The Best Denver Suburbs: Finding the Right Place To Settle Down Outside the Mile High City

Looking to grow your career while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country? The Denver area may just be the right place for you! Also known as the “Gateway to the Rocky Mountains,” Colorado’s capital provides year-round entertainment right at your fingertips, from exciting sports events to enjoyable outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping nearby — and that’s just a taste of the fun. You don’t have to live within city limits to enjoy all that the area has to offer, though. Sure, while living in the middle of the action has its perks, living in one of the various Denver suburbs can offer more safety and seclusion, among other bonuses. Here are our top 10 picks for the best Denver suburbs. 

Denver at a Glance

• Population: Approximately 715,522.
• Demographics: Young professionals, families, and retirees all find solace in Denver. Due to the local prestigious schools, lots of students reside in Denver, as well.
• Average home value: $571,000, compared to the state average of $550,500 and the national average of $362,500
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,975, compared to the state average of $1,875 and the national average of $1,725
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, job opportunities, shopping, diverse cuisines, local events, tight-knit suburbs

10 Best Denver Suburbs 

1. Holly Hills, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Median home sale price: $684,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, public transportation, outdoor recreation, diverse cuisine
• Commute to downtown Denver: 25 minutes

Holly Hills is one of the most affordable places to settle down in the Denver area. It features a variety of retail and dining establishments, and the region is great for public transportation with bus and RTD stops along major roads.

James A. Bible Park is located east of the community, and it’s a great place to get exercise on the trails that connected to the High Line Canal.

East Hampden Avenue and Interstate 25 also provide residents with a variety of shopping and dining options. In the mood for some unique cuisine? Golden Falafel is located at the Monaco Street Parkway and Yale Avenue intersection and has some of the best traditional Middle Eastern dishes and hummus around.

Greenwood Village is a large community in the suburbs of Denver, with beautiful natural spaces like deKoevend Park.

2. Greenwood Village, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $1.42M
• Great for: Young professionals, entertainment, shopping
• Commute to downtown Denver: 25 minutes

The suburb of Greenwood Village was first established during the gold rush in the 1800s. It was initially covered with fruit orchards and dairy farms. Eventually, the area was incorporated in 1950 as the residential subdivisions and shopping centers started to converge on the rural lands. Today, it is a flourishing and upscale community that spans eight square miles in Arapahoe County and ranks as one of the safest Denver suburbs, according to Niche. 

Situated on the Interstate 25 corridor, downtown Denver is easily accessible from Greenwood Village. It’s also home to various major developments, such as the Denver Technology Center and the Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre.

Although it's not considered a destination shopping center, Greenwood Village has plenty of great stores that cater to different types of customers, including a variety of fashion boutiques and furniture stores. The Landmark Center, for example, located near Orchard Road and Interstate 25, features A Line Boutique and HW Home.

3. Castle Pines, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $911,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, laid-back atmosphere, luxury homes, outdoor recreation, golfing
• Commute to downtown Denver: 35 minutes

The Castle Pines community is located in the Rocky Mountains' foothills, and it is best known for its magnificent homes and top-notch architecture. The community also offers a refined and relaxed lifestyle.

Castle Pines has some of the most spacious and luxurious homes you can find in the entire state, and they’re mostly situated on large, private lots that feature incredible mountain views.

Castle Pines also has several popular areas for outdoor activities, including Elk Ridge Park, which features a beautiful pavilion and a large turf field for sports. And retirees moving to Denver will enjoy the Castle Pines Golf Club. It features a championship golf course and a variety of social and recreational facilities. 

4. Superior, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,175
• Average home value: $847,600
• Great for: Young professionals, families, jobs, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Denver: 30 minutes

You can find the picturesque suburb of Superior in northern Colorado, which is known for its active community, thriving job market, and plenty of things to do. It’s also very attractive to potential homebuyers in the Denver metro area.

There are many industries found in Superior that offer plenty of job opportunities. One of the most popular is the professional sector, which includes doctors, engineers, and accountants.
Superior residents who enjoy exploring the outdoors and getting active have plenty of parks and trails to choose from, including Wildflower Park. This green space features a number of amenities, such as picnic benches, athletic courts, and fitness machines.

And you can attend many local events during the year as a Superior resident, including the Superior Chili & Beer Fest, which features a variety of food and drinks as well as live music!

5. Lone Tree, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $955,400
• Great for: Families, rural-city environment mix, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Denver: 30 minutes

The suburb of Lone Tree is definitely one of the prime spots to live in the Denver area. It's especially ideal for families looking for a mix of a rural lifestyle with benefits of the big city.

One of the most important factors that sets Lone Tree apart from other communities in the area is its proximity to all kinds of parks and recreation facilities. One of these is the Lincoln Commons Park, which features hiking trails and picnic areas along with a pedestrian bridge to carry you straight to the Lincoln Commons retail district.

