The Mile High City, with its panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and incomparable fusion of nature and urban living, is one of the top cities in the U.S. to move to. Are you looking to join the nearly three million residents who call Denver’s metro area home? First, let’s explore some of the best neighborhoods in Denver to set your sights on.
Before you start packing for a cross-country move, it’s worth mentioning that Denver can be expensive. On average, it will cost $544,237 to buy a house, while renting an apartment costs around $1,975 per month. But if those prices aren’t deal breakers for you, there’s no shortage of reasons to love it here.
Denver is an accessible gateway to other Colorado attractions, too—just 35 minutes from Boulder, an hour and 10 minutes from Colorado Springs, and about an hour and 30 minutes from the Rocky Mountain National Park.
But out of Denver’s 78 neighborhoods to choose from, which is right for you? To help streamline your search, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, urban hotspots, or family-oriented vibes, here are the best Denver neighborhoods for your new mile-high chapter.
The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Denver
Determining the best place to live is a matter of preference, and many variables can influence this decision. Depending on your preference, you might want a close-knit suburban community with lush green spaces, low crime rates, and excellent schools, ideal for raising children. Or you’d rather live in a trendier urban environment just with a quick commute to your downtown office and featuring a vibrant foodie, arts, culture, and nightlife scene. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a perfect Denver neighborhood for everyone on this list. Here are our favorites.
1. Washington Park: Best for outdoor enthusiasts
Average home value: $1,182,498
Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,895
Average rent (two-bedroom): $2,440
Commute to Downtown: 4 miles
Top perk: Access to 155 acres of green space
Often referred to as "Wash Park" by the locals, this community is one of the most sought-after Denver neighborhoods for nature lovers. Residents flock to this area for its close proximity to the 155-acre urban green space also called Washington Park, which features lush gardens, tranquil lakes, tennis and volleyball courts, and two miles of scenic trails.
If you want a peaceful retreat with tons of outdoor recreation just a few minutes from Downtown, look no further than Washington Park. You’ll find numerous housing options — from the historic charm of bungalows or pitched-roof cottages to the sleek, modern allure of new construction. Washington Park is also adjacent to South Pearl Street, known for its eclectic restaurants, indie bookshops, vintage and artisan boutiques, and weekly farmers market.
Top activities in Washington Park
Take a group fitness or yoga class in the Washington Park Recreation Center.
Rent an illuminated swan pedal boat for a picturesque sunset outing on Smith Lake.
Enjoy the art vendors, coffee shops, food stalls, and live music at South Pearl Street’s First Friday Festival.
2. Golden Triangle: Best for artists and creatives
Average home value: $643,527
Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,011
Average rent (two-bedroom): $2,630
Commute to Downtown: .9 miles
Top perk: Museums, art galleries, and cultural venues
The Golden Triangle is one of the best Denver neighborhoods for artistic types. Located less than a mile from the urban core, this dynamic cultural hub offers walkable access to museums, galleries, mixed-use studios, theaters, street murals, and public art installations. So, if you’re drawn to creative energy, The Golden Triangle is a perfect match.
Most of the homes in this neighborhood are high-rise condos, luxury apartments, or industrial lofts, catering to artists and professionals with a design-conscious lifestyle. The Golden Triangle is also just around the corner from Civic Center Park, which hosts food truck lunches, open-air concerts, and other community events. There’s always something vibrant, colorful, and unique to explore within this trendy urban enclave.
Top activities in Golden Triangle
Stargaze at Civic Center Park with a warm beverage in hand from Astro Coffee Van.
Peruse over 20 exhibits of both historic and contemporary artwork from across the globe at the Denver Art Museum.
Treat yourself to Flora Café & Lounge for a seasonal latte and fresh-baked pastry or a craft cocktail and charcuterie board.
3. Cherry Creek: Best for upscale amenities
Average home value: $1,142,209
Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,433
Average rent (two-bedroom): $3,926
Commute to Downtown: 4 miles
Top perk: Highly rated public school district
With its million-dollar homes and premier amenities, Cherry Creek is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Denver. But it’s also one of the nicest neighborhoods in Denver — if you can afford the cost of living here, this community has a lot to offer. Families will love Cherry Creek for its access to excellent public schools, but this area will interest singles as well, thanks to Cherry Creek North, a retail district with over 300 boutiques, eateries, wellness services, and entertainment spaces.
Whether you’re in the market for an elegant mansion, a chic townhouse, or a single-family home, Cherry Creek has options and in various architectural styles, from Spanish Mission to Postmodern. This walkable neighborhood is also conveniently located along the Cherry Creek Trail, a scenic 40-mile thoroughfare that’ll connect you to numerous attractions, both within Cherry Creek and across metro Denver.
Top activities in Cherry Creek
Meander through 24 acres of native and exotic plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Ride bikes on the Cherry Creek Trail, then refuel with a build-your-own burger and local craft beer at The Cherry Cricket.
Check out the gourmet food, live musicians, juried artwork, and interactive exhibits at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in July.
4. Congress Park: Best for raising a family
Average home value: $762,361
Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,359
Average rent (two-bedroom): $1,765
Commute to Downtown: 2.7 miles
Top perk: Safe and full of activities for kids
The quiet tree-lined streets, low crime rates, and welcoming community vibes make Congress Park one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver and thus one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for families. The main focal point of this neighborhood is a spacious outdoor recreational center, also called Congress Park, with a playground, tennis and basketball courts, softball fields, picnic areas, and a swimming pool, making it easy for children of all ages to be active year-round.
In terms of housing, you’ll find tons of character, from brick bungalows to two-story foursquares to ornate 1900s-era Queen Annes. Some of this neighborhood’s most well-preserved homes are nestled along the East Seventh Avenue Historic District, a leafy corridor that’s perfect for bike rides and leisurely strolls. Plus, initiatives like the Congress Park Community Garden foster strong connections among residents and contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere.
Top activities in Congress Park
Savor an authentic Detroit-, New York-, or Chicago-style pie at Blue Pan Pizza.
Catch a new blockbuster movie or niche arthouse flick at the Sie FilmCenter Cinema.
Curl up with a novel and a cup of herbal tea at Tattered Cover, an indie bookstore and Denver institution since the 1970s.
5. Five Points: Best for diversity and inclusion
Butling with diverse influences, Five Points is one of the best Denver neighborhoods for an inclusive ambiance. Known as “Harlem of the West,” this area has a storied heritage of jazz clubs, dance halls, literature exhibitions, and artistic venues established by Black luminaries in the 1930s. Now almost a century later, Five Points still carries on that legacy as a destination for multicultural businesses, festivals, cuisine, and entertainment.
Only one mile from Downtown, Five Points fuses its deep historic roots with modern city living. Explore the RiNo Art District, full of galleries, artisan boutiques, street murals, brewpubs, and global restaurants. Then, check out the iconic nightlife spots to hear the famous jazz that put this area on the map. There’s a variety of housing available, too — whether it’s a restored Victorian, a quaint craftsman, or a chic apartment building. If you want a neighborhood that honors its past while embracing a revitalized future, Five Points fits the bill.
Top activities in Five Points
Head over to Welton Street Café for soul food classics with a bold Caribbean twist.
Immerse yourself in rich history at the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center.
Attend the annual Five Points Juneteenth Music Festival, featuring a street parade, block parties, and free live performances.
6. Capitol Hill: Best for affordable housing
Average home value: $327,925
Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,353
Average rent (two-bedroom): $1,940
Commute to Downtown: 1.6 miles
Top perk: Home to Colorado’s state capitol
If you crave urban thrills without the exorbitant costs, Capitol Hill stands out as one of the more affordable Denver neighborhoods. True to its name, this area is home to the Colorado State Capitol, as well as other landmarks such as the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown House Museum. Capitol Hill also has a lively social scene with hip bars and music lounges, outdoor recreation, and close proximity to athletic stadiums.
