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Best suburbs in Denver

Written by:
April 25, 2024
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Best suburbs in Denver

The GI Bill of Rights, Ike's interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.

Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.

A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.

What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.

Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Denver. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.

Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Denver.

Family with two children walking on pedestrian bridge in city park.
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imtmphoto // Shutterstock

#25. Columbine, Colorado

- Population: 25,940
- Median home value: $550,500
- Median rental price: $2,257

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Littleton Academy (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Father gives son ride on his shoulders outside of house.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#24. Ken Caryl, Colorado

- Population: 33,505
- Median home value: $498,700
- Median rental price: $1,862

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), Dennison Elementary School (grade A), Columbine High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Mullen High School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Shot of young couple with son playing in park.
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Josep Suria // Shutterstock

#23. Applewood, Colorado

- Population: 7,985
- Median home value: $679,000
- Median rental price: $2,036

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Dennison Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Mullen High School (grade A), The Denver Waldorf School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Cropped portrait of cheerful family playing soccer.
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BAZA Production // Shutterstock

#22. Golden, Colorado

- Population: 20,461
- Median home value: $698,700
- Median rental price: $1,712

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Dennison Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Mullen High School (grade A), The Denver Waldorf School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Two happy girlfriends looking in a shop window.
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RossHelen // Shutterstock

#21. The Pinery, Colorado

- Population: 10,534
- Median home value: $666,300
- Median rental price: $2,245

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Altitude Elementary School (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Regis Jesuit High School (grade A+), Mile High Academy (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade A−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Young happy women shopping for vegetables and fruits.
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NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock

#20. Castle Rock, Colorado

- Population: 74,065
- Median home value: $577,500
- Median rental price: $1,810

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Regis Jesuit High School (grade A+), Mile High Academy (grade A), Valor Christian High School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Couple in business clothes leaving home for work.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#19. Acres Green, Colorado

- Population: 2,627
- Median home value: $477,600
- Median rental price: $2,433

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A), Colorado Early Colleges - Douglas County (Castle Rock, Inverness, Parker) (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Mother and children playing basketball on driveway.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#18. Parker, Colorado

- Population: 58,733
- Median home value: $573,000
- Median rental price: $1,885

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Altitude Elementary School (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Customers enjoying meals in busy restaurant.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#17. Littleton, Colorado

- Population: 45,531
- Median home value: $552,100
- Median rental price: $1,554

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Female bakery stall owner at a farmers market.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#16. Castle Pines Village, Colorado

- Population: 4,462
- Median home value: $1,210,300
- Median rental price: $2,225

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+), Regis Jesuit High School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Woman pushing child on swing on playground.
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oneinchpunch // Shutterstock

#15. Erie, Colorado

- Population: 30,447
- Median home value: $644,300
- Median rental price: $2,650

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A), High Peaks Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), Holy Family High School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Father giving piggyback ride to his daughter while walking outside.
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Akarawut // Shutterstock

#14. Stonegate, Colorado

- Population: 9,770
- Median home value: $595,600
- Median rental price: $2,116

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Altitude Elementary School (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Young man and little girl laughing with ice cream.
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YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock

#13. Columbine Valley, Colorado

- Population: 1,928
- Median home value: $1,294,600
- Median rental price: $3,111

- Top schools nearby: DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Littleton Academy (grade A), Wilder Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Happy family with child and shopping cart buying food at grocery store.
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Ground Picture // Shutterstock

#12. Gunbarrel, Colorado

- Population: 10,108
- Median home value: $712,800
- Median rental price: $1,892

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Fairview High School (grade A+), Boulder High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
A group of young children getting on the schoolbus.
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Stuart Monk // Shutterstock

#11. Lone Tree, Colorado

- Population: 13,993
- Median home value: $768,800
- Median rental price: $1,891

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Boy learning to ride a bicycle with his father in park.
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#10. Lafayette, Colorado

- Population: 30,295
- Median home value: $611,500
- Median rental price: $1,912

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A), High Peaks Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Two woman in small town downtown laughing.
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Laura Beach // Shutterstock

#9. Cherry Hills Village, Colorado

- Population: 6,405
- Median home value: $2,000,001
- Median rental price: $2,191

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Staff serving a customer in a busy coffee shop.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#8. Highlands Ranch, Colorado

- Population: 101,514
- Median home value: $637,400
- Median rental price: $2,353

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Mountain Vista High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Shot of a smiling senior couple taking together in a cafe.
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PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#7. Superior, Colorado

- Population: 13,146
- Median home value: $739,200
- Median rental price: $2,310

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
A family playing soccer together.
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Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock

#6. Centennial, Colorado

- Population: 107,702
- Median home value: $586,500
- Median rental price: $1,949

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Grandview High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Happy young family sitting in a park.
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Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

#5. Louisville, Colorado

- Population: 20,920
- Median home value: $781,100
- Median rental price: $1,950

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Fairview High School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Happy family in backyard with dog.
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Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#4. Castle Pines, Colorado

- Population: 11,811
- Median home value: $775,200
- Median rental price: $1,904

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: unavailable
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Back view of a little girl on fathers shoulders and mom walking alongside.
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F8 studio // Shutterstock

#3. Greenwood Village, Colorado

- Population: 15,537
- Median home value: $1,140,900
- Median rental price: $2,027

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Little boy running with his dog on a leash.
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FamVeld // Shutterstock

#2. Cherry Creek, Colorado

- Population: 11,157
- Median home value: $804,400
- Median rental price: $1,848

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Senior couple on walk with a dog.
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PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#1. Holly Hills, Colorado

- Population: 2,801
- Median home value: $611,400
- Median rental price: $2,545

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

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