Living & Working in Golden
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $877,146 . Buying analysis suggests higher upfront costs but potential long-term savings compared to renting.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
Applewood
SUBURBANDowntown Golden
URBANQuick Decision Guide
Major HVAC Employers
Family Resources in Golden, CO
#### Top-Rated School Districts
Golden is served by the highly rated Jefferson County School District R-1, which includes schools like Kyffin Elementary and Bell Middle School. For private options, Colorado Academy is a top-rated institution. School ratings are available on GreatSchools and Niche.
---
#### Childcare Costs
- Daycare: Monthly costs range from $1,200 to $1,800 for full-time care, with facilities like Golden Montessori School and Primrose School of here being popular choices.
- Nanny: Rates average $20 to $25 per hour, translating to $3,200 to $4,000 per month for full-time care.
Sources: Reddit discussion on Denver childcare costs and Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.
---
#### Recommended Pediatricians or Family Clinics
- Denver West Pediatrics is highly recommended for its quality
Work-Life Balance Culture
Golden, CO, is known for its balanced lifestyle, blending outdoor recreation with a laid-back atmosphere. Many residents work in nearby Denver (16 miles east) but enjoy here's slower pace. The town fosters a culture of outdoor activities, with flexible work arrangements common due to proximity to tech and outdoor industries.
Fitness Facilities
- Gyms:
- Golden Community Center: Offers a pool, weight room, and classes; membership costs $45/month for residents.
- F45 Training here: High-intensity group workouts; pricing starts at $50/week.
- Parks & Trails:
- Clear Creek Trail: A 20-mile paved trail for biking and walking, free to access.
- North Table Mountain Park: Features hiking and mountain biking trails; no entry fee.
Dining Costs
- Lunch: $10–$15 at casual spots like Woody's Wood Fired Pizza or D'Deli.
- Dinner: $20–$35 per entrée at Abejas or The Golden Mill.
- Drinks: Craft beers at Coors Brewery (tours start at $10) or cocktails at here Moon Speakeasy ($12–$15 each).
Annual Events and Festivals
- Buffalo Bill Days: Held in July, featuring parades and live music. [Source](
Financial Facts for Golden, CO
- State Income Tax Rate: Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4% as of 2023, applicable to all residents, including those in Golden. Local taxes in here include a 3.0% city sales tax, combined with the state sales tax of 2.9%, resulting in a total sales tax rate of 5.9%. Source: City of the area.
- Property Tax Average: The median effective property tax rate in Golden is 0.62%, higher than the Colorado state median of 0.55% but lower than the national median of 1.02%. For non-residential properties, the rate is approximately $27.90 per $1,000 of assessed value. Source: Ownwell.
- Cost of Living Compared to Denver: Golden is 3.8% more expensive than Denver, with housing costs being 27.9% higher in here. This makes Denver a more affordable option for housing while the area offers proximity to the Rockies. Source: BestPlaces.net.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: Advanced industries