Living in Golden Colorado is highly rated thanks to its blend of outdoor adventure, Colorado history, and strong community amenities. It includes three institutions that anchor the town: Colorado School of Mines, Coors Brewery, and a historic downtown business district. Residents enjoy access to Clear Creek, walkable streets, art galleries, and a lively local scene while still commuting easily into Denver.
Golden is also known for its strong sense of community, making it a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees. The cost of living is higher than in many Colorado towns, with housing being the biggest expense, but residents often value the tradeoff for Golden’s safety, access to Denver, and high quality of life.
Today, ongoing construction, high median income, and well‑preserved historic districts reflect a town that keeps moving forward without losing the “west lives here” feel that draws new arrivals from Denver and even cities like Chicago.
Once you’ve decided Golden is a good place to live, make sure your move is just as smooth. Call 720‑794‑8482 for advice from movers who know Golden’s streets and neighborhoods, or get a free estimate online in a few minutes.
Where Is Golden Colorado?
Golden is in Jefferson County within the Denver-Aurora-Lakeland metropolitan statistical area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. It’s located just north of I-70, west of Denver, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Situated between Lookout Mountain and the two Table Mountains, Golden is in a covered valley fed by Clear Creek. Nearby communities include West Pleasant View, Genesee, Idledale, Morrison, and the city of Lakewood.
Driving Distances & Times from Golden, CO
Golden Population & Demographics
Golden, Colorado, had a population of 20,399 in the 2020 U.S. Census. The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest population estimate places the city at 20,390 residents as of July 1, 2025. Golden has a sparse suburban feel and a 2020 population density of approximately 2,117 residents per square mile. From 2010 to 2020, the city’s population increased from 18,867 to 20,399—an increase of about 8.1%.
Golden is a young, family-oriented town; 19% of residents are in their 20s, and 16% are in their 30s. The median age is 34 years old, and 55% of households are married couples. However, the Golden population is predominantly male; 59% of residents are men, and only 41% are women.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 88.8% white (83.5% non-Hispanic), 10.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian, 1.7% Black, and 6.3% two or more races.
Other Golden Demographics
- The median household income is $84,000, which is 4.6% higher than the Colorado average
- 95.8% of residents have a high school diploma, while 55.6% have at least a bachelor's degree
- The foreign-born population is 7.9%
Is Golden Colorado Safe?
Golden is generally considered a safe city, with the small-town atmosphere and community amenities many residents look for. People moving to Golden Colorado should still take standard precautions against property crime, including securing cars, bicycles, and personal belongings. See the crime statistics below for a detailed breakdown of local safety data.
What is the Crime Rate in Golden CO?
The Golden Colorado crime rate is 3,603 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 10.6% higher than the state and 53.6% higher than the country. However, the violent crime rate is 62.9% lower than the rest of Colorado and 59.5% lower than the US average. The property crime rate is 21.6% higher than the state and 76% higher than the country.
Now that you understand who lives in Golden and what the community feels like, call 720‑794‑8482 to talk through your household’s needs, or get a free estimate for a move that fits your family size and budget.
What is the Golden Colorado Cost of Living?
Golden, Colorado, has a higher-than-average cost of living. AreaVibes reports a Golden cost-of-living index of 146, with 100 representing the U.S. average. That places Golden’s overall cost of living about 46% above the national average and above Colorado’s statewide index of 111.
Why Is Golden Colorado So Expensive?
Housing prices are a major contributor to the high cost of living in Golden, CO. Golden’s housing index is 252, or roughly 152% above the U.S. average. While costs vary by household and lifestyle, buyers and renters should expect housing to make up a larger share of their budget than in many U.S. cities.
The Economic Policy Institute has a Family Budget Calculator that indicates the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make around $103,000–$110,000 per year to afford the Golden CO cost of living.
Typical Golden living expenses
- Carton of eggs: $2.12
- Hamburger: $4.84
- Bunch of bananas: $3.17
- Visit to the doctor's office: $123.91
- A gallon of gas: $3.40
- Average Golden CO monthly utility bill: $359
Source: Payscale
The Golden CO real estate market is very competitive. Redfin shows that the median listing price of homes for sale in Golden, CO is $745,000. The median price per square foot of Golden real estate is $380.
