The 5 Best Denver Suburbs
More than 2.7 million people live in Denver, a city known for its outdoors-loving population, culturally rich neighborhoods and booming culinary scene. In addition to lots of things to see and do, the city has a strong economy driven by industries such as bioscience, energy and cannabis. However, the cost of housing is over 35% higher than the national average, which can leave many residents and wannabe Denverites seeking greener (and roomier) pastures outside city limits. Thankfully, many suburbs within close driving distance offer the same plentiful sunshine, proximity to nature, quality of life — and lower housing costs. Here are five of the best Denver suburbs.
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1. Broomfield, Colorado
Plenty of room to roam, lots of family-friendly amenities and an ever-evolving food scene make Broomfield a coveted place to plant roots for individuals from all walks of life. The Front Range city — which has a population of nearly 70,000 — is tucked along the U.S. 36 corridor about 30 minutes from Denver and 20 minutes from Boulder. That makes it easy for residents to enjoy the best features of a bustling city and the peaceful suburbs.
Professionals are drawn to the city’s healthy economy, which is fueled by employers such as Ball Aerospace, Intermountain Health and Vail Resorts. While the cost of living in Broomfield is roughly 20% higher than the national average, its neighborhoods have homes for households of all sizes, including apartments, condos and single-family dwellings. The dining scene has also expanded substantially over the past few years, making it possible for locals to satisfy their appetites for everything from Vietnamese cuisine (Tu’s Kitchen is a favorite for its DIY spring roll platters, rice and noodle bowls and pho) to pizza (we love the Detroit-style pies at Rock City Pie and Ice).
If you have kiddos in your crew, Broomfield is one of the best places to raise a family in Colorado, thanks to the city’s excellent schools and many entertainment options. That includes 45 playgrounds, over 280 miles of trails and more than 700 acres of developed parks for walking, biking and other outdoor recreation. There are also plenty of attractions to keep crews occupied, such as the Butterfly Pavilion, where you can stroll amid 1,600 free-flying winged beauties; Water World, a sprawling water park in nearby Federal Heights; and Adventure Golf & Raceway, which features three themed mini golf courses and a go-kart track in neighboring Westminster. With amenities like these, it’s easy to see why Broomfield is one of the best Denver suburbs.
2. Parker, Colorado
About 25 miles southeast of Denver, Parker is a former quiet ranching community that blossomed into a prospering Denver suburb whose population recently surpassed 60,000 people. The city has a lower median home value ($483,217) than Denver ($562,290), and the properties are often larger and newer, making it an attractive place to live for Coloradans working in Denver who are seeking a roomier headquarters outside of the city. Nearly 74 percent of Parker residents own their homes, 8% higher than the national average and about 10% higher than the state’s average.
While the attractions of Denver are just a short commute away (between 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and where you’re headed), Parker has tons of things to do, too. Residents can walk or bike the Cherry Creek Trail, which runs from Denver to Castlewood Canyon State Park, or go boating, fishing or hiking in sprawling Cherry Creek State Park in nearby Aurora. The Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center hosts performances, workshops and exhibits, and the Parker Farmers’ Market is a hot spot to pick up fresh produce and locally made goodies from more than 70 vendors during the warm-weather months. The dining scene is also expanding quickly with fresher additions such as James Beard Award-nominated Poulette Bakeshop (pro tip: order your pastries in advance online) and Convict Coffee (a craft java shop that supports individuals who are currently or previously incarcerated).
3. Thornton, Colorado
Located off Interstate 25 near Broomfield, Thornton is a thriving city in Adams County and one of the best Denver suburbs. Over the past six years, the community has grown significantly and has a population of about 144,000. That growth is largely credited to the $500 million invested in the area’s commercial development. In fact, Thornton is already home to fulfillment centers and corporate offices for mega-companies such as Amazon and Google. It has more than 900 acres of commercial sites open for further progress.
These expansions yield a strong economy powered by diverse industries, from manufacturing to aerospace. Adams County is also known for its excellent schools, which are known for having impactful trade and STEM programs. While the city doesn’t have any major colleges or universities, several higher-education institutions are within driving distance in both Denver and Boulder, including the University of Colorado and Metro State University.
Whether you are single or have a multigenerational family, Thornton has plenty of housing options and indoor and outdoor activities to fill your days. Pop over to Denver Premium Outlets, a 330,000-square-foot outdoor shopping destination with more than 60 retailers and a kid-pleasing playground. The area also has a bevy of dining options, including Colorado’s first In-N-Out Burger, all-you-can-eat hot pot at Hot Pot Spot and homey breakfast and lunch fare at Bluebird Cafe. Or head to Boondocks Fun Center in nearby Northglenn for bowling, laser tag and other fun-for-all entertainment. If you’re up for some fresh-air activities, hit the scenic Clear Creek and South Platte River trails. The regional routes run through Adams County and intersect at the confluence of Clear Creek and the South Platte River.
4. Castle Rock, Colorado
A charming downtown area and proximity to the natural splendor of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains beckon visitors from near and far to Castle Rock. However, the community of about 80,000, situated about 30 miles and 40 miles from Denver and Colorado Springs, respectively, is also a stellar place to settle down. That’s partly thanks to a bounty of excellent schools, easy access to health care options and the city’s safe neighborhoods.
Job-seekers can choose from a diverse mix of small businesses and large companies in industries like manufacturing, construction, recreation, government, education and retail. Douglas County Government and School District, Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and Aluwind are among the city’s largest employers. Castle Rock also has a robust small business community encompassing more than 2,000 locally owned entities, many of which receive support from the chamber of commerce, economic development council and downtown alliance.
The cost of living in Castle Rock is about 12% higher than the national average, but the city’s wealth of amenities and attractions make it worth the spend. Many places to eat and drink accommodate a wide range of budgets and palates, from popular chains like Shake Shack and Chipotle to longstanding mom-and-pop joints such as B&B Cafe and Pegasus Restaurant. Even Centura Castle Rock Adventist Hospital has a beloved restaurant called Manna Restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine. Residents also appreciate all of the free things to do, including mountain biking at Philip S. Miller Park, running on the steps of Challenge Hill and letting the little ones burn energy at Butterfield Crossing Park’s splash pad, fitness course and fully inclusive playground. If you’re looking to plant roots, Castle Rock is handily one of the best suburbs of Denver.
5. Commerce City, Colorado
While Commerce City was once overshadowed by larger neighboring cities such as Aurora and Thornton, the Adams County city has come into its own over the past few years to become one of the top Denver suburbs. Companies such as FedEx Parcel Service, Shamrock Foods and FedEx Freight are the base of the city’s growing economy. Situated less than 10 miles from Denver and only 17 miles from Denver International Airport, Commerce City has a population of about 66,000 and the lowest median income ($92,959) and home value ($432,695) of any suburb on our list.
Many of the city’s neighborhoods feature new builds, making it an attractive base for young professionals and those with little ones and four-legged friends. In addition to a varied inventory of homes, the city also enjoys access to various opportunities to bask in the state’s outdoor splendor, including 840 acres of open space and parks for exploring and 25 miles of trails.
Links lovers can also tackle 18 holes amid Rocky Mountain Views at Buffalo Run Golf Course, while animal lovers can spy on bison and bald eagles at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (the largest urban wildlife refuge in the U.S.). Commerce City’s restaurants and bars serve a smattering of cuisines — but the Mexican food scene is especially notable. Feast on tamales, tacos, green chiles and other specialties at local favorites like Tamales by Sara, El No Que No Authentic Mexican Kitchen #2 and El Jardin Restaurant.