Whether you’re a family with children searching for suburban tranquility or a single young professional who’s looking to get involved in the downtown nightlife scene — Denver has a neighborhood for you. The city abounds with cultural hubs, as well as spots to take in a live performance and sip on a local brew. Homebuyers who prioritize outdoor recreation will want to ensure they’re within walking distance of one of the city’s many green spaces, such as City Park or Washington Park.
Regardless of where you end up, the Mile High City never disappoints. The year-round sunshine, the abundance of hiking opportunities, and the jaw-dropping views of the mountains make it easy to call any neighborhood in Denver home.
Best Neighborhood for Dog Owners: City Park
Population: 6,216
The City Park neighborhood boasts more open green space than it does urban blocks. Residents will enjoy convenient access to two of Denver’s largest parks — Cheesman Park and the neighborhood’s namesake, City Park. This naturally appeals to the younger, active demographic who values outdoor recreation and a straight shot to downtown via car or bike. The neighborhood ranks high on walkability while keeping a safe, residential feel.
The median age within the neighborhood is around 35, with most residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Dog owners rejoice because there are plenty of areas for the pups to enjoy the sunshine. City Park is dog-friendly, though they need to be leashed. Other amenities include the Denver Zoo and City Park Golf Course. Both parks have lake access and it’s common to see people paddling around or enjoying picnics on a weekend afternoon.
Apart from the hundreds of acres of park space, City Park also has coffee shops, cafes, and small boutiques for residents to enjoy. The neighborhood is a great place for young professionals, as well as families.
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Best Neighborhood for Suburban Bliss: Washington Park
Population: 7,858
Washington Park, also known as “Wash Park,” is sought after by families, as the largely residential area is a suburban oasis inside of an otherwise bustling city. The area has similarities to Sloan Lake, though it’s positioned a bit further away from downtown. The namesake of the neighborhood, Washington Park, includes 155 acres of sports recreation, bike lanes, and a 2.6-mile walking path that’s popular with joggers and families out for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Washington Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver. Sometimes compared to Central Park in NYC due to its importance to the city, the neighborhood boasts gorgeous leafy streets and convenient proximity to the Whole Foods Market. The schools are well-ranked and during the summer months, there’s a farmers market situated on South Pearl Street.
Annual festivals in the neighborhood include Oktoberfest, Winterfest, and Blues and Brews. There is an emphasis on spending time out in the community and enjoying family-friendly events. Wash Park features a mix of young families, as well as retirees who place value on living in a quiet, safe, yet active environment.
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Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals: Capitol Hill
Population: 16,675
Capitol Hill, referred to as “Cap Hill” by locals, is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. The area is considered the heart of Denver, as it’s home to the state capitol building. This densely populated neighborhood is within walking distance of coffee shops, iconic museums such as the Denver Art Museum, and many well-rated restaurants and bars. There are also nearby parks and green spaces that help break up the hustle and bustle of the urban city environment.
The nightlife within the neighborhood is on the vibrant side, with many bars and concert venues staying open late into the night. There’s a club suited for everybody’s tastes and many cultural hotspots, such as the Santa Fe Art District, to further embrace the community spirit of the neighborhood.
Cap Hill is a prime destination for tourism, with its numerous iconic buildings and landmarks. Once you’ve visited the neighborhood, it’s not difficult to understand why it’s becoming such a trendy place to live. Many of the residents are between the ages of 25-40 and skew towards a demographic that doesn’t have children as many of the single-family homes have been converted into apartments or new construction.
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Best Neighborhood to Raise a Family: Central Park
Population: 31,160
Formerly known as Stapleton, Central Park has a decidedly suburban feel that suits many growing families in the Denver area. Located east of downtown, the neighborhood consists of 12 sub-neighborhoods — including Central Park North, Conservatory Green, and Wicker Park. The affluent area has several business districts and open shopping centers, as well as a whopping 50 parks and the Denver Public Library.
Families will benefit from having 13 public and private schools within the area, providing plenty of opportunities to find the best fit for their children. There is also access to the commuter rail and public bus system for those wanting to commute downtown in an environmentally-friendly way. Central Park is Denver’s third largest park, featuring 80 acres of wide-open lawn that’s perfect for picnics and games. There is a loop that’s suitable for jogging, as well as playgrounds, sports fields, a pond, and a climbing wall.
Central Park is a neighborhood that’s continuously developing, with national chains and local businesses providing retail therapy for residents. There are multiple outdoor pools, bookstores, and popular eateries that have made the trek east, providing a taste of downtown.
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Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: River North Art District
Population: 5,183
Anybody looking for the urban charm of Denver will find it in the RiNo Art District. Popular amongst students and anybody active in the nightlife scene, this neighborhood is one of the hippest areas in the capital city. Cocktail lounges, bars, jazz clubs, and trendy restaurants abound. There are over 20 craft breweries and wineries in the area, as well as food halls such as the renowned Denver Central Market.
