Best suburbs in Denver

Family with two children walking on pedestrian bridge in city park.
imtmphoto // Shutterstock
- Population: 25,940
- Median home value: $550,500
- Median rental price: $2,257

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Littleton Academy (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#25. Columbine, Colorado
Father gives son ride on his shoulders outside of house.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 33,505
- Median home value: $498,700
- Median rental price: $1,862

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), Dennison Elementary School (grade A), Columbine High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Mullen High School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#24. Ken Caryl, Colorado
Shot of young couple with son playing in park.
Josep Suria // Shutterstock
- Population: 7,985
- Median home value: $679,000
- Median rental price: $2,036

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Dennison Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Mullen High School (grade A), The Denver Waldorf School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#23. Applewood, Colorado
Cropped portrait of cheerful family playing soccer.
BAZA Production // Shutterstock
- Population: 20,461
- Median home value: $698,700
- Median rental price: $1,712

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Dennison Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Mullen High School (grade A), The Denver Waldorf School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#22. Golden, Colorado
Two happy girlfriends looking in a shop window.
RossHelen // Shutterstock
- Population: 10,534
- Median home value: $666,300
- Median rental price: $2,245

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Altitude Elementary School (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Regis Jesuit High School (grade A+), Mile High Academy (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade A−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#21. The Pinery, Colorado
Young happy women shopping for vegetables and fruits.
NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock
- Population: 74,065
- Median home value: $577,500
- Median rental price: $1,810

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Regis Jesuit High School (grade A+), Mile High Academy (grade A), Valor Christian High School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#20. Castle Rock, Colorado
Couple in business clothes leaving home for work.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 2,627
- Median home value: $477,600
- Median rental price: $2,433

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A), Colorado Early Colleges - Douglas County (Castle Rock, Inverness, Parker) (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#19. Acres Green, Colorado
Mother and children playing basketball on driveway.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 58,733
- Median home value: $573,000
- Median rental price: $1,885

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Altitude Elementary School (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#18. Parker, Colorado
Customers enjoying meals in busy restaurant.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 45,531
- Median home value: $552,100
- Median rental price: $1,554

- Top schools nearby: D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#17. Littleton, Colorado
Female bakery stall owner at a farmers market.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 4,462
- Median home value: $1,210,300
- Median rental price: $2,225

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+), Regis Jesuit High School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
#16. Castle Pines Village, Colorado
Woman pushing child on swing on playground.
oneinchpunch // Shutterstock
- Population: 30,447
- Median home value: $644,300
- Median rental price: $2,650

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A), High Peaks Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), Holy Family High School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#15. Erie, Colorado
Father giving piggyback ride to his daughter while walking outside.
Akarawut // Shutterstock
- Population: 9,770
- Median home value: $595,600
- Median rental price: $2,116

- Top schools nearby: STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Altitude Elementary School (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#14. Stonegate, Colorado
Young man and little girl laughing with ice cream.
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock
- Population: 1,928
- Median home value: $1,294,600
- Median rental price: $3,111

- Top schools nearby: DSST: Cedar High School (grade A), Littleton Academy (grade A), Wilder Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#13. Columbine Valley, Colorado
Happy family with child and shopping cart buying food at grocery store.
Ground Picture // Shutterstock
- Population: 10,108
- Median home value: $712,800
- Median rental price: $1,892

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Fairview High School (grade A+), Boulder High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#12. Gunbarrel, Colorado
A group of young children getting on the schoolbus.
Stuart Monk // Shutterstock
- Population: 13,993
- Median home value: $768,800
- Median rental price: $1,891

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#11. Lone Tree, Colorado
Boy learning to ride a bicycle with his father in park.
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
- Population: 30,295
- Median home value: $611,500
- Median rental price: $1,912

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A), High Peaks Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#10. Lafayette, Colorado
Two woman in small town downtown laughing.
Laura Beach // Shutterstock
- Population: 6,405
- Median home value: $2,000,001
- Median rental price: $2,191

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#9. Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
Staff serving a customer in a busy coffee shop.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
- Population: 101,514
- Median home value: $637,400
- Median rental price: $2,353

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Mountain Vista High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#8. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Shot of a smiling senior couple taking together in a cafe.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock
- Population: 13,146
- Median home value: $739,200
- Median rental price: $2,310

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#7. Superior, Colorado
A family playing soccer together.
Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock
- Population: 107,702
- Median home value: $586,500
- Median rental price: $1,949

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Grandview High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#6. Centennial, Colorado
Happy young family sitting in a park.
Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock
- Population: 20,920
- Median home value: $781,100
- Median rental price: $1,950

- Top schools nearby: Peak to Peak Charter School (grade A+), Fairview High School (grade A+), Summit Middle Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dawson School (grade A+), Watershed School (grade A), September School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#5. Louisville, Colorado
Happy family in backyard with dog.
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
- Population: 11,811
- Median home value: $775,200
- Median rental price: $1,904

- Top schools nearby: Rock Canyon High School (grade A+), STEM School Highlands Ranch (grade A), Challenge to Excellence Charter School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: unavailable
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#4. Castle Pines, Colorado
Back view of a little girl on fathers shoulders and mom walking alongside.
F8 studio // Shutterstock
- Population: 15,537
- Median home value: $1,140,900
- Median rental price: $2,027

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#3. Greenwood Village, Colorado
Little boy running with his dog on a leash.
FamVeld // Shutterstock
- Population: 11,157
- Median home value: $804,400
- Median rental price: $1,848

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+), Crescent View Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
#2. Cherry Creek, Colorado
Senior couple on walk with a dog.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock
- Population: 2,801
- Median home value: $611,400
- Median rental price: $2,545

- Top schools nearby: Cherry Creek High School (grade A+), Challenge School (grade A), DSST: Cedar High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Colorado Academy (grade A+), Kent Denver School (grade A+), St. Mary's Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

#1. Holly Hills, Colorado
Andrew Zarivny // Shutterstock