Your Guide to Denver Neighborhoods
Searching for great neighborhoods in Mile High City? Whether you want to live close to downtown, raise a family in a safe area, or need a more affordable place to live, our Denver neighborhood guide can help you find the best area for your lifestyle!
The Best Neighborhoods in Denver
Denver has all kinds of areas that cater to singles, young professionals, families, and retirees. But which are the best areas overall? Check out our picks for Denver’s top five neighborhoods!
Baker
Baker is a dynamic, diverse neighborhood located in the heart of Denver. It’s a popular spot for singles, young professionals, and families, thanks to its urban-suburban mix and variety of local bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and outdoor spaces.
Who Is Baker For?
The 25-34 age group makes up the largest resident demographic in Baker. There are some families with kids in this area, but many residents are unmarried with no children.
Affordability
Housing costs in Baker are 63% higher than the national average. The median purchase price is $355,880, while the median monthly rent price is $896.
Crime Rate
Baker is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Denver and safer than 42% of other Colorado cities. Crime rates in Baker are also 14% below the city’s average, making it a safe neighborhood.
Things to Do
Grab a classic read at Gallagher Books and get an Orchard Thief blend to-go at Corvus Coffee Roasters while walking through Antique Row. Appreciate otherworldly paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and print works from local artists at the SPACE Gallery, part of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. Release your inner warrior by throwing and smashing items at Axe Whooping. Try brunch favorites like The Dahlia biscuit sandwich or the Biscuit French Toast at Denver Biscuit Company. Chow down on mouthwatering Carolina Pulled Pork and Sliced Beef Brisket for dinner at Smokin’ Yards BBQ. Order Mexican dishes like Carne Asada or Molcajete de Mariscos at Adelitas Cocina y Cantina. Or sip on a Cool Smooth Like 2 Blue Suede Shoes or Hey! It’s Me—Nelson! beer in the taproom at boutique brewery Novel Strand.
Why You’ll Love It
Baker is one of the most desirable places to live in Denver. Nestled along I-25 about ten minutes south of Downtown Denver, the area provides quick access to the job opportunities, nightlife, and entertainment in the city center. Additionally, this Denver neighborhood offers great housing options from Victorian bungalows to modern apartments and townhomes, and it’s close to several RTD Rail stations, including Alameda, 10th & Osage, and I-25 & Broadway.
Capital Hill
Capitol Hill—known as “Cap Hill” among locals—features a vibrant blend of arts, culture, and economy. The area’s growing job market and high walkability have made this neighborhood a hot spot for young professionals looking to work and play close to the city center.
Who Is Capital Hill For?
This Denver neighborhood is popular among young adults. Capitol Hill has a median age of 31.9, with the 25-34 age group maintaining an overwhelming majority among local residents.
Affordability
Capitol Hill’s median home purchase price is $208,972, with median monthly rent costs around $965. Housing costs in this Denver area are 10% higher than the national average.
Crime Rate
Despite being one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Denver, Capitol Hill is safer than 5% of Denver neighborhoods and safer than 2% of Colorado cities overall.
Things to Do
Experience the unbelievable story of Titanic survivor “Unsinkable” Molly Brown at the Molly Brown House Museum. Witness stunning exhibitions like Speaking with Light or From Chaos to Order at the Denver Art Museum. Take a ghost tour, have a picnic, or take in beautiful Denver mountain views at Cheesman Park. Pick up your latest household treasure at novelty store Talulah Jones. Sample tapas dishes like Pan con Tomate or Tortilla del Dia during happy hour at The 9th Door. Dine on authentic Italian meals like Chicken Parm and Fettucine Alfredo at DiFranco’s. Treat yourself to Seared Salmon and Beef Wellington served with classic French techniques at Mizuna. Or listen to live music while savoring a Ribeye at Charlie Brown’s Bar & Grill.
Why You’ll Love It
Capitol Hill is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, featuring plenty of historic architecture like the golden-domed Colorado State Capitol, as well as classic cottages and Colonial Revival homes among its real estate options. The neighborhood is also only minutes away from the Mile High City’s Central Business District and is considered the most walkable neighborhood in Denver.
Cherry Creek
Just across I-25 from Downtown Denver is the trendy neighborhood of Highland, where residents can find modern rental properties, excellent walkability, great public schools, and a variety of dining and nightlife options.
Who Is Cherry Creek For?
Residents of Cherry Creek are significantly older. The neighborhood’s largest demographic is between the ages of 65-84, though it’s trailed closely by the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups.
Affordability
Because it’s an affluent neighborhood, Cherry Creek’s housing costs are 200% higher than the national average, with a median purchase price of $663,500 and median monthly rent at $1,524.
Crime Rate
Cherry Creek is safer than 64% of neighborhoods in Denver and safer than 54% of Colorado cities overall. This makes Cherry Creek an excellent place for those seeking safe areas.