Renters will also find plenty of great options, and about 40-45% of homes are rented out, while 59% are owner-occupied. RentCafe indicates that the average rent in Golden is $2,188 per month. Apartments in Golden Colorado start around $1366 for a studio and go up to $8,200 for a three-bedroom.
How Much Do You Need to Make to Live In Golden Colorado?
With a median income of around $84,000–$90,990 and high housing costs, many households find living in Golden Colorado comfortable when annual income is at or above that median level.
If the cost of living in Golden Colorado still works for your budget, call 720‑794‑8482 to discuss timing and services.
Golden Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Golden
Before moving to Golden, you'll likely want to explore some of the top neighborhoods. Here are a few of the best areas to check out.
Bear Tooth Ranch | An Upscale Golden Neighborhood with Gorgeous Mountain Views
Bear Tooth Ranch is a sprawling luxury housing development that offers impressive estates overlooking breathtaking mountains in Golden, Colorado, with home prices ranging from $5 million to $7 million.
Applewood | A Bustling Golden Community with a Variety of Housing Options
Applewood is a community on the west side of Golden that is home to several parks, historic homes, and the Applewood Golf Course. It also features a range of housing options with asking prices starting at $300,000.
Mesa Meadows | A Peaceful Golden Neighborhood in a Central Location
Mesa Meadows is a neighborhood in north Golden located near the intersection of State Highways 93 and 58 that offers quiet, tree-lined blocks and home prices ranging from $730,000 to $930,000.
Golden Weather & Climate
Golden has a semi-arid high desert climate according to the Köppen classification system. The temperature typically stays between 22°F and 85°F. In the summer, it can get as hot as 93°F, and in the winter, it gets single digits on the coldest nights.
How Cold Does Golden CO Get?
Winter lows in Golden often drop into the teens and 20s, with occasional colder snaps. Sunny days and Chinook winds can make cold spells shorter than in some Colorado mountain towns.
How Much Snow Does Golden Colorado Get?
Golden averages about 73 inches of snow per year, with lighter accumulations in downtown Golden and heavier totals up in nearby foothills and canyon areas.
The best time to visit someone living in Golden Colorado is usually between the months of June and September.
Things to Do in Golden CO
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Golden CO, from brewery tours to white water rafting. You'll find plenty of retail outlets at the Golden Town Center or local boutiques like the Bull Moose Trading Company and the Golden Curiosity Shop.
Golden offers outdoor adventure on Clear Creek, hikes in Clear Creek Canyon, downtown Golden art galleries and live music, and historic sites like Golden History Park and Clear Creek History Park.
Here are a few other places to check out in Golden.
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a park and museum that pays tribute to the famous William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody with exhibits, events, gifts, and other attractions dedicated to the Wild West.
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401 (720) 865-2160
Coors beer is brewed locally in Golden, and their facility offers beer tastings and a 30-minute tour of the facility to give visitors an in-depth look at the malting, packaging, and brewing process.
502 14th St, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 277-2337
Clear Creek White Water Park is one of the best things to do in Golden CO, for the whole family, with daily rafting trips on Clear Creek, which offers 800 feet of waves, drops, and eddies.
1201 10th St, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 384-8000
Additional Golden Attractions
When is Golden Retriever Day in Golden, Colorado?
Golden celebrates National Golden Retriever Day through Goldens in Golden, an annual downtown gathering usually held on the first Saturday in February. The 2027 event is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., centered on Washington Avenue, Parfet Park, and the area beneath the Welcome to Golden arch. The free event brings together thousands of golden retrievers and their owners, with dog-friendly local businesses, photo opportunities, and activities throughout downtown.
Golden Restaurants
You'll find everything from wood-fired pizza to delicious Indian food in Golden CO. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Golden CO.
Sherpa House Golden is one of the best restaurants in Golden CO, for Nepalese cuisine, serving traditional dishes like chow mein and sherpa stew in a comfortable setting decorated to resemble an authentic Nepalese home.
1518 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 278-7939
Abejas Restaurant Golden is a popular Golden restaurant serving New American cuisine such as Oxtail ragu and Bison New York strip steak in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. It's one of the best Golden CO restaurants for a family dinner or casual date night.
