I often receive emails asking questions I am sure others would like to know the answer to. This series will answer some of those questions.
Denver Relocation: What Are My Options For Commuting Downtown From Denver Suburbs?
I recently received an email from one of my Denver relocation clients, he was moving from a very large city where the subway was his main mode of transportation. Although he had a car, did not use it often and was hoping to keep solo driving to a minimum. Here's what he asked:
Now that we have decided on the south Denver suburbs in Douglas or Arapahoe counties, can you give me an idea of what my commuting options will be to my job in downtown Denver?
Here's my answer:
There are several options for you to get to work downtown. From our conversations, it sounds like you are pretty set on the Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial areas. Here's what your choices will be.
RTD Light Rail - The RTD Light Rail is a very popular option from the south Denver suburbs, there are 4 RTD Light Rail lines to get you to downtown. The E & F line runs along I-25 going as far south as Lincoln and will bring you to downtown or Union Station. The C & D lines runs as far south as Mineral and Santa Fe. Both lines give you the option of downtown or lo-do at Union Station. There are buses throughout the 'burbs to get you to a light rail station or large parking lots. Some even ride their bike to Light rail and then continue on their way. Large bike lockers are also available at many light rail stations.
Tip - if you are not going to ride Light Rail often enough for a pass, you can still buy discounted tickets at a local grocery store such as King Soopers in packs of about 10.
RTD Bus - Wide options are available for RTD buses on the main arteries toward downtown and can be a good and inexpensive option for you. The one downside I hear about the bus can be, if you happen to miss it by a minute or so, it can be quite a wait for the next one.
Carpool - Some folks do form carpools in their neighborhoods to similar locales. Services such as Ride Arrangers can help you find folks traveling to similar destinations.
Ride a bike - Many people do choose to ride their bike to work or at least part of the way , and there are plenty of trails to help them happen if you choose to stay off the road. Couple that with options such as bike lockers at some RTD stations and Denver's Bike Sharing Program B-Cycle.
Drive yourself - Depending on where you wind up purchasing you home, this will be an option if you so choose. Many people do drive themselves. If you wind up on the west end of the south side, you have Santa Fe Drive as a very good option to get to downtown Denver. Broadway, University Blvd and I25 are also great options. Traffic on I25 has improved some with a recent major construction project and 225 is still improving it seems, however no matter what your route, on certain days that commute will take you time, especially in weather.
Maybe a combination of all of the above could even be a fit for you.
I hope that gives you a better idea as to what your commuting options will be. If you have other questions, just let me know.
- Steve
Interested in some of the other FAQ's I receive? Read also:
What are the Catholic School Options in South Denver Suburbs Near Highlands Ranch?
Can you help us find a Realtor outside of the Denver area?
Why Do Some Homes I Find In The Denver MLS Mention Southern Exposure?
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