Last updated on February 4th, 2020 at 07:01 pm
Young Colorado professionals have just about all they can handle, and they really don’t want to be concerned with identifying the best places to live around Denver. So, just in case you fit that description, we put together a list of the best areas to accommodate the hectic lifestyle of young professionals. Let’s review the winners.
1. Boulder
Key Data:
Residents aged 18 to 24: 29.1 percent; aged 25 to 44: 27.6 percent
Residents who have a bachelor’s degree or higher: 70%
Main Industries: Aerospace, Bioscience, Cleantech, IT/Software, Natural Products, Outdoor Recreation
Median Household income: $62,797*
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $795,000
Residents who are homeowners: 67%
Young professionals in Boulder get the enjoy the benefits of a buzzing small city along with a great deal of outdoor options which includes parks and green spaces to check out. Trendy modern condos are commonplace in Boulder, and are perfect for a young professional’s lifestyle, but single-family homes allow you room to grow your household.
Head out after work and grab some food with friends at the Attic Bar & Bistro, enjoy some live indie music at the Walrus Saloon or Pearl Street Pub, have some drinks at the Bitter Bar, License No. 1 or many others. Young professionals who are active will really appreciate the many hiking trails, bike paths, parks and the plethora of local eateries that make this town a top foodie city in the U.S.
Mapleton Hill is a desirable area for young adults if you enjoy live indie music. There are a lot of college kids, mostly located in the southwest corner. Boulder has many 30-ish professionals. So don’t think it is all hippies who struck it rich and college kids.
2. Lone Tree
Key Data:
Residents aged 25-34 15.7% | 35-54 – 29.8%
Residents who earned a bachelor’s degree: 68.9 percent
Average Household Income: $149,232
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $670,170
40-percent of homes range in price from $433,000 to $722,000
For young professionals who are fed up with the hectic pace of the city Lone Tree is ideal area. Home buyers will discover an ample amount of newly built homes on large lots, providing them more than enough space to unwind in peace. There’s easy access to local shopping and restaurants at the Park Meadows Mall. Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice at Bluffs Regional Park, and hone their high altitude skills at iFly indoor Skydiving.
3. Lakewood
Key Stats:
Residents age 25-34: 16 percent; 35 – 54: 25%
Residents who earned a bachelor’s degree: 36 percent
Main industries: Retail, Healthcare, Professional, Scientific and Technical,
Median Household Income: $56,954
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $369,614
Lakewood’s features a diverse workforce of blue collar and white-collar. The city has an array of townhomes and single-family homes that can accommodate the lifestyle of many people, whether it be a cozy and quaint home or something spacious.
Young and active residents may hike at the many trails at Bear Creek Park and enjoy the greenery and fresh air at Hayden Park or the beautiful Crown Hill Park.
If you like might life, you’ll have a great time at the restaurants, cafes, and live music venues in Belmar Downtown District. For performing arts venues and galleries the 40 West Arts District is the place to be. Shopping is convenient at Colorado Mills. For fresh fruits and vegetables head to the open air Denver Federal Center Farmers Market.
4. Wheat Ridge
Key Data:
Residents age 25-34: 14.9 percent; 35 – 54: 25.5%
Residents who earned a bachelor’s degree: 31 percent
Median Household Income: $47,841
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $368,344
Photo courtesy of Adam Bruderer – Flickr
Foodies will simply adore the local establishments to eat such as pizza shops Right Coast Pizza and iPIE, and stop off for a beer at the Colorado Plus Brew Pub. Active young professionals will love walking and taking in the scenery at Van Bibber Open Space and biking around Anderson Park, Crown Hill Park and Discovery Park. For excellent fitness facilities, the Recreational Center provides a magnificent swimming pool.
The local event called the Annual Carnation Festival, is a great way to experience live music, food, arts and crafts, rides, car show, and more with the locals.
Wheatridge is close to all the fun that downtown Denver has, along with being near the gorgeous mountain trails on the front range. The light rail goes from Wheat Ridge to Denver.
5. Littleton
Key Data:
Residents age 25-34: 25.6 percent; 35-54: 29.3 percent
Residents who earned a bachelor’s degree: 45.5 percent
Median Household Income: $65,221
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $404,944
Littleon’s historic downtown area is an ideal location for casual walking and shopping. Discover the arts at Littleton Museum.
Grab some drinks at Rocker Spirits, Castle Bar & Grille or some awesome food at Angelo’s Taverna, NoNo’s Cafe and Harley’s a favorite for hot dog lovers. An additional place to eat and shop is at the Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center. Popular spots for outdoors are at Roxborough State Park and Chatfield State Park.
6. Westminster
Key Data:
Residents who earned a bachelor’s degree or higher: 35.7 percent
Residents age 25-34: 16.6 percent; 35-54: 28.7 percent
Median Household Income: $65,221
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $361,709
Westminster has condos as well as large single-family homes with private yards for young professionals those who prefer to live in a roomier home.
Improve your swing on the golf course at Legacy Ridge, or bike and hike at Big Dry Creek Trail. Grab drinks after work at a trendy place like Rock Bottom Brewery, Happy Sumo, or the Exchange Tavern. Get some dinner at Sakana, Hana Matsuri, local sushi eateries. For laughs, visit the Madcap Theater.
Go to Adventure Golf and Raceway for date night fun or become amazed with nature’s insects at the Butterfly Pavillion and Insect Center.
7. Longmont
Key Data:
Residents who earned a bachelor’s degree r higher: 37.6 percent
Residents age 25-34: 13 percent; 35-54: 27.8 percent
Median Household Income: $67,200
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $373,158
The city of Longmont has some perfect housing solutions for young professionals with townhomes and charming mid-century first-time buyer homes. Active young professionals can take advantage of Longmont features amenities and numerous city parks, such as Collyer Park and Roosevelt Park, with picturesque walking paths and ponds.
Try out Ziggi’s Coffee House for a pick-me up before your job. For after work, get some suds at Westside Tavern, Pumphouse Brewery, Shoes & Brews, and multiple others. For wine lovers and artisan pizza, 2020 Food and Wine Bar is the spot.
8. Broomfield
Key Data:
Residents with a bachelor’s degree: 51.9%
Main industries: Professional, Scientific, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Median Household Income: $81,898
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $423,065
55-percent of homes range from $291,00 to $577,000
Arts & culture fans will become very familiar with the Broomfield Sculpture Trail. While active young professionals can get their “shop on” at FlatIron Crossing Mall or network with colleagues at Eagle Traces Golf Course.
Local restaurants like Loftea Cafe, Zaika, Oscar Kabobs serve everything from super healthy eats to savory international cuisine. Grab drinks at North Side Tavern or Nighthawk Brewery, catch a Broncos, Rockies, or Nuggets game at one of the local sports bars such as Twin Peaks Flatiron, or discover a great taste of vintage wine at the Turquoise Mesa Winery.
9. Greenwood Village
Key Stats:
Residents with a bachelor’s degree: 74.4%
Residents with a graduate degree: 31.3%
Main industries: Technology, Healthcare and Finance
Median Household Income: $117,500
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $875,400
55-percent of homes range from $701,000 and up
Denver Tech Center (DTC)
Greenwood Village is an affluent suburb of Denver so your local lifestyle will cost you more. Any young 
professionals who want a modern designed condo or detached home should be prepared to pay up. Get together with friends and co-workers at The Sportsbook Bar & Grill to watch the game. Grab some eats at Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar or YaYa’s Euro Bistro for pizza and Mediterranean food. Get in some laughter at Comedy Works South, enjoy a movie at the Landmark, or go shopping at the Village Shops. If you are active, you have to check out Greenwood Athletic & Tennis Club.
10. Louisville
Key Data:
Residents with a bachelor’s degree: 70.4%
Residents with a graduate degree: 31.3%
Main industries: Technology, Healthcare and Finance
Median Household Income: $91,230
Median Cost of Single Family Home: $663,400
70-percent of homes range from $434,000 to $1.08 million
The beautiful suburb of Louisville is ideal for nature lovers with its gorgeous views of the Davidson Mesa where you can walk, hike, bike, and fish in nearby Heritage Park.
You can get a brew with friends and co-workers when not working at Murphy’s Tap House or get some Thai food at Busaba’s. For breakfast, locals prefer the Huckleberry, known for their pancakes and the Lucky Pie for their pizza.
Nightlife spots include the Waterloo and Mudrucks Tap & Tavern. Each summer, there’s the “Street Faire” held in historic downtown that includes live music. This suburb has ranch style homes and two-story single-family houses with large yards are popular in this Denver suburb.
