Section Image

Lafayette

Lafayette

Located in Boulder County

$812,553 Average Value
$372 Average Price per Sq Ft
98 Homes For Sale

Historic mining town turned suburban destination

Sitting on the western edge of Colorado’s Great Plains, the City of Lafayette is a residential community of over 32,000 people. Originally settled as a homestead in the 1870s, it started as a small mining town when coal was discovered in the 1880s and has since transitioned from a mining and agriculture-based town to a sprawling suburban city with a vibrant culture and extensive outdoor recreation. “I love that the community is so real, and the people here are so warm and involved,” says Katey McNeil, executive director for the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. “You don’t see many cities where people actually go to chamber meetings.”

While the city’s last coal mine closed in the 1950s, Lafayette’s economy finds success across the healthcare, professional services and manufacturing industries. Top employers include Good Samaritan Medical Center, Medtronic, CTAP and Walmart.

Lafayette sits on the edge of the Great Plains and had a rich agricultural history.
Lafayette sits on the edge of the Great Plains and had a rich agricultural history.
Medtronic is one of Lafayette's top employers.
Medtronic is one of Lafayette's top employers.
1/2

Neighborhoods of mixed housing types

Lafayette’s residential areas are broken into subdivisions. Old Town Lafayette has modern townhouses and condos, while surrounding downtown neighborhoods are lined with traditional single-story cottages and bungalows. Split levels and traditional multi-story homes are common in North Lafayette neighborhoods, though there are also a handful of subdivisions with new construction modern estates. In 2024, the median price for a single-family home was $770,000, while the median price for townhouses was around $528,000.

Modern multi story homes are becoming more common in Lafayette.
Modern multi story homes are becoming more common in Lafayette.
New neighborhoods are popping up in the growing city of Lafayette.
New neighborhoods are popping up in the growing city of Lafayette.
1/2

Northern Colorado’s natural areas and city parks

Lafayette has over 1,640 acres of open spaces and 20 miles of trails. Coal Creek Corridor Open Space is a wildlife habitat surrounding Coal Creek with trails. There’s also Waneka Lake, a popular nature preserve that doubles up as a city park. The Waneka Lake Boathouse rents out paddle boats and canoes.

There are 20 designated city parks in Lafayette, including two community gardens, a dog park, a disc golf course, a skate park and country clubs, such as the Indian Peaks Golf Course. Additionally, the Bob Burger Recreation Center is an indoor athletic complex with a pool.

The Bob Burger Recreation center is a gathering place for the Lafayette community.
The Bob Burger Recreation center is a gathering place for the Lafayette community.
Lafayette is home to the Indian Peaks Golf Course, which is a public golf course.
Lafayette is home to the Indian Peaks Golf Course, which is a public golf course.
1/2

Shopping and dining in downtown Lafayette

Old Town Lafayette is the city’s downtown district, with dozens of local businesses, restaurants and wellness services, including a flea market. Downtown has everything from casual American restaurants and coffee shops to upscale bistros and international cuisines and breweries and taphouses line Public Road. “Old Town is really popular because you can walk and shop, but we also have a couple of other little pockets for shopping,” McNeil says. “We don’t have many national retailers. For the most part, it’s all small business. Most of the things you need, you can find from the local places nearby.” These pockets include shopping centers along Baseline Road and South Boulder Road that have local restaurants and grocery stores.

Residents enjoy the lack of national brand retailers in Lafayette.
Residents enjoy the lack of national brand retailers in Lafayette.
Lafayette's South Public Road is lined with dining and retail options.
Lafayette's South Public Road is lined with dining and retail options.
1/2

Old Town Lafayette’s cultural core

Alleyways in Old Town Lafayette are decorated with public artwork. Over 80 murals and dozens of sculptures are scattered throughout downtown. “Our community is very focused on art. We have a lot of studios that are everything from ceramics to jewelers and apothecaries,” McNeil says. Additionally, The Collective Community Arts Center showcases rotating art exhibits and provides workshops and programs for the city.

There's Lafayette’s Center for Musical Arts and the Muse Performance Space, which is a live venue. Festival Plaza is another venue in Old Town that hosts Picnic on the Plaza, a summer concert series. Other popular city events include the Peach Festival in August and the Lafayette Farmers Market. “Events are constantly going on, so it’s a very active community. There’s nothing short of things to do,” McNeil continues.