Formerly an industrial area, River North has been transformed by massive development. Converted warehouse buildings now host art galleries, clubs, and small-batch coffee roasters. The colorful mural-painted streets show off local artists. The neighborhood can get loud on the weekends due to the locals and tourists alike descending upon the many late-night establishments, which can be a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for. The population skews toward the younger side, with a median age of 31.
Whether you opt to live within the neighborhood or simply visit it on occasion, the art district is a can’t-miss in Denver. Live music venues, craft distilleries, and established culinary programs beckon residents from across the city to join in on the excitement.
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Best Neighborhood for Luxury Shopping: Cherry Creek
Population: 11,389
Cherry Creek has some of the best schools in Denver, which draws many families to the highly sought-after area. The affluent neighborhood features luxury condos and world-renowned shopping at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North. Between the two adjacent shopping destinations, residents have hundreds of stores to explore. Driving downtown is convenient due to the neighborhood’s proximity to University Blvd and Colorado Blvd and many residents cite an average commute time of under 25 minutes.
Walkability is scored high within Cherry Creek, with many residents having easy access to grocery, exercise, and dining opportunities within a mile or two radius. The dense suburban feel of the neighborhood is one of its major selling points, as residents can enjoy a piece of the big city charm in a smaller, more manageable proportion.
As far as outdoor recreation goes, Cherry Creek Trail is a 45-mile multi-use path that’s ideal for walking, running or biking. The tree-lined streets provide respite from the urban development, with gorgeous pockets of historic residential homes and newer apartment buildings. All in all, Cherry Creek attracts a diverse range of families, retirees, and professionals looking to enjoy some of the best that Denver has to offer.
Top 3 Attractions:
- Cherry Creek Shopping Center
- Cherry Creek North
- Cherry Creek Trail
Best Neighborhood for Students (& Professors): University Park
Population: 7,156
University Park isn’t all college vibes, though the proximity to the 125-acre campus of the University of Denver does provide a fair bit of youthful energy. Located south of Wash Park, this neighborhood features a highly educated community and an age demographic that averages around 37 years old. Families are attracted to the area due to the short commute to downtown and the character of the local dive bars, coffee shops, and cafe eateries that are priced with college kids in mind.
Adjacent to campus, there are duplexes, condos, townhouses, and apartment buildings. A bit further south, there are well-established sections of the neighborhood with older bungalows and craftsman-style homes built on shaded streets with wide sidewalks. Students benefit from a quick jaunt to campus while remaining close enough to the hustle and bustle of the exciting downtown nightlife and events.
Outside of the campus, there are rental homes that are often occupied by college students — as well as sorority and fraternity houses. Families looking to avoid the center of college extracurricular activity may want to consider University Hills, which is situated a bit further from campus and is filled with large homes and groomed lawns.
Top 3 Attractions:
- University of Denver
- Harvard Gulch Trail
- Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Best Neighborhood for Football Fans: Sloan Lake
Population: 7,931
Yet another park-adjacent neighborhood within Denver, Sloan Lake is aptly named after Sloan’s Lake Park — the largest lake in Denver and the second largest park. With the visible downtown skyline and the picturesque view of the Rockies to the west, the neighborhood has a bit of everything. Access to downtown is convenient and Broncos fans will be ecstatic to be within walking distance to Empower Field at Mile High.
Sloan Lake is an established community, perfect for young growing families looking for a combination of good schools, friendly neighbors, and accessible nature. There are tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and annual events such as the Denver Marathon and the Dragon Boat Festival in July. Sloan Lake is also a popular choice amongst empty nesters.
Whether you’re looking for a brewery, coffee shop, bike shop, or your new favorite breakfast spot, Sloan Lake provides residents with a multitude of dining and entertainment options. There are also a variety of boutique exercise classes, such as pilates, yoga, towing, and cycling classes.
Top 3 Attractions:
- Sloan’s Lake Park
- Empower Field at Mile High
- Elitch Gardens
Best Neighborhood for Single Adults: Lower Downtown
Population: 16,952
Affectionately called “LoDo,” Denver’s Lower Downtown is the city’s oldest neighborhood and is a thriving and bustling location to call home. Home to more than 20 galleries and over 100 restaurants, bars, and clubs, there’s never a lack of entertainment. Historic buildings sit adjacent to modern, mixed-use properties and industrial-style spaces.
The loud, lively neighborhood isn’t necessarily kid-friendly and instead, is best suited for young adults looking to experience the vibrant Denver energy. The central location of the neighborhood is one of its best features, providing quick access to downtown, the airport, and the major sports teams in Denver. In fact, those who work downtown will likely be able to ditch their car and commute on foot or via bike.
Despite being so close to the heart of the city, residents of the LoDo neighborhood can relax by Platte River and lounge with a picnic lunch while watching kayakers brave the whitewater rapids. After all, what’s the point of living in such a gorgeous city if you can’t enjoy the perfect weather?
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