Whether you’re growing your family and ready for an upgrade or you’re on the hunt for your very first home, you’ve likely noticed that buying in downtown Denver is tricky. Many of the city’s homes are beautiful and historic, yet at the same time, yard space is limited and prices are naturally higher due to the competition that comes with living right downtown.
If you’re looking to buy and you want to stay conveniently close to the beautiful Mile High City, the following suburbs are a great place to start! Each of these areas has its own character, and they’re all within a quick drive to downtown Denver highlights like Mile High Stadium, Meow Wolf, and Washington Park.
1. Arvada
Those who are familiar with us at the Rob Thompson Homes Team won’t be surprised that Arvada is the first area we’re calling out! As current Arvada residents, we (Rob and Colten) enjoy the easy proximity to downtown Denver, the accessibility of public transportation options like the Light Rail, and the natural beauty and convenience that comes with living a bit closer to the mountains. We get into the mountains for weekend trips and ski resorts with ease, or we pop over to Golden for quick hikes and fun breweries.
On top of being conveniently located between downtown Denver, Golden, Boulder, and the mountains, Arvada is also a flourishing community in and of itself. Arvada’s Olde Town area is full of delicious restaurants and entertainment, and the city organizes year-round events for the whole family. From the tree lighting in the winter to weekly farmers markets in the summertime, there’s always a way to connect with the community and enjoy life in Arvada.
2. Littleton
On the opposite side of Denver, Littleton is located about ten miles south of downtown. This is the ideal suburb for families and outdoor lovers thanks to its abundance of green spaces, its proximity to Chatfield State Park, and its popular High Line Canal trail, which measures a stunning 71 miles long in total. There are plenty of ways to get outside, but there’s also a charming downtown area with all the restaurants and bars you need. Get out on the lake in the summertime, take the kids to the park on the weekends, and enjoy the relatively low home prices and the abundance of new builds in this sunny Denver suburb.
3. Erie
Find great community events, school support, and excellent amenities in Erie, located about 20 miles north of Denver. Their annual Balloon Fest draws crowds from far and wide, the Thursday Farmers Markets overflow with delicious produce, and the library is a lovely gathering spot. Neighborhoods in this area are brimming with friendly young families and children. Residents take advantage of plenty of parks, trails, and bike paths, as well as the beautiful community center and pool. For the days when a drive into Denver isn’t appealing, there’s no shortage of restaurants and fun areas to explore right in Erie, including the nostalgic Erie Village.
4. Sterling Ranch
Sterling Ranch is one of the most popular Denver suburbs this year. Located in the same general area as Littleton and just twenty minutes from downtown Denver, Sterling Ranch is a highly-ranked master-planned community tucked between two state parks. Whether you love nature or you’re searching for a newer build and a tightly knit community, Sterling Ranch is definitely worth a look.
5. Centennial
If you work along I-25 or you’re searching for a job in the Denver Tech Center, living in Centennial will offer plenty of convenience. In this area, charming neighborhoods are nestled conveniently close to the light rail and major highways. There’s plenty of recreation in the neighborhood, from family recreation centers and beautiful trails to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre.
6. Golden
Craving a bit more proximity to the mountains? Golden is paradise for mountain bikers and hikers, and it brings residents conveniently close to ski resorts and a bounty of winter recreation. Downtown Golden is full of delicious restaurants and fun breweries, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a day out with friends. Check out Sherpa House for amazing Nepalese fare or venture out to New Terrain Brewing on a warm day to enjoy the patio. From tubing in the creek to touring Coors Brewery, there are countless fun ways to spend a day in Golden!
7. Aurora
An amazing restaurant scene, convenient shopping and commuting, and lots of ways to get outside all make Aurora a top choice for housing in the Denver area. Homes in Aurora are more affordable on average compared to other homes in Colorado while still offering lovely yards and beautiful features. Explore High Line Canal Trail or Expo Park for a great day out with the kids!
8. Green Valley Ranch
Northeast of Denver, Green Valley Ranch is full of newer construction, mountain views, and outdoor spaces. This suburb is situated closer to the airport than the rest of Denver, so those who travel frequently might find this spot especially convenient! Light rail stations make it easy to commute into Downtown Denver, too.
9. Cherry Creek
With highly sought-after schools, popular parks, and charming historic homes, Cherry Creek is a competitive area for house hunting. Situated barely south of Downtown Denver, Cherry Creek is full of its own landmarks including an expansive indoor mall, countless highly-rated restaurants, and attractions like the Denver Botanic Gardens.
10. Westminster
Venture twenty minutes north of Denver to reach Westminster, a well-established community perfect for those seeking a fully suburban feel. Residents appreciate Westminster for its safety, affordability, great schools, and proximity to I-25. Getting into the city or hopping over to Boulder from Westminster is easy, making downtown amenities very accessible.
11. Lakewood
Lakewood lies just west of downtown Denver, on the other side of I-25. With a broad north-to-south range, Lakewood encompasses various unique communities spanning up toward Wheat Ridge and down through Bear Creek Lake Park. With easy access to Downtown Denver, larger lot sizes, and a range of housing prices to choose from, this area is popular among homebuyers from every walk of life.
These neighborhoods are seeing lots of activity this spring, and we love exploring each one! If you have questions about which Denver-area suburb might fit your needs best, we’d love to help. Give us a call anytime at 719-337-7254 or 720-498-9592.
