Denver is a great place to work and live. But you’re not limited to the city itself! From nightlife, to wide open spaces to take in nature, the Mile High City has some wonderful suburbs too. Whether you’re looking for your own home, or an investment property, there’s a Denver suburb that’s certain to meet your needs. To help you decide which one might work best for you, we’ve compiled this list of the best suburbs in Denver.
Littleton
This historic enclave located 20 minutes south from Denver has seen a revival over the past several decades. It boasts a vibrant downtown, brewpubs and incredible open space. A wide range of single-family and condo homes are available, including townhomes and single-family houses.
Littleton is known for its quality public schools, diversity and nightlife. The downtown is alive with activity no matter the season or the day.
In 2000, the RTD (Regional Transprotation District) opened light rail service to Littleton. This provided long-awaited access to downtown Denver. The D line allows commuters to access downtown, while the C line drops people off at various points along the southwest Denver metro.
Littleton residents have quick access to many recreational opportunities. The Greenway Foundation trail runs along the South Platte River and allows people to run, bike, rollerblade, or walk their dogs for miles. Chatfield Reservoir can be reached in a 10-minute drive. Also, access to the foothills and hiking is available.
The Littleton Schools District is a top-rated school district in Colorado. It is home to the highly-ranked Wilder Elementary, Powell Middle School, as well as Arapahoe High School in Centennial.
Centennial
With 106,000 residents, Centennial is one of the more populated Denver suburbs. The city follows an irregular pattern, including Orchard to its north and County Line towards the south. After narrowing east of I-25, it exhibits a patchwork pattern just shy of Saddle Rock Golf Course.
Centennial is home to many large employers. It also has prime access to RTD’s light rail along Santa Fe and I-25 corridors. The Shops at Southglenn is an outdoor mall that features a mix of smaller boutiques and large chain stores.
Centennial is serviced by both Littleton as well as the Cherry Creek Schools District. Cherry Creek is home to Willow Creek, Willow Creek, and Homestead elementary schools, Campus Middle School and Cherry Creek High School.
Centennial residents have unmatched recreational opportunities, with miles upon miles of open spaces and trails. There are over 100 miles worth of trails, from the High Line Canal on the west to the Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space on the east. The Family Sports Center, Centennial Center Park, and Top Golf are easily accessible.
Greenwood Village
Greenwood Village was established in 1950. Its name is a tribute to the Greenwood Ranch, an estate that occupied large acreages including the Glenmoor development , and The Preserve. Greenwood Village covers a little more than eight miles and has a population exceeding 14,000 people.
It is home to many different types of properties, including stately homes, tall condominium buildings, older apartment buildings and commercial areas located in a variety of locations. The DTC is a significant tax base that provides a large number of jobs and beautiful landscaping.
The High Line Canal runs from Cherry Creek State Park to the High Line Canal. Residents have many recreational options, including miles of hiking and biking trails, top-quality parks and playing fields, as well as a skateboarding area.
Greenwood Village’s top-rated schools include Greenwood Elementary, Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Campus Middle and Cherry Creek High.
Highlands Ranch
Having shaken its initial image of metropolitan sprawl, Highlands Ranch has become one the larger and more popular suburbs of Denver. The area, which was established in 1981 as a planned community, has grown to encompass over 24 miles and a population exceeding 100,000.
Highlands Ranch is located south of C-470. It offers a variety of home styles and a multitude of green belts that lead through neighborhoods. There are beautiful views of the Front Range, as well as well-placed parks. It runs from Santa Fe to Quebec Street.
Highlands Ranch is home to many large and small businesses, but it remains a residential community. Most residents commute to Denver, Lone Tree, Meridian Office Park, and the Denver Tech Center. RTD light rail connects the area to the Santa Fe and I-25 corridors. Remote work opportunities are plentiful, so many have chosen suburban homes with more interior and exterior space.
Highlands Ranch, despite its size, is not yet incorporated. There are seven charter and public high schools in the area, many of which are highly-ranked. Valor High School is a private school located in Highlands Ranch. It has received the National Blue Ribbon Award.
Louisville
Louisville is a popular city for both individuals and families. It started as a mining community and has evolved to become a thriving suburb. The historic downtown is located in the rolling hills of southeastern Boulder County.
From its high perch on the Davidson Mesa, residents of Louisville have unbeatable views across the Front Range. Even with the rapid growth of Louisville, there is still more than 1,000 acres of open space, and many ponds and lakes to enjoy.
Louisville has experienced a rapid growth rate of nearly four times since the 1980s. There are 26 parks in the city, 26 miles of trails and bike paths, and an award-winning library. The current population is more than 20,000.
Six public schools are located here, as well as six private schools. It is also home to many high-tech businesses. Boulder, Broomfield, and Denver are the most popular work destinations for residents. They can take advantage of the RTD light rail, and express bus lines to get there.
Conclusion
So as you can see, there are a ton of fantastic options when it comes to choosing a Denver suburb. Shopping, great schools, and most importantly convenience are all right outside your front door. Reach out to a local real estate agent to find the home that works best for you.
