I’ve lived in a suburb near Denver for years, and in this guide, I’ll share the absolute best surrounding Denver areas.
Some Denver suburbs are near the mountains, some have highly rated private schools, and some have affordable homes. Regardless of your priorities, there is a great option for you near the Mile High City.
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19 Best Denver Suburbs
Aurora
Colorado’s third-largest city has a short commute to Denver.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Aurora Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Aurora is the largest of the Denver suburbs, and you can readily commute downtown or to the Tech Center. Aurora is also near Denver International Airport. Since Aurora is so sizable, the choices for affordable homes, fantastic schools, and safe neighborhoods diversify throughout the city.
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Lakewood
Home to many hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activities.
📍 Google Directions | 🏛 Metropolitan Website | 🏫 Academic Institution Directory | Best Locations to Lodge in Lakewood
Lakewood is one of the best Denver suburbs and a personal favorite of mine. Since it’s southwest of the city near the foothills, there are plentiful options for outdoor exercise and camping near Denver. If you plan to head to the mountains a lot, Lakewood makes that drive shorter as well.
For more, see Abigail’s guidance to the prime activities to partake in Lakewood.
Golden
Streamside paths, a distinguished university, and multiple breweries.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Review Golden Hotels on Booking for Your Exploratory Trip
Golden is notably renowned for the Coors Brewery, which offers a great tour. However, you`ll discover multiple other breweries in town, like some of the finest breweries in Denver. You can float on Clear Creek in summer and walk the trail year-round for beautiful views of the mountains among other things to do in Golden.
Golden has historic homes near downtown and more spacious suburban homes farther from the city center. The School of Mines in Golden is known for its science and engineering programs.
Broomfield
A suburb halfway among Denver and Boulder.
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Broomfield offers panoramic perspectives of the Rocky Mountains, which can be seen nearly anywhere throughout the city. There are over 280 miles of paths designated for walking and cycling. One of its major attractions is the 6,500-seat 1st Bank Center, which hosts live performances and concerts.
Highlands Ranch
A planned residential community with good schools and an easy commute to downtown Denver.
📍 Google Map | 🌆 Municipality Website | 🏫 School District Site | 👉 Browse Highlands Ranch Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Highlands Ranch is among Colorado’s largest master-planned communities. There is ample open space, superb schools, and suburban benefits. The community has four recreation centers, with archery ranges, swimming pools, climbing walls, and exercise spaces. Since Highlands Ranch is farther from the foothills, you also get a more panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains.
📚 Related Reading: Get to know nearby attractions by bookmarking our Things to Do in Denver guide!
Arvada
Reside in a tranquil neighborhood that also contains a quaint central locale.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Arvada Accommodations on Booking for Your Exploration Travel
Olde Town Arvada oozes little-town charm and is a fun place to spend a weekend afternoon. The town is also home to the Arvada Center, a venue for musicals, plays, and live music. There are plenty of neighborhoods with suburban homes, and the city is about 12 miles from downtown Denver.
For more details, check our guides to the most popular activities in Arvada and the best lodging options in Arvada.
Thornton
Affordable homes near Colorado’s largest water park and other family-oriented attractions.
📍 An online map service | 🌆 City government site | 🏫 Local school network portal | 👉 Explore lodging in Thornton using an online booking site for your research trip
If one seeks reasonably priced homes near Denver, this northern city could be a suitable choice. Nearby attractions incorporate the Butterfly Pavilion and Colorado`s largest water park Water World, both within a short drive. Residents also benefit from proximity to the Denver Premium Outlets, one of the better outlet centers in Colorado.
Researching the schools is wise as some excel while others do not. But Thornton`s lower average median home value makes it attractive for young families.
Castle Rock
This sprawling neighborhood south of Denver lies en route to Colorado Springs.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Peruse Castle Rock Lodging on Booking for Your Scoping Journey
Among the varied activities accessible in Castle Rock are hiking, cycling, and outlet purchasing. The area is among the more expensive suburbs, yet also one of the safest places to inhabit near Denver.
Longmont
A suburb neighboring Boulder with breweries, parks, and lakes.
📍 Web Location Tool | 🌆 Metropolitan Website | 🏫 Instructional Website | 👉 Survey Longmont Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Longmont is approximately 33 miles from Denver, however the plentiful outdoor spaces and breathing room make it worthwhile for many residents to make the commute. As a matter of fact, it is considered one of the better places to reside in Colorado! It lies closer to Boulder but without the high price tag associated. It is also under an hour`s drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, regarded as one of the premier national parks found in Colorado.
