Moving to Denver with Kids:
A Parent's Guide from Aspen Academy
Written by the Aspen Academy community—a Preschool-8th grade school in Greenwood Village serving families who've relocated from across the country. Discover Denver like a local—before you even arrive.
What makes Denver a good city for families?
Denver combines outdoor access, strong schools, and a thriving job market in ways few American cities can match. Families relocating here get 300 days of annual sunshine, world-class hiking within an hour, and neighborhoods designed around parks and trails. The metro area serves approximately 200,000 school-age children across diverse public, charter, and private options.
The city consistently ranks among the top family destinations for three reasons: economic opportunity (unemployment runs below national average), quality of life (280+ parks, 850+ miles of trails), and educational options that range from innovative public magnets to nationally-recognized private schools.
What catches most relocating families off guard is how quickly Denver feels like home. The city has big-city amenities—professional sports, world-class museums, an international airport—without the anonymity. Neighbors know each other. Weekend farmers markets become routine. It's ambitious and warm at the same time.
Which Denver neighborhoods are best for families with children?
The best family neighborhoods in Denver depend on your priorities: Greenwood Village and Cherry Creek offer top schools and safety at premium prices ($1.2M+); Highlands Ranch and Centennial provide strong public schools with more space ($650K-$740K); Central Park offers new construction with a young-family vibe ($750K median).
Here's what each neighborhood offers:
Greenwood Village
Median home price: $1.2M–$1.8M
Best for: Top-rated Cherry Creek Schools, safety, central location
School district: Cherry Creek School District (one of Colorado's highest-rated)
Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown Denver, Tech Center within minutes
Greenwood Village consistently ranks among Colorado's safest communities. Tree-lined streets, excellent parks, and proximity to both downtown and the mountains make it a magnet for families prioritizing education and convenience.
Aspen Academy is located in Greenwood Village—a 15-minute drive from most neighborhoods in the area.
Cherry Creek
Median home price: $1.5M+
Best for: Walkability, upscale amenities, urban convenience
School district: Cherry Creek / Denver Public Schools (varies by location)
Character: Polished, pedestrian-friendly, excellent dining and shopping
Cherry Creek offers the best shopping and dining in metro Denver alongside strong schools and family-oriented parks. The Cherry Creek Trail runs through the neighborhood, connecting to a regional trail system.
Highlands Ranch
Median home price: $680K–$740K
Best for: Recreation, community programs, value
School district: Douglas County Schools (92% graduation rate—highest in 15 years)
Amenities: 4 recreation centers, nearly 70 miles of trails, 2,000+ acres of open space
Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community where recreation amenities come with your HOA. Families get access to pools, fitness centers, and programming without additional fees.
Centennial
Median home price: ~$650K
Best for: Safety, parks, accessibility
School district: Cherry Creek / Littleton (varies by location)
Commute: 25-30 minutes to downtown
Centennial is one of Denver's safest suburbs with a laid-back feel. Cherry Creek State Park is nearby, offering trails, a reservoir, and year-round outdoor activities.
Parker
Median home price: $660K–$725K
Best for: Space, small-town feel, strong schools
School district: Douglas County Schools
Character: Historic downtown, mountain views, larger lots
Parker sits along the Palmer Divide with stunning views and cooler temperatures. The historic downtown offers genuine charm. The trade-off: a 35-45 minute commute to downtown Denver.
Washington Park
Median home price: $1.5M–$3M
Best for: Urban living with neighborhood character
School district: Denver Public Schools
Character: Historic homes, tree-lined streets, 165-acre central park
"Wash Park" is beloved for its walkability and community feel. Kids bike to school. Neighbors wave from porches. For families who want city living without sacrificing connection, it's hard to beat.
Central Park (formerly Stapleton)
Median home price: ~$750K
Best for: Young families, new construction, planned amenities
School district: Denver Public Schools
Character: Wide sidewalks, abundant parks, family-focused design
Central Park skews young—you'll see kids everywhere. Stanley Marketplace has become a destination for food, fitness, and family activities. The neighborhood was designed with families in mind.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE IN DENVER WITH A FAMILY?
