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The 3 Best Places to Live Around Denver in 2026:
A Colorado Native's Top Picks for Lifestyle, Value, and Long-Term Living
If someone told me I had to move—but I could only choose three areas around Denver to live in—I already know exactly where I'd go.
After living in Colorado for more than 40 years and helping hundreds of buyers relocate to the Denver metro area, there are three communities I consistently recommend. They're not necessarily the newest neighborhoods, the least expensive places to buy a home, or the trendiest zip codes. Instead, they offer what I believe is one of the best combinations of lifestyle, convenience, outdoor recreation, community, schools, amenities, and long-term value.
If you're researching the best places to live in Denver, moving to Colorado, or trying to decide which Denver suburb is right for you, this guide will help you understand why these communities continue to stand out year after year.
Why Choosing the Right Community Matters More Than Choosing the Perfect House
One of the biggest mistakes I see relocation buyers make is focusing almost entirely on the house itself.
While finding the right home is important, the neighborhood you choose will impact your daily life far more than granite countertops or the color of your kitchen cabinets.
Questions I encourage buyers to think about include:
How long is your commute?
Do you want walkable restaurants and coffee shops?
How important is access to hiking and biking trails?
Do you want mature trees or newer neighborhoods?
Is community involvement important?
What kind of lifestyle do you want five or ten years from now?
The best home in the wrong location can leave you wishing you'd made a different decision.
That's why I always start with lifestyle first.
My Top 3 Places to Live Around Denver in 2026
After helping buyers from across the country relocate to Colorado, these are the three areas I find myself recommending most often.
Littleton: One of the Best Places to Live Near Denver
If you've watched my Living in Denver YouTube channel before, this first choice probably won't surprise you.
Littleton has become one of my favorite communities in the Denver metro area—and it's where I personally chose to live.
Why?
Because Littleton feels like a real town rather than just another suburb.
It offers:
A charming historic downtown
Excellent locally owned restaurants
Coffee shops and breweries
Community events throughout the year
Beautiful parks and trail systems
Easy access to Chatfield State Park
Quick trips to the foothills and mountains
Convenient light rail access into downtown Denver
For buyers looking for a balance between city convenience and Colorado lifestyle, Littleton consistently checks a lot of boxes.
Golden & Applewood: The Colorado Lifestyle at Its Best
When people imagine living in Colorado, they're often picturing communities like Golden and Applewood.
Golden offers an incredible mix of:
Mountain access
Historic downtown charm
Clear Creek
Hiking and biking trails
Local shops and restaurants
Colorado School of Mines
Outdoor festivals and community events
Just east of Golden sits Applewood, one of the Denver area's hidden gems.
Applewood offers:
Mature tree-lined streets
Larger lots
Established neighborhoods
Beautiful custom homes
Excellent access to both downtown Denver and the mountains
For buyers who want to maximize the Colorado lifestyle while staying close to the city, it's hard to beat this part of Jefferson County.
Northwest Arvada: One of Denver's Best-Kept Secrets
The third area on my list is Northwest Arvada.
While Arvada has become increasingly popular over the past decade, I believe the northwest portion of the city offers exceptional long-term value.
Communities like:
West Woods
Five Parks
Trail Village
Scenic Heights
Ralston Valley area
provide many of the qualities buyers are looking for today.
Residents enjoy:
Excellent trail systems
Golf courses
Mountain views
Larger parks
Highly regarded schools
Easy access to Highway 93 and Boulder
Convenient access to Golden and Denver
It's one of the few places where buyers can still find a wonderful balance between suburban living and outdoor recreation.
What These Communities All Have in Common
Although these three areas are very different, they share several characteristics that I believe make them exceptional places to live.
They all offer:
Strong community pride
Convenient commuting options
Access to hiking, biking, and open space
Mature neighborhoods with established character
Excellent parks and recreation
A wide variety of home styles
Long-term desirability
Strong resale appeal
The kind of lifestyle that makes people want to stay for years
Those qualities matter just as much as square footage or price.
Which Denver Neighborhood Is Right for You?
The truth is, there isn't one "best" place to live around Denver.
The best neighborhood depends entirely on your goals.
For example:
A young professional may prioritize nightlife and walkability.
A growing family may focus on schools and parks.
An outdoor enthusiast may want quick access to the foothills.
A retiree may prefer low-maintenance living near golf courses and trails.
That's why I spend so much time learning about each client's priorities before recommending neighborhoods.
The goal isn't simply to help you buy a house.
It's to help you find the community that feels like home.
Watch This Week's Living in Denver Episode
In this week's Living in Denver episode, I explain exactly why these three communities consistently rise to the top of my recommendation list.
You'll also learn:
Why I personally chose to live in Littleton
What makes Golden and Applewood so uniquely "Colorado"
Why Northwest Arvada has become one of my favorite recommendations for relocation buyers
The common characteristics I believe every great community should have
How to determine which Denver-area neighborhood best fits your lifestyle
Whether you're relocating from another state or you're already living in Colorado and planning your next move, I hope this episode helps you narrow your search and gives you a clearer picture of what life is really like in these incredible communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to live around Denver?
Some of my personal favorites include Littleton, Golden, Applewood, and Northwest Arvada because they offer an excellent combination of lifestyle, convenience, outdoor recreation, and long-term value.
Where should I live if I'm moving to Denver?
The answer depends on your budget, commute, family needs, and lifestyle. That's why it's important to work with someone who knows the communities—not just the homes.
Is Littleton a good place to live?
Yes. Littleton is consistently one of my top recommendations because of its historic downtown, parks, restaurants, trails, strong community feel, and easy access to both downtown Denver and the mountains.
Is Golden a good place to live?
Golden is one of Colorado's most iconic communities. It offers mountain access, outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and a lifestyle that's difficult to replicate elsewhere in the Denver metro area.
Is Arvada a good place to buy a home?
Absolutely. Northwest Arvada, in particular, offers outstanding parks, trails, established neighborhoods, mountain views, and excellent long-term appeal for many buyers.
About Adam Lang | Living in Denver
I'm Adam Lang, a Denver Realtor®, Colorado native, and creator of the Living in Denver YouTube channel. I've spent more than 40 years exploring Colorado and have helped hundreds of buyers relocate to the Denver metro area.
My goal is simple: to provide honest, educational content that helps people confidently navigate the Denver real estate market. Whether you're moving from another state, buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, I believe informed buyers make better decisions.
Ready to Make Your Move?
If you're thinking about buying or relocating to the Denver area, I'd love to help.
Schedule a free 30-minute Denver Real Estate Strategy Session, where we'll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and identify the neighborhoods that best match your lifestyle.
You can also download my free:
Denver Relocation Guide
Home Buyer's Guide
Seller's Guide
New Construction Guide
Credit Repair Toolkit
And don't forget to subscribe to Living in Denver on YouTube for weekly videos covering Denver neighborhoods, the Colorado lifestyle, market updates, relocation advice, and everything you need to know before making your move.
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