The Housing Market in Littleton Today
Littleton, Colorado is a desirable suburb of Denver known for its charming downtown, excellent schools, and proximity to outdoor recreation. In recent years, the local housing market has seen rising prices and tightening inventory as more people discover the appeal of living in Littleton.
The median home price in Littleton reached $615,000 in early 2025, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase. While still more affordable than central Denver, competition among buyers in Littleton is strong. Most homes receive multiple offers and sell within days of listing. New townhome and condo developments are rising downtown to meet some of the demand.
On the rental side, apartment hunters in Littleton are also facing a challenging market. Vacancy rates hover around 4%, pushing rent prices higher. Many of the city’s older apartment complexes have waitlists, while luxury units downtown command top dollar. Still, renting remains more accessible than buying for many Littleton residents.
Renting in Littleton: What’s Typical?
As of 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Littleton is $1,650 per month. Upgrading to a two-bedroom unit brings the average to $2,100 monthly. These prices include many complexes in the city’s established neighborhoods, which often come with extras like a pool, fitness center, or covered parking.
Renters seeking more affordable options may have luck in South Littleton, where older garden-style apartments are prevalent. Expect to pay around $1,400 for a basic one-bedroom in this area. For those with a bigger budget, the new mixed-use buildings downtown offer luxury one-bedrooms starting at $2,200, with high-end finishes and amenities like co-working spaces and dog runs.
Littleton is popular with young professionals who commute to the Denver Tech Center or other major employment hubs in the south metro. Families also appreciate the city’s strong public schools and kid-friendly amenities. Retirees may face a harder time finding accessible, budget-friendly rentals.
Owning a Home in Littleton
For those looking to purchase a home in Littleton, the median price of $615,000 equates to a monthly mortgage of around $3,200, assuming a 30-year fixed loan with 20% down. However, that’s just the beginning of ownership costs.
Property taxes in Littleton average 0.6% of a home’s assessed value, adding about $300 per month. Homeowners insurance runs another $80 monthly. Many neighborhoods have HOA dues ranging from $100-500 per month, covering amenities and exterior maintenance. All in, the typical Littleton homeowner pays $3,500 to $4,000+ per month just for their basic housing costs.
Utilities are also higher for homeowners, since they cover the full cost of water, sewer, trash, gas, and electric. Expect to budget at least $250 monthly for these essentials. Optional services like landscaping, snow removal, and security systems can add even more.
Renters vs. Homeowners: Who Lives Where?
Littleton’s homeownership rate stands at 66%, slightly above the national average. The city’s established neighborhoods feature a mix of long-time residents who purchased decades ago and newer arrivals with high incomes or family support.
First-time buyers face steep competition and often struggle to save for a down payment while paying high rent. Some are moving further out to lower-cost suburbs. Others are buying older condos or townhomes to build equity until they can afford a single-family home.
Meanwhile, Littleton’s renter population is growing, especially among young singles and couples under 35. Some are content to rent for the flexibility and minimal maintenance. Others hope to buy eventually but are priced out of Littleton’s ownership market today. Low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes are increasingly vulnerable to rising rents.
Table: Typical Monthly Housing Costs in Littleton
Here’s what housing costs might look like each month in Littleton:
| Expense | Renting (1BR) | Owning |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $1,650 | $3,200 |
| Property Tax | $0 | $300 |
| Insurance | $15 (renters) | $80 |
| Utilities | $100* | $250 |
| HOA | $0 | $200 |
| Total | $1,765 | $4,030 |
*Many Littleton apartments include some utilities like water, sewer, and trash. Renters still cover electricity and optional services like cable and internet. Estimates reflect mid-range properties and average usage.
What’s Driving Costs Up or Down?
Several factors are putting upward pressure on Littleton’s housing costs. On the demand side, the city’s high quality of life and strong job market are attracting residents from across the country. Denver’s population boom is spilling into the suburbs as people seek more space and better schools.
On the supply side, Littleton has limited land for new single-family construction. Zoning restrictions and high labor and material costs make development expensive. Most new inventory is denser multifamily projects that command luxury prices.
Some experts hope that rising interest rates will cool demand and give inventory a chance to recover. But with so many cash buyers and investors in the market, a significant price correction seems unlikely. Littleton’s housing affordability challenges are likely here to stay.
FAQs About Housing in Littleton
- Is Littleton affordable to live in? Littleton’s housing costs are above the national average, but still lower than central Denver. Renting is relatively affordable for middle-income earners, while homeownership is out of reach for many.
- Why are housing prices changing? Limited supply and strong demand are driving up prices for both renting and buying. New luxury apartments are setting higher rent expectations.
- How does Littleton compare to nearby cities? Littleton is pricier than further-out suburbs like Highlands Ranch and Parker but more affordable than Centennial or Cherry Hills Village. Its historic charm and strong community give it an edge over newer developments.
Making Smart Housing Decisions in Littleton
Housing is the biggest chunk of most Littleton residents’ monthly budgets. Choosing between renting and buying requires carefully weighing your finances, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Renting makes sense for those who value flexibility and predictable costs. Buying builds equity but comes with more risk and responsibility. Ultimately, both renting and owning are viable paths in Littleton for those with stable incomes.
Whatever your housing choice, make sure to budget for the full cost of living in Littleton, including food, transportation, healthcare, and fun. Don’t forget to factor in savings for emergencies and future goals. With smart planning, you can find a comfortable home in this vibrant Colorado community.