Littleton vs. Englewood: Which Neighborhood Fits Your Family?
July 1, 2025
Littleton vs. Englewood: Which Neighborhood Fits Your Family?
July 1, 2025
Choosing between Littleton and Englewood is one of the most common dilemmas I help Denver-area families navigate. Both communities offer distinct advantages, but they serve different lifestyles and priorities. As a local Realtor who’s helped dozens of families make this exact decision, I’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the right fit for your family.
The Quick Overview
Littleton: Established suburban community with top-rated schools, family-friendly amenities, and higher home prices. Think tree-lined streets, community events, and excellent schools.
Englewood: Up-and-coming urban community with walkable downtown, diverse dining, and more affordable entry points. Think trendy restaurants, shorter commutes, and growing arts scene.
Both are roughly 20-30 minutes from downtown Denver, but they offer completely different living experiences.
Home Prices and Market Dynamics
Littleton Market
- Average Home Price: $650,000-$900,000
- Price per Square Foot: $280-$350
- Typical Home: 1960s-1990s ranch or two-story on larger lots
- Market Speed: Steady demand, homes sell in 15-25 days
- Best Values: Homes needing cosmetic updates in established neighborhoods
Englewood Market
- Average Home Price: $500,000-$750,000
- Price per Square Foot: $250-$320
- Typical Home: Mix of 1950s-1980s homes, some new construction
- Market Speed: Faster-moving, good homes sell in 10-20 days
- Best Values: Properties near downtown Englewood with walkability
Bottom Line: Englewood offers more affordable entry points, while Littleton commands premium prices for established amenities.
Schools: Where Littleton Shines
Littleton Public Schools
- Rating: Consistently rated 8-10/10 on GreatSchools
- Standouts: Littleton High School, Powell Middle School
- Strengths: Strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, community support
- Class Sizes: Generally smaller with more resources
Englewood Schools
- Rating: Mixed, ranging from 4-8/10 on GreatSchools
- Improving: Several schools showing upward trends
- Options: Some families choose nearby Cherry Creek or Littleton districts
- Strengths: Smaller district allows for more individualized attention
Family Impact: If top-rated public schools are non-negotiable, Littleton has a clear advantage. However, Englewood’s improving schools and proximity to other districts provide options.
Lifestyle and Community Feel
Littleton Lifestyle
- Community Events: Farmers markets, summer concerts, holiday celebrations
- Recreation: Chatfield Reservoir, South Platte River trails, numerous parks
- Shopping: Park Meadows Mall, Aspen Grove lifestyle center
- Dining: Family restaurants, chain options, some local gems
- Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, established community feel
Englewood Lifestyle
- Community Events: First Friday art walks, craft fairs, music festivals
- Recreation: Belleview Station, South Platte River access, urban trails
- Shopping: Unique local shops, vintage stores, growing retail scene
- Dining: Diverse restaurants, craft breweries, food trucks, ethnic cuisine
- Vibe: Urban, eclectic, younger demographic, rapidly evolving
The Difference: Littleton offers suburban stability and family amenities. Englewood provides urban energy and cultural diversity.
Commute and Transportation
Littleton
- Downtown Denver: 25-35 minutes by car
- Light Rail: Limited access, mostly car-dependent
- Major Employers: Good access to Denver Tech Center, southwest suburbs
- Traffic: Moderate during rush hours on C-470 and Santa Fe
Englewood
- Downtown Denver: 15-25 minutes by car
- Light Rail: Multiple RTD stations with direct downtown access
- Major Employers: Close to downtown, DTC, and Highlands Ranch
- Traffic: Better public transit options reduce car dependency
Winner: Englewood for commuters who work downtown or prefer public transit options.
Renovation and Investment Potential
Littleton Properties
- Renovation Potential: Many 1970s-1990s homes with good bones
- Popular Projects: Kitchen updates, bathroom remodels, finished basements
- ROI: Strong returns due to established market demand
- Challenges: Higher purchase prices limit renovation budgets
Englewood Properties
- Renovation Potential: Mix of fixer-uppers and move-in ready homes
- Popular Projects: Full renovations, additions, modernization
- ROI: Excellent potential as neighborhood continues improving
- Advantages: Lower entry costs allow bigger renovation budgets
Investment Perspective: Both offer good renovation potential, but Englewood may offer better upside as the area continues developing.
Family Considerations by Life Stage
Young Families (Kids 0-10)
Choose Littleton if: Schools are your top priority, you want established family amenities, and you can afford the premium.
Choose Englewood if: You value diversity, shorter commutes, and want more house for your money while kids are young.
