Considering Denver, Colorado?
The Denver suburbs deliver mountain views, top schools, and plenty of breathing room. Denver’s suburbs check off all the boxes – safe communities, great schools, outdoor adventure, and quick access to the city. Plus find an array of great attractions:
Recreation -- skiing, hiking, sledding, Echo Lake, 300+ days of sunshine, nearby state parks
Lively arts scene -- Denver Art Museum
Professional sports arenas (Broncos, Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, Rapids, and Avalanche
Attractions -- Denver Mint, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Buffalo Herd Overlook, Denver Zoo, Denver Botanic Gardens
Craft brewing industry
Why it matters: Denver is a popular destination for families, young professionals, and retirees. The surrounding area includes some of the state’s safest cities.
What's ahead: We break down 10 of the best Denver suburbs helping you decide what's best for your lifestyle, needs, and budget.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT DENVER |
|---|
| The "Mile High City" earned its name with an elevation one mile about sea level. |
| Denver has a very walkable downtown, the tenth largest in the nation. |
| Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the country in terms of land area. |
1. Centennial
Safe, suburban, and adventure-ready
Population: 106,883| Median Home: $627K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 26 min
Housing: Single-family homes, newer developments, and upscale neighborhoods
Education: Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools – both top-rated
Safety: Among the safest in Colorado, (Property: 2,060 | Violent: 223)
Perks: Streets at SouthGlenn, Centennial Center Park, Cherry Creek State Park, whitewater rafting nearby
Why it’s #1: Safe, active, and family-focused with top-tier schools and outdoor perks
2. Greenwood Village
Affluent, private, and business-savvy
Population: 15,691| Median Home: $1.21M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 21 min
Housing: Luxury estates, gated communities, and custom homes
Education: Cherry Creek School District, plus proximity to University of Denver
Safety: Low crime (Property: 1,065 | Violent: 62) with a strong sense of security
Perks: Landmark Entertainment District, Cherry Creek State Park
Why it’s special: High-end living with easy access to business hubs and outdoor escapes
3. Highlands Ranch
Master-planned, nature-loving, and family-focused
Population: 103,444| Median Home: $673K | School Rating: A | Commute: 26 min
Housing: Master-planned communities, modern homes, townhomes
Education: Douglas County School District; near Arapahoe Community College
Safety: Low crime (Property: 1,776 | Violent: 264) and very family-friendly
Perks: Foothills of the Rockies, miles of trails, Roxborough State Park
Why it’s noteworthy: Outdoor adventure meets suburban convenience with strong schools and safe streets
4. Littleton
Historic, scenic, and vibrant
Population: 44,451| Median Home: $597K | School Rating: A | Commute: 26 min
Housing: Mix of historic homes, ranches, and new builds in peaceful neighborhoods
Education: Highly regarded Littleton Public Schools and Douglas County School District
Safety: Low crime (Property: 1,248 | Violent: 88) with a small-town feel
Perks: Historic downtown, 1,500 acres of parkland, Littleton Museum, charming historic downtown, Platte River trails
Why it shines: Small-town charm with big-city perks and a picture-perfect backdrop
5. Ken Caryl
Mountain views, peaceful, and upscale
Population: 33,811| Median Home: $566K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 28 min
Housing: Single-family homes, townhomes, and private communities nestled in the foothills
Education: Jefferson County School District
Safety: Mid-range (Property: 2,474 | Violent: 368) but highly walkable and community-oriented
Perks: Denver Botanic Gardens, Chatfield State Park, miles of hiking and biking
Why it’s great: Scenic foothills living with space to breathe and easy access to nature
6. Columbine
Quiet, classic, and close to nature
Population: 25,229| Median Home: $591K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Mid-century homes, quiet cul-de-sacs, and family-friendly developments
Education: Top-performing schools in the Jefferson County School District
Safety: Moderate (Property: 2,303 | Violent: 342) but overall safe and community-driven
