Is it easy to commute via light rail, or would you recommend owning a car?

Without question commuting via light rail is easy(*). The only issue is that it's not widely accessible from certain parts of the great metropolitan area. However, with the recent opening of the West Line from Golden to downtown Denver and the new rail and commuter lines currently under construction in Arvada, Denver Union Station (denverunionstation.org) and to Denver International Airport, more cities and citizens will be able to take advantage of our long-overdue transit-oriented development projects.

Living without a car just got easier if you do already or if you're looking to live along the new W line of the RTD Lightrail. The new line goes from Denver's Union Station, through Lakewood to Golden. If you haven't had the chance, it's a beautiful ride, much of it along a creek with trees. Here'e RTD's site: http://www.rtd-denver.com/WestRailLine.shtml

It's pretty good in Denver and accessible from some parts of Littleton, but not close to Aurora. I know they are planning on expanding it but not sure when. Unless you live really close to the light rail I would recommend owning a car.

In Colorado I suggest owning a car or better yet an SUV which will give you more freedom to explore

Western cities, having been built in the age of the automobile, tend to be more spread out and hence more difficult to navigate without a car than the more compact cities on the east coast. It can certainly be done, particularly if you live in or near downtown and/or the Light Rail, and have access to car sharing or taxis or something for the times when you need to go "off the grid."

Lightrail cannot take you to the mountains to Ski/Snowboard, to camp or fish... Get a car for sure!

Public Transportation around Denver is really pretty good! I have a lot of friends that don't drive, but most live near downtown. For me personally, I always get a little frustrated that it's still cheaper for me to drive downtown and find a free parking spot than it is for me to pay $4.50 for a round-trip on the bus or train, but if there's a game or any event at Civic Center or on the 16th Street Mall, the bus or train is the way to go. It's also really cool that the train is free for New Years and sometimes other events too. Check out the RTD's website at www.rtd-denver.com to see the specifics.