopters for the Coast Guard and eventually pursuing a career in law enforcement. Snowboarding and pickleball round out her list of adventurous fun.

 

The Millers are avid pickleball players. As members of the Windsor Pickleball Club, they rave about the sense of camaraderie and the excellent job done by Stan and the club board. Joy says, “They do such a fantastic job! Everyone is so friendly, and there are so many activities! Closer to home, they are very excited about the brand new pickleball courts in Highland Meadows, and they bike over often for a game. Even though Joy plays more tennis, and Jeff enjoys cycling and hiking, they both enjoy pickleball as well.

 

Even their pets seem to match the family’s high-energy spirit. Sophie, their dog, is joined by Blue and Mittens, their two cats, and Gus the gecko, who rounds out the household.

 

The family shares a love for science fiction and fantasy, bonding over series like Andor, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, and often reading books like Dune before catching the movie adaptations. These shared interests spark lively conversations, which are fun and interesting for all.

 

Travel is another shared passion. Last summer, they took an unforgettable Alaskan cruise, soaking up the natural beauty and creating lifelong memories. More recently, Joy and Jeff ventured to Portugal with a group of tennis friends. Joy says, “We stayed in villas in the Algarve region and played tennis, pickleball, and padel. Jeff did some road biking, and we had a boat tour, vineyard tour, wine tasting, hiking, and visited local towns. We ate at wonderful restaurants and enjoyed Portuguese Vinho Verde. It was really a fantastic trip!”

 

When they’re not traveling or playing pickleball, the Millers are working on their home garden. Though last year's grasshopper invasion was a setback, they’re already planning improvements with raised beds and mesh coverings to protect their crops.

 

What the Millers love most about Highland Hills is the unique blend of country tranquility and community spirit. Jeff states, “We love the look and feel of Highland Hills. It’s not far from everything, but it feels like we are out in the country. We see so much wildlife all the time: deer, fox, bald eagles, and every type of bird! Our neighbors are wonderful! They got us into pickleball and often have social gatherings that really make the neighborhood feel like a close community.”