Families with Teens
Choose Littleton if: High school quality and college prep programs are essential, and teens benefit from suburban activities.
Choose Englewood if: Your teens appreciate urban culture, arts, and diversity, or you’re comfortable with school choice options.
Empty Nesters
Choose Littleton if: You want quiet suburban living with established amenities and don’t mind driving everywhere.
Choose Englewood if: You want walkable lifestyle, cultural activities, and easier access to downtown Denver.
The Honest Assessment: Which Fits Your Priorities?
Choose Littleton if you prioritize:
- Top-rated public schools
- Established suburban community feel
- Family-oriented amenities and events
- Larger lots and more space
- Strong property values and market stability
Choose Englewood if you prioritize:
- Affordability and value
- Walkable, urban lifestyle
- Shorter commutes and public transit
- Cultural diversity and dining scene
- Investment upside potential
Neighborhood Spotlight: Best Areas in Each
Top Littleton Areas
- Ken Caryl: Newer homes, mountain views, golf course community
- Columbine: Established area, good schools, family-friendly
- Highlands Ranch Border: Newer construction, modern amenities
Top Englewood Areas
- Downtown Englewood: Walkable, trendy, close to light rail
- Belleview Station: Transit-oriented development, modern living
- Swedish Medical Area: Quiet residential, good access to amenities
Making Your Decision
Start with your non-negotiables:
- School quality requirements
- Commute preferences
- Budget constraints
- Lifestyle priorities
Consider your timeline:
- Staying 5+ years? Either works well
- Shorter term? Englewood may offer better appreciation potential
- Long-term family planning? Factor in school districts early
The Bottom Line
There’s no wrong choice between Littleton and Englewood—only the wrong choice for your specific family’s needs and priorities. Littleton offers suburban stability with premium schools and amenities. Englewood provides urban energy with better value and growth potential.
The key is honestly assessing what matters most to your family’s daily life and long-term goals.
Ready to Explore Both Communities?
As a local Realtor with deep knowledge of both Littleton and Englewood markets, I can help you navigate the pros and cons of each community based on your specific needs. Whether you’re drawn to Littleton’s family amenities or Englewood’s urban energy, I’ll help you find the right home in the right neighborhood.
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Choosing between Littleton and Englewood is one of the most common dilemmas I help Denver-area families navigate. Both communities offer distinct advantages, but they serve different lifestyles and priorities. As a local Realtor who’s helped dozens of families make this exact decision, I’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the right fit for your family.
The Quick Overview
Littleton: Established suburban community with top-rated schools, family-friendly amenities, and higher home prices. Think tree-lined streets, community events, and excellent schools.
Englewood: Up-and-coming urban community with walkable downtown, diverse dining, and more affordable entry points. Think trendy restaurants, shorter commutes, and growing arts scene.
Both are roughly 20-30 minutes from downtown Denver, but they offer completely different living experiences.
Home Prices and Market Dynamics
Littleton Market
- Average Home Price: $650,000-$900,000
- Price per Square Foot: $280-$350
- Typical Home: 1960s-1990s ranch or two-story on larger lots
- Market Speed: Steady demand, homes sell in 15-25 days
- Best Values: Homes needing cosmetic updates in established neighborhoods
Englewood Market
- Average Home Price: $500,000-$750,000
- Price per Square Foot: $250-$320
- Typical Home: Mix of 1950s-1980s homes, some new construction
- Market Speed: Faster-moving, good homes sell in 10-20 days
- Best Values: Properties near downtown Englewood with walkability
Bottom Line: Englewood offers more affordable entry points, while Littleton commands premium prices for established amenities.
Schools: Where Littleton Shines
Littleton Public Schools
- Rating: Consistently rated 8-10/10 on GreatSchools
- Standouts: Littleton High School, Powell Middle School
- Strengths: Strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, community support
- Class Sizes: Generally smaller with more resources
Englewood Schools
- Rating: Mixed, ranging from 4-8/10 on GreatSchools
- Improving: Several schools showing upward trends
- Options: Some families choose nearby Cherry Creek or Littleton districts
- Strengths: Smaller district allows for more individualized attention
Family Impact: If top-rated public schools are non-negotiable, Littleton has a clear advantage. However, Englewood’s improving schools and proximity to other districts provide options.