Residents can either walk into the heart of downtown Denver or use the accessible public transit system for an even quicker commute. This neighborhood offers housing options to suit various budgets as well, which makes it an attractive choice for both renters and first-time home buyers: efficient studio apartments, mid-century condos, historic brick row houses, and sprawling mansions converted into cozy lofts or duplexes.
Top activities in Capitol Hill
Tour the State Capitol and climb to this building’s observation deck for sweeping city views, one mile above sea level.
Browse the collection of rare vinyl albums at Wax Trax Records, one of Denver’s most well-known indie music hubs.
Snag tickets to root for your favorite local sports teams at Coors Field, Ball Arena, or Empower Field at Mile High.
7. Lower Downtown: Best for young professionals
Average home value: $735,000
Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,264
Average rent (two-bedroom): $3,409
Commute to Downtown: .7 miles
Top perk: One of the most walkable areas in Denver
With its prime location next to the Central Business District, young professionals won’t be able to resist Lower Downtown (LoDo), one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Denver. Whether you would rather commute on foot, bike, or public transit, LoDo offers unbeatable convenience. Union Station, the main transportation hub, also provides access to the Denver International Airport and other surrounding metropolitan areas.
Need a quiet corner to finish that client presentation or a cool hotspot to catch up with friends over cocktails and panoramic skyline views? LoDo’s energetic streets are filled with co-working spaces, coffee shops, swanky bistros, craft breweries, and rooftop bars for the ideal work-life balance. Housing in this neighborhood also features top-notch amenities and contemporary vibes — we’re talking warehouses-turned lofts, eclectic mixed-use residential and commercial developments, and luxurious high-rise apartments.
Top activities in Lower Downtown
Stop by the Milk Market food hall for an assortment of gourmet eateries and nostalgic old-school arcade games.
Enjoy the upscale retailers, fine dining restaurants, talented street musicians, and vibrant string-lit pathways of Larimer Square.
Uncover the ghostly past of LoDo’s alleys, tunnels, and historic buildings with a ghost tour and pub crawl.
8. Green Valley Ranch: Best for a suburban lifestyle
Average home value: $479,966
Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,766
Average rent (two-bedroom): $2,323
Commute to Downtown: 15.4 miles
Top perk: Close proximity to outdoor recreation
About 30 minutes outside the urban core, Green Valley Ranch is one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for those who prefer a tranquil suburban environment. This area’s relaxed pace, lush natural scenery, affordable homes, and family-oriented attractions make it a desirable alternative to some of the busier neighborhoods. Plus, you’re just 15 minutes from the airport and close to several major highways for a seamless commute downtown.
Green Valley Ranch lends itself to an active lifestyle, thanks to well-maintained green spaces and an extensive recreation center with a yoga studio, fitness center, athletic courts, walking paths, and a newly built indoor pool, featuring a lazy river and water slide. Whether you plan to rent or purchase a home, Green Valley Ranch has you covered with numerous housing options, from modern townhomes and mid-rise apartments to single-family houses.
Top activities in Green Valley Ranch
Tee off for 18 holes at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, a premier award-winning course.
Encounter bison, deer, coyotes, and eagles at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, about 20 minutes away.
Take in the free outdoor concerts, farmers markets, seasonal festivals, and other community events at Town Center Park.
Settle into Your New Denver Home with Colonial Van Lines
Whether you’re drawn to the family-oriented feel of Congress Park or the dynamic urban pulse of Lower Downtown, Colonial Van Lines will help you settle into the Denver neighborhood of your dreams. With over 50 years of experience in long-distance relocation, our team of experts can handle all the logistics — from packing and loading to transportation and unloading — for a streamlined, hassle-free move. Contact us for a free quote today!