ARVADA

Population:  103,700

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  7.51%

Median Income:  $47,334

Average Home Price:  $185,445

School Districts:  Jefferson Cty R-1 and Adams Cty 50

Located just northwest of Denver, Arvada is the site of one of the first gold discoveries in Colorado..along Ralston Creek in 1850. Since then, the city has experienced stable and steady residential and commercial growth. The Arvada Technical Center, along with 30 to 50 smaller firms, supports the existing industrial base. Still a little bit country, Arvada offers diversified housing ranging from apartments and small homes to farms and country estates. Arvada has done an excellent job of balancing both business and cultural growth by redeveloping its downtown area, providing adequate and convenient shopping for its residents and by building a beautiful Center for the Performing Arts which preserves the flavor of the Old West.

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AURORA

Population:  252,000

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  7.3%

Median Income:  $33,214

Average Home Price:  $145,000

School Districts:  Aurora and Cherry Creek

Aurora is one of the major employment centers in the eastern portion of the greater Denver area. Once a military town, today Aurora has a well developed master plan that includes a high-density city center, major traffic arteries and high volume water system. Aurora offers a diverse yet stable economic base. The city's active economic development group has attracted such industry giants as United Pipe & Foundry, Western Electric, Samsonite, Arco and AT&T. Several governmental facilities, such as Buckley Air Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center and the Air Force Accounting and Finance Center, also call Aurora home.

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BOULDER

Population:  96,000

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  7.26%

Median Income:  $34,585

Average Home Price:  $225,000

School District:  Boulder Valley

The miners came in 1885 searching for gold and silver...and they found it! Boulder's mining past remains a vibrant memory of the people and life-style that created one of the country's premier small cities – Boulder, Colorado. Boulder is the home of the University of Colorado and is only 30 minutes from Denver. Boulder has maintained its small town flavor that is enhanced by its location nestled against the mountains. After seeing Boulder's population double in the 1960's, the citizens decided to maintain the city's small town charm by instituting a unique growth plan that limits growth to 2% a year. Today, Boulder is considered the technical and scientific center of Colorado. Industry is mainly composed of research and development firms including Ball Brothers, IBM, the National Bureau of Standards, the National Center of Atmospheric Research and Hewlett-Packard. A city-planned greenbelt of hundreds of undeveloped acres of land surrounds the city to help preserve its beauty.

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BROOMFIELD

Population:  41,916

City Government:  City Manager / Council

Sales Tax:  7.8%

Median Income:  $55,784

Average Home Price:  $155,400

School Districts:  Boulder Valley, Adams Cty, Jefferson Cty, St. Vrain

Broomfield is a thriving residential and industrial community situated midway between Denver and Boulder. Broomfield's panoramic view of the mountains and the many area lakes make it a growing community in the metropolitan area.

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CASTLE ROCK

Population:  18,000

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  6.2%

Median Income:  $59,500

Average Home Price:  $185,500

School District:  Douglas County

Located about midway between the metro centers of Denver and Colorado Springs, is the city of Castle Rock.  The natural beauty of Douglas County is one of the reasons it has become the fastest growing county in the state.  Added to all this natural beauty is the rural lifestyle of the county and a small town atmosphere with excellent schools.  Castle Rock, with is rural charm and pleasant, friendly people, is one of the most aggressive communities in the metropolitan area.

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CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

Population:  5,454

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  7.3%

Median Income:  $68,572

Average Home Price:  $410,600

School District:  Cherry Creek

Located to the south of Denver, Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village are two of the most affluent suburbs in the area. Its residents govern each city. Low-density communities composed primarily of residential areas, the villages’ feature magnificent homes scattered among rolling hills. Extensive recreational facilities, such as tennis and swim clubs and miles of bridle paths, have also been developed. Business districts are within easy reach of these two communities via Interstate 25 or major arteries.

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DENVER

Population:  501,287

City Government:  Mayor / City Council

Sales Tax:  7.3%

Median Income:  $29,861

Average Home Price:  $160,000

School District:  Denver Public Schools

The City and County of Denver is the business and administrative hub of the metropolitan area. It accounts for about a third of the area's total population and its rapid growth since the 1950's have encouraged urban renewal downtown. Denver's residents are well educated and the city is a cultural leader in the Rocky Mountain West. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, along with the many museums, colleges and universities attract international talent and exhibitions. The new 940,000 square foot Convention Center that opened in June, 1990 plays a major role in the city's economic growth. The city boasts several professional sports teams and abounds in recreational sporting opportunities.