Lifestyle and Community Feel
Littleton Lifestyle
- Community Events: Farmers markets, summer concerts, holiday celebrations
- Recreation: Chatfield Reservoir, South Platte River trails, numerous parks
- Shopping: Park Meadows Mall, Aspen Grove lifestyle center
- Dining: Family restaurants, chain options, some local gems
- Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, established community feel
Englewood Lifestyle
- Community Events: First Friday art walks, craft fairs, music festivals
- Recreation: Belleview Station, South Platte River access, urban trails
- Shopping: Unique local shops, vintage stores, growing retail scene
- Dining: Diverse restaurants, craft breweries, food trucks, ethnic cuisine
- Vibe: Urban, eclectic, younger demographic, rapidly evolving
The Difference: Littleton offers suburban stability and family amenities. Englewood provides urban energy and cultural diversity.
Commute and Transportation
Littleton
- Downtown Denver: 25-35 minutes by car
- Light Rail: Limited access, mostly car-dependent
- Major Employers: Good access to Denver Tech Center, southwest suburbs
- Traffic: Moderate during rush hours on C-470 and Santa Fe
Englewood
- Downtown Denver: 15-25 minutes by car
- Light Rail: Multiple RTD stations with direct downtown access
- Major Employers: Close to downtown, DTC, and Highlands Ranch
- Traffic: Better public transit options reduce car dependency
Winner: Englewood for commuters who work downtown or prefer public transit options.
Renovation and Investment Potential
Littleton Properties
- Renovation Potential: Many 1970s-1990s homes with good bones
- Popular Projects: Kitchen updates, bathroom remodels, finished basements
- ROI: Strong returns due to established market demand
- Challenges: Higher purchase prices limit renovation budgets
Englewood Properties
- Renovation Potential: Mix of fixer-uppers and move-in ready homes
- Popular Projects: Full renovations, additions, modernization
- ROI: Excellent potential as neighborhood continues improving
- Advantages: Lower entry costs allow bigger renovation budgets
Investment Perspective: Both offer good renovation potential, but Englewood may offer better upside as the area continues developing.
Family Considerations by Life Stage
Young Families (Kids 0-10)
Choose Littleton if: Schools are your top priority, you want established family amenities, and you can afford the premium.
Choose Englewood if: You value diversity, shorter commutes, and want more house for your money while kids are young.
Families with Teens
Choose Littleton if: High school quality and college prep programs are essential, and teens benefit from suburban activities.
Choose Englewood if: Your teens appreciate urban culture, arts, and diversity, or you’re comfortable with school choice options.
Empty Nesters
Choose Littleton if: You want quiet suburban living with established amenities and don’t mind driving everywhere.
Choose Englewood if: You want walkable lifestyle, cultural activities, and easier access to downtown Denver.
The Honest Assessment: Which Fits Your Priorities?
Choose Littleton if you prioritize:
- Top-rated public schools
- Established suburban community feel
- Family-oriented amenities and events
- Larger lots and more space
- Strong property values and market stability
Choose Englewood if you prioritize:
- Affordability and value
- Walkable, urban lifestyle
- Shorter commutes and public transit
- Cultural diversity and dining scene
- Investment upside potential
Neighborhood Spotlight: Best Areas in Each
Top Littleton Areas
- Ken Caryl: Newer homes, mountain views, golf course community
- Columbine: Established area, good schools, family-friendly
- Highlands Ranch Border: Newer construction, modern amenities
Top Englewood Areas
- Downtown Englewood: Walkable, trendy, close to light rail
- Belleview Station: Transit-oriented development, modern living
- Swedish Medical Area: Quiet residential, good access to amenities
Making Your Decision
Start with your non-negotiables:
- School quality requirements
- Commute preferences
- Budget constraints
- Lifestyle priorities
Consider your timeline:
- Staying 5+ years? Either works well
- Shorter term? Englewood may offer better appreciation potential
- Long-term family planning? Factor in school districts early
The Bottom Line
There’s no wrong choice between Littleton and Englewood—only the wrong choice for your specific family’s needs and priorities. Littleton offers suburban stability with premium schools and amenities. Englewood provides urban energy with better value and growth potential.
The key is honestly assessing what matters most to your family’s daily life and long-term goals.
Ready to Explore Both Communities?
As a local Realtor with deep knowledge of both Littleton and Englewood markets, I can help you navigate the pros and cons of each community based on your specific needs. Whether you’re drawn to Littleton’s family amenities or Englewood’s urban energy, I’ll help you find the right home in the right neighborhood.
Choosing between Littleton and Englewood is one of the most common dilemmas I help Denver-area families navigate. Both communities offer distinct advantages, but they serve different lifestyles and priorities. As [...]
Your basement might be the most underutilized space in your Denver home. While you're looking at expensive additions or considering a move to get more room, the answer to your [...]
It's the question I hear most from potential buyers: "Elizabeth, should I wait for prices to drop, or should I buy now?" As a Denver Realtor who's helped many families [...]
