Denver’s job market keeps booming, but not everyone wants to pay downtown rent or live in the city’s busiest neighborhoods. Luckily, the suburbs surrounding Denver offer plenty of commuter-friendly options with reasonable prices, good schools, and easy access to I-25, I-70, and the RTD light rail.

Best Suburbs for Commuters in 2025

Centennial
Located about 15 miles south of downtown Denver, Centennial consistently ranks high for safety, top-rated schools, and family amenities. Expect a typical single-family home to run about $650,000 in 2025. Commuting to downtown takes around 30–40 minutes by car, or a quick park-and-ride via the RTD light rail.

Lakewood
Just west of Denver, Lakewood is a long-time favorite for people who want more space without losing city access. Home prices here average around $550,000 in 2025. It’s about a 20–25 minute drive downtown or an easy hop on the W Line light rail.

Arvada
Northwest of downtown, Arvada has a charming old town area, strong community feel, and new housing developments mixed with classic ranch-style homes. The average home price is roughly $575,000. Commute time to downtown: 20–30 minutes by car, slightly longer by train.

Littleton
Southwest of Denver, Littleton blends historic streets with new suburban developments. Families love its parks, trails, and good schools. Average home prices hover around $600,000. The downtown commute takes about 30–40 minutes by car or RTD rail.

Thornton
For those seeking newer builds at lower prices, Thornton (north of Denver) is worth a look. The average home costs about $500,000 in 2025 — more affordable than many suburbs. The commute downtown runs about 25–35 minutes by car, or you can catch the N Line train.

Tips for Commuters

Traffic can vary wildly with weather and construction. Many locals use park-and-ride stations and light rail to avoid parking headaches downtown. If flexible work schedules are an option, commuting off-peak hours can save a lot of time.

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