19 Best Denver Suburbs for 2023 (By a Local)

I’ve lived in a suburb of Denver for years, and in this guide, I’ll share the absolute best Denver suburbs. 

Some suburbs of Denver are close to the mountains, some have high-ranking private schools, and some have affordable homes. Regardless of your priorities, there’s a great option for you near the Mile High City.

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19 Best Denver Suburbs

Aurora

Colorado’s third-biggest 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 easily commute downtown or to the Tech Center. Aurora is also near Denver International Airport. Because Aurora is so big, the options for affordable homes, great schools, and safe neighborhoods vary throughout the city. 

Get planning with our guides to what to do in Aurora and places to stay in Aurora.

📚 Related Reading: 16 Best Denver Neighborhoods for 2022 (A Local’s Picks)

Lakewood

Home to plenty of hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activities

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Lakewood Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Lakewood is one of the best Denver suburbs, and one of my favorites. Because it’s southwest of the city near the foothills, there are lots of 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.

Golden

Creekside paths, a stellar university, and several breweries

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Golden Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Golden is best known for the Coors Brewery, which is a great place to tour. But you’ll find several other breweries in town, some of which are the best breweries in Denver. You can tube on Clear Creek in summer and walk the path year-round for beautiful views of the mountains. 

Golden has historic homes near downtown and comfortable suburban homes farther from the city center. The School of Mines, also found in town, is known for its science and engineering programs.  

Broomfield

A suburb halfway between Denver and Boulder

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Broomfield Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Broomfield has sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, which you can see from almost anywhere in town. There are more than 280 miles of walking and biking trails. One of its major attractions is the 6,500-seat 1st Bank Center, which hosts concerts and other live performances.  

Highlands Ranch

A planned community with good schools and an easy commute to downtown Denver

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Highlands Ranch Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Highlands Ranch is one of Colorado’s largest master-planned communities. There is plenty of open space, great schools, and suburban amenities. The community has four rec centers, with an archery range, pools, climbing walls, and workout spaces. Since Highlands Ranch is farther from the foothills, you also get a more panoramic view of the Rockies. 

📚 Related Reading: Get to know nearby attractions by bookmarking our Things to Do in Denver guide!

Arvada

Suburban living with a quaint downtown

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Arvada Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Olde Town Arvada oozes small town charm and is a fun place to hang out on 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, see our guides to the best things to do in Arvada and the best places to stay in Arvada.

Thornton

Affordable homes near Colorado’s largest water park and other family-friendly attractions

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Thornton Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

If you’re looking for affordable homes near Denver, this town north of the city is a good option. The Butterfly Pavilion and Water World, Colorado’s largest water park, are a short drive away. You’ll also find the Denver Premium Outlets here, one of the best outlet malls in Colorado. 

You’ll want to research the schools because some are excellent while others are not. But the lower average median home value makes Thornton an attractive possibility for young families. 

Castle Rock

A sprawling neighborhood south of Denver found on the way to Colorado Springs

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Castle Rock Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Among the many things to do in Castle Rock are hiking, biking, and outlet shopping. The area is one of the more expensive suburbs near Denver, but it’s also one of the safest places to live near Denver. 

Longmont

A suburb near Boulder with breweries, parks, and lakes

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Longmont Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Longmont is 33 miles from Denver, but the outdoor spaces and elbow room make it worth the drive to many people. In fact, it’s one of the best places to live in Colorado! It’s closer to Boulder but without the hefty price tag. It’s also under an hour’s drive from Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best national parks in Colorado. 

Cherry Hills Village

An expensive Denver suburb with tree-lined streets and stately mansions

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Cherry Hills Village Hotels on Expedia for Your Scouting Trip

Cherry Hills Village is often ranked among the richest neighborhoods in the country [Source]. It has a median home value of $3.3 million. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in all of Colorado. With all that money comes great schools in the Cherry Creek School District and quiet, leafy streets. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Cherry Hills Village to Denver. 

Wheat Ridge

A residential area with parks and mountain views

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Wheat Ridge is just west of Denver and has more than 20 parks and open spaces. It’s also found near I-70, making access to the mountains easy. There are conveniently-located places to shop, including the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall. With agricultural roots, you’ll also find several gardening centers and year-round farmers markets. 

Centennial

A popular, newer Denver suburb for families

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Centennial was only designated a city in 2001, so it’s one of Colorado’s newest. It has good schools and plenty of parks. Centennial is about a half-hour drive from downtown Denver. It’s one of the more expensive suburbs, with a median home value of over $685,000.

Parker

Spread-out suburban living south of Denver

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Parker Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

The town of Parker is south of Denver. It has the stores and schools of suburban living, but also the option to own several acres of land with a more rural feel. Downtown Parker lights up for the holidays and offers small-town charm with its shops and antique stores. One of the more unique things to do in Parker is the winter ice trail that’s open for skating. 

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 several things to do in Littleton, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Several parks lie in this suburb including Roxborough State Park, one of the best state parks in Colorado. 

Its historic downtown area is a great spot for shopping and dining out. Main Street is full of twinkling lights for the holidays, and shops participate in an annual trick-or-treating event. Littleton also has great schools, rec centers, convenience stores, and a highly-rated hospital.

Evergreen

A foothills suburb just a short drive from Denver

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Evergreen Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

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 also be affected 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

A suburb close to the Denver Tech Center and with easy freeway access

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Greenwood Village Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Greenwood Village is about 15 miles from downtown Denver, but it’s right next to I-25 so it’s an easy commute. It’s very close to the Denver Tech Center, where many other businesses are located. 

This suburb has a variety of housing options for sale, from condos to multiple-bedroom family homes. Greenwood Village is also near Fiddler’s Green, where many live bands play. 

Northglenn

A planned community that’s been in place for more than 60 years

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Northglenn Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Northglenn is 9 miles north of Denver. It’s a planned community with plenty of trails and rec 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 Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Erie is roughly 15 miles east of Boulder and about 27 miles north of Denver. It’s a less-populated Denver suburb, and because of this, it has a small town feel. Erie has expanded in recent years, with new homes and amenities.

Central Park (formerly Stapleton)

Suburban living close to the big city

📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Central Park Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip

Central Park, which used to be known as Stapleton, is very close to Denver. There are suburban homes, outdoor parks and space for walking and biking, and places to eat and shop. It’s a very walkable area that’s popular with young families. 

FAQs About Denver Suburbs

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Hopefully, this post helped you to narrow down the Denver suburbs that best suit your situation! Once you’re settled, be sure to check out our extensive Colorado guides to take advantage of your new home. Welcome, neighbor!