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ENGLEWOOD

Population:  32,000

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  7.3%

Median Income:  $32,822

Average Home Price:  $140,000

School District:  Englewood (Arapahoe #1)

Englewood, like most of the communities in Denver, owe their initial development to the discovery of gold. Today, Englewood and the smaller incorporated community of Sheridan are thriving residential and commercial areas. The large suburban population enjoys several shopping areas. Other attractions include retail, commercial and residential development bordering the Platte River where Centennial Race Track once stood.

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GOLDEN

Population:  14,460

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  6.3%

Median Income:  $49,694

Average Home Price:  $137,500

School District:  Jefferson County

From 1862 to 1867, Golden was the capital of Colorado Territory and a center of railroad activity. Today, Golden is the county seat of Jefferson County. The major attraction and employer is the Adolph Coors Brewery. One of the nation's top earth science universities, the Colorado School of Mines, is located in Golden, as is the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). Golden is nestled at the base of the foothills and provides residents with a small town atmosphere only 15 miles west of downtown Denver.

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GREENWOOD VILLAGE

Population:  9,100

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  6.8%

Median Income:  $75,000

Average Home Price:  $350,000

School Districts:  Cherry Creek and Littleton

Greenwood Village became a home rule city in 1972, giving it the ability to govern itself.  The eastern section is laden with covenant-controlled developments; the western sections is rural in nature, complete with dirt roads, farm houses and horse pastures- flanked by some of the most expensive homes in the metro area.  The Denver Tech Center and Greenwood Plaza commercial districts split the city in half.

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HIGHLANDS RANCH

Population:  38,000

City Government:  Unicorporated

Sales Tax:  3.8%

Median Income:  $69,524

Average Home Price:  $292,000

School District:  Douglas County

Recognized as one of the most popular master-planned communities in the nation, Highlands Ranch offers the ultimate in Rocky Mountain living. It's a community of parks, picnics and playgrounds, of award-winning schools and a thriving business community. And, it's home to neighborhoods built by 17 of Colorado's premier homebuilders offering more home designs and price ranges than any other new home community in Colorado.

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KEN CARYL RANCH

Population:  27,500

City Government:  Unincorporated Jefferson County

Sales Tax:  3%

Median Income:  $37,500

Average Home Price:  $289,000

School District:  Jefferson County

Tucked away at the hogbacks and adjacent to C-470, is a broad selection of homes from some of Colorado's finest home builders and a wealth of recreational opportunities.  Swimming, horseback riding and tennis are just a few of the amenities of this fabulous planned community in the west part of the metro area.

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LAKEWOOD

Population:  129,000

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  6.3%

Median Income:  $46,526

Average Home Price:  $143,560

School District:  Jefferson County

Located on the western boundaries of Denver, Lakewood is the fourth largest city in Colorado. With owners occupying two-thirds of Lakewood's homes, the city is primarily residential. Only a few minutes drive from the mountains, many neighborhoods have expansive views of the city lights or the inspiring snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Because of relatively high per capita incomes and low-density commercial areas, Lakewood has room for light industry and business growth. The largest employer in Lakewood is the Federal Center, a huge complex of federal offices and warehouses second only to Washington, D.C. in size. Lakewood gained national recognition for innovations in municipal government when it was named runner-up in the All America City competition in 1970, just one year after the city's incorporation.

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LAFAYETTE

Population:  19,500

City Government:  Council / City Administrator

Sales Tax:  7.4%

Median Income:  $48,870

Average Home Price:  $180,000

School District:  Boulder Valley

Nestled on the high plains of the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Lafayette offers a rich natural environment, popular summer and winter sports, abundant leisure activities, and a variety of superior educational opportunities.  A diverse housing market includes everything from condominiums to million-dollar estates, all convenient to many high tech firms.

