Denver is the capital of Colorado and the central city of the Front Range metropolitan area.

While there is much to enjoy in Denver itself, there are several cities within a 50-mile (about 80 kilometers) radius that offer different attractions, making it great for expanding your living area or enjoying day trips. Here's a rundown of the major nearby cities around Denver.

Aurora is a large city adjacent to Denver to the east, located about 10 miles from downtown Denver. It is the second most populous city in Colorado after Denver and the closest major city to Denver International Airport (DIA).

Places like the Gaylord Rockies Resort and the Anschutz Medical Campus are located in Aurora. It is a multicultural city with a diverse population, including several Asian communities, including Koreans. Lakewood is a city located about 8 miles west of Denver, with a population of around 160,000.

It is close to Red Rocks Park and is often chosen by younger residents and families due to its lower rental and housing prices compared to downtown Denver.

Boulder is a college town located about 30 miles northwest of Denver. It is home to the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) and is known for its progressive culture and outdoor activity-centered lifestyle. The beautiful natural environment set against the Flatirons, the vibrant downtown Pearl Street Mall, and top-notch restaurants and cafes are some of Boulder's attractions.

Although housing prices and rents are higher than in Denver, many people prefer it for its high quality of life. Arvada is located about 10 miles northwest of Denver, and its historic downtown, Olde Town Arvada, has recently revitalized and regained its vibrancy.

Westminster is located about 12 miles north of Denver and has a population of around 110,000. It is popular among families commuting to Denver due to its good school districts and relatively affordable housing prices.

Thornton is also a large suburban city located about 10 miles north of Denver, featuring a dense area of single-family homes and shopping infrastructure. Littleton is a city located about 12 miles south of Denver, known for its historic downtown district and the nearby Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Golden is a historic city located about 15 miles west of Denver, home to the famous Coors Brewery. Golden is also a college town with the Colorado School of Mines and features a beautiful old town along Clear Creek with excellent access to the Rocky Mountains.

Castle Rock is a rapidly growing city located about 35 miles south of Denver, also known for its premium outlet shopping center. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the southern suburbs of Denver. Knowing these cities around Denver can provide you with a wider range of options when choosing a place to live or planning a day trip.