A family of four needs approximately $110,000–$130,000 in household income to live comfortably in Denver. That's higher than the national average but lower than San Francisco, Seattle, or New York. Housing is the biggest expense; childcare is the second.
Housing Costs (2025)
| Type | Denver Metro Average |
| Median home price |
$580,000 |
|
2-bedroom rent |
$2,100/month |
Childcare Costs
Colorado ranks 5th nationally for most expensive infant care. Waitlists at popular centers can stretch many months. Start your search before you move.
Other Monthly Expenses
- Groceries: 5-8% above national average
- Utilities: $200–$250 for a family home
- Gas: ~$3.50/gallon
- RTD transit pass: $114/month
How do I find childcare in Denver?
Finding childcare in Denver requires starting early—six months or more before you need it. Many Colorado communities qualify as "childcare deserts" where licensed slots can't meet demand. The best approach combines waitlist strategy with multiple backup options.
What actually works
Get on waitlists early. Pay non-refundable deposits at multiple centers even before you've finalized housing. Six to twelve months lead time is not unusual for popular programs.
Consider nanny-shares. Many Denver families find that splitting a nanny between two families costs about the same as center-based care while offering more flexibility.
Explore licensed in-home providers. Home daycares often have shorter waitlists. The Colorado Shines website rates and lists all licensed providers statewide.
Check employer benefits. Some Denver employers offer backup care benefits or childcare subsidies. Ask HR before assuming you're on your own.
Resources
- Great Schools
- Niche.com
- Private School Review
- Colorado Shines: State-rated provider database
- Care.com: Nanny and babysitter searches
- Denver 211: Call for local childcare assistance and referrals
What are the best pediatricians and hospitals in Denver?
Denver has excellent pediatric healthcare anchored by Children's Hospital Colorado, one of only 10 children's hospitals nationally on the U.S. News Honor Roll. Most pediatric practices accept new patients, though popular ones may have waitlists.
Children's Hospital Colorado
Ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Aurora with satellite urgent care locations throughout the metro area.
If your child has complex medical needs, proximity to Children's Hospital should factor into your neighborhood choice.
Finding a Pediatrician
Start your search 1-2 months before you move. Request medical records transfer from your current provider.
Pediatric networks serving the Denver area:
- Horse & Buggy Pediatrics offers concierge services
- Children's Medical Center (multiple Denver locations)
- Partners in Pediatrics (Denver, Englewood)
- Pediatrics 5280 (Centennial, Castle Rock)
- Colorado Kids Pediatrics (Central Park, Platte Park)
- Pediatrics West (Wheat Ridge, Littleton)
Questions to ask:
- Same-day sick appointments available?
- After-hours nurse line?
- Which hospital are you affiliated with?
- Patient portal for scheduling and messaging?
WHAT FAMILY ACTIVITIES DOES DENVER OFFER?
Denver offers something few cities can match: world-class outdoor access minutes from urban amenities. Between 280+ city parks, proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, and year-round sunshine, Denver families spend significantly more time outside than the national average.
Museums and Indoor Activities
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Dinosaurs, space exhibits, IMAX theater, and hands-on discovery zones. Located in City Park alongside the zoo. Annual memberships pay for themselves in 2-3 visits.
Children's Museum of Denver
Designed for ages 0-8 with interactive exhibits and an outdoor play area. Arrive early on weekends.
Denver Zoo
Over 3,000 animals on 80 acres. Annual memberships include reciprocal admission to 150+ zoos nationwide.
Meow Wolf's Convergence Station
Part art installation, part alien funhouse. Kids of all ages love exploring the surreal environments.
Outdoor Adventures
City Park: 330 acres of green space, playgrounds, lakes, and summer jazz concerts (free)
Cherry Creek State Park: Swimming, boating, hiking, and camping 20 minutes from downtown
Red Rocks Park: Famous for concerts, but the hiking trails and free daytime access make it a regular family destination
Rocky Mountain National Park: 90 minutes from Denver. Elk, alpine lakes, and mountain views that create lasting memories
Youth Sports
Denver has teams in all five major professional sports leagues. Youth leagues are everywhere—soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball are particularly popular.