Lone Tree is also proud of its welcoming community, with residents from all different backgrounds and numerous local events. During the holidays, for example, the community comes together to participate in events such as Merry Days. 

Broomfield has some of the most beautiful scenery in the Denver area, being flanked by the Flatiron Mountains. 

6. Broomfield, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $650,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, beautiful scenery, healthcare jobs, outdoor recreation, diverse cuisine
• Commute to Denver: 25 minutes

The suburb of Broomfield is known for its beautiful surroundings and welcoming atmosphere, where residents can reside near some of the area's most popular attractions and parks. In addition to being known for its beautiful surroundings, Broomfield is also home to several healthcare facilities that employ thousands of residents. Some of these include the Children's Hospital Colorado North Campus and MedAware Systems.

Looking for fun things to do in the area? Outdoor adventures are a quite common pastime in Denver suburbs such as Broomfield, and there are plenty of open spaces ideal for all sorts of fun. The local Plaster Reservoir is a popular fishing area, for example, and there are several other local hotspots, such as the Eagle Trace Golf Club.

There are plenty of establishments serving up high-quality food in Broomfield, too, and one of the most popular places in the area is the hip restaurant Hickory & Ash. This restaurant is located in the Arista community and offers plenty of fresh, seasonal dishes to choose from. 

7. Louisville, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,175
• Average home value: $837,600
• Great for: Families, arts, culture, local events
• Commute to Denver: 30 minutes

This next suburb has some pretty impressive accolades that might just be enough to persuade you to move here! Louisville is one of the best Denver suburbs for families in the state. In fact, it was named one of the top 10 best towns for families by Family Circle and one of the best places to live in the nation by CNN’s Money Magazine. According to Niche, Louisville is also one of the safest Denver suburbs. 

The Louisville Arts District is located in the city's original downtown. And on the first Friday of every month, the neighborhood hosts an art walk where musicians and artists perform in venues including bars, restaurants, yoga studios, and coffee shops.

The city's central business district is also the site of numerous community events throughout the year. One of these events is the Downtown Street Faire, which takes place every Friday during the summer season and features live music and delicious food.

8. Lafayette, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
• Average home value: $698,400
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, laid-back atmosphere, interesting attractions, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to Denver: 30 minutes

The desirable suburb of Lafayette is situated only a couple of miles away from Boulder, and it offers plenty of events and activities for its residents. Because of its small-town, suburban feel, many people prefer to live in this community because it is a bit quieter than some of its nearby neighbors.

The Lafayette History Museum is open year-round, and it's one of the most interesting places to visit, as it showcases the area's vast mining history. Waneka Lake Park is another great option that features fishing areas, paddle boats, and nature trails.

And good dining options are not hard to come by as a resident of Lafayette, as you have plenty to choose from, including The Post Chicken and Beer, which is a renowned establishment serving up delicious home-style comfort food. The best part? You can enjoy a wide selection of the best beers around with your meal!

Centennial has easy access to both Denver and Aurora, Colorado, making it a great choice for commuters. Wide open spaces speckled with ravines and hills make it an idyllic place to live.

9. Centennial, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
• Average home value: $661,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, commuters, outdoor recreation, golfing
• Commute to Denver: 30 minutes

One of the main reasons why people choose the suburb of Centennial as their home base is its proximity to both the cities of Aurora and Denver. This area has plenty of job opportunities that are easily accessible by public transportation, as well, and commuters can easily take I-25 north to south to reach Denver. Those headed to Aurora, on the other hand, use I-225 to travel east into the city.

The landscape of the area is characterized by open spaces, ravines, and hills. And some of the best places to view the magnificent scenery in the area are at nearby Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park.

Consider yourself a golf enthusiast? There are plenty of places close by to get some rounds in, such as the Southglenn Country Club and the South Suburban Golf Course. And those who prefer playing indoors can enjoy some of the area's popular facilities, such as the InClubGolf and Family Sports.

10. Highlands Ranch, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $724,700
• Great for: Young professionals, families, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Denver: 40 minutes

The Highlands Ranch community is one of the largest master-planned communities in the state. It was initially a grazing ground for cattle, but it has evolved into a thriving suburb.

When you're in the mood for some outdoor activities, head to one of the area's most prominent parks, Civic Green Park, by the Town Square. You’ll be able to enjoy the playground and a rentable pavilion that can seat up to 100 people, as well as numerous community events. And one of the perks of living in the community is that you have access to four different recreation centers — each with state-of-the-art amenities.

Community engagement is definitely prioritized in this area, with events scheduled all throughout the year, such as the Highlands Ranch Beer Festival, featuring quality beer from over 250 breweries.

PODS has the know-how to move you to one of the best Denver Suburbs.

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Denver Suburbs

When you're ready to move into your new home in one of the best Denver suburbs, let PODS help you get there. They will deliver a portable moving and storage container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load it at your own pace. They'll then take it to your new home once you're ready. One month's worth of storage is included in the deal, so you can easily unload your belongings without feeling rushed, as well.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.