The Denver metropolitan area has surpassed 3,000,000 residents. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and for good reason. This city has so much to offer! There is delicious food, lots of sunshine, plenty of outdoor activities, plus professional sports teams, museums, theme parks, and so much more. Sure, it's nice to live in Denver for the proximity to all the action, but there are also many perks to living just outside the city. Denver is surrounded by unique, smaller cities that can offer a small-town vibe with easy access to all that Denver has to offer.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in the Denver Metro Area
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,543 | $650 | $7,245 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,792 | $600 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,283 | $389 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,003 | $600 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,847 | $850 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $3,225 | $2,250 | $4,200 |
| 6 Bedroom Apartments | $11,045 | $5,000 | $10,000+ |
Hi, I'm Marie, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Denver, and I'd like to introduce you to the best places to live near Denver. I live in Colorado Springs, but have friends who have chosen to live in the cities around Denver to take advantage of the affordability and quieter lifestyle. I enjoy visiting them and coming up to catch a Rockies game, go to a water park, or visit a museum. I hope you enjoy exploring Denver's nearby cities with me.
Aurora
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,359 | $750 | $2,301 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,589 | $745 | $6,950 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,016 | $910 | $7,751 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,771 | $750 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,433 | $2,032 | $10,000+ |
My brother-in-law and his now-wife lived in Aurora while she completed an internship at a local hospital. They enjoyed their time there, finding many local spots to hang out and feel connected to the community. My husband and I went with them to Skippy's and the Bush and Bull Brewery on multiple occasions and enjoyed the delicious food and hospitable environment. Both of these establishments are in the city of Denver, but they were super close to their apartment. Aurora is full of spots like these, and Denver proper is a stone's throw away.
Aurora is located southeast of Denver and is home to more than 400,000 residents. It's close to Denver International Airport and provides more than 150,000 jobs for the community. This area has grown rapidly over the past few decades and is home to a variety of neighborhoods. About half of the homes in Aurora are detached single-unit homes. Multifamily homes make up 34% of the housing units. Most houses in Aurora were built between 1970 and 1989, and only a few houses were built before 1939. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and 38% are renter-occupied.
Aurora home prices have been steadily rising, with the average home value being $454,389 in 2026. The average rent in 2026 is $1,686. There are many options for apartments for rent in Aurora. You can find new apartment complexes with tons of amenities like pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses. In addition, there are older, more basic complexes that tend to be more affordable.
One of the best things about Aurora is all the things to do. There are two reservoirs in Aurora, Quincy Reservoir and Aurora Reservoir. Residents also enjoy golfing at any of the five courses in the city, visiting the many parks, open spaces, and trails, participating in recreation and sports programs, going to a show at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, and learning about the area at the Aurora History Museum. Multiple events also fill the calendar each year. These include:
- Colorado Remembers
- Aurora Fest
- Music at the Movies
- Party for Pollinators
- 4th of July Spectacular
- Concerts
- Aurora Mini Con
- Pumpkins in the Park
- Veterans Salute
- Holiday Tree Lighting
Littleton
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,509 | $1,030 | $2,161 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,858 | $950 | $4,018 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,343 | $389 | $5,504 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,955 | $1,575 | $5,075 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,740 | $3,600 | $3,880 |
One of my best friends from high school lives in Littleton. I was just up there recently visiting her and her newborn. We like to grab a pizza from Walter's 303 Bow Mar location on our way to her house. Also, on the way to her house, we pass Pirate's Cove. This is technically in Englewood, another great choice for living near Denver, but they offer an adult night at the water park, which is super fun. I went there with a friend last year for my birthday.
This community is situated southwest of Denver and consists of 11,631 owner-occupied housing units and 7,400 renter-occupied housing units. There are many types of apartments in Littleton. Find newer construction or more affordable older units. Rents tend to range from $1,000 to over $5,000 depending on the size and amenities you are looking for. Residents enjoy easy access to Denver via RTD's Southwest Light Rail, which offers two stops in Littleton.
Littleton offers a small-town feel with only 45,000 residents. The city is anchored by the Littleton Main Street Historic District, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places. Residents also enjoy visiting the Littleton Museum, Town Hall Arts Center, and Bemis Public Library. Another big draw to the area is the 878-acre South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center. This beautiful area is one of the biggest suburban parks in the country. Residents enjoy a multitude of annual events, including:
- Illuminate Littleton
- Little Jam Concerts
- Candlelight Walk
Commerce City
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,784 | $695 | $2,905 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,923 | $788 | $5,627 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,401 | $945 | $7,690 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,966 | $966 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,730 | $1,219 | $5,566 |
Commerce City is located northeast of Denver and is situated near multiple highways and interstates, making it easy to get around the area. Like Aurora, it is also close to Denver International Airport. My kids and I love coming to Commerce City to visit Paradice Island Pool. This is a small water park, which makes it great for small kids because you can easily keep track of everyone. Plus, the admission fee is very reasonable. Commerce City is also home to Dick's Sporting Goods Park, where the Major League Soccer team, the Colorado Rapids plays. This is the only major league sports stadium that lies outside downtown Denver. This park is home to 24 outdoor fields and offers entertainment options as well as sports.