How do I choose the right school in Denver?
School choice in Denver is more complex than in many cities. The metro area includes multiple public districts with varying reputations, an active charter school sector, and over 100 private schools. The right choice depends on your child's needs, your location, and your educational priorities.
Understanding Your Options
Denver Public Schools: Large urban district with magnet programs, choice enrollment, and significant variation between individual schools. Research specific schools, not just the district.
Douglas County Schools: Covers Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and Parker. 92% graduation rate—8% above state average. Generally well-regarded.
Cherry Creek Schools: Covers Greenwood Village, Centennial, and parts of Aurora. Strong academic reputation and extensive programming.
Private schools: Denver has over 100 independent schools serving every educational philosophy. Class sizes are smaller. Waitlists exist at popular schools.
Questions Worth Asking Any School
- How does the school develop the whole child—not just academics?
- What happens when a student struggles?
- How do teachers know each student individually?
- What leadership opportunities exist?
- How engaged is the parent community?
About Aspen Academy
Most schools teach curriculum. We develop humans.
Aspen Academy is a Preschool-8th grade private school in Greenwood Village built on three pillars: next-generation education, leadership and entrepreneurial development, and community strength and service.
What makes us different:
Leadership from age 4. Every student—preschool through 8th grade—participates in our LiFE curriculum (Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship). We're the only school in the nation offering this integrated program across all grade levels.
Real-world application. By graduation, students have developed business concepts, managed real money, and presented to professional audiences. Our 7th graders operate student enterprises generating real revenue.
Academic results. 90% of our students perform at or above grade level in reading. 92% in math. Compare that to 50% nationally and 60% in Colorado.
We're not the right fit for every family. But for parents who want their children prepared for a world changing faster than most schools can adapt—we might be exactly what you're looking for.
What should I do before moving to Denver?
Successful family relocations follow a timeline. The families who feel settled fastest are those who started their school and childcare searches months before moving—not after arrival.
3-6 Months Before Moving
- Research neighborhoods based on commute, schools, and budget
- Get on childcare waitlists
- Schedule school tours (virtual or in-person)
- Connect with a real estate agent who knows family neighborhoods
- Begin private school applications (most due December-February)
1-2 Months Before Moving
- Finalize housing
- Research pediatricians and request medical records transfer
- Update address with banks and important accounts
- Arrange utilities for your new home
First Week in Denver
- Transfer driver's licenses within 30 days of establishing residency
- Register vehicles within 90 days
- Set up Colorado car insurance
- Locate nearest urgent care and ER
- Stock up on sunscreen (altitude intensifies UV rays)
- Drink extra water—seriously
First Month in Denver
- Complete school enrollment paperwork
- Schedule pediatrician appointment
- Explore neighborhood parks and trails
- Attend a local farmers market or family event
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to move to Denver with kids?
Summer is easiest for school transitions. But Denver welcomes families year-round—many schools accept new students throughout the academic year.
How long does altitude adjustment take?
Most families adjust within 2-5 days. Children typically adjust faster than adults. Expect mild fatigue or headaches initially. Drink plenty of water and go easy on exercise the first week.
Is Denver safe for families?
Overall, yes. The suburbs listed in this guide—Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Parker—consistently rank among Colorado's safest communities.
How do private school applications work in Denver?
Most applications are due December through February for the following fall. Tours and open houses typically run October through January. Some schools review applications year-round when space is available.
What about winter driving?
Snow tires or all-weather tires are essential. But Denver's dry climate means snow often melts within a day or two. It's not the constant gray of the Midwest or Northeast.
Ready to Learn More?
Moving is hard. You don't have to figure it out alone.
Many Aspen Academy families relocated from California, Texas, New York, and everywhere in between. They navigated exactly what you're facing—and many are happy to share what they've learned.
Whether or not Aspen is the right school for your family, we're glad you're considering Denver. It's a remarkable place to raise children.
Schedule a call with Admissions using the following calendar.
This guide was created by Aspen Academy, a PreK-8 private school in Greenwood Village, Colorado. We serve families across the Denver metro area who value leadership development, academic excellence, and community. Learn more at aspenacademy.org.
Last updated: January 2026