Lafayette's Muse Performance Space plays host to live musical acts.
Lafayette's Muse Performance Space plays host to live musical acts.
You will find sculptures to enjoy littered across the city of Lafayette.
You will find sculptures to enjoy littered across the city of Lafayette.
1/2

Boulder County public schools

Lafayette’s public schools are served by the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), which serves over 28,400 students across 56 schools, including four elementary, one middle and one high school in the city itself. BVSD earns an A grade from Niche. Lafayette also has one charter school, and one private K-12 school.

Lafayette Elementary School is part of the Boulder Valley School District in Lafayette, Colorado.
Lafayette Elementary School is part of the Boulder Valley School District in Lafayette, Colorado.
Centaurus High School is a public high school in Lafayette, Colorado.
Centaurus High School is a public high school in Lafayette, Colorado.
1/2

Navigating Lafayette and beyond

Colorado’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) has several bus lines with stops throughout the area. U.S. Highway 287 cuts through the city, traveling north about 13 miles to Longmont and around 22 miles south to Denver. It's about 11 miles west of Boulder along Colorado state Highway 7. Access to Northwest Parkway is directly south of Lafayette and can be used to travel to the Denver International Airport, roughly 32 miles east. As part of the city’s sustainable transportation program, Lafayette has multiple Electric Vehicle charging stations.

Lafayette’s consistent weather and crime

Lafayette residents experience a moderate climate and all four seasons. The area’s average annual snowfall is 69 inches, which is on par with the Colorado average. Some areas in Lafayette may be at risk of potential prairie fires. The City of Lafayette Fire Department has two stations.

In the Lafayette Police Department’s 2024 Quarter Three Report, the total number of offenses reported was roughly 1,700, which is a 6% increase year-over-year. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the city’s violent crime rate is on par with state and national crime rates. The city’s property crime rate is also on par with that of the state, but higher than the national average.

Brittany Bell
Written By
Brittany Bell
Karl Brewick
Photography Contributed By
Karl Brewick
Kellan Beaver
Video By
Kellan Beaver

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brett Sawyer, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Parks in this Area

Lafayette Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$679,000
Median Sale Price
$655,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$725,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$516,950
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$340,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
430
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$372

Area Facts

Number of Homes
9,020
Number of Homes for Sale
98
Median Year Built
1993
Months of Supply
2.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,215
Above the national average
1,926
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,358
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,349
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
856
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Oct 11
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    187 Rendezvous Dr, Lafayette, CO 80026

    $534,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,817 Sq Ft
    • 187 Rendezvous Dr
    • New 2 days ago

    Location! Location! Location! This Hedgerow Community townhome offers convenient access to downtown Louisville, Boulder and Highway 287! Enjoy nearby access to Waneka Lake, Indian Peaks Golf Course and countless dining options too! This cozy townhome boasts 2 bedrooms and a flex room that can be used as an office, library or gym. It has an unfinished basement that is a blank canvas and offers

    Mayoura Phannadeth Slifer Smith & Frampton-Niwot

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Oct 11
    Open Sat 12PM - 2PM

    1125 Somerset St, Lafayette, CO 80026

    $630,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,408 Sq Ft
    • 1125 Somerset St
    • New 3 days ago

    Bright and neutral, this well-kept home is in an amazing location. Adjacent to Sunset Maple Park, you'll find it's an easy walk to Waneka Lake and convenient to Old Town Lafayette. Desirable updates include newer roof, windows, flooring, paint, light fixtures and HVAC. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, spacious living and dining rooms and sunny kitchen with stainless appliances and pantry.

    Caroline Kava Staufer Team Real Estate

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Oct 12
    Open Sun 11AM - 1PM

    2520 Columbine Cir, Lafayette, CO 80026

    $1,350,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 4,820 Sq Ft
    • 2520 Columbine Cir
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to 2520 Columbine Circle, a beautifully maintained home on nearly half an acre in Lafayette's sought-after Blue Heron Estates. Blending timeless design with modern updates, this residence offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with fresh interior paint, new carpet, and stainless steel appliances.The main level features an open floor plan with seamless flow between the living, dining, and

    Siân Murphy RE/MAX Alliance-Boulder

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Lafayette Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
29,948
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$98,544
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$128,754

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
59.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.5%
% Population in Labor Force
77.6%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
37''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

60 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

69 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Lafayette
Brett Sawyer
Kentwood Real Estate Boulder Valley
Section Image