Living in Westminster, we get the best of both worlds—close enough to pop over to Boulder or downtown Denver, but with housing that’s actually within reach. HUD homes here reflect that balance, offering a mix of newer developments and longtime neighborhoods. If you’ve ever wondered how folks find affordable options without sacrificing location or community feel, it’s worth taking a look at what’s available right here in our backyard.
Westminster’s Affordable Housing Landscape
Even though Westminster sits just outside the busier pulse of Denver, our housing scene has a rhythm all its own.
We’ve seen inventory tick up—627 homes on the market in July, and a real mix of options, from cozy one-bedrooms to roomy five-bedroom houses.
Three- and four-bedroom homes are especially plentiful these days, which works well for families settling in.
While homes are staying on the market a bit longer than last year, more than half still sell within a month, keeping the pace lively.
Prices have softened a bit, too, which helps first-time buyers and folks aiming for affordability.
It’s not just numbers—there’s a sense of possibility here, whether you’re seeking budget-friendly rentals or thinking about finally planting roots.
Key HUD Properties and Their Features
A handful of standout HUD properties shape the heart of affordable living here in Westminster, each with its own story and community feel. Alto Westminster Station is a prime example—its modern apartments hover above bustling shops and offices, just steps from light rail. We see friendly faces at the housing authority partnership properties, too, with Maiker and Foothills Regional Housing making sure both sides of Sheridan Boulevard have opportunities to thrive. Foreclosure listings pop up occasionally, like the spacious home on Decatur Street, making homeownership possible for some. HUD’s programs and local oversight keep things fair, safe, and community-focused. Here’s a quick look at some highlights:
| Property/Program | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Alto Westminster Station | Near light rail, mixed-use, 148,000 sq ft |
| Maiker Housing Partners | Adams County, east of Sheridan Blvd |
| Foothills Regional Housing | Jefferson County, west of Sheridan Blvd |
| 8034 Decatur St. (Foreclosure) | 4 beds, 4 baths, $560,000 |
| HUD/City Inspection & Standards | Safety, Title 24 code, annual reviews |
Section 8 and Low-Income Housing Options
Let’s talk about what we’re really up against when it comes to finding affordable places in Westminster, especially with Section 8 and other low-income options.
Most of us know the wait lists are long and the income rules are strict, but there are still a few complexes and voucher programs helping neighbors hang on here.
We’ll break down what’s actually available, who qualifies, and how the process works right now.
Section 8 Apartment Availability
While Section 8 apartment availability in Westminster can feel like a bit of a moving target, we’ve got a unique setup here that’s shaped by both geography and local partnerships.
For those searching, Maiker Housing Partners and Foothills Regional Housing divide responsibilities down Sheridan Boulevard, so eligibility often depends on which side of town you’re on.
The city works with both to keep affordable options coming, always under the watchful eye of the Fair Housing Act.
Income and background requirements set the ground rules, with limits adjusted for household size.
Right now, places like Orchard Crossing East and Lowell Colony Apartments stand out for project-based Section 8, but the waitlists can stretch.
Still, with 315 low-income apartments available, there are opportunities—if you’re persistent and patient.
Affordable Complexes Overview
Finding an affordable place to call home in Westminster is a mix of patience, timing, and knowing where to look.
We’ve got a unique blend of low-income options situated between Boulder and Denver, and each complex brings its own flavor to the community.
From Westminster Commons’ senior apartments with elevators and lounge spaces to the family-friendly Orchard Crossing East—complete with play areas and onsite laundry—there’s something here for different needs and stages of life.
Let’s break down some of the main options:
- Westminster Commons: Senior living, 130 units, two elevators per building.
- Orchard Crossing East: Section 8, family layouts, community play areas.
- 8877 Eaton: Downtown living, integrated retail space.
- Affordable units for adults with disabilities: Inclusive, supportive environments.
These choices keep Westminster welcoming and accessible.
Eligibility and Income Limits
Even though finding a HUD home in Westminster can feel overwhelming at first, the eligibility rules and income limits actually make a lot of sense once you break them down.
