With its picturesque backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a stunningly beautiful city. The capital of Colorado has plenty to offer, from outdoor activities no matter the season to a lively arts scene and craft brewing industry. But Denver is a popular destination for many seniors who come here to retire, and the surrounding area includes some of the state’s safest cities too. But if the big city lifestyle isn’t for you, take a look at the 10 best suburbs surrounding the Mile High City.
10. Arvada
- Population: 120,492
- Median Home Value: $352,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.6 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,544
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 272
Only about 10 miles from Denver, Arvada is close enough to enjoy all the amenities of the big city, while offering plenty of its own small-town charm in the Olde Town Arvada historic district. You’re bound to find a new home you’ll love here.
9. Broomfield
- Population: 69,267
- Median Home Value: $382,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,707
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 82
Roughly 20 miles northeast of Denver is the suburb of Broomfield. It’s a smaller, affluent city with a historic shopping district and great schools. And if you are interested in making a career move, a number of top technology companies are located here. Come find your new home in Broomfield!
8. Lakewood
- Population: 156,798
- Median Home Value: $333,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,465
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 781
The largest suburb on our list, Lakewood is less than 10 miles west of Denver. Lakewood boasts 80 parks and many other outdoor playgrounds, as well as plenty of shopping options and the Lakewood Cultural Center, which includes a theater, gallery space and art classrooms. Your new home in Lakewood is waiting for you!
7. Golden
- Population: 21,254
- Median Home Value: $485,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 537
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 44
The small suburb of Golden, located about 20 miles west of Denver, is a former gold rush town but is probably best known as the home of Coors Brewing. With the spectacular mountain views and a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and a kayaking course, Golden offers something special for everyone. Your new home is waiting to welcome you to Golden.
6. Columbine
- Population: 24,280
- Median Home Value: $368,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,303
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 342
Located roughly 30 minutes southwest of Denver, Columbine is a historic mining town that offers residents the chance to unplug from a fast-paced life. Nearby Chatfield State Park, which includes Chatfield Reservoir, is a great way to spend the day relaxing in the outdoors.
5. Ken Caryl
- Population: 32,438
- Median Home Value: $338,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,474
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 368
Roughly 20 miles southwest of Denver is the affluent community of Ken Caryl. Living here could put a sizeable dent in your pocketbook, but the peace of mind and serenity are worth every penny. The outdoor recreational options are sure to keep your weekends busy. Just head out for a hike in the foothills or take in the beauty of the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms.
4. Littleton
- Population: 48,007
- Median Home Value: $379,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,560
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 43
Located 10 miles south of Denver, Littleton may feel a bit like utopia with its picturesque views. The city offers nearly 1,500 acres of parkland to explore, along with cultural venues and historical sites. You can choose from condos to sprawling estates in this affluent town, so check out the new homes that are available now.
3. Highlands Ranch
- Population: 96,713
- Median Home Value: $442,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,776
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 264
Located about 30 minutes south of Denver, Highlands Ranch is popular with commuters who work in downtown Denver or the Denver Technological Center. If you are a nature lover — which should be a prerequisite for anyone who lives in Colorado — you will be pleased to know the city has dedicated 2,000 acres for preservation. So get your comfortable walking shoes on and go exploring. Come see the over 2,000 new construction homes in Highlands Ranch. Which one is waiting for you?
2. Greenwood Village
- Population: 15,801
- Median Home Value: $889,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 728
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 94
Greenwood Village, which dates to the 1860s when settlers came looking for gold, is only 20 minutes southeast of Denver. This highly desirable and affluent area is home to part of the Denver Technological Center, as well as other major employers. Houses sell fast here so find your new home today!
1. Centennial
- Population: 110,831
- Median Home Value: $398,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,958
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 202
The best Denver suburb is Centennial, which was only incorporated in February 2001. Not yet 20 years old, it is home to more than 100,000 residents. One of Colorado’s larger cities and located about 20 miles southeast of Denver, Centennial is an adventurer’s paradise with many local trails and parks, while not far away you can find a number of white-water rafting options. Get ready to find your new home in Centennial!
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker | 55,636 | $386,800 | 26.8 minutes | B+ | 781 | 55 |
| Wheat Ridge | 31,400 | $340,400 | 24 minutes | B+ | 1,031 | 76 |
| Westminster | 113,479 | $307,600 | 27 minutes | B+ | 3,669 | 318 |
| Castle Rock | 64,827 | $391,100 | 29.4 minutes | B | 969 | 36 |
| Aurora | 374,114 | $259,000 | 29.7 minutes | B | 11,122 | 2,716 |
| Englewood | 34,690 | $297,800 | 25.5 minutes | B- | 2,139 | 83 |
| Northglenn | 39,010 | $249,700 | 29.7 minutes | C+ | 1,302 | 145 |
| Thornton | 139,436 | $290,100 | 30.1 minutes | C+ | 4,647 | 378 |
| Federal Heights | 12,845 | $57,100 | 29.4 minutes | C+ | 554 | 86 |
| Brighton | 41,254 | $278,200 | 31.3 minutes | C | 1,135 | 114 |
| Welby | 14,846 | $193,300 | 27.9 minutes | C | 3,818 | 567 |
| Commerce City | 58,449 | $289,600 | 29.9 minutes | C- | 1,826 | 385 |
| Sherrelwood | 18,287 | $240,000 | 27 minutes | C- | 3,621 | 538 |
| Berkley | 11,207 | $232,200 | 27.1 minutes | 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
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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