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Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Denver in 2024

Thinking about moving to Denver? The Mile High City is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S. because of its outdoor recreation, family-friendly attractions, and more. If you’re looking to find budget-friendly options for living in Denver, check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods!

Neighborhood Gateway-Green Valley Ranch Golden Triangle LoDo Park Hill University
Safer than % of City 86% 91% 91% 50% 82%
Median Home Price $222,990 $418,600 $441,900 $366,040 $445,780
Compared to City Median Home Price 47% lower 2% lower 3% higher 14% lower 4% higher
Median Rent Price $1,350 $1,568 $1,342 $672 $1,658
Compared to City Median Rent Price 3% lower 12% higher 4% lower 51% lower 18% higher

Gateway-Green Valley Ranch

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The Gateway Green Valley Ranch neighborhood has a median purchase price of $222,990 and a median monthly rent of $1,350. Enjoy the allure of a safer environment as this area is 86% safer than other city neighborhoods.

This northwestern Denver neighborhood is conveniently located near the Denver International Airport, I-70, and the RTD station, making it a commuter-friendly area. Being on the outskirts of the Denver metro, Gateway-Green Valley Ranch offers residents quicker access to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, but also has plenty of space for families to spread out. Full of expansive yards—perfect for kiddos to play—safe Gateway-Green Valley Ranch provides residents with affordable homes in Denver, including larger American Foursquares and Craftsman bungalows. Dog owners living in one of the best cities for dogs can also take advantage of the area’s spacious yards, as well as accessible Denver dog parks nearby like Green Valley Ranch East Dog Park and Parkfield Lake Park. And all kinds of residents can come together for fun community events in the summer like the weekly farmers market, annual Kids Arts & Activities Quest, and the Sunday Concerts in the Park series.

The Gateway Green Valley Ranch neighborhood is perfect for singles, young professionals, and families.

Things to Do in Gateway-Green Valley Ranch

Celebrate Denver’s diversity with cultural bands, foods, arts, crafts, and more at local events like the Taste of Ethiopia Festival. Practice your pickleball serves or take a Zumba class at Montbello Recreation Center. Grab a bite to eat at the Green Valley Smokehouse & Oyster Bar after hitting the 18-hole course at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. Take a 10-minute drive down to Norfolk Glen to explore the tree-lined trails and see Colorado wildlife up close at Morrison Nature Center. Order Indian classics like Butter Chicken, Saag Paneer, or Channa Masala at Coriander. Sample flavorful dishes like Pho Chay, Bun Cha Gio, and Banh Mi Ga at the Denver Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Kitchen 88. Socialize at communal picnic tables while knocking back a White Rascal, 90 Shilling, or Apricot Blonde beer at Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden. Or eat ice cream, snacks, and entrees made from locally-sourced ingredients, like Lonche de Pierna, Torta Ahogada, and Sincronizada at Neveria Un Limon.

Activities in Gateway Green Valley Ranch include a recreation center, trails, parks, and restaurants.

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Golden Triangle

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The Golden Triangle neighborhood has a median purchase price of $418,600 and a median monthly rent of $1,568. Enjoy the allure of a safer environment as this area is 91% safer than other city neighborhoods.

With a prime location near Downtown, Golden Triangle (a.k.a. Civic Center) is a great choice for singles and young professionals moving to Denver. Townhomes, multi-story apartments, and condos form this area’s urban skyline. Though it’s a relatively small neighborhood, Golden Triangle is a cultural hub that’s jam-packed with big-city amenities—where residents can enjoy a wide variety of shops, restaurants, parks, art galleries, museums, and more. As a bonus, the streets of this hip neighborhood are laid out in a grid-like pattern, which makes amenities easy to navigate by foot—and bikers will love that the Cherry Creek Trail commuter path runs through the area. Not to mention, popular Denver attractions like Sunken Gardens Park and the Colorado State Capitol are within minutes!

The Golden Triangle neighborhood is perfect for singles, young professionals, and retirees.

Things to Do in Golden Triangle

Stroll among the many public art installations, attend a concert, sample flavors at the annual food truck event, and more all within one of Golden Triangle’s most defining areas, Civic Center Park. Travel through Colorado’s rich history with exhibits like Written on the Land, Zoom In, and Living West at the History Colorado Center. Explore the works of some of Colorado’s most creative minds through rotating exhibitions like All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection and Amoako Boafo: Soul of Black Folks at the Denver Art Museum. Train your body and build endurance with rock-climbing and fitness courses at The Spot Denver. Cheer on the Broncos (NFL) while enjoying Buff Chicken Party Fries, The Bad Hunter Burger, or the Denver Cheesesteak at Stoney’s Bar & Grill. Savor authentic Cuban cuisine like Vaca Frita, Paella, or Camarones Al Coco at Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar. Tuck into modified British pub fare like Sheepherder’s Stew, The Queen’s Own Burger, or the New World Fish & Chips served at Pints Pub. Or sample a mix of Mediterranean and deli classics like the Pastrami Rueben, Chicken Shawarma, and Lamb Kabobs at Leven Deli Co.

Activities in Golden Triangle include parks, museums, football, and restaurants.

LoDo

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The LoDo neighborhood has a median purchase price of $441,900 and a median monthly rent of $1,342. Enjoy the allure of a safer environment as this area is 91% safer than other city neighborhoods.

LoDo, or Lower Downtown Denver, is one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for young professionals. Centered around Denver’s main RTD hub and historic Union Station, LoDo is the oldest neighborhood in Denver. Despite its age, this safe Denver neighborhood blends historical influence and modern urban energy, with housing options ranging from newer buildings and high-rise apartments to affordable brick condos. As one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Denver, also near multiple RTD stations and I-25, LoDo offers residents quick access to a wide variety of Denver restaurants, galleries, and shopping centers—like the enormous 16th Street Mall. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Music venues like Summit host fun themed events and performances from big names in music, and sports fans love that the Ball Arena—home to the Denver Nuggets (NBA)—is just minutes away!

The LoDo neighborhood is perfect for singles and young professionals.

Things to Do in Lower Downtown Denver

Buy tickets to world-class exhibitions like Cowboy and Steven J. Yazzie: Meandered, or take a drop-in guided tour on Fridays and Saturdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Unleash your pup at the dog park or get active on the baseball and soccer fields in Confluence Park. Cheer on the Colorado Rockies (MLB) as they run the bases at Coors Field. Invite friends to a night of dinner, live music, and dancing at the popular event venue, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. Bask in the glow of neon signs while sampling classic Chinese street food like Shrimp Cracklins, Spicy Beef Tenderloin Skewer, and more at Bao Brewhouse. Order the Undercover Cheeseburger or the Hands Up Chicken Club with a side of Slammer Fries at Illegal Burger. Chow down Mexican comfort food like a Tamale Plate, Pollo Adobado, or Soft Chile Relleno at D’Corazon Mexican Restaurant. Or enjoy the Jalapeno Hushpuppies, Catfish Poboy, or Crawfish Cakes served at the popular Denver Cajun spot, Nola Jane Restaurant & Bar.

Activities in LoDo include art, baseball, shopping, and restaurants.

Park Hill

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The Park Hill neighborhood has a median purchase price of $366,040 and a median monthly rent of $672. Enjoy the allure of a safer environment as this area is 50% safer than other city neighborhoods.

No matter if you’re a retiree, young professional, or a family moving to Denver, Park Hill is a charming gem to consider! Offering a diverse range of home styles—including Craftsman, Queen Anne, American Foursquare, and Tudor Revival—this area is among the best places in Denver to buy a house. Exciting community events—like the City Park Jazz summer concert series and the Park Hill Home Tour & Street Fair—draw residents together to have fun and support local vendors. Schools in the area like Park Hill Elementary are a great bonus for growing families. Plus, with major roadways like I-70, Colfax Ave, and Colorado Blvd nearby, Park Hill sits in a prime location—close enough to Downtown Denver, but still far enough away to provide a calm, laid-back atmosphere.

The Park Hill neighborhood is perfect for singles, young professionals, families, and retirees.

Things to Do in Park Hill

Spend a day outside playing basketball, tennis, sand volleyball, and other sports at Fred Thomas Park. Learn more about animals like African lions, penguins, flamingos, Asian elephants, and more as you explore the diverse ecosystems provided for them at the 84-acre Denver Zoo. Catch a Colorado Rapids (MLS) soccer match or play football, lacrosse, or rugby at nearby DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Broaden your understanding of nature by exploring exhibits like Mysteries of the Ice Ages, Wild Color, and After the Asteroid: Earth’s Comeback Story at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Reserve a table to enjoy an upscale four-course meal of dishes like Saffron Braised Artichoke Heart, Shaved Asparagus, and Braised Beef Shortrib at Bistro Barbes. Order delicious Thai food in Denver like the Pad Thai Fried Chicken, Pannang Curry, or Pineapple Fried Rice at 9 Thai Restaurant. Slurp down delicious ramen like the Tori, Miso, or Creamy Vegan at Neko Ramen & Rice. Or try the French Dip Calzone, Ya Mar pizza, or the Pumpkin Curry served at Esters Denver.

Activities in Park Hill include parks, the Denver zoo, soccer, and restaurants.

University

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The University neighborhood has a median purchase price of $445,780 and a median monthly rent of $1,658. Enjoy the allure of a safer environment as this area is 82% safer than other city neighborhoods.

While the University neighborhood is ideal for students as it surrounds the University of Denver, the area’s lush nature and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities attract all kinds of residents. One of the biggest parks in Denver, Washington Park, sits just north of University and lets residents escape from an urban landscape to flower gardens, lakes, and a boathouse. Homes in the area are mostly ranches, but University is also known as one of the best areas to rent in Denver for its variety of apartments, duplexes, and condos. Growing families will enjoy living in one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver, while also knowing great schools like Denver South High School just a short distance away. But households with a commuting member are often drawn to this neighborhood because its streets are safe and offer quick access to the rest of the city—thanks to close proximity to the University of Denver RTD Station, I-25, and Hwy 85.

The University neighborhood is perfect for students, singles, young professionals, and families.

Things to Do in University

Peek through the 20-inch, refracting telescope and gaze at the stars during a free public night at Chamberlin Observatory. Go for a walk, picnic, or just enjoy the spot of nature provided at DeBoer Park. Sign the kids up for P.A.S.S. Camp, skate on the ice rink, book a tee time, or enroll in fitness classes at the Ritchie Center. Buy tickets for a fun night of live performances at shows like Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience, Urban Bush Women, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Dig in to the Chicken Shawarmah Sandwich, Stuffed Lamb, or Sheesh Kabob at the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Jerusalem Restaurant. Fill up on delicious Denver barbecue like the Redneck Reuben, Smoked Chicken Wings, or Colorado Bison Back Ribs at Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que. Order the Tofu Sofritas, Chile Rellenos, or Pioneer Burger with a margarita to drink at The Pioneer Bar. Or browse the diverse tap list and share starters like House Smoked Wings before devouring the Meatball Monsta or Denver Gold Pulled Pork Sandwich at Denver Beer Co.

Activities in University include an observatory, parks, art, and restaurants.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

Pinterest graphic: Denver, CO: 5 Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods

Mike Beutler

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.