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LITTLETON

Population:  39,009

City Government:  Council / Manager

Sales Tax:  6.8%

Median Income:  $40,407

Average Home Price:  $148,500

School District:  Littleton

Littleton, the southernmost city of the metro area, is home to several nationally known companies; however, the city carefully controls land development through planning and zoning to preserve its small-town atmosphere. Many older buildings have been preserved and are now restaurants, offices, retail space and homes. The city's neighborhoods remain distinctive and well maintained. A well-defined downtown area serves shoppers and the business community. Littleton has several beautifully landscaped parks and an 80-mile network of bicycle and bridle paths.

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LOUISVILLE

Population:  18,385

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  6.8%

Median Income:  $69,671

Average Home Price:  $178,520

School District:  Boulder Valley

Louisville blends hometown atmosphere with a progressive modern outlook, while Main Street retains the nostalgic charm of yesterday, and high tech businesses flourish throughout the city.  The rich heritage of values and traditions found in Louisville forms the basis for a thriving modern community.  Louisville offers a small town atmosphere with convenient access to the cultural amenities and economic opportunities of the Denver-Boulder metropolitan area.

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LONGMONT

Population:  58,173

City Government:  Council / City Manager

Sales Tax:  6.9%

Median Income:  $44,529

Average Home Price:  $146,000

School District:  St. Vrain Valley

The city of Longmont lies approximately forty miles north of Denver along Interstate 25 with majestic views of Longs Peak and Meeker Peak. The surrounding area is rural in character, though the city itself has flourished. Longmont appeals to many who enjoy the smaller town feel without being far from major cultural and transportation areas. It is also within an easy commute to several Colorado colleges.

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PARKER

Population:  19,000

City Government:  Mayor / Town Council

Sales Tax:  7.8%

Median Income:  $52,560

Average Home Price:  $180,000

School District:  Douglas County

Parker has a beautiful environment where rural living could combine with modern day necessities, where country pleasures would join with today's desired amenities.  Today, the Parker governmental agencies and residents are striving to insure that this beautiful rural area is not spoiled by over-building and lack of planning.  Beautiful walking and biking trails and equestrian facilities abound the Parker vicinity.  For those who desire acreage of stable facilities, the Parker area and Douglas County abound with a variety of choices.

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NORTHGLENN

Population:  29,092

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  7.3%

Median Income:  $60,476

Average Home Price:  $139,080

School District:  Adams County 12

Northglenn is located directly north of Denver along Interstate 25. When the city was incorporated in 1969, it formulated plans for an innovative water and sewage disposal system, which has gained national recognition for its effective land and water resource management. Northglenn offers residents a broad range of recreational and community activities and services. The Northglenn Community Center is one of the largest recreational facilities in the state.

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THORNTON

Population:  72,000

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  8.05%

Median Income:  $50,102

Average Home Price:  $146,120

School District:  Adams County

Between 1970 and 1980, Thornton was the fastest growing of all Colorado municipalities and the city continues to actively seek new industry for the area. Thornton, which is located just north of Denver, began in the 1950's as a moderately priced community giving young couples a chance to own their own homes. Today's home prices, however, range from moderate to expensive with many developers taking advantage of the panoramic views available in this community.

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WESTMINSTER

Population:  92,713

City Government:  City Manager / City Council

Sales Tax:  7.55%

Median Income:  $39,286

Average Home Price:  $151,215

School Districts:  Jefferson County and Adams County

Westminster has aggressively broadened its economic base. Attracted by its growth potential and pleasant environment, companies such as Western Electric, General Cable Corporation and the BAU Corporation have major facilities within the city. Westminster, located just north of Denver, offers comfortable residential neighborhoods, major shopping facilities and recreational developments.

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WHEAT RIDGE

Population:  32,200

City Government:  Mayor / Council

Sales Tax:  6.3%

Median Income:  $37,036

Average Home Price:  $170,000

School District:  Jefferson County

Wheat Ridge, located 20 minutes northwest of downtown, is within easy access to area business districts and the mountains and yet provides its residents with a small-town atmosphere. This prosperous, quiet community prides itself on being the "Carnation Capital" of the nation and celebrates this event with an annual Carnation Festival. The Wheat Ridge area contains more than 100 acres of parks and small lakes.