Denver is a thriving city with a lot to offer, but it can also be an expensive place to live. However, there are still affordable options for those who want to live here without breaking the bank. Here are the 10 most affordable places to live in Denver, along with information on housing grants, employment opportunities, proximity to campus, and crime rates.
1. Lakewood
Located just west of Denver, Lakewood is a diverse and growing community with a population of over 82,000. The cost of living in Lakewood is 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live in the Denver area. Renting an apartment in Lakewood averages around $1,400 per month.
Lakewood has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, with over 100 parks and several trails for hiking and biking. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Belmar Shopping District and the Lakewood Cultural Center. For college students, Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, and the city is also within driving distance of several other universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Lakewood is home to several major employers, including the federal government, Jeffco Public Schools, and St. Anthony Hospital. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Lakewood Home Repair Program and the Lakewood Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Lakewood is moderate, with a reported 2,808 property crimes and 329 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
2. Aurora
Located just east of Denver, Aurora is the third-largest city in Colorado with a population of over 398,000. The cost of living in Aurora is 6.6% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live near Denver. Renting an apartment in Aurora averages around $1,400 per month.
Aurora has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Aurora Reservoir and several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Aurora History Museum and the Aurora Fox Arts Center. For college students, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is located in Aurora, and several other universities in the Denver area are within driving distance.
In terms of employment opportunities, Aurora is home to several major employers, including the University of Colorado Hospital, Raytheon, and the Aurora Public Schools. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Aurora Housing Authority and the Aurora Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Aurora is moderate, with a reported 3,218 property crimes and 451 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
3. Broomfield
Located halfway between Denver and Boulder, Broomfield is a smaller city with a population of just over 75,000. The cost of living in Broomfield is 6.3% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the Denver area. Renting an apartment in Broomfield averages around $1,600 per month.
Broomfield has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Broomfield County Commons Park and the FlatIron Crossing shopping mall. For college students, Broomfield is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Broomfield is home to several major employers, including Oracle, Level 3 Communications, and Vail Resorts. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Broomfield Housing Authority and the Broomfield Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Broomfield is low, with a reported 1,603 property crimes and 161 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
4. Thornton
Located just north of Denver, Thornton is a growing city with a population of over 142,000. The cost of living in Thornton is 1.1% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the Denver area. Renting an apartment in Thornton averages around $1,500 per month.
Thornton has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Carpenter Park Fields and the Thornton Arts & Culture Center. For college students, Thornton is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Thornton is home to several major employers, including Amazon, SCL Health, and the Adams 12 Five Star Schools. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Thornton Home Repair Program and the Thornton Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Thornton is moderate, with a reported 2,350 property crimes and 252 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
5. Arvada
Located just northwest of Denver, Arvada is a smaller city with apopulation of just over 124,000. The cost of living in Arvada is 3.5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live near Denver. Renting an apartment in Arvada averages around $1,500 per month.
Arvada has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities and the Apex Center. For college students, Arvada is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Arvada is home to several major employers, including the City of Arvada, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Exempla Lutheran Medical Center. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Arvada Home Repair Program and the Arvada Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Arvada is low, with a reported 1,797 property crimes and 154 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
6. Westminster
Located just northwest of Denver, Westminster is a growing city with a population of over 93,000. The cost of living in Westminster is 2.3% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the Denver area. Renting an apartment in Westminster averages around $1,500 per month.
Westminster has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Butterfly Pavilion and the Westminster Promenade. For college students, Westminster is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Westminster is home to several major employers, including Ball Corporation, Front Range Community College, and St. Anthony North Health Campus. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Westminster Housing Authority and the Westminster Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Westminster is moderate, with a reported 2,529 property crimes and 274 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
7. Commerce City
Located just northeast of Denver, Commerce City is a smaller city with a population of just over 64,000. The cost of living in Commerce City is 3.2% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live near Denver. Renting an apartment in Commerce City averages around $1,400 per month.
Commerce City has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and the Dick's Sporting Goods Park. For college students, Commerce City is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Commerce City is home to several major employers, including Adams County School District 14, Suncor Energy, and the City of Commerce City. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Commerce City Home Repair Program and the Commerce City Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Commerce City is moderate, with a reported 2,461 property crimes and 329 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
8. Wheat Ridge
Located just west of Denver, Wheat Ridge is a smaller city with a population of just over 32,700. The cost of living in Wheat Ridge is 8.4% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live near Denver. Renting an apartment in Wheat Ridge averages around $1,300 per month.
Wheat Ridge has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center and the Colorado Railroad Museum. For college students, Wheat Ridge is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Wheat Ridge is home to several major employers, including Lutheran Medical Center, Jefferson County Public Schools, and the City of Wheat Ridge. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Wheat Ridge Home Repair Program and the Wheat Ridge Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Wheat Ridge is low, with a reported 1,466 property crimes and 96 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
9. Englewood
Located just south of Denver, Englewood is a smaller city with a population of just over 24,000. The cost of living in Englewood is 6.9% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live near Denver. Renting an apartment in Englewood averages around $1,500 per month.
Englewood has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Museum of Outdoor Arts and the Gothic Theatre. For college students, Englewood is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Englewood is home to several major employers, including Swedish Medical Center, DISH Network, and the City of Englewood. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Englewood Home Repair Program and the Englewood Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Englewood is moderate, with a reported 2,456 property crimes and 301 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
10. Littleton
Located just south of Denver, Littleton is a smaller city with a population of just over 45,000. The cost of living in Littleton is 10.2% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live near Denver. Renting an apartment in Littleton averages around $1,500 per month.
Littleton has several outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and trails throughout the city. The city is also home to several local attractions, including the Littleton Museum and the Hudson Gardens. For college students, Littleton is within driving distance of several universities in the Denver area.
In terms of employment opportunities, Littleton is home to several major employers, including Lockheed Martin, Arapahoe Community College, and the Littleton Public Schools. The city also offers several housing grants and support programs for low-income residents, including the Littleton Home Repair Program and the Littleton Rental Assistance Program. The crime rate in Littleton is low, with a reported 1,510 property crimes and 124 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Conclusion
Overall, Denver and its surrounding cities offer a wealth of opportunities for those seeking an affordable and high-quality lifestyle. By exploring the various options available, you can find a city that fits your budget and offers the amenities and resources that matter most to you. Whether you're a young professional, a student, or starting a family, there is a city near Denver that can provide you with a great place to call home.
