Just south of Denver, Englewood and Littleton sit in the sweet spot between urban access and suburban affordability. Englewood is undergoing a significant revitalization — CityCenter Englewood has transformed what was once a dying mall into a mixed-use hub with light rail, retail, and new housing. Littleton's historic downtown is one of metro Denver's most walkable, with independent restaurants, the Platte River trail system, and top-rated schools in Littleton Public Schools district.
Market Snapshot
| Metric | Englewood | Littleton |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | ~$510,000 | ~$580,000 |
| County | Arapahoe | Arapahoe / Jefferson |
| Days on market | 18–26 days | 15–22 days |
| FHA loan limit | $862,500 | $862,500 |
| Light rail access | Yes (C, D, H lines) | Yes (W Line) |
Down Payment Options
CHFA in Arapahoe & Jefferson Counties: Income limit for 1–2 person households is approximately $120,000–$126,000. The DPA grant covers up to 4% of the loan amount — on a $510,000 purchase, that's roughly $19,380 in assistance.
FHA 3.5% Down: On $510,000 in Englewood:
- Down: $17,850
- Loan: $492,150
- Rate (est.): 6.75% → P&I ~$3,193/month
Conventional 97: Better for 700+ credit scores; PMI cancels at 80% LTV. On Littleton's higher price points, a larger down payment or conventional structure may be more cost-effective long term.
Neighborhood Highlights
Englewood:
- Bates-Logan Park — craftsman bungalows and 1950s ranches, walkable to South Broadway
- Cherry Hills Village adjacent — Englewood addresses near the Cherry Hills border; better prices, same access
- CityCenter corridor — newer condos and townhomes, walkable, light-rail connected
Littleton:
- Historic Downtown Littleton — older character homes, $550,000–$750,000+
- Centennial / Highlands Ranch border — newer construction, strong schools
- Columbine area — established neighborhood, larger lots, resale pricing $500,000–$650,000
Key Considerations for Buyers
Condos in Englewood: Several condo complexes exist near the light rail corridor. Ensure the HOA is FHA-approved if you're using FHA financing — non-warrantable condos require conventional or portfolio loans.
Jefferson County vs. Arapahoe County taxes: Jefferson County's mill levy is slightly lower than Arapahoe's. On equivalent purchase prices, you'll pay modestly less in property taxes on the Jefferson County (western Littleton) side.
School districts: Littleton Public Schools and Englewood Schools are separate districts — research which serves the specific address you're considering.
FAQ
Is Englewood expensive? It's more affordable than Denver proper — entry-level ranches and bungalows start around $430,000–$480,000. Littleton runs $50,000–$100,000 higher on comparable square footage.
Can I walk or bike downtown from either city? Littleton's historic core is very walkable. Englewood's South Broadway has excellent walkability for dining and retail; CityCenter adds light rail connectivity.
Are townhomes a good starter option here? Yes — Englewood has new townhome communities in the $420,000–$500,000 range that are excellent starter properties with strong appreciation history.
Let's Get You Pre-Approved
📞 970-708-9624 | tj@taytoncapitalllc.com
Apply Now → | Contact Tayton Capital
Get help with buyer guide
Talk to a licensed broker or explore the program that fits this article.
Related articles
First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Western Colorado in 2026
A complete guide for first-time buyers purchasing homes in Durango, Montrose, Grand Junction, Cortez, Glenwood Springs, and surrounding Western Slope communities. CHFA, FHA, VA, USDA explained. Tayton Capital, NMLS #2106875.
Read articleMoving to Montrose, CO in 2026 — A Mortgage and Real Estate Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a home in Montrose, Colorado — median prices, neighborhoods, loan types, and why the Western Slope's most affordable major market is attracting buyers from across Colorado.
Read article2026 First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Cortez & Montezuma County, Colorado
How to buy your first home in Cortez, CO — USDA 0% down, FHA, manufactured home financing, down payment assistance, and what to expect from the process in 2026.
Read article2026 First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Mancos, Colorado
Everything a first-time buyer needs to know about buying a home in Mancos, CO — USDA 0% down, FHA, manufactured home financing, and what to expect from the process.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Gunnison & Crested Butte, Colorado 2026
Gunnison is the affordable gateway to Crested Butte — a working ranch and university town where first-time buyers can find homes under $500,000 with mountain access.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Woodland Park & Teller County, Colorado 2026
Woodland Park is Colorado Springs' mountain suburb — 8,500 feet elevation, Pikes Peak views, and home prices below the Denver metro. Here's the 2026 first-time buyer guide.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Spring Hill & Hernando County, Florida 2026
Spring Hill is one of Tampa Bay's most affordable suburbs — with Gulf access, Weeki Wachee Springs, and home prices under $330,000 for most entry-level buyers in Hernando County.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Homestead & South Miami-Dade, Florida 2026
Homestead and South Miami-Dade offer Miami-area access at a fraction of the price — with FHA loan limits that cover the market and agricultural character unlike anywhere else in Florida.
Read article