Thinking of buying a home in Denver? With stunning outdoor recreation in the nearby Rocky Mountains and a wide range of amenities—Denver is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S. Whether you’re a young professional, moving with your family, or looking for somewhere to retire, here are the five best places to buy a house in Denver!
Central Park
- Home Price: $538,212 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Colorado cