Best places to raise a family in Colorado
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Colorado
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Colorado using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Palmer Lake
- Population: 2,887
- Median home value: $289,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $977 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $77,216
- Top public schools: Palmer Ridge High School (A), Lewis-Palmer Middle School (A-), Palmer Lake Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 201 S Valley Rd, Palmer Lake ($460,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $977 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $77,216
- Top public schools: Palmer Ridge High School (A), Lewis-Palmer Middle School (A-), Palmer Lake Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 201 S Valley Rd, Palmer Lake ($460,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Aspen
- Population: 7,431
- Median home value: $636,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,500 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $78,292
- Top public schools: Aspen High School (A), Aspen Community Charter School (A), Aspen Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 1020 Carroll Dr Units 300,310,314, Aspen ($46.0 million, 17 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $636,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,500 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $78,292
- Top public schools: Aspen High School (A), Aspen Community Charter School (A), Aspen Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 1020 Carroll Dr Units 300,310,314, Aspen ($46.0 million, 17 bedrooms)
#23. Boulder
- Population: 106,392
- Median home value: $700,000 (48% own)
- Median rent: $1,554 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $69,520
- Top public schools: Fairview High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Boulder High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Tara Performing Arts High School (A), Watershed School (A), Shining Mountain Waldorf School (A)
- Pictured: 5163 Independence Rd, Boulder ($8.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $700,000 (48% own)
- Median rent: $1,554 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $69,520
- Top public schools: Fairview High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Boulder High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Tara Performing Arts High School (A), Watershed School (A), Shining Mountain Waldorf School (A)
- Pictured: 5163 Independence Rd, Boulder ($8.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Lone Tree
- Population: 12,923
- Median home value: $634,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,724 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $120,392
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Word of Life Christian Center (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Lone Tree (unavailable), Merryhill Preschool - Lone Tree (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9540 Silent Hills Ln, Lone Tree ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $634,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,724 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $120,392
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Word of Life Christian Center (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Lone Tree (unavailable), Merryhill Preschool - Lone Tree (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9540 Silent Hills Ln, Lone Tree ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Lafayette
- Population: 28,742
- Median home value: $422,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,495 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $83,342
- Top public schools: Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Monarch High School (A+), Summit Middle Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Treehouse Learning (unavailable), Primrose School of Lafayette (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Lafayette (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2420 Bitterroot Cir, Lafayette ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $422,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,495 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $83,342
- Top public schools: Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Monarch High School (A+), Summit Middle Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Treehouse Learning (unavailable), Primrose School of Lafayette (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Lafayette (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2420 Bitterroot Cir, Lafayette ($2.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#20. Evergreen
- Population: 8,885
- Median home value: $484,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,905 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $116,594
- Top public schools: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (A+), Evergreen High School (A+), Dennison Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 0 Wild Trl W, Evergreen ($6.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $484,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,905 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $116,594
- Top public schools: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (A+), Evergreen High School (A+), Dennison Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 0 Wild Trl W, Evergreen ($6.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Gleneagle
- Population: 6,885
- Median home value: $365,300 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,394 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $116,807
- Top public schools: Classical Academy High School (A), The Classical Academy College Pathways (A), The Classical Academy North Elementary (A)
- Pictured: 14184 Stone Eagle Pl, Colorado Springs ($879,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $365,300 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,394 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $116,807
- Top public schools: Classical Academy High School (A), The Classical Academy College Pathways (A), The Classical Academy North Elementary (A)
- Pictured: 14184 Stone Eagle Pl, Colorado Springs ($879,900, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Castle Pines Village
- Population: 4,553
- Median home value: $1,019,800 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,209 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $236,016
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 307 Roca Pl, Castle Rock ($4.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,019,800 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,209 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $236,016
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 307 Roca Pl, Castle Rock ($4.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Woodmoor
- Population: 9,345
- Median home value: $481,100 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,782 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $145,625
- Top public schools: Palmer Ridge High School (A), Prairie Winds Elementary School (A), Lewis-Palmer Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 1400 Regatta Ln, Monument ($875,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $481,100 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,782 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $145,625
- Top public schools: Palmer Ridge High School (A), Prairie Winds Elementary School (A), Lewis-Palmer Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 1400 Regatta Ln, Monument ($875,000, 4 bedrooms)
#16. Timnath
- Population: 3,476
- Median home value: $502,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,242 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $138,576
- Top public schools: Liberty Common Charter School (A+), Fossil Ridge High School (A), Traut Core Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3864 Valley Crest Dr, Timnath ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $502,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,242 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $138,576
- Top public schools: Liberty Common Charter School (A+), Fossil Ridge High School (A), Traut Core Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3864 Valley Crest Dr, Timnath ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Monument
- Population: 7,398
- Median home value: $381,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,586 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $107,168
- Top public schools: Classical Academy High School (A), Palmer Ridge High School (A), Prairie Winds Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Peter Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4630 Red Rock Ranch Dr, Monument ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $381,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,586 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $107,168
- Top public schools: Classical Academy High School (A), Palmer Ridge High School (A), Prairie Winds Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Peter Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4630 Red Rock Ranch Dr, Monument ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Stonegate
- Population: 9,847
- Median home value: $447,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,656 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $128,323
- Top public schools: STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A), North Star Academy (A)
- Pictured: 16290 Hawkstone Pl, Parker ($745,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,656 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $128,323
- Top public schools: STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A), North Star Academy (A)
- Pictured: 16290 Hawkstone Pl, Parker ($745,000, 4 bedrooms)
#13. Gunbarrel
- Population: 10,202
