Looking for Rent in Suburban Denver? Come Home to Some of the Best Places to Live in America

Blue skies, majestic mountains, and powder slopes at your doorstep: what’s not to love about Denver? You probably already know that the Mile High City—so named for its altitude of almost exactly one mile above sea level—is one of the most attractive major metro areas for young professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who want a great place to raise a family.  According to Yardi Matrix, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in downtown Denver is $1,154, but within a half-hour drive you will find apartments for less, in the most charming towns and best places to call home in the entire country.

Take a look at these picturesque Denver suburbs and you might just fall in love:

Aurora

Commute time to downtown Denver: 24 minutes (7.8 mi)
Best find: Fairways at Lowry, from $800 for a 1-bed, 1-bath to $999 for a 2-bed, 1-bath (check availability)
Perks: newly renovated, modern units; carports; dog park; playground fitness center, soccer field, and pool; short-term leases available

On the northern edge of Arapahoe County sits the city of Aurora, with Denver directly to the west. Despite being so close to a major city, the opportunities for outdoor recreation are abundant, from biking at Cherry Creek State Park to watching triathletes compete at Aurora Reservoir. Dining options run the gamut: Rosie’s Diner takes patrons back to the 50s in America, while Monsoon does Indian fare to perfection.

The newly-completed renovations at Fairways at Lowry make life in Aurora feel like coming home to a resort at the end of the day.

Centennial

Commute time to downtown Denver: 26 minutes (19.8 mi)
Best find: Fox Ridge, from $1,095 for a 1-bed, 1-bath with 697 sq.ft., to $1,445 for a 2-bed, 2-bath with 1116 sq.ft. (check availability)
Perks: fireplace and balcony/patio; short-term leases available; carport; nature view; clubhouse and pool

On the opposite end of Arapahoe County lies Centennial, recently ranked fourth in USA Today’s 50 Best Places to Live in America and has been called “The Safest City in Colorado”. Well-educated residents—more than half of all adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher—and Centennial’s ample recreational activities make it a desirable location for Denver commuters to call home.

The apartments at Fox Ridge are one of several living options in Centennial that provide easy access to CO-470 for those who work downtown.

Littleton

Commute time to downtown Denver: 20 minutes (10.7 mi)
Best find: Verona Apartment Homes, from $1,155 for a 1-bed, 1-bath with 650 sq.ft. to $1,410 for a 2-bed, 2-bath with 900 sq.ft. (check availability)
Perks: resort-style saltwater pool; in-unit washer/dryer; bike share program; close to light rail station; fireplace; BBQ/picnic area

Directly south of Denver is Littleton, known for its Main Street Block Party, top-rated public schools, and easy access to the hiking trails at Roxborough State Park. Kids enjoy the Littleton Museum, while adults might prefer a tour of Breckenridge Brewery. This suburb of just under 45,000 residents puts you close enough to Denver to make commuting a breeze while giving you a small-town feel when the workday ends.

While Verona Apartment Homes are priced on par with the average rent for downtown Denver, you’d have a challenging time finding housing in the city that includes resort-style amenities and the beauty of living in one of the most charming and picturesque small towns in the U.S.

Looking for apartments for rent in Denver? Let RentCafe help you find your next home.