If you’re looking to explore new territory or relocate within the Denver metro area, you’ll find many possibilities.
As the surrounding suburbs and urban landscapes continue to flourish, some regions have shown more growth than others.
Remaining informed about your options equips you with the proper knowledge before the search for local moving companies begins.
Uncovering Thriving Communities Around Denver, CO
Coloradans already understand the beauty of the Centennial State, but there are so many places to explore, some of which have seen exponential growth in livability over the past few years.
While Denver proper remains heavily populated, the surrounding cities have become strong contenders.
Many areas have shifted their focus on expanding their amenities, developing walkable towns, and delivering a new means of living in the Mile High.
Where Economic Opportunity and Safer Surroundings Await
As Colorado’s communities expand, a unique blend of economic opportunities arises.
This, coupled with safer surroundings and supportive community members, can make a vast difference in quality of life.
With a robust job market, developing housing options, and continued access to the great outdoors, staying informed about your best options is important when contemplating an upcoming local move.
Thorton: A Developing City that is Waiting for You
Nestled just north of Denver, Thornton is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after suburban cities to live in.
It is the perfect mix of urban convenience and small-town living, and it offers those seeking a fresh start to a new kind of life!
What Makes Thornton Such a Great Place to Live?
As recent developments continue to rise and amenities become more diverse, residents in Thornton can treat themselves to anything from recreational parks, shopping centers, dining options, and legitimate housing.
With its strategic location, there is quick and easy access to the Denver metro or the mountains.
It has quickly become a place where dreams can flourish for newcomers!
Affordable Housing Provides People Options
With interest rates being hard to ignore in today’s economy, more and more Coloradans are looking for reliable rental options, and Thornton, CO, brings just that!
It is the focus on affordable and accessible housing options that has brought many new residents to the area over the past couple of years.
This remains one of the biggest draws in the region.
There is a range of everything from single-family homes to eco-friendly condos and modern apartment complexes.
The city has taken extreme strides to enable locals to thrive with their most basic need of housing through prioritizing affordable housing initiatives.
Safety is Something You Can Rely On
Safety is the cornerstone for young professionals and families.
Having that kind of peace of knowing creates space for Thornton residents to formulate a true sense of belonging.
The city has remained proactive with public safety in expanding and increasing training for local law enforcement, developing independent neighborhood watch initiatives, and opportunities for continued community engagement on these issues.
Economic Growth Continues to Expand
Thornton, Colorado, has been experiencing a remarkable wave of economic expansion that helps to promise and reshape its future.
This has enhanced opportunities for potential residents and local businesses alike!
Healthcare and Adams County School District remain among the largest employers, but innovative options in solar technologies and entrepreneurship exist as well.
With the city’s growth, there have been new retail spaces, office spaces, and recreational facilities that continue to create jobs and boost local commerce.
Some of the major employers to check out consist of the following:
- North Suburban Medical Center is a full-service hospital located in Thornton with surrounding healthcare options like UC Health and Children’s Hospital.
- Amazon has offices and a fulfillment center in the area that supplies hundreds of jobs for residents!
- Intrex Aerospace is a manufacturing facility specializing in the most elite precision in products and performance. It has had a tremendous impact on the city’s overall economic growth.
Lakewood Offers a Mix of Nature and Urban Life
Lakewood, Colorado, is the bridge between downtown Denver and the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.
It is here you can find a balance between the natural beauties of the world and urban lifestyles. It has quickly become one of the more attractive cities to live within the metro area.
Those who love the outdoors and city people alike can experience the best of both worlds here!
Nothing Beats Lakewood’s Culture & Culinary Scene
Everything from the local coffee shops to the art galleries echoes the intense diversity within the community of Lakewood.
The area is rich with artistic expression, creativity, theater, and cultural events that celebrate the community.
Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park holds a plethora of events throughout the year alongside farmers’ markets, block parties, and holiday festivities!
With every event or gathering, food is a central focus point and Lakewood delivers!
Belmar in downtown Lakewood and the Colorado Mills Mall boast a ton of dining options, comfy cafes, and baked goods.
Check out some of these top restaurants in Lakewood, Colorado:
- The French Press is in the Belmar shopping center, and flocks of people are piling into the restaurant. They offer casual dining options with a massive patio for indoor/outdoor seating options. The restaurant is open for brunch and lunch, with a wide array of delicious sandwiches to choose from.
- Chicago Style Beef and Dogs brings the taste of the windy city to Colorado. These authentic Chicago hot dogs are hard to pass up and continue to bring in crowds.
- Tellers Tap Room and Kitchen has all the usual suspects available at a gastropub, but they like to kick things up a notch. Best known for their premium Angus beef burgers, this restaurant is a great place to lounge for lunch or dinner.
Access to the Outdoors Offer Endless Adventure
The city is considered an urban environment but there are over 7,000 acres of open spaces and trails to access.
Family-friendly fun in the sun or winter is simple with these many options to choose from!
Breckenridge is just over an hour out for a day of skiing, and Red Rocks is even closer.
You can find wonder in fishing at Cottonwood Park or check out the gardens at Kendrick Lake Park because everywhere you turn the great outdoors is right at your doorstep.
The Schools & Neighborhoods are Amazing
Education is a valuable tool for Colorado residents, and Lakewood is part of the broader Adams County district, which provides employment options and an amazing environment for K through 12 students.
This is coupled with a multitude of private and alternative schooling options in the area.
Given its close proximity to Denver, it is easy to get to renowned universities like MSU, CU Denver, and the University of Denver as well.
Public light rail and the expansion of bus stops in every neighborhood make it convenient to travel to these universities!
Littleton: A Blend of History and Modern Living
The town of Littleton helps to intertwine the historic with contemporary living options which have developed a unique and exciting environment for those tempted to move in.
It was initially established as a city in the 1850s and its downtown area remains well preserved with all the nearby neighborhoods evolving.
What are the vibes in Littleton, CO?
Littleton has always been known as a suburb of the Denver area.
It borders the South Platte River, which supplies quaint scenery heading to the Great Plains region.
There are loads of things to do, from local shopping to feasts, and it remains a glowing, comfortable, and tight-knit area for those looking for something a little bit outside of the city.
One of the most special things about Littleton is their downtown strip, which offers the following:
- Arapahoe Community College is right off the main street. It offers over 100 different degrees and certification programs and easy transfer options if students plan to attend another Colorado university!
- The Littleton Museum is a fun place to visit with family and friends. It provides a comprehensive history of the town with fully interactive exhibits throughout.
- Jack & Fin’s Sweet Eats is one of the locals’ favorites and is often a place visited by visitors or tourists in the area. Everything is made fresh here, with specialties focused on delicious cupcakes and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches!
Littleton’s Welcoming with a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Inviting atmospheres is the key to creating bustling communities, and Littleton is officially the ideal place for families.
The town is and has always prided itself on a sense of being together which is very apparent through the continuous festivities, events, and activities held year-round.
There are excellent schools, sporting fields, trail access, and places for the kiddos to play with picture-perfect neighborhoods straight out of a movie!
Proximity is Convenient for Colorado Travels
While the area is technically suburban, there are lightning-fast transit options.
Bike trails throughout the city, bus stops, and RTD light rail stops can be seen from street to street, making it an easy commute if you want to avoid getting in the car every day.
No one wants to spend their days in traffic with the iconic landscape of Colorado!
Fantastic Rental Options Throughout the Region
The most important aspect of calling any place home is the options for living.
Littleton provides realistic rental homes and apartments throughout the city that have proven to save some money for those leaving Denver.
Keeping things cost-effective is the strategy for public officials; this even applies to senior and low-income families!
Arvada is the Hidden Gem of the Denver Metro Area
Arvada cozies up to downtown Denver, and while it isn’t necessarily a secret hideout, it remains a town to be discovered.
It remains best known for its deeply rooted history while embracing growth, which has been accompanied by a new, modern feel.
The community has seen many new condos developing in the area as Denver locals seek a more laid-back feel, and in Arvada, that is exactly what you will find.
Historic Downtown Offers a Home Away from Home
Like Littleton’s roots, the city of Arvada has continued to embrace its historic downtown area, which remains the heart of the community.
Better known as Olde Town Arvada, some of the buildings date as far back as the 1800s!
The streets are lined with lovely locally owned boutiques, amazing artisanal cafes, breweries for lounging, and restaurants that are out of this world.
It is perfect for a stroll on a Sunday afternoon with the family while also being a great spot to take a first date or a night out with friends.
Olde Town acts like a magnet as it is a place for gathering and holding events throughout the year to create a strong sense of community.
It is not just a location or a destination; it’s an experience just waiting to be explored!
Its Diverse Community Thrives
With the town bordering Denver, it is a fantastic area to call home as people come from all over the state to call this place their home.
The current population has over 121,000 people and while that has decreased in past years, they are seeing more interest in the area due to infrastructure development and affordable housing options.
It remains one of the more heavily populated communities in the Centennial State, and that population is made up of all different types of people.
The diversity within the bunch is a part of what makes Arvada so exceptional.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the three cornerstones of the city and can be seen celebrating in their arts, culinary scene, events, public school districts, and policymakers!
Access to Outdoor Spaces is Endless
Arvada is in a central location in Adams County, which provides quick and easy access to Boulder, Golden, and Morrison.
All of which are perched in the foothills, providing hundreds of parks, trails, and bodies of water for recreation.
Within city limits is the famous Majestic View Nature Center and Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge, which has developed into a beautiful sanctuary for animals and is a great stop for a visit with the family.
If you are looking for something to do, there is always someplace new to visit outside.
These are among the most popular recreation options in the Arvada area:
- The Arvada Skate Park is 40,000 square feet and was first opened in 2012. It has a longstanding reputation for being the best place to learn how to kickflip or drop a halfpipe in Colorado.
- Tennyson Knolls Park is another favored outdoor space. You can drop in for an early game of pickleball or tennis with two-court options or sit down for a picnic with loved ones. The park has a walking path, a large pavilion, a playground, and a basketball court!
- The Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities is a massive hub for theatre, music, and outdoor enthusiasts. There, you will find an astounding outdoor amphitheater, a history museum, outdoor art features, and exhibits held inside the building year-round.
Costs Associated with Living in These Expanding Cities
The cost of living is one of the most essential factors for people, and it remains one of the most realistic components on which to base a moving decision.
Denverites are not shy about the increasing costs that are associated with renting, and most are completely turned off by the idea of buying.
Home and condo rentals have therefore become the most popular mode of living and understanding what you can find in these regions is essential before taking the leap and moving to a new place.
What Kind of Home Can I Rent for Under $3,000 in These Regions?
There is a different baseline and budget for everyone according to current income, family size, etc.
Finding a single-family home for rent seems to be the most common exhibition for Coloradans.
Let’s examine the possibilities within these four cities in terms of what you can get for under $3000 a month!
Littleton Living Options
Littleton is a massive city, so there are many areas throughout it from which to choose.
For a single, one-bedroom apartment rentals sit at about $1,700 a month, which still peaks over the national average.
However, you can find spacious homes for rent under $3,000 all over the place!
You can snag a three or four-bedroom home with yard space averaging anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.
A large majority of these homes for rent are two-story with in-home laundry access!
Planting Roots in Arvada
If you are looking for a price from Denver, Arvada is the place to find it!
The average rent is around $1,860 for traditional apartment living.
Shifting to focus on homes for $3,000, you can relish additional square footage and yard space!
Two or three-bedroom homes are typical in this price range, averaging around 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
Most of the properties currently available have enclosed front and backyards with amenities that vary.
Thornton Housing
Thornton has been looked over by Coloradans in the past but with its fast development as a city, it is a hot spot for cost-effective housing.
The median rent for homes is currently around $2,600 a month, so you can get more for your money under $3,000 than in the surrounding suburbs.
Most homes will have three to four bedrooms and 2 or 2.5 baths. Many of them are more modern construction with plenty of updates and amenities for renters.
Locating a House in Lakewood
Rental prices in Lakewood are currently decreasing and have seen a decrease of 1.3% in the past year.
It is a good idea to stay updated on the best moving tips as you prepare to find the house of your dreams for under $3,000 in Lakewood!
There are both homes and condos for rent, most of which have one to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms.
The average square feet begin at 1,100 and extend to 1,900. Most of the homes are one-story or ranch style with a front and back yard, not all of which are enclosed.
These can be located through private renters and corporate property management companies.
Local Moving is Easy with the Perfect Home in the Perfect Neighborhood
While none of these cities are considered up-and-coming, they are vastly changing in landscape and continue to offer new opportunities to those who choose to stay or visit.
It can be difficult to decide to book movers and packers, leaving everything that you once knew and loved behind for a transition into the unknown.
Options like these in the surrounding Denver Metro area also make things challenging not to explore.
Change is necessary for all of us at some point in our lives and stepping into that change the right way is seamless when you have the right team by your side!
Denver Professional Movers Make the Journey Simple
Rocky Movers is the go-to professional Denver movers servicing clients transitioning locally.
As a family-operated moving company in the Mile High, our crews know the area and know how to get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible!
If you are planning an upcoming move to the metro, our sales specialists will guide you through the process, offering a free quote on moving services that are tailored to your family’s needs.