Cherry Hills Village
An expensive Denver suburb with leafy streets and stately mansions.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Cherry Hills Village Accommodations on Expedia for Your Scouting Visit
Cherry Hills Village is often considered among the wealthiest locales in the country [ Source]. It has a median home value of $3.3 million. It`s also one of the safest areas in all of Colorado. With all that affluence comes excellent schools in the Cherry Creek School District and peaceful, leafy streets. It`s approximately a 20-minute drive from Cherry Hills Village to Denver.
Wheat Ridge
A residential area with parks and mountain views.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Explore Accommodation Options in Wheat Ridge on Booking for Your Pre-Scouting Trip
Wheat Ridge lies just west of Denver and boasts more than 20 parks and open spaces along with easy access to the mountains via I-70. Convenient shopping destinations are available as well, like the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall. With agricultural roots, you’ll also discover several gardening centers and year-round farmers markets.
Centennial
A popular, new Denver suburb for families.
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Centennial was only designated a city in 2001, so it’s one of Colorado’s more youthful municipalities. It has quality schools and ample parks. Centennial is about a half-hour drive from downtown Denver. It’s one of the more costly suburbs, with a median home value exceeding $685,000.
Parker
Live amidst sprawling suburbs south of Denver.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Accommodation Listings in Parker on Booking for Your Reconnaissance Trip
The town of Parker lies south of Denver. It offers the amenities of suburban living like stores and schools, while also providing the option to own several acres of land with a more rural atmosphere. Downtown Parker brightens up for holidays and gives small-town charm through its shops and antique stores. One of the more novel activities in Parker is the ice trail open for skating each winter.
Littleton
A suburban town with good schools and great views of the mountains.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Littleton Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
You’ll find quite a few activities to participate in Littleton, especially for outdoor aficionados and families. Several parks lie in this suburb like Roxborough State Park, one of the finest state parks in Colorado.
Its historic downtown area is a great place for shopping and dining. Main Street is full of twinkling lights for the holidays, and shops participate in an annual event where children go around trick-or-treating. Littleton also has excellent schools, recreational centers, convenience stores, and a highly-rated hospital.
Evergreen
A hilly suburb just a brief drive from Denver.
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If you’re moving to Colorado to really feel like you’re in the mountains, Evergreen is a great option. Because it’s such a picturesque place to live, it’s also more expensive with a median home value in the $900,000s.
Evergreen can be impacted by snow much more than the lower-elevation suburbs. You’ll want to make sure your job is flexible on snowy days. Even if others can still make it into work, you may not be able to, especially if you buy a home in a more rural area.
Greenwood Village
It`s a neat area to stroll through at any time, but truly comes alive once night falls.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website |👉 Browse Hotel Accommodations in Greenwood Village to Plan Your Exploratory Trip
Greenwood Village is around 15 miles from downtown Denver, yet near I-25 so it`s an easy commute. It`s quite close to the Denver Tech Center, where numerous other companies have headquarters.
This suburb offers a variety of housing options available for purchase, ranging from condominiums to multiple-bedroom family residences. Greenwood Village is also near Fiddler’s Green, which holds many concerts during the summer months.
Northglenn
A planned community that has been in place for over 60 years.
📍 Map Application of Northglenn | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website |👉 Browse Northglenn Lodging on Booking Site for Your Study Visit
Northglenn is nine miles north of Denver. It’s a planned community with ample trails and recreation centers. Northglenn also has a 550-acre park system featuring lakes and a reservoir where you can fish and walk.
Erie
A less-crowded suburban option farther from Denver.
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Erie Accommodation Options on Booking for Your Information Gathering Trip
Erie is roughly 15 miles east of Boulder and about 27 miles north of Denver. Situated less populated than Denver, Erie has maintained a small community atmosphere. Erie has expanded recently, with new homes and amenities being added.
Central Park (formerly Stapleton)
Suburban living adjacent to the big city.
📍 The area`s map locations | 🌆 City information site | 🏫 Educational district site | 👉 Browse lodging in Central Park for your scouting trip
Central Park, formerly known as Stapleton, is in close proximity to Denver. There are suburban homes present, in addition to outdoor parks and trails suitable for walking and cycling. Various dining and shopping establishments are also available. It is a very pedestrian-friendly locale popular with young families
FAQs About Denver Suburbs
What are the closest suburbs to Denver?
Aurora,Lakewood,Wheat Ridge, and Central Park are some of the suburbs closest to Denver. Aurora is the biggest of these suburbs with neighborhoods varying in affordability, safety, and school district quality.
Which Denver suburb is safest?
The safest Denver suburb is Cherry Hills Village. In fact, Cherry Hills Village is one of the safest areas in the entire state of Colorado.
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With any luck, this post helped you narrow down which Denver suburbs best match your circumstances! Once settled, be sure to check out our extensive Colorado guides to take full advantage of your new home. Welcome, neighbor!
