Transit access + historic charm + varied dining
At $615K–$630K as of 2026, Littleton is the south metro's most affordably priced community with light rail — the RTD D Line reaches Union Station in about 37 minutes every 15 minutes. Littleton Public Schools is rated A by Niche and ranked #6 in Colorado, with Heritage and Arapahoe high schools both earning A grades. The city spans three counties (Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas), which means school district placement varies by address. Historic Main Street is genuinely walkable with independent dining and a Saturday farmers market, while Chatfield State Park and Roxborough State Park add two of the region's best outdoor destinations within a 20-minute drive.
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Littleton.
Littleton Public Schools is rated A by Niche and ranked #6 in Colorado. Heritage HS has strong AP and STEM programs, Arapahoe HS is known for competitive academics, and Littleton HS (B+) is a historic school with deep community ties. The district offers strong IB and AP program offerings district-wide. Note: Littleton spans three counties (Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas) — verify enrollment eligibility by address.
Littleton is approximately 10 miles south of downtown Denver. The off-peak commute is 15–20 minutes, extending to 25–40 minutes during rush hour. Littleton is the only south suburb with direct light rail to downtown — the RTD D Line runs approximately every 15 minutes with a 37-minute ride to Union Station.
As of 2026, the median home price in Littleton is approximately $615K–$630K, with a median price per square foot of roughly $287. Littleton offers a balance of historic charm and transit access at a price point below many neighboring communities in Douglas County.
Chatfield State Park offers 26 miles of trails, boating, a swim beach, and a 69-acre dog park. Roxborough State Park features dramatic red rock formations and excellent hiking. South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center span 880 acres with 5 lakes and kayaking access. The Highline Canal Trail, a 71-mile regional trail, passes through Littleton connecting to the broader metro trail network.
Littleton’s violent crime rate is 4.3 per 1,000 residents and the property crime rate is 30.9 per 1,000, per NeighborhoodScout and FBI UCR data. The overall crime trend has been stable year over year.
Littleton’s cost of living index is approximately 123.7 (national average = 100), or about 24% above the national average. The effective property tax rate is roughly 0.71%–0.73%, varying by county (Arapahoe, Jefferson, or Douglas). Sales tax ranges from 8.0% to 8.75%. Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax.
Littleton has 150+ restaurants and 6+ breweries. Highlights: • Tony’s Meat Market — legendary Italian deli since 1978 • The Melting Pot — fondue on Main Street • Breckenridge Brewery — craft beer and dining • Coal Mine Ave Brewing — dog-friendly brewery with adjacent dog park • Littleton Farmers Market on Main Street (summer Saturdays) • Historic Downtown — walkable Main Street with independent shops and indie coffee houses