- Median home value: $531,900 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,579 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $86,107
- Top public schools: Fairview High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Boulder High School (A+)
- Pictured: 5241 Spotted Horse Trl, Boulder ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $531,900 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,579 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $86,107
- Top public schools: Fairview High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Boulder High School (A+)
- Pictured: 5241 Spotted Horse Trl, Boulder ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#12. Columbine Valley
- Population: 1,241
- Median home value: $914,500 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,111 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $179,375
- Top public schools: Littleton Academy (A), Wilder Elementary School (A), Goddard Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 59 Fairway Ln, Littleton ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $914,500 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,111 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $179,375
- Top public schools: Littleton Academy (A), Wilder Elementary School (A), Goddard Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 59 Fairway Ln, Littleton ($1.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
#11. Inverness
- Population: 1,567
- Median home value: $607,100 (23% own)
- Median rent: $1,717 (77% rent)
- Median household income: $103,462
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Grandview High School (A+), Challenge School (A)
- Pictured: 7865 Vallagio Ln Unit 109, Englewood ($525,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $607,100 (23% own)
- Median rent: $1,717 (77% rent)
- Median household income: $103,462
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Grandview High School (A+), Challenge School (A)
- Pictured: 7865 Vallagio Ln Unit 109, Englewood ($525,000, 2 bedrooms)
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#10. Dove Valley
- Population: 5,673
- Median home value: $305,100 (41% own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $70,000
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Grandview High School (A+), Challenge School (A)
- Pictured: 7440 S Blackhawk St Unit 4102, Englewood ($295,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $305,100 (41% own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (59% rent)
- Median household income: $70,000
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Grandview High School (A+), Challenge School (A)
- Pictured: 7440 S Blackhawk St Unit 4102, Englewood ($295,000, 2 bedrooms)
#9. Louisville
- Population: 20,860
- Median home value: $587,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,607 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $103,017
- Top public schools: Fairview High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Monarch High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Louis Catholic School (unavailable), Louisville Montessori School (unavailable), Fairview Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 794 W Tamarisk St, Louisville ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $587,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,607 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $103,017
- Top public schools: Fairview High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Monarch High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Louis Catholic School (unavailable), Louisville Montessori School (unavailable), Fairview Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 794 W Tamarisk St, Louisville ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#8. Cherry Hills Village
- Population: 6,647
- Median home value: $1,727,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,201 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Kent Denver School (A+)
- Pictured: 4850 Whitehall Dr, Cherry Hills Village ($6.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,727,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,201 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Kent Denver School (A+)
- Pictured: 4850 Whitehall Dr, Cherry Hills Village ($6.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#7. Centennial
- Population: 110,218
- Median home value: $433,800 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,740 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $109,324
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Grandview High School (A+), Challenge School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable), Montessori School of Aurora (unavailable), Shepherd of the Hills Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7566 S Telluride Ct, Centennial ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $433,800 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,740 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $109,324
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Grandview High School (A+), Challenge School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas More Catholic School (unavailable), Montessori School of Aurora (unavailable), Shepherd of the Hills Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7566 S Telluride Ct, Centennial ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
#6. Highlands Ranch
- Population: 105,631
- Median home value: $467,500 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,922 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $125,454
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), Mountain Vista High School (A), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A)
- Top private schools: Valor Christian High School (A+), Mile High Academy (A), Arma Dei Academy (A)
- Pictured: 10817 Backcountry Dr, Highlands Ranch ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $467,500 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,922 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $125,454
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), Mountain Vista High School (A), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A)
- Top private schools: Valor Christian High School (A+), Mile High Academy (A), Arma Dei Academy (A)
- Pictured: 10817 Backcountry Dr, Highlands Ranch ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. Greenwood Village
- Population: 15,738
- Median home value: $927,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,746 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $129,035
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Aspen Academy (A+), Bright Horizons Montessori School at Greenwood Plaza (unavailable), Fusion Academy Denver (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5545 S Madison Way, Greenwood Village ($4.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $927,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,746 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $129,035
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Aspen Academy (A+), Bright Horizons Montessori School at Greenwood Plaza (unavailable), Fusion Academy Denver (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5545 S Madison Way, Greenwood Village ($4.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Castle Pines
- Population: 10,591
- Median home value: $615,400 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,768 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $163,819
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 7173 Copper Sky Cir, Castle Pines ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $615,400 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,768 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $163,819
- Top public schools: Rock Canyon High School (A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (A)
- Pictured: 7173 Copper Sky Cir, Castle Pines ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#3. Superior
- Population: 13,077
- Median home value: $576,800 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,922 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $127,292
- Top public schools: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Monarch High School (A+)
- Pictured: 121 E Coal Creek Dr, Superior ($1.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $576,800 (58% own)
- Median rent: $1,922 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $127,292
- Top public schools: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (A+), Peak to Peak Charter School (A+), Monarch High School (A+)
- Pictured: 121 E Coal Creek Dr, Superior ($1.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
#2. Cherry Creek
- Population: 12,496
- Median home value: $628,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,617 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $110,988
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Pictured: 5212 S Geneva St, Englewood ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $628,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,617 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $110,988
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Pictured: 5212 S Geneva St, Englewood ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Holly Hills
- Population: 2,835
- Median home value: $460,100 (97% own)
- Median rent: $2,634 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $132,955
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Calvary Apostolic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2420 S Fairfax Dr, Denver ($595,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $460,100 (97% own)
- Median rent: $2,634 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $132,955
- Top public schools: Cherry Creek High School (A+), Challenge School (A), Cherry Creek Charter Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Calvary Apostolic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2420 S Fairfax Dr, Denver ($595,000, 4 bedrooms)
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