Perks: Hiking, farmers markets, festivals, close to the Rockies
Why it works: A relaxed suburban vibe with quick access to trails, mountains, and Denver
7. Golden
Quaint, adventurous, and mountain-framed
Population: 20,242| Median Home: $791K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 25 min
Housing: Historic homes, mountain-view properties, and craftsman-style builds
Education: Jefferson County School District, Colorado School of Mines
Safety: Very safe (Property: 509 | Violent: 33) – one of the lowest crime rates in the area
Perks: Lively downtown, Coors Brewery, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Clear Creek Whitewater Park
Why it’s an excellent choice: A vibrant mix of history, adventure, and postcard-worthy views
8. Lakewood
Vibrant, diverse, and outdoorsy
Population: 155,961| Median Home: $548K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 27 min
Housing: Affordable single-family homes, townhomes, and newer builds
Education: Top-notch schools within the Jefferson County School District
Safety: Higher crime (Property: 7,253 | Violent: 1,118) but offset by vibrant neighborhoods and parks
Perks: Lakewood Cultural Center, Belmar Downtown District, 80 parks, Green Mountain
Why it works: Urban energy meets outdoor living – arts, parks, and mountain views included
9. Broomfield
Balanced, connected, and community-driven
Population: 76,860| Median Home: $632K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 28 min
Housing: Master-planned communities, single-family homes, and condos
Education: Boulder Valley and Adams 12 Five Star school districts
Safety: Very safe (Property: 1,767 | Violent: 124) with a strong community focus
Perks: 8,000+ acres dedicated to outdoor recreation, community events, farmers' markets
The takeaway: Small-town charm meets big-city convenience with unmatched outdoor access
10. Arvada
Population: 121,414| Median Home: $601K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 28 min
Charming, creative, and adventure-ready
Housing: Single-family homes, townhomes, and walkable neighborhoods near Olde Town
Education: Top-rated Jefferson County Public School District
Safety: Mid-range (Property: 3,170 | Violent: 259) with safe, walkable areas
Perks: Olde Town Arvada, Rocky Mountains, Apex Center, Standley Lake Regional Park, near Eldorado Canyon State Park
Why it’s alluring: A creative community with mountain views, local charm, and quick Denver access
Bottom Line:
Denver’s suburbs strike the perfect balance between city access and outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re drawn to mountain views, historic main streets, or master-planned neighborhoods, these communities offer strong schools, low crime, and a high quality of life—with the Rockies always in view.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
| Parker | 65,473 | $613,200 | 26 min | A- | 1,151 | 127 |
| Wheat Ridge | 31,999 | $584,700 | 24 min | B+ | 1,445 | 138 |
| Westminster | 115,302 | $497,400 | 27 min | B+ | 4,117 | 371 |
| Castle Rock | 83,213 | $621,700 | 29 min | B+ | 1,008 | 19 |
| Aurora | 403,130 | $444,500 | 29 min | B | 14,982 | 3,777 |
| Englewood | 35,238 | $534,000 | 23 min | B- | 1,900 | 216 |
| Northglenn | 38,287 | $440,900 | 27 min | C+ | 1,266 | 206 |
| Thornton | 146,689 | $482,200 | 31 min | B- | 4,321 | 398 |
| Federal Heights | 13,971 | $91,300 | 32 min | C+ | 554 | 86 |
| Brighton | 43,473 | $475,100 | 31 min | C+ | 1,125 | 180 |
| Welby | 15,553 | $347,700 | 29 min | C | 3,818 | 567 |
| Commerce City | 70,245 | $463,200 | 30 min | C- | 1,963 | 521 |
| Sherrelwood | 19,228 | $412,200 | 30 min | C | 3,621 | 538 |
| Berkley | 12,536 | $453,600 | 25 min | C | 3,336 | 496 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Colorado Resources
Other Resources:
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Colorado
How to Build a House in Colorado
Overview of Closing Costs in Colorado
9 Best Places to Live in Colorado
Moving To Denver? This Relocation Guide Will Help
The Best Suburbs Near Denver, Colorado
Ready to move to Greeley, CO? Check out our comprehensive relocation guide
Best Suburbs Surrounding Greeley, Colorado
Moving to Boulder? Check out our relocation guide
Best Suburbs Surrounding Boulder-Longmont
The Healthiest States to Live In
Top 10 Affordable Cities in Colorado
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Colorado
Best Log Cabin Builders in Colorado
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.