Here in Westminster, we use Denver Metro’s HUD numbers to figure out who qualifies. The system looks at your total household income and compares it to the area median. For 2025, a single person qualifies as “extremely low income” if they earn less than $29,450, while a family of four can’t make over $42,050. The guidelines scale up for bigger families.
There are also other requirements—no recent evictions from subsidized housing and no serious criminal background. It’s strict, but these rules help make sure that folks who really need help get it in our community.
Average Rent and Market Pricing
If you’ve been poking around Westminster lately, you’ve probably noticed that rent prices can feel like a moving target.
We see everything from cozy studios at $1,471 a month to family homes that can hit $2,700 or more. Most renters land somewhere between $1,400 and $2,000, with the sweet spot for two-bedrooms hovering around $2,100.
But prices shift month-to-month, sometimes dropping as much as $230 or jumping $73. Here’s what we’re seeing:
- Median rents sit just below $2,000—slightly under the national average.
- The largest batch of rentals clusters in the $1,400–$1,500 range.
- Year-over-year, rents have dipped by 1–2%, signaling some relief.
- Affordable neighborhoods like Westminster Hills offer more budget-friendly options.
Living here, you feel those shifts firsthand.
Overview of REO Foreclosure Inventory
While we’re all used to seeing “For Sale” signs pop up around Westminster, it’s the REO and foreclosure listings that really tell a story about the market’s undercurrents.
Lately, we’ve seen a subtle but steady increase in foreclosure activity across the country, and those ripples do reach us here. In early 2025, over 68,000 properties nationally started foreclosure, and although the total number of homes in the process actually dipped a bit, new filings are up from last year.
Foreclosure timelines—now stretching over 600 days—mean homes can linger, giving local buyers more time to find opportunities. The pipeline remains active, but we’re also seeing state-level shifts and changing HUD policies that shape what buyers and neighbors experience right here in Westminster.
Price Points and Home Configurations
Truth is, Westminster’s HUD and foreclosure market doesn’t just offer a single flavor—there’s a real mix of homes and price points that reflect how people actually live here.
If we look around, it’s clear the market caters to a range of budgets and needs. Here’s what stands out to us:
- Entry-level buyers can find 2-bedroom units starting at $315,000, while 1-bedrooms begin around $350,000.
- Most families target the 4-bedroom homes—those typically run from $500,000 to $665,000, offering between 1,482 and nearly 3,000 square feet.
- Price per square foot varies: $200-$250 for lower-end, up to $300+ for premium spots.
- Even within foreclosures, we’ve seen a 4-bed, 4-bath home listed at $560,000—solid value for the size.
Proximity to Boulder: Commuter Advantages
Living in Westminster gives us a real edge when it comes to commuting to Boulder.
We’re just 16 to 19 miles away, which means our daily drive is often only about 23 to 30 minutes—practically a straight shot with minimal hassle. The short distance lets us easily tap into Boulder’s job market and business centers without sacrificing hours on the road.
We’ve also got options: whether we prefer the convenience of the Flatiron Flyer bus or want to drive ourselves, there’s flexibility to fit different routines and weather. The bus runs frequently and late, so even those with unpredictable schedules aren’t left stranded.
All in all, it’s a major perk—living here means Boulder is close, but more affordable and less hectic.
Regional Transportation Networks
Getting around Westminster is easier than folks might expect, thanks to frequent RTD bus service that runs right through our neighborhoods.
We’ve got an impressive network of trails and bike paths, so it’s common to see neighbors biking to the station or work.
If you want to cut back on solo driving, carpool and vanpool options are easy to find and pretty popular around here.
RTD Bus Service Frequency
Even before sunrise, you’ll spot RTD buses rolling through Westminster—serving early commuters, students, and neighbors heading out for their day.
We see the Flatiron Flyer zipping down US 36, linking us quickly to Boulder or Denver, and local routes like the LD1 and LX2 offer options all throughout the day and week.
The bus rapid transit lines run reliably, with thoughtful additions over the years that have made a big difference.
Here’s how we notice the frequency at work:
- Flatiron Flyer buses run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours.
- LD and LX routes have more weekday and Saturday trips since 2016.
- All-day weekend service means fewer gaps in the schedule.
- Regional and express routes connect us to key destinations efficiently.
Bicycle and Trail Connectivity
When you’ve spent any real time around Westminster, you start to realize just how much our trail system weaves into everyday life here.
We’ve got over 150 miles of multi-use trails, and whether you’re cycling to a friend’s house, jogging after work, or walking the dog at Westminster Hills Open Space, there’s a route that fits.
The Big Dry Creek Trail is our pride and joy, but there’s also the Little Dry Creek, Rocky Mountain Greenway, and Farmers’ High Line Canal trails—all linking us to Denver, Broomfield, Louisville, Northglenn, and Thornton.
Most days, you’ll spot neighbors biking to the wildlife refuges or rolling along concrete and gravel paths that double as wildlife corridors.
It’s a community shaped by its trails.
Carpool and Vanpool Options
If you’ve ever tried to navigate rush hour on US 36 or I-25, you know how valuable a good carpool or vanpool can be around Westminster.
Living here, we’ve got access to smart options that help keep commutes sane and budgets in check. Programs like Way to Go and VanGo make it easy—just gather a group, and they’ll handle the van, insurance, and even maintenance.
Here’s how we usually approach it:
- Check out Smart Commute for local rideshare and vanpool info.
- Use nearby Park-n-Ride lots—like Sheridan or Church Ranch—for easy pickups.
- Split monthly fares with your group, keeping costs low.
- Customize your vanpool—pick drivers, request ADA features, and get matched online.
It’s a practical way to connect, save, and skip the gridlock.
Public Transit Service and Frequency
Most folks around Westminster know reliable public transit isn’t just a perk—it’s part of daily life. We’re lucky to have so many options, whether it’s hopping on the B Line straight to Union Station or catching the Flatiron Flyer for a quick ride to Boulder. Schedules run like clockwork, and connections are easy, making commutes less stressful. Local buses fill in the gaps, running frequently enough that missing one doesn’t mean a long wait. Here’s a quick look at what we enjoy:
| Service | Frequency/Connection |
|---|---|
| B Line Commuter Rail | Every 30–60 minutes, direct to Union Station |
| Flatiron Flyer BRT | Frequent, all-day Boulder–Denver service |
| Local/Regional Buses | Multiple daily trips, weekend and expanded service |
Getting around town or heading downtown, public transit just works here.
Bicycle and Trail Connectivity
Even before sunrise, it’s not unusual to spot neighbors pedaling along Westminster’s trails, coffee in hand and a friendly wave ready for anyone passing by.
We’re lucky—our city’s web of over 150 miles of multi-use trails makes biking and walking a real part of daily life.
Whether you’re cruising the Big Dry Creek Trail or heading toward Boulder on the US 36 Bikeway, there’s always a new stretch to explore.
Here’s what stands out:
- US 36 Bikeway: 18 miles of off-road lanes link us straight to Boulder—perfect for commuters or weekend rides.
- Big Dry Creek Trail: The crown jewel, winding through parks and wildlife corridors.
- Farmers’ High Line Canal: Connects neighborhoods from Standley Lake to Northglenn.
- Downtown Access: Bike-friendly redevelopment means easy connections to shops, transit, and beyond.
Housing Authority Programs and Eligibility
Plenty of folks in Westminster love our trails, but we all know that feeling secure at home matters just as much as getting around town. That’s why we’re lucky to partner with Maiker Housing Partners and Foothills Regional Housing. They manage both tenant-based and project-based vouchers, helping neighbors—families, seniors, and folks with disabilities—find safe, affordable options across apartments, townhomes, and even some single-family homes. The process includes an online lottery system, which keeps things fair, but it does mean a bit of waiting and luck.
Here’s how the programs stack up:
| Program Type | Who Qualifies | Where You Can Live |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant-Based Voucher | Low-income, elderly, disabled | Private market rentals |
| Project-Based Voucher | Lottery winners, same as above | Approved properties only |
| Local Support | All eligible residents | Across Westminster |
We’ve got real options—and hope—right here.
Income Thresholds for Jefferson County
If you’re looking into affordable homes here in Westminster or anywhere else in Jefferson County, income thresholds are the real gatekeepers. We’ve seen neighbors surprised by how these cutoffs shape what’s possible.
HUD sets annual income limits, and they aren’t just numbers—they’re the lines that decide if we qualify for programs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- A single person at 80% AMI can earn up to $72,950, while a family of four tops out at $104,200.
- For extremely low-income, 30% AMI means $29,430 for one person, $55,500 for eight.
- Income caps adjust for household size, adding 8% per person above eight, rounded to the nearest $50.
- Limits change annually, so staying updated matters if you’re planning ahead.
Dual-Market Appeal for Residents
Tucked right between Boulder’s foothills and Denver’s city lights, Westminster offers us a kind of sweet spot that’s hard to find elsewhere along the Front Range. Living here, we don’t have to pick between the energetic pulse of downtown Denver and Boulder’s laid-back charm—we get easy access to both. It’s common to find neighbors who commute in opposite directions, yet come home to the same quiet streets and mountain views. Our location means we can catch a Rockies game one night, and hike Flagstaff the next morning. Here’s how that dual-market access plays out in daily life:
| Boulder Perks | Denver Advantages |
|---|---|
| Open space trails | Major sporting events |
| Eclectic food scene | Job opportunities |
| University culture | Art, music, and nightlife |
FAQ
Are Pets Allowed in Westminster HUD Homes or Low-Income Apartments?
Yes, we can have pets in Westminster HUD homes and low-income apartments, but there are some rules.
We’re allowed one small dog or cat—nothing over 25 pounds or taller than 18 inches. Fish tanks can’t be bigger than 10 gallons.
Service animals and emotional support animals are always allowed with the right paperwork, and we don’t pay pet fees for them.
Just make sure shots are up to date and your pet doesn’t cause trouble.
What Is the Process for Applying to a HUD Home in Westminster?
To apply for a HUD home around here, we usually start by browsing listings at hudhomestore.gov.
If we spot a place we like, we’ll need to work with a HUD-approved real estate agent—they handle the bids for us.
It’s not like a regular home purchase; there’s a set bidding window and specific paperwork.
We always recommend acting fast—good deals in Westminster don’t last long, especially with the location between Boulder and Denver.
How Long Is the Typical Waitlist for Affordable Housing in Westminster?
Honestly, we don’t see a set timeframe for the Westminster affordable housing waitlist—it really depends.
Sometimes folks wait months, sometimes over a year, especially since local lotteries and waitlists open and close at random.
If you’re thinking about applying, it’s smart to get on every list you can—Adams County, Maiker, even neighboring cities.
Keep your info updated and check in often. Around here, persistence definitely pays off.
Are There Accessibility Features for Seniors or Disabled Residents in These Properties?
Absolutely, we’ve got a good range of accessibility features in these properties.
You’ll find things like wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and roll-in showers in many of the homes.
Some places have kitchens and bathrooms designed for easy wheelchair use, and public areas are set up for folks with limited mobility.
If you need something specific—like grab bars or visual aids—the housing authority can help arrange reasonable modifications.
It’s about making everyone feel at home.
What Schools Are Zoned for HUD Housing Locations in Westminster?
We’ve got several school districts overlapping where HUD housing sits in Westminster.
If you’re around the Westbury Apartments or Alto Clinic, kids usually attend Westminster Public Schools—think Tennyson Knolls or Josephine Hodgkins.
Near Westchester Apartments, you’ll likely be in Adams 12, zoned for schools like Hillcrest Elementary.
On the far west side, Jefferson County lines mean spots like Westminster Academy or Sheridan Green Elementary.
It really depends on the neighborhood pocket.
