TL;DR

Choosing where to live in Denver depends on your budget, lifestyle, and life stage. We've broken down the Denver metro area into three price tiers: entry-level options like parts of Aurora and Denver townhomes, mid-range family-friendly suburbs like Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock, and luxury destinations such as Boulder, Cherry Hills Village, and Greenwood Village, with average home prices currently around $650,000 across the metro.

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After helping hundreds of families relocate to the Mile High City, we've learned that pinpointing where to live in Denver based on your specific needs is the most crucial step in a successful move. The Denver metro area is incredibly diverse, offering everything from starter homes under $500,000 to multi-million dollar luxury estates, with the current average home price sitting around $650,000.

In our 10 years as licensed Denver real estate agents, we've navigated countless market shifts, from rapid appreciation to fluctuating inventory. We understand that finding the right balance between size, condition, and location is paramount, and we're committed to helping you achieve that perfect equilibrium in today's dynamic market.

This comprehensive guide will break down the Denver metro area into three distinct price tiers, highlighting the best suburbs and neighborhoods within each. We'll explore average home prices, lifestyle factors, and school districts, providing a clear roadmap to help you find your ideal Denver suburbs by price range. Let's dive in and discover where your next chapter in Colorado awaits.

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Tier 1: Entry-Level & Affordable Homes Denver Metro

When searching for entry-level affordable homes Denver metro, we find that buyers are often looking for their first home or a fresh start in Colorado. The key is understanding the balance between size, condition, and location. As we always tell our clients, if you prioritize one, you might need to compromise slightly on the others. Our goal is to help you find the healthiest balance for your unique situation. The average home price in the Denver metro area is currently around $650,000, so our entry-level tier typically falls below or around this mark.

Aurora: A City of Diverse Affordability

Aurora often comes to mind first when we talk about affordability in the Denver area. It's the second-largest city in Colorado, right after Denver, which means it offers a vast array of neighborhoods and price points. The sheer size of Aurora allows for significant diversity in housing options.

North Aurora & Northeast Aurora: New Builds & Value

North Aurora, particularly the areas bordering Denver, is one of the oldest and most densely populated parts of the city. Here, you'll find some of the most affordable homes, often built in the '70s and '80s. However, if you head further east, past E-470, you'll discover a hub of new construction. Communities like Aurora Highlands offer some of the most affordable new builds in Colorado.

"Homes out here are going to range anywhere from, let's say, 450 to about 650,000 out of North Aurora."

We often recommend this eastern area for clients looking for newer homes, good schools, and new hospital campuses, all while maintaining affordability. Commute-wise, North Aurora offers about a 35-minute drive to downtown Denver (though expect rush hour traffic on I-70 and I-225) and a convenient 20-minute (or less) commute to Denver International Airport (DIA), especially via E-470, which is a major draw for frequent travelers or airport employees.

Central Aurora: Established Communities

Moving south, Central Aurora features homes primarily built from the mid-'80s to the early 2000s. This area starts to transition into the highly desirable Cherry Creek School District on its southern edge, increasing its appeal. Average home prices here are roughly $500,000 to $550,000, offering good value for established neighborhoods. Like North Aurora, the western side tends to have slightly older homes, while the eastern side features more recent constructions, though prices will begin to climb there.

South & Southeast Aurora: Higher Price Points

While South and Southeast Aurora also fall within the Cherry Creek School District and offer excellent amenities, their average home prices typically range from $700,000 to $800,000 and can go up to $2 million. For the purpose of discussing entry-level price points, we generally focus on the northern and central parts of Aurora, but it's important to know the full spectrum this large city offers.

Denver Townhomes & Condos: Urban Affordability

Believe it or not, you can find entry level homes Colorado within Denver itself, especially if you're open to townhomes or condos. We often recommend looking at specific areas just west of I-25.

Highlands, Sunnyside, Berkeley, & Sloans Lake Area

This cluster of neighborhoods—Highlands, Sunnyside, Berkeley, and Sloans Lake—offers an urban feel with distinct community vibes. Each area boasts its own charming shopping strips, local eateries, and active communities where people are often out walking dogs or enjoying the many parks. We often see clients drawn to the unique blend of quiet residential streets and vibrant local amenities here.

"What's the best neighborhood for families? Without hesitation, we'd say Stapleton offers the best combination of schools, parks, and community."