Things to Do
Browse over 300 retail shops and locally-owned businesses at Cherry Creek North. Check out antique, avant-garde advertising posters at Gallerie Rogue. Shop luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, and Burberry at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Bike through Cherry Creek Trail, an 11.2-mile trail that runs from Confluence Park to the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Try a flavorful mix of healthy seasonal meals like Roasted Brussel Sprouts or Herb Hummus at True Food Kitchen. Discover modern American dishes and shareable plates with upscale cocktails and wine at Narrative. Enjoy fresh-ground chuck and prime rib cooked over a hardwood fire at Cherry Creek Grill. Or build your own burger while rooting for your favorite teams at The Cherry Cricket.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re searching for a luxurious neighborhood that prioritizes comfort and leisure, look no further than Cherry Creek. Here, you can purchase modern new builds with all of the creature comforts you want in a home, enroll your children at incredible schools like Bromwell Elementary, or live out your golden years at well-rated assisted living facilities like Sunrise at Cherry Creek.
Highland
Just across I-25 from Downtown Denver is the trendy neighborhood of Highland, where residents can find modern rental properties, excellent walkability, great public schools, and a variety of dining and nightlife options.
Who Is Highland For?
The majority of Highland residents are between the ages of 25-34. Though the area is popular among young adults, its population is seeing an increase among families with children under 18.
Affordability
Homes in Highland have a median purchase price of $382,556 and a median monthly rent of $1,015. Housing costs in this Denver neighborhood are 77% higher than the national average.
Crime Rate
Highland is safer than 36% of neighborhoods in Denver and safer than 34% of cities in Colorado. The area ranks above 4 of the 6 neighborhoods that border it, making it a safe place to live.
Things to Do
Bike across the South Platte River or have a picnic under the sun at Confluence Park. Attend live performances or film screenings during the recurring Nerd Nite Denver event at The Bug Theatre. Practice a range of high-intensity, low-impact reformer pilates at Fierce45. Check out the latest fiction or nonfiction releases at the Denver Public Library. Taste contemporary Pan-Latin dishes like Carne de Onca in a trendy setting at Senor Bear. Grab a Margherita pizza from Gorlami Pizza or a Pork Belly from Meta Asian Kitchen at Avanti Food & Beverage Hall. Slurp down a bowl of Spicy Chicken Ramen with Pork Buns at Uncle. Grab a tasty Tavern Burger or Housemade Falafel at Highland Tavern. Or order Goat Cheese Croquettas while nestled high above LoHi at El Five.
Why You’ll Love It
Highland is a chic Denver neighborhood that successfully combines older architecture with modern murals and contemporary apartments to achieve an eclectic aesthetic. With its walkable community full of things to do, places to eat, and ways to shop, it’s no surprise why Highland is a favorite among young adults looking for a cool place to live close to Denver’s city center.
Washington Park
Washington Park (or Wash Park) is home to some of Denver’s best green spaces. Located about 15 minutes outside of Downtown Denver, this neighborhood is the perfect spot for people of all ages who want access to local parks and quick commutes.
Who Is Washington Park For?
While the majority of Wash Park residents are ages 25-34, the neighborhood is home to all ages. The median age in this area is 39.5, and many residents are married with children.
Affordability
Housing costs are 143% higher than the national average in Washington Park, with median purchase prices around $537,873 and median monthly rent prices around $1,253.
Crime Rate
Wash Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver. The area is safer than 77% of Denver neighborhoods and safer than 74% of Colorado cities overall.
Things to Do
Check out the flower gardens, tree-lined paths, and bike trails at the area’s namesake Washington Park. Swing by high-end boutiques like Common Threads and 5 Green Boxes at the South Pearl Street shopping district. Shop chic women’s clothing at Barbara & Co and men’s sportswear at Trout’s while you walk down the historic South Gaylord Street. Try out a large selection of guitars, banjos, mandolins, and other acoustic instruments at Denver Folklore Center. Grab a slice of artisanal wood-fired Pepperoni pizza at Homegrown Tap & Dough. Explore over 120 flavors of delicious ice cream like Mint Chocolate Chip and Cappuccino Crunch at Bonnie Brae Ice Cream. Watch sports while savoring all-you-can-eat wings at Campus Lounge. Or order up some Enchiladas, Tacos, and Fajitas on the terrace at Perdida.
Why You’ll Love It
Washington Park offers a fantastic blend of urban amenities with outdoor recreation. Not only does it have a number of golf courses and local parks for residents to access, but it also offers high-quality schools like Steele Elementary School and Denver South High School, as well as a wide range of housing options from cozy bungalows to contemporary new construction.
Neighborhood Accolades
Safest
- Gateway-Green Valley Ranch
- LoDo
- University
Most Affordable
- Capitol Hill
- Gateway-Green Valley Ranch
- Northern Denver
Most Walkable
- Baker
- Capitol Hill
- Five Points
Best Restaurants
- Berkeley
- Five Points
- Highland
Best Parks
- Cherry Creek
- LoDo
- Washington Park
Best Public Transportation
- Auraria
- Downtown Denver
- Five Points
Best Shopping
- Baker
- Cherry Creek
- Highland
Best Nightlife & Entertainment
- Baker
- Cherry Creek
- LoDo
Find the Best Neighborhood for You
Ready to find your perfect neighborhood in Denver? Check out our Denver neighborhood guides below to discover the best place to live for your lifestyle and housing needs!