807 13th St, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 952-9745
Woody's Wood Fired Pizza is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving artisan pizzas for take-out or delivery with semolina and honey crusts, plus beer and a salad bar.
1305 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 277-0443
Jobs in Golden
You'll find plenty of great high-paying jobs in Golden CO, in a diverse range of fields and industries. The city is home to many top laboratories and businesses, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Earthquake Information Center, Coors Brewing Company, Boston Market, Spyderco, and Software Bisque.
Most Golden jobs are in industries such as education, health care and social assistance, retail, scientific and technical services, and accommodation and food services.
The top employers in Jefferson County include:
Payscale indicates that the average salary paid by jobs in Golden is $79,000 per year. Employment seekers will find plenty of great City of Golden jobs in local government. You'll also find jobs in Golden in the private sector ranging from behavioral therapist to shipping technician.
Golden Schools
Living in Golden offers access to an award-winning educational system. Schools in Golden, CO are within the Jefferson County R-1 School District, which ranks within the top 30% of districts in the state. There are four elementary schools in Golden, CO: Mitchell, Kyffin, Shelton, and Ralston Elementary. Other Golden Colorado schools include Bell Middle School and Golden High School.
Golden High School is the oldest in the state of Colorado and ranks within the top 25 high schools in the Denver metro area and within the top 50 in the state, according to US News and World Report. It features a graduation rate of 96% and an AP participation rate of 56%.
Golden is also home to the Colorado School of Mines, the oldest public university in the state, and the Mountain Language Institute, an English language school. Residents living in Golden can also stop by the local branch of the Jefferson County library system to take out books and attend community events.
Golden Statistics & Information
- Golden County: Jefferson County
- Golden area: 9.727 square miles
- Golden CO zip code: 80401-80403, 80419, 80439
- Golden area code(s): 303 & 720
- Golden elevation: 5,675 ft
- Golden time zone: Mountain Standard Time
- Closest airport to Golden: The Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) is 17 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Golden Colorado
What College Is in Golden Colorado?
Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines, a public research university focused on engineering, applied science, and Colorado history in mining and energy. It anchors higher education in the city just east of downtown Golden.
What Is the M on the Mountain in Golden CO?
The white “M” on the mountain east of town honors the Colorado School of Mines. It overlooks downtown Golden and Washington Avenue and symbolizes Golden’s higher education and engineering heritage.
What Is the Main Street in Golden Colorado?
Washington Avenue is Golden’s main street, lined with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and the famous “Howdy Folks” arch welcoming visitors to downtown Golden.
Is Golden, CO a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Golden is widely considered a good place to live, with strong higher education, outdoor access, low crime, and a median income in the mid‑$80k to around $90k range. However, housing costs are well above national averages.
What River Runs Through Golden Colorado?
Clear Creek runs through downtown Golden, once vital to gold fields and clay mining. It is now the centerpiece for tubing, walking tours, and Clear Creek History Park.
Why Is Golden Colorado Called Golden?
Golden was named after prospector Thomas L. Golden, who settled along Clear Creek during the 1850s gold rush. He gave his name to the growing mining camp and later Colorado Territory capital.
Where to Stay In Golden Colorado?
You’ll find hotels and inns near downtown Golden and Clear Creek, plus rooming house‑style historic properties and modern options close to Colorado School of Mines and Washington Avenue.
Golden, CO Map
Where is Golden Colorado on a map? Explore more restaurants, attractions, and fun things to do in the Golden zip code with this map.
Ready for a Golden Life in Golden, CO? Start Your Move with a Free Quote
By now, you’ve seen why many people say Golden is a good place to live, as it offers a lifestyle that blends mountain town scenery with front‑range convenience.
Homegrown Moving & Storage is a locally focused Colorado moving company, consistently earning strong customer feedback and positive scores in independent reviews for efficiency, careful handling, and clear communication on Denver‑area and foothills moves.
Our dedicated Golden movers team understands the area’s streets, elevation changes, and building rules, and operates under Colorado license HHG‑00477, giving you transparent, accountable service instead of brokered hand‑offs.
Call 720‑794‑8482 now to talk with a moving specialist about dates, services, and budget, or get a free moving quote online with a few details about your current and future home.