While single-family homes in these areas can be pricey, townhomes present a fantastic opportunity. For instance, we recently helped clients secure a brand-new, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath townhome just south of Sloan's Lake for $620,000. It even included a beautiful deck with mountain and city views, a two-car garage, and a rare zero HOA (party wall agreement). This is a prime example of the value available for first-time home buyers looking for a faster-paced, city-adjacent lifestyle.

Townhomes vs. Condos: The HOA Factor

We generally encourage clients to consider townhomes over condos for a few key reasons. While condos often have lower purchase prices, their HOA fees can be significantly higher—sometimes $500-$800 per month. That same $800, if applied to a mortgage, could allow you to afford a home that's $100,000 more expensive. Townhomes, especially those with lower HOAs (around $150/month) or party wall agreements, tend to offer better appreciation rates, almost as good as single-family homes, making them a smarter long-term investment.

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Tier 2: Mid-Range & Growing Family Neighborhoods

Our second tier focuses on homes in the $650,000 to $850,000 range, which represents the majority of the Denver metro area. While many suburbs fall into this category, three stand out for their popularity and family-friendly amenities: Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. All three are located in the South Denver metro area, and while we might be a little biased living on this side, many of our clients choose these areas for their quality of life.

Castle Rock: New Builds & Young Families

Castle Rock is the furthest south of the three, but its location directly on I-25 makes for a manageable commute. Expect about an hour to downtown Denver during rush hour, or 35-40 minutes without traffic. Castle Rock is experiencing a boom in new construction, with vast undeveloped spaces giving rise to numerous new communities. It boasts a vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere with a surprisingly young demographic—the average age is around 38. We often recommend Castle Rock for those seeking new homes and a community rich with activities.

Parker: Family-Friendly & Established

Parker is a large city, extending from just south of E-470 down towards The Pinery. While you'll find some new builds, Parker is predominantly made up of pre-existing homes, offering a variety of styles from the '70s onwards. The average home price in Parker is around $650,000. We've seen significant growth in the area, and for those interested in new developments, you might want to check out Parker Colorado Is Exploding: 3 New Communities You Need to See 2!.

While Parker has all the essential big-box stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe's, we sometimes wish for a greater variety of independent, mom-and-pop restaurants and shops. Despite this, Parker remains a fantastic community for many families, offering everything they need for daily life.

Highlands Ranch: Established Amenities & Mountain Views

Highlands Ranch is an incredibly popular neighborhood, and for good reason. It's located further west, offering closer proximity to the mountains and often stunning mountain views. Developed heavily from the early '90s to the early 2000s, new builds are scarce and typically very high-priced. The average home price here ranges from $650,000 to $750,000. While you might need to budget for updates on the lower end, higher-priced homes may already be renovated.

Highlands Ranch is known for its extensive amenities, including abundant shopping, diverse dining options, numerous schools, and multiple hospitals. If you're looking for an established area with everything you need at your fingertips and great views, Highlands Ranch is an excellent choice.

Douglas County School District Advantage

One of the biggest advantages of these three cities is their location within the Douglas County School District. This district consistently ranks among the top five (often top three) in the Denver Metro, known for both strong academics and excellent sports programs. Beyond traditional public schools, Douglas County also offers a wealth of charter, private, and STEM school options, catering to diverse educational needs. Regardless of which city you choose, you'll benefit from a highly-rated school district, which is a significant factor for families and also contributes positively to resale value.

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Tier 3: Luxury & Dream Home Destinations

For those seeking the ultimate Denver luxury homes, our third tier begins around the $2 million mark and extends upwards. While we could certainly point to areas within Denver like Cherry Creek, we're focusing on suburban options that offer a distinct high-end lifestyle.

Boulder: Mountain Proximity & Top Schools

Boulder is a name synonymous with luxury in Colorado. It offers some of the finest homes and a unique lifestyle, but it's also somewhat in its own bubble. Living in Boulder means prioritizing proximity to the mountains and nature, without necessarily needing to be in the mountains themselves (like Aspen or Vail). It's a top choice for those whose number one priority, alongside luxury, is a strong connection to the outdoors. The Boulder County School District is often rated number one for many years, making it an obvious choice for families prioritizing top-tier education.

In Boulder, you'll find a variety of architectural styles, including many modern and contemporary homes, which can be harder to find elsewhere in Colorado. However, large lots and extensive acreage are less common due to the city's condensed nature. If you're looking for unique, non-cookie-cutter luxury without the need for vast acreage, Boulder is an excellent fit.

