Nature surrounds the city of Denver, Colorado, making it a paradise for any outdoor enthusiast who also enjoys city life. With close proximity to the Southern Rockies and extensive outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that nearly 715k people live in Denver. Whether you’re a Colorado native or moving to “the Mile High City,” buying a home in Denver may be on the top of your to-do list.
But with Denver’s median home sale price of $589,500 and an average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Denver of $2,646, you may be wondering if there are more affordable options close to the city. Don’t worry, Redfin has compiled a list of 10 affordable Denver suburbs that are within driving distance of downtown. That way you don’t have to miss out rooting for the Denver Broncos from Empower Field at Mile High while being close to all the nearby mountain ranges.
#1: Derby, CO
Median home price: $411,250
Driving distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Derby, CO homes for sale
Derby, CO apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $411,250, Derby, a neighborhood of Commerce City, is the most affordable Denver suburb on our list. Home to just about 9,000 residents, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life, while only being 20 minutes away from all that Denver has to offer. Check out nearby Elaine T. Valente Open Spaces for a variety of nature walks around the South Platte River for some great scenery.
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#2: Aurora, CO
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Median home price: $486,500
Driving distance from Denver: 25 minutes
Aurora, CO homes for sale
Aurora, CO apartments for rent
Driving 25 minutes east of Denver will land you in the suburb of Aurora. With a population of nearly 386,300, you’ll be living the suburban life while exploring Denver in your free time. However, there are many fun activities in Aurora that you may just want to spend your free time in the suburbs. Make sure to visit Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, camp at Cherry Creek State Park, or hike through the Plains Conservation Center.
#3: Northglenn, CO
Median home price: $514,500
Driving distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Northglenn, CO homes for sale
Northglenn, CO apartments for rent
Northglenn takes the third spot on our list of Denver’s most affordable suburbs. Only a 20-minute drive into downtown Denver you’ll find yourself watching a Denver Nuggets game in no time. After moving to Northglenn, check out E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park and Croke Reservoir. When living in this suburb of roughly 38,200 people, you can also join in on a Full Moon Bike Ride.
#4: Thornton, CO
Median home price: $530,000
Driving distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Thornton, CO homes for sale
Thornton, CO apartments for rent
Nearly $50K less than Denver’s home prices and home to roughly 141,900 residents, Thornton lands fourth place. From renting a paddleboat at Carpenter Park to taking a scenic walk at Pelican Ponds Open Space, Thornton has much to offer to anyone living in the suburb. And drive approximately 20 minutes south and you’ll be at the Denver Zoo ready to check out all the colorful birds and scaly reptiles.
#5: Ken Caryl, CO
Median home price: $532,500
Driving distance from Denver: 30 minutes
Ken Caryl, CO homes for sale
Ken Caryl, CO apartments for rent
Known by locals as Ken Caryl Ranch, you’ll find this suburb located 30 minutes southeast of Denver with picturesque views of the foothills. With home prices about 55K below Denver’s, Ken Caryl should definitely be on your list of suburbs to check out. During the snowy months, make sure to take your sled over to Ken Caryl Sledding Hill for some winter fun. You can also head to nearby Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms and explore the native plants and wildflower gardens.
#6: Sheridan, CO
Median home price: $548,000
Driving distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Sheridan, CO homes for sale
Sheridan, CO apartments for rent
If you’re looking for small-town charm, then look no further than Sheridan. This suburb has roughly 6,000 residents and is less than 25 minutes away from Denver’s city center. Living in Sheridan, you’ll be close to River Run Park where you can learn how to river surf and South Platte River where you can brush up on your fishing skills.
#7: Commerce City, CO
Median home price: $548,500
Driving distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Commerce City, CO homes for sale
Commerce City, CO apartments for rent
Living in Denver, it’s likely that you know of Commerce City. About 62,000 residents call this affordable city home, so you’ll have a fraction of Denver’s population while remaining close to all the craft breweries in Denver. Once moving to Commerce City add the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and Buffalo Run Golf Course to your list of places to visit.
#8: Lakewood, CO (tie)
Median home price: $550,000
Driving distance from Denver: 15 minutes
Lakewood, CO homes for sale
Lakewood, CO apartments for rent
Next on our list of affordable Denver suburbs is Lakewood, which is about 15 minutes southwest of downtown. With a population of about 156,000, buying a home in Lakewood will get you closer to Mt. Evans and Grays Peak without losing out on the quick drive into Denver. If you’re going to call this affordable suburb home, plan time to horseback ride at Bear Creek Lake Park and hike along the trails at William Frederick Hayden Park.
#8: Brighton, CO (tie)
Median home price: $550,000
Driving distance from Denver: 25 minutes
Brighton, CO homes for sale
Brighton, CO apartments for rent
Tying the eighth spot on our list is the suburb of Brighton, where the home prices are about $40K less than in Denver. Brighton has roughly 40,100 residents and is a great suburb to consider moving to. From boating at Barr Lake State Park to floating along the lazy river at Oasis Family Aquatic Park during the summer, you’ll have easy access to what makes Brighton unique.
#10: Westminster, CO
Median home price: $575,000
Driving distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Westminster, CO homes for sale
Westminster, CO apartments for rent
Drive 20 minutes outside of Denver and you’ll find yourself in the final suburb on our list – Westminster. Home to 116,000 residents, moving to this affordable suburb can keep you close enough to Denver, without living the city life. In Westminster, you’ll find Butterfly Pavilion and the Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge. Don’t forget to stop by the Adventure Golf & Raceway for a game of mini-golf once you move here. If you’re not sure about buying your first home, you can check out the most affordable Denver suburbs to rent an apartment.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Denver and under a 30 minute drive from downtown Denver. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center April 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com May 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau
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