Erie vs. Broomfield, Colorado: Which Town Should You Call Home?

by Eric Farran

Thinking about settling down along Colorado’s Front Range? Two standout communities—Erie and Broomfield—offer family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor access, and easy proximity to Boulder and Denver.
While they share a lot of appeal, these two towns deliver distinctly different lifestyles.

In this guide, we compare Erie vs. Broomfield across key factors—commute, real estate, schools, community feel, and recreation—to help you decide which is the right fit for your next move.


Location & Commute

Erie
Located on the border of Boulder and Weld counties, Erie offers easy access to I-25, Highway 287, and Highway 52.

  • ~30–35 minutes to Denver

  • ~20 minutes to Boulder

  • Close to Longmont and Broomfield

Broomfield
A larger city with its own county designation, Broomfield sits perfectly between Denver and Boulder.
It’s home to the Interlocken Business Park and other major employers in tech, aerospace, and biotech.

Verdict

  • Best for Boulder-based workers: Broomfield

  • Best for Denver or Northern Colorado access: Erie


Real Estate & Home Prices

Erie
Known for newer construction, larger lots, and master-planned communities.

  • Median Home Price (2025): ~$750,000

Broomfield
More developed and urbanized, with a mix of older homes, updated properties, and new builds (especially in Anthem).

  • Median Home Price (2025): ~$800,000

Verdict

  • Best for modern homes with space: Erie

  • Best for established neighborhoods and central location: Broomfield


Schools & Education

Erie
Part of the St. Vrain Valley School District, known for strong academics and newer campuses like Erie High School, which emphasizes STEM programs.

Broomfield
Served by multiple school districts, including Adams 12, Boulder Valley, and Jeffco Schools—depending on the neighborhood.
This creates more options but also more variability in quality.

Verdict

  • Best for consistency and new school facilities: Erie

  • Best for variety and specialized school options: Broomfield


Lifestyle & Community Feel

Erie
Has a quieter, small-town feel with growing amenities. Events like the Erie Town Fair & Balloon Festival and a developing downtown scene add to its charm.

Broomfield
Offers a more urban-suburban mix. You’ll find FlatIron Crossing Mall, major employers, and entertainment venues all nearby—perfect for those who want amenities close to home.

Verdict

  • Best for a relaxed, community-driven pace: Erie

  • Best for convenience, retail, and nightlife: Broomfield


Outdoor Activities & Recreation

Erie
Great for nature lovers looking for peace and space.

  • Thomas Reservoir, Erie Community Center, and numerous trails and open spaces.

Broomfield
Offers a wider variety of structured recreational options.

  • Includes Standley Lake, Paul Derda Rec Center, and a large network of parks and sports facilities.

Verdict

  • Best for quiet natural space and local trails: Erie

  • Best for larger parks, water access, and rec variety: Broomfield


Quick Comparison Table

Feature Erie, CO Broomfield, CO
Median Home Price ~$750,000 ~$800,000
Population ~35,000 ~75,000
School District St. Vrain Valley Multiple Districts (Adams 12, BVSD)
Commute to Denver ~30–35 minutes ~20–25 minutes
Commute to Boulder ~20–25 minutes ~15–20 minutes
Outdoor Access Trails, open space, reservoir Lakes, large parks, rec centers
Community Vibe Small-town, newer development Urban-suburban, centrally located

Final Thoughts: Erie or Broomfield?

Both Erie and Broomfield offer a high quality of life and the perks of Colorado living.
Your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and commute preferences.

Choose Erie if you want:

  • Newer homes with more space

  • A quieter, suburban community

  • Great family amenities and parks

Choose Broomfield if you want:

  • A central location between Boulder and Denver

  • More retail, dining, and entertainment options

  • Shorter commutes to major tech and business hubs

Either way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views, excellent schools, and access to some of Colorado’s best outdoor recreation.

 

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