Blog > Best Suburbs of Denver: Where to Live Outside the City
Best Suburbs of Denver: Where to Live Outside the City
If you’re looking for more space, top-rated schools, and a quieter lifestyle—but still want easy access to downtown Denver—living in the suburbs might be the perfect solution.
Denver’s suburbs offer a mix of affordability, amenities, and outdoor recreation, making them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
So, which suburb is right for you? Here’s a guide to the best suburbs of Denver, tailored to different lifestyles, budgets, and priorities.
🏡 What Makes a Great Denver Suburb?
Before we jump into the list, here are a few things that set Denver’s best suburbs apart:
✅ Proximity to Denver – Shorter commutes & easy highway access
✅ Top-Rated Schools – Many of Denver’s suburbs have some of the best schools in Colorado
✅ Home Value & Affordability – Get more space for your money compared to city living
✅ Family-Friendly Amenities – Parks, trails, shopping centers, and entertainment
✅ Outdoor Lifestyle – Suburbs closer to the foothills and mountains offer the best of both worlds
Now, let’s dive into the top suburbs near Denver!
🌳 1. Highlands Ranch (Best for Families & Schools)
📍 Location: South of Denver (30 mins from downtown)
💰 Median Home Price: ~$750,000
🏫 School Rating: 9.5/10
If you’re looking for one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Colorado, Highlands Ranch is hard to beat. With top-rated Douglas County schools, low crime rates, and tons of parks and trails, it’s one of the most popular choices for families.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Top-Rated Schools – Highlands Ranch schools consistently rank among the best in the state
✅ HOA-Managed Community Centers – Includes pools, fitness centers, and sports fields
✅ Outdoor Paradise – 70 miles of trails, 2,500 acres of open space
✅ Strong Community Feel – Neighborhood events, farmers markets, and holiday festivals
📢 Pro Tip: If you want a suburban feel with great schools, parks, and shopping nearby, Highlands Ranch is an excellent choice.
🔗 Related Links:
⛰️ 2. Golden (Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts & Mountain Views)
📍 Location: West of Denver (25 mins from downtown)
💰 Median Home Price: ~$900,000
🏫 School Rating: 9/10
If you want small-town charm with mountain access, Golden is an amazing place to live. Located right at the foothills of the Rockies, it’s perfect for hikers, bikers, and outdoor lovers.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Breathtaking Mountain Views – Some of the best scenery in the Denver area
✅ Outdoor Adventures – Endless hiking, biking, and rafting opportunities
✅ Charming Downtown – Cute boutiques, restaurants, and breweries
✅ Close to Denver But Feels Like a Getaway – Best of both worlds
📢 Pro Tip: If you want mountain-town vibes but still need city access, Golden is the perfect fit.
🔗 Related Links:
🏞️ 3. Littleton (Best for Historic Charm & Walkability)
📍 Location: Southwest of Denver (30 mins from downtown)
💰 Median Home Price: ~$700,000
🏫 School Rating: 9/10
Littleton is one of Denver’s most charming and underrated suburbs, blending historic character, great schools, and outdoor amenities.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Historic Downtown Littleton – Walkable, with amazing restaurants and local shops
✅ Top-Rated Schools – Strong Littleton Public Schools and charter options
✅ Close to the Foothills – Minutes from Chatfield State Park & the Platte River Trail
✅ More Affordable Than Other Suburbs – Great value for homebuyers
📢 Pro Tip: If you want a suburb with personality, history, and easy city access, Littleton is an amazing option!
🔗 Related Links:
🌄 4. Castle Rock (Best for Space & Mountain Views)
📍 Location: South of Denver (40 mins from downtown)
💰 Median Home Price: ~$725,000
🏫 School Rating: 9.5/10
If you want more space, stunning views, and top-tier schools, Castle Rock is a fantastic choice. Located further south, it’s growing rapidly but still has a small-town feel.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Bigger Homes & Yards – More space for your money compared to Denver
✅ Gorgeous Foothills Scenery – Amazing views of Pikes Peak & Castle Rock’s namesake landmark
✅ Tons of Shopping & Dining – Includes the Castle Rock Outlets & Promenade
✅ Outdoor Lifestyle – 87 miles of trails and Philip S. Miller Park
📢 Pro Tip: If you work remotely or don’t mind a longer commute, Castle Rock offers luxury homes, space, and mountain views.
🔗 Related Links:
🚗 5. Erie (Best for Quiet, Affordable Suburban Living)
📍 Location: North of Denver (35-40 mins from downtown)
💰 Median Home Price: ~$625,000
🏫 School Rating: 8.5/10
One of Denver’s fastest-growing suburbs, Erie is a quiet, family-friendly community that offers affordable homes, great schools, and easy access to both Denver and Boulder.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Lower Home Prices Than Other Suburbs – More affordable than Boulder, Castle Rock, or Highlands Ranch
✅ Great Schools – Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts
✅ Small-Town Feel, Big-City Access – Quick drive to both Denver & Boulder
✅ Lots of New Construction Homes – If you love modern floor plans, this is the place!
📢 Pro Tip: If you want affordability, space, and great schools, Erie is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets!
🔗 Related Links:
🏆 Final Thoughts: Which Denver Suburb is Right for You?
Here’s a quick recap of the best suburbs in Denver:
✅ Best for Families & Schools: Highlands Ranch
✅ Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Golden
✅ Best for Historic Charm & Walkability: Littleton
✅ Best for More Space & Views: Castle Rock
✅ Best for Affordability & Growth: Erie
📞 Thinking about moving to the Denver suburbs? I’d love to help you find the perfect home! Call or text me at [your number], or schedule a free consultation below.
🔗 Browse Homes for Sale in the Denver Suburbs
🔗 Schedule a Free Home Search Consultation