When considering a move to Colorado, many people think about Denver or Boulder. But some of the most charming, livable cities are south of Denver. Think of affordability, demographics, and lifestyle perks; these cities offer unique vibes. I’ll share with you Colorado’s southern gems for you to find out which city could be your next home.
We’ll compare Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Parker, Meridian, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, Monument, Elizabeth, Franktown, Colorado Springs, Sedalia, and Lone Tree.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Colorado South Cities at a Glance
| City | Known For | Watch Out For | Renters vs Owners | Demographic | Affordability | Time to Airport | Time to Downtown Denver | Proximity to Highways | Proximity to Ski Resorts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock | Stunning hiking trails, outlets | Traffic during events | 25% renters | Families and young couples | Mid-tier | 40 mins | 35 mins | Easy access to I-25 | 1.5 hrs |
| Castle Pines | Luxury homes, golf courses | Higher home prices | 20% renters | Affluent professionals | High-end | 35 mins | 30 mins | Close to I-25 | 1.5 hrs |
| Parker | Family-friendly activities, breweries | Crowded weekends | 30% renters | Suburban families | Mid-tier | 40 mins | 25 mins | Near E-470 | 1.5 hrs |
| Meridian | Business parks, modern amenities | Limited nightlife | 35% renters | Young professionals | Mid to high | 30 mins | 20 mins | Close to E-470 | 1.5 hrs |
| Highlands Ranch | Parks, suburban living | HOA rules | 25% renters | Suburban families | Mid to high | 35 mins | 25 mins | Easy access to C-470 | 1.5 hrs |
| Littleton | Historic downtown, scenic views | Parking in the old town area | 35% renters | Mix of ages | Mid-tier | 45 mins | 20 mins | Close to S. Broadway | 1.5 hrs |
| Englewood | Thriving arts, proximity to Denver | Congestion near light rail | 40% renters | Urban professionals | Mid to high | 35 mins | 15 mins | Easy access to US-85 | 1.5 hrs |
| Monument | Small-town charm, mountain views | Limited retail options | 20% renters | Families, retirees | Mid-tier | 50 mins | 50 mins | Near I-25 | 1.5 hrs |
| Elizabeth | Equestrian lifestyle, rural vibe | Fewer amenities | 15% renters | Rural families | Mid-tier | 50 mins | 50 mins | Near CO-86 | 2 hrs |
| Franktown | Peaceful countryside, large lots | Far from shopping areas | 10% renters | Rural professionals | High-end | 55 mins | 50 mins | Near CO-86 | 2 hrs |
| Colorado Springs | Garden of the Gods, military bases | Weekend traffic in tourist areas | 35% renters | Military families, retirees | Affordable | 1 hr | 1 hr | Near I-25 | 1.5 hrs |
| Sedalia | Quaint mountain town, historic sites | Sparse public transportation | 20% renters | Small-town families | Mid to high | 50 mins | 45 mins | Close to US-85 | 1.5 hrs |
| Lone Tree | Upscale shopping, modern neighborhoods | Higher cost of living | 30% renters | Affluent professionals | High-end | 25 mins | 20 mins | Near I-25 | 1.5 hrs |
Deep Dive into the Cities
Castle Rock: The Adventurer’s Paradise
Known for its outdoor recreation, Castle Rock blends nature and modern conveniences. Explore hiking trails, like Castlewood Canyon State Park, or shop at the Outlets at Castle Rock. Just be prepared for extra traffic during events like the Starlighting Ceremony.
Action Tip: Bookmark hiking trails in Castle Rock.
Castle Pines: Where Luxury Meets Nature
Castle Pines offers high-end living with picturesque golf courses. While homes are pricier, the serene surroundings and excellent schools make it worth considering.
Watch out: The cost of living here is on the higher side.
Parker: Suburban Bliss with a Twist
Parker is ideal for families. With community events, breweries, and parks, it offers something for everyone. The Parker Days Festival draws crowds annually.
Affordability: It’s relatively budget-friendly for those seeking suburban living.
Pro Tip: Visit the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center for shows and classes.
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Meridian: Business and Comfort
Meridian is a hub for young professionals. With modern amenities and access to tech jobs, it balances work and lifestyle.
Highlands Ranch: The Family Haven
Highlands Ranch is a suburban gem with exceptional parks and trails. Be prepared for strict HOA guidelines but enjoy well-maintained neighborhoods.
Littleton: Historic Charm
Littleton combines scenic beauty and urban convenience. The historic downtown area is perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Proximity: It’s an excellent choice for those who want easy access to Denver without being in the city.
Englewood: Arts and Accessibility
Englewood’s thriving arts scene and proximity to Denver make it a great choice for urbanites. The Englewood Arts District is a must-see.
Fun Fact: Englewood boasts some of the best public transport connections in South Denver.
Monument: A Mountain Escape
Monument offers small-town living with easy mountain access. Perfect for families and retirees, it’s slightly removed from the Denver bustle.
Action Tip: Visit Monument Rock for incredible views.
Elizabeth and Franktown: Rural Retreats
These rural areas are ideal for equestrian lovers and those seeking tranquility. While farther from city amenities, the open spaces are unmatched.
Colorado Springs: A Growing Hub
Colorado Springs blends affordability with breathtaking views. It’s a hub for military families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Don’t Miss: The iconic Garden of the Gods.
Sedalia: Small-Town Charm
Sedalia offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with easy access to outdoor recreation and Denver’s amenities.
Lone Tree: Upscale Urban Living
Lone Tree is known for its upscale shopping at Park Meadows Mall and its proximity to Denver Tech Center.