Cherry Hills Village & Greenwood Village: Acreage & Urban Oasis

For those who desire luxury with ample space and incredible convenience, Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village are unparalleled. Located directly south of Denver, these areas offer a unique blend of grand living and urban accessibility. We recently showcased a $7.5 million home in Cherry Hills, highlighting the caliber of properties available.

Both areas feature a mix of what we call "old money" homes—think French chateaus and stately estates—alongside modern, new-build contemporary styles. While starting at $2 million is possible, the options truly open up once you cross the $4-6 million threshold, with no upper limit.

> "I think one of the biggest draws to people that are living in these areas is that you can find one, two, three acre lots here, like quite literally in the middle of the city, which is almost unheard of. You just got to pay for it."

These neighborhoods provide the almost unheard-of luxury of one, two, or even three-acre lots right in the heart of the city. They feel like private oases, yet offer incredible proximity to I-25 and the Denver Tech Center. For those seeking top-tier schools, acreage, modern high-end living, and a central metro location, Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village are superb choices. Both areas are also served by the highly-rated Cherry Creek School District, offering excellent public school options in addition to numerous charter and private schools.

It's worth noting that while Cherry Creek in Denver is a luxury neighborhood, it's distinct from the Cherry Creek School District. If you're curious about the broader changes happening in Denver, including downtown plans and rising costs, we've covered this in depth in Denver’s Massive Makeover: Downtown Plans, New Stadium & Rising Costs, and for larger city developments, check out Denver Is Transforming: 4 Mega Projects You NEED To See.

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Key Takeaways

• Denver Metro Average Home Price: The current average home price across the Denver metro area stands at approximately $650,000, setting a baseline for understanding different price tiers.
• Aurora Offers Diverse Affordability: North and Northeast Aurora provide entry-level options from $450,000, including new builds like Aurora Highlands, with convenient access to DIA (around 20 minutes) and downtown Denver.
• Denver Townhomes for Urban Value: Neighborhoods like Highlands, Sunnyside, Berkeley, and Sloans Lake offer townhomes from $620,000, providing urban living with better appreciation potential and often lower HOAs compared to condos.
• Mid-Range Family Hubs: Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock (average $650,000-$850,000) are popular for growing families, all located within the top-rated Douglas County School District.
• Luxury Living with Space: Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village offer luxury homes starting around $2 million, featuring rare 1-3 acre lots in the middle of the city and access to the excellent Cherry Creek School District.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the most affordable places to live in Denver?

A: For single-family homes, the most affordable areas are typically found in parts of Aurora, particularly North and Northeast Aurora, where new builds can start around $450,000. If you're open to townhomes, areas in Denver like Sunnyside, Berkeley, and Sloans Lake offer entry-level options close to downtown, often for around $600,000-$650,000.

Q: Which Denver suburbs are considered entry-level?

A: Aurora stands out as a primary entry-level suburb due to its size and varying price points, especially in its northern and northeastern sections. For those prioritizing newer construction at an affordable price, areas with new developments like Aurora Highlands are excellent entry-level choices.

Q: What is the average home price in the Denver metro area?

A: The current average home price in the broader Denver metro area is approximately $650,000. This figure serves as a benchmark when considering different neighborhoods and their respective price tiers, from entry-level to luxury.

Q: Are there good new build communities in Aurora, Colorado?

A: Yes, absolutely! The eastern side of Aurora, particularly beyond E-470, is experiencing significant new development. Communities like Aurora Highlands offer some of the most affordable new build homes in the entire Colorado market, complete with new schools and hospital campuses.

Q: Which parts of Aurora are best for families?

A: For families, Central Aurora offers established communities with homes from the '80s and '90s, often breaking into the desirable Cherry Creek School District. South and Southeast Aurora also boast the Cherry Creek School District and a family-friendly environment, though these areas typically come with higher price tags, averaging $700,000 to $800,000.

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Watch the Full Video

For more insights, watch the complete video: Where to Live in Denver? Suburbs for Every Price Range Explained!

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Making Your Move Easier

Moving forward does not have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate this journey smoothly. Eli Schmidt and Will Grimes are ready to help you every step of the way.

Here's how to get in touch:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: 720-419-0224

💻 YouTube: Living in Denver - The Mile High Property Brothers