Colorado, also referred to as “The Centennial State,” is known for its stunning nature and access to outdoor activities. Each city offers a unique atmosphere and a number of activities like the Coors Brewing Tour in Golden, CO or skiing in Vail, CO. It’s no wonder that nearly 5.7 million people call this state home. If you are considering making the move to Colorado, but don’t know what cities to check out, we’ve got you covered. We compiled a list of the 10 fastest-growing cities in Colorado that saw the most significant population increase over 5 years, from 2017 to 2021. Be sure to see what cities made the list. You may just call one of these places your next home.
#1: Castle Rock, CO
Median sale price: $645,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,452
Castle Rock, CO homes for sale
Castle Rock, CO apartments for rent
The first city on our list Castle Rock, CO, which is best known for its small-town feel, proximity to Denver, and many outdoor recreational opportunities. The city currently has a population of nearly 76,400, which is an increase of 23% from 2017.
If you decide to live in Castle Rock, there are many activities and attractions to keep you busy. If you’re looking to spend an afternoon outside, there are many unique parks such as Rhyolite Regional Park, Philip S. Miller Park, and Bison Park. While exploring Castle Rock, locals can attend live shows at The Whiskey Lodge. There are also a lot of restaurants that will cleanse your pallet, including Union An American Bistro, Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church, and Castle Cafe.
#2: Commerce City, CO
Median sale price: $522,134
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,175
Commerce City, CO homes for sale
Commerce City, CO apartments for rent
A northern suburb of Denver which is home to a large open-air shopping mall and the Denver Premium Outlets, Commerce City, CO is the second fastest growing cities in Colorado. Commerce City saw a 15% increase in population to its current population of around 64,300.
There are a handful of exciting things to do in the city, such as reading a book at Pioneer Park, Monaco Park, and Fronterra Park or grabbing a bite to eat at Dion’s, State House, and Butcher Block Cafe.
#3: Parker, CO
Median sale price: $670,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,499
Parker, CO homes for sale
Parker, CO apartments for rent
Parker, CO saw an 11% increase in population since 2017 and now has a population of about 60,300.
It is best known for its easy access to the Denver metropolitan area and its unique Western-Victorian downtown. There are a lot of activities to check out while living in Parker that are sure to keep you entertained. Be sure to visit great restaurants like Parker Garage, Saltgrass Steak House, and Hickory House. Afterward, take a stroll through one of the many parks like Challenger Regional Park, Tallman Meadow Park, and Discovery Park. Lastly, be sure to catch a show at Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, The Schoolhouse at Mainstreet, and Wild Goose Saloon.
#4: Broomfield, CO
Median sale price: $660,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,274
Broomfield, CO homes for sale
Broomfield, CO apartments for rent
Best known for its scenic views, thriving economy, and vibrant community, Broomfield, CO takes the number four spot on our list of fastest-growing cities in Colorado. The city’s population is at around 75,300, accounting for a 10% increase since 2017.
There are many fun activities in Broomfield, from venturing into Broomfield Community Park, Anthem Community Park, and Brandywine Park to trying the local cuisine at Hickory & Ash, The Burns Pub & Restaurant, and Scalzotto Italian Restaurant. There’s something for everyone living in Broomfield.
#5: Grand Junction, CO
Median sale price: $417,650
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,200
Grand Junction, CO homes for sale
Grand Junction, CO apartments for rent
Looking for a great place to live? Be sure to check out Grand Junction, CO. The city is known for being the largest city on the Western Slope of Colorado. It is also known for being the home of Colorado Mesa University and is the fifth fastest-growing city in Colorado. Its population increased by 8% to around 67,000 residents.
Wondering what’s there to do in Grand Junction? There are many activities like going on a jog at Canyon View Park, checking out the artwork at the Museum of the West and The Art Center, watching a show at The Avalon Theatre,, or eating delicious food at one of these great restaurants – Bin 707 Foodbar, The Goat and Clover Tavern, or Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano.
#6: Longmont, CO
Median sale price: $565,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,213
Longmont, CO homes for sale
Longmont, CO apartments for rent
Coming in at sixth, Longmont, CO is best known for its close proximity to Boulder, great schools, and thriving economy. You’ll find a lot of unique activities if you decide to move to Longmont, such as trying delicious food at The Roose, or Longmont Public House, checking out a museum like the City of Longmont Museum and Firehouse Art Center, playing sports at City of Longmont Roosevelt Park, Golden Ponds Park, and Dawson Park, or watching a show at Jesters Dinner Theatre.
The city saw a 6% increase since 2017 to its current population of nearly 100,800.
#7: Aurora, CO
Median sale price: $475,700
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,071
Aurora, CO homes for sale
Aurora, CO apartments for rent
Considering moving to Aurora, CO? Known for being the “Gateway to the Rockies,” the city currently has a population of around 389,350, a 6% increase since 2017.
You may want to know what you can do while living in Aurora, CO. There are a lot of fun activities to explore, from museums like the Aurora History Museum to enjoying a day at Great Plains Park, Mission Viejo Park, or Rocky Ridge Park. Be sure to taste the local cuisine at Helga’s Haus & Bier Garden, Cafe Paprika, or Ted’s Montana Grill, and afterward, catch a show at The Aurora Fox Arts Center, Vintage Theatre, or Stampede.
#8: Thornton, CO
Median sale price: $540,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$1,904
Thornton, CO homes for sale
Thornton, CO apartments for rent
Thornton, CO comes in at eighth place and is best known for being the easternmost city in the north Denver area and its proximity to Denver International Airport. It saw an increase of 4% to its current population of nearly 142,650.
If you are wondering what’s there to do in Thornton, CO, you should check out one of the many parks in the city, such as Carpenter Park, Community Park, and Cherry Park Pavilion. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Vietnamese Cafe, Your Pie Pizza, and Today Hawaii BBQ for a taste of what the city has to offer.
#9: Colorado Springs, CO
Median sale price: $456,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,530
Colorado Springs, CO homes for sale
Colorado Springs, CO apartments for rent
Known for being home to the Garden of the Gods and its proximity to the US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO is the ninth fastest growing city in Colorado. Nearly 484,000 residents call this city home, which is a 4.04% increase.
Curious about what to do while living in Colorado Springs? You can admire nature at Ute Valley Park, Palmer Park, and Monument Valley Park. If you are a foodie, be sure to check out Springs Orleans, The Rabbit Hole, and Shuga’s. If you are interested in the arts and entertainment, be sure to pay a visit to Pikes Peak Center For The Performing Arts, the National Museum of World War II Aviation, and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.
#10: Arvada, CO
Median sale price: $636,700
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,550
Arvada, CO homes for sale
Arvada, CO apartments for rent
Ending the list of fastest-growing cities in Colorado is Arvada, CO. Arvada is well known for being a historic city with a strong sense of community. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including a number of art galleries, antique stores, and unique shops. It saw a 3.77% to its current population of around 123,450.
There are a lot of activities to do in Arvada, CO, from parks like The Ralston-Central Park, Lake Arbor Park, and Majestic View Park to restaurants like School House Kitchen and Libations, The Arvada Tavern, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. You can even catch a show at Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities or Rockabillies. There’s something for everyone living in Arvada.
Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022.
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