Other recreational opportunities include biking, walking, or running on the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, hitting the fairways of Buffalo Run Golf Course, or viewing wildlife at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge or Barr Lake State Park. Popular annual events include the Memorial Day Parade, 4thFest, and Earth Day.
The population of Commerce City is around 70,000. The owner-occupied housing rate is about 77% and the median rent is $1,880. There are many options for apartment and home rentals in Commerce City. Find modern, bright, open concept apartments in large communities with ample amenities. You can also find home rentals and older apartments with fewer amenities for a cheaper price.
Centennial
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,620 | $1,030 | $2,232 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,913 | $950 | $9,581 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,519 | $389 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,377 | $1,377 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,152 | $2,600 | $10,000+ |
Centennial is situated to the southeast of Denver. I frequent this area to get my ring checked at Shane Co. This is a newer city, just 25 years old, and is home to just over 100,000 residents and more than 5,000 businesses. This is a rather affluent area with nearly 43,000 housing units. Since the city is only 25 years old, most of the apartments for rent in Centennial are newer. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 a month for rent. Note that some rental units in this area can go for over $10,000 per month.
The crown jewel of Centennial is Centennial Center Park. This 11-acre park has water features, play areas, spacious lawns, and an amphitheater. The community will gather here to celebrate the city turning 25. Other annual events hosted at this venue include:
- Centennial Under the Stars, which features live music, food trucks and a kid zone.
- Cinematic Symphony, where families can enjoy symphony music and a picnic.
- Sip in Centennial, where residents can celebrate the state's beverage scene with tasting booths, food trucks and live music.
Centennial residents can easily get around the entire Denver metro area. It is situated between the 470, I-25, the 225, and Highway 83. The RTD Light Rail and RTD bus system serve this area, plus many take advantage of ride-shares. Not only can residents easily get to work, but they can also quickly get to recreational opportunities at Cherry Creek State Park and Family Sports Golf Course.
Arvada
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,590 | $975 | $2,675 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,664 | $600 | $4,875 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,029 | $600 | $8,196 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,786 | $600 | $7,397 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,450 | $1,950 | $3,834 |
The seventh most populous city in Colorado, Arvada is known for its historic district. Incorporated in 1904, Arvada is home to dedicated volunteers who collect and preserve the history of the area. The Arvada Downtown Historic District, also known as "Olde Town," contains many different types of buildings. Expect to find single-family residences, offices, mixed-use buildings, and businesses. This area is popular because of the locally-owned restaurants, shops, and bars. Plus, it's easy to get to Denver and the Denver International Airport by taking the RTD G-Line. It's definitely an area to consider if you are looking for a unique, historic, place to rent.
Because this is a well-established area, there are many choices for rentals in Arvada. Find single-family homes, condos, apartments, and townhomes for rent. Search for a rental in a quaint historic building or a modern complex with ample amenities, such as a pool, fitness room, and meeting spaces.
Life is pretty good in this city to the northwest of Denver. It's easy to get to the city and to the mountains. Get ready to mountain bike, ski, and hike by taking a short drive. Luckily, there is also plenty to do without leaving Arvada. Many people bike to work and for pleasure, and there are two golf courses operated by the city, West Woods Gold Club, and Arbor Golf Course. Recreational sports are available and equestrian facilities, including horse-only trails and a 50-acre equestrian center can be found here. Skate parks and disc golf courses are also available in Arvada.
Choosing Denver or a Surrounding Town
The Mile High City is unique in that there is no shortage of excellent choices for the best places to live near Denver. Some other great choices include:
Of course, there are many perks to living in Denver itself. You can be close to the cultural and social scene, possibly closer to work, take advantage of walkability and public transportation, and be near amazing restaurants and bars. This could be the perfect scenario for some. However, choosing an apartment near Denver could mean spending less money on housing, dealing with less traffic, and enjoying a small-town vibe. Many of the cities surrounding Denver offer recreational activities, and many offer more chances to enjoy the great outdoors.
I personally enjoy going to the big city, but not living in it. I like a quiet neighborhood with kids riding bikes, families attending events in local parks, and more privacy. The choice is yours. Explore Denver and the surrounding cities to see what will fit your situation the best. I wish you all the best on your apartment hunting journey!
