Considering a move to the Denver metro in 2025? Denver remains a top city for career opportunities and a desirable destination for young professionals, as well as one of the best U.S. cities for outdoor recreation. For those seeking a blend of affordability, safety, open-air adventures, and vibrant community life, these five Denver suburbs are worth exploring.
| Neighborhood | Arvada | Broomfield | Centennial | Golden | Littleton |
| Median Home Price | $424,100 | $450,600 | $458,300 | $541,400 | $446,500 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,444 | $1,711 | $1,728 | $1,495 | $1,359 |
| Safer than % of Colorado | 46% | 60% | 58% | 38% | 45% |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% | 2.6% | 2.5% | 3.3% | 2.2% |
| Perfect For | Families, retirees | Singles, young professionals, families | Families, retirees | Singles, young professionals, families | Singles, young professionals, families, retirees |
Arvada
Arvada has tons to offer Coloradans! Not only is this vibrant Denver suburb just 25 minutes northwest of the city, but it also provides easy access to Standley Lake Regional Park, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Arvada is also a fantastic place to raise a family, thanks to its excellent schools like Oberon Middle School and Arvada West High School, as well as its abundance of recreational facilities. Adding to the suburb’s appeal is a charming small-town feel and strong sense of community, combined with stunning mountain views that provide a picturesque backdrop.
Things to Do in Arvada
Shop at locally-owned stores, dine al fresco at cafes, and explore the architectural details of Olde Town Arvada. Let the kids play at the expansive Ralston-Central Park & Splash Pad. Enjoy outdoor events like the Spring Break Nature Camp, guided nature walks, or astronomy shows at Majestic View Nature Center. Take in shows like A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder—with ASL interpreting offered on select dates—at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Grab a Green Chile Omelette, Lemon Blueberry Pancake, or Olde Town Burger for brunch at Bread Winners. Snack on European sweets like Baklava, Dobash, or Nussecken at Rheinlander Bakery. Treat yourself to an array of whiskeys and comfort foods like the Monte Cristo, School Bus Mac N Cheese, or Brisket Tacos at School House Kitchen & Libations. Unwind with craft beers like Ghost Drifter Pale Ale, Here Today Mountain IPA, I-70 Colorado Pilsner, and Gone Tomorrow Hazy IPA at Odyssey Beerwerks.
Broomfield
Located conveniently between Denver and Boulder, the Colorado suburb of Broomfield allows young professionals to enjoy quick commutes to major tech employers in the area, and then unwind with weekend adventures at the expansive Broomfield County Commons Park or the nearby Flatirons. Families find Broomfield equally appealing, thanks to highly regarded schools like Emerald Elementary, Aspen Creek, and Broomfield High. For those seeking leisure, several well-maintained golf courses offer stunning views and challenging play. And residents of all ages can appreciate the suburb’s community events and seasonal attractions—including popular Rock Creek Farm, where pumpkin patches and corn mazes provide the perfect setting for social gatherings and lasting memories.
Things to Do in Broomfield
Explore Colorado’s natural beauty with miles of scenic hiking and stunning views at Broomfield’s many Open Space and Trails destinations. Enjoy a day of shopping and dining at the FlatIron Crossing Mall. Let the kids have fun on the soccer field or playground at Broomfield County Commons Park. Make a splash at The Bay Aquatic Park with water slides and an interactive water play structure designed specifically for families with young children. Try some Pineapple Fried Rice, Drunken Noodles, Thai Chicken Wings, and other Thai dishes at Mountain Thai Kitchen. Enjoy Smoked Chicken Wings, The Broomfield Dip, or Colossal Onion Rings alongside a game of darts at The Old Man Bar and Grill. Indulge in the Twice Baked Mac N’ Cheese, Filet Mignon, and seasonal craft cocktails like The Billie Holiday at Hickory & Ash. Or dive into Fish-n-Chips, an Icelandic Cod Sandwich, or a Pub Philly at The Burns Pub & Restaurant.
Centennial
Centennial offers a compelling mix of affordability, suburban comfort, quality amenities, and proximity to both urban and natural attractions, making it one of the best cities to move to in Colorado. Residents in the area are served by the Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools, so families can enjoy easy access to a great education. Job opportunities are also plentiful, with major employers like Comcast, RingCentral, and UnitedHealth having a significant presence in Centennial. Plus, the suburb is just a 25-minute drive from Downtown Denver, making it easy to commute into the city!
Things to Do in Centennial
Experience indoor skiing and snowboarding at SNOBAHN. Go for a bike ride, take the dog for a walk, or let the kids loose at the playground in Centennial Center Park. Get active with drop-in fitness classes and a refreshing pool at the Goodson Recreation Center. Shop at stores like Gap, Altar’d State, and Pottery Barn at Park Meadows. Sip a Spiced Turkish Latte, Caramel Macchiato, or Strawberry Frappe at It’s Coffee. Grab some Kickin’ Pigs in a Blanket, Mile High Cobb Salad, or Grilled Shrimp Tacos at ViewHouse. Treat yourself to craft beers like Grill Sauce American Lager or a Transparently Trendy New England IPA while sampling fare from rotating food trucks at Resolute Brewing Company. Or chow down Philly Skins or Buffalo Wings with a Dale’s Pale Ale at Finn McCool’s Bar & Grill, located just outside the city.
Golden
Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Golden offers residents immediate access to world-class hiking, biking, and climbing, with iconic landmarks like Lookout Mountain and Clear Creek Canyon just minutes away—all while staying within easy reach of Denver’s urban amenities. The city is also close to notable outdoor destinations like Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and Mount Falcon Park. Golden’s strong sense of community and well-ranked schools like Mitchell Elementary and Golden High School make it an ideal place for families, while its proximity to major employment hubs and the presence of Colorado School of Mines appeals to young professionals. On top of that, Golden’s vibrant downtown area blends rich history with modern charm, featuring local breweries, unique shops, and a thriving arts scene. The city’s relaxed pace of life, coupled with abundant recreational and cultural opportunities, can foster a fulfilling and active lifestyle.
Things to Do in Golden
Take a trip to learn about the brewing process at the iconic Coors Brewery. Hike the trails and bask in panoramic views of the foothills at North Table Mountain Park. Discover the rich history of mining that gave the city its name at the Mines Museum of Earth Science. Stroll through preserved cabins, a schoolhouse, and a working blacksmith that tell the tales of the town’s determined pioneers and their pivotal roles in the Colorado Gold Rush at Golden History Park. Start the day with a Cortado, Latte, or Mocha at Pangea Coffee Roasters before hitting the trails. Savor a Hamburger, Black Bean Burger, or Fried Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries at Bob’s Atomic Burgers. Taste authentic Himalayan dishes like Yak Vindaloo, Saag Chana, and Chicken Makhani at Sherpa House. Enjoy a casual meal of Fried Pickles, Golden Nuggets, Street Tacos, and other comfort food at the Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse.
Littleton
Experience the perfect blend of community and opportunity in Littleton! This Denver suburb offers a charming small-town atmosphere and a vibrant historic downtown, featuring unique shops, art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene. Downtown Littleton also hosts a variety of engaging community events, from the festive Candlelight Walk during the holidays to the lively summer Block Party, bringing residents together and strengthening local connections. Ranked as one of the best places to live in America, Littleton has something for everyone. Families benefit from excellent schools within the Littleton Public Schools district, while singles and young professionals enjoy easy access to Denver’s urban attractions and nightlife. And outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Littleton’s proximity to Chatfield State Park, where they can hike, boat, and enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado.
Things to Do in Littleton
Wander the inside exhibits or explore the Living History Farm with the kids at Littleton Museum. Book a tee time or take golfing lessons at Littleton Golf and Tennis Club. Explore public art, attend a beekeeping class, or take a guided bird tour at The Hudson Gardens & Events Center. Find one-of-a-kind antique furniture, jewelry, and art at Colorado Antique Gallery, with over 250 vendors. Wake up with Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Croque Madame, or Adrian’s Burrito at Grande Station. Savor classic Italian dishes like the Seasonal Ravioli, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Tortellini Pizza at Romano’s Italian Restaurant. Feast on Tandoori Shrimp, Butter Chicken, or Sweet Potato Masala at Zaika Indian Cuisine. Or snack on Tuna Sashimi, Lamb Meatballs, or Spinach & Feta Dip and discover your new favorite wine on a tour and tasting at Carboy Winery.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today
Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
