Lafayette

Welcome to Lafayette

An outdoorsy area with small-town appeal

Lafayette is a city with a rich history located in Colorado. Situated in Boulder County at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it is known for its scenic views, hiking and biking trails, and proximity to Denver and Boulder.

The city was founded in the late 1800s by Mary Miller, who named it after her husband, Lafayette Miller. It was originally a farming community, but it began to grow in the early 1900s when the Denver and Boulder Railroad was built.

The predominant home architecture in Lafayette is ranch-style homes. Many of these homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s and some of the local architects who designed them include Charles Haertling and James Hunter. Nowadays the housing in Lafayette has expanded from new build communities with single family homes to duplexes and townhomes, giving residents plenty of options when it comes to looking for homes in the area.

What to Love

The food scene in Lafayette is incredible
There's a strong sense of community
The arts and culture scene is vibrant
The city is located in a beautiful setting
Lafayette is a great place to live, work, and raise a family

Local Lifestyle

Lafayette has a vibrant downtown and is home to a variety of delicious eateries and great schools. It is a wonderful place to raise a family and also is near by the University of Colorado, one of the state’s top universities, making it a hip spot for young people.

The community of Lafayette is an eclectic mix of artists, students, families, and professionals who all enjoy the town's unique atmosphere. The overall vibe is creative and laid-back, with a strong sense of unity. It’s also an ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors, as it’s home to many trails perfect for running and hiking and residents enjoy convenient access to 19 parks.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

In Lafayette, there is always something to do thanks to its thriving downtown. There are a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from, and the city is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year. There are several live music venues in the city, including Nissi's Entertainment Venue & Event Center, The End Lafayette, and Muse Performance Space. Other popular entertainment options include going to the movies, visiting local museums, and participating in the many festivals and events held in Lafayette throughout the year. For outdoor activities, locals enjoy going hiking, fishing, and camping.

As far as delicious eateries, Lafayette has plenty to choose from. Visitors can find many dining options, including American, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. There are also a number of cafes and bakeries where you can get coffee and pastries. Some popular restaurants to eat in Lafayette are Acreage Ciderhouse and Eatery, which has a child-friendly environment; Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company, an award-winning craft brewery situated within the neighborhood; the East Simpson Coffee Co, which has a superb selection of gluten-free food; William Oliver's Publick House; and The Post Chicken and Beer, the perfect spot for comfort food and house brews as well as cocktails.

The city has several malls, shopping centers, and a variety of boutiques and specialty shops. Lafayette is also home to many art galleries, antique shops, and local businesses. Vintrey Honest Goods, for instance, is an eclectic gift store with numerous fair-trade and vintage goods, as well as wares made by local artisans. Locals also love checking out Due South, a boutique home decor store with a vintage flair.

Things to Do

Lafayette hosts many attractions that appeal to various interests. For those who enjoy the outdoors, hiking trails, such as the Coal Creek Trail, and nature parks are abundant in the area. The Waneka reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and hiking. LaMont Does Park, Waneka Lake Park, The Great Outdoors Waterpark, and Silver Creek Park are also popular destinations amongst nature lovers.

For those who enjoy golf, there are several courses in the area, including the Indian Peaks Golf Course and the Waneka Lake Disc Golf Course. Bring the little ones to WOW! Children's Museum for educational hands-on learning or the Miner's Museum for a dive into history. Other notable events include the Lafayette Brew Fest, which occurs in mid-September, and the Lafayette Peach Festival, which is held in mid-August.

Lafayette is a wonderful place to live with easy access to Denver and Boulder. Residents cherish the small town atmosphere while having big-city amenities nearby.

Schools

Lafayette boasts some of the best schools in Colorado, with the Boulder Valley School District educating most of the young learners in the area. Some of the schools in the area include:

Lafayette Elementary School; grade levels: PK, K-5. A top-rated elementary school in Lafayette.
Peak to Peak Charter School; A distinguished K-12 charter public school that prepares learners for college with an education in liberal arts.
Ryan Elementary School; A highly-rated public institution for learners in grade levels PK, K-5.
Centaurus High School; An acclaimed institution that readies learners in grades 9-12 for college.

Overview for Lafayette, CO

30,307 people live in Lafayette, where the median age is 39.1 and the average individual income is $53,345. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

30,307

Total Population

39.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$53,345

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Lafayette, CO

Population Households Employment

Lafayette has 12,552 households, with an average household size of 2.41. Data provided by Statistics Canada. Here’s what the people living in Lafayette do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by Statistics Canada. 30,307 people call Lafayette home. The population density is 3,286.13 and the largest age group is Data provided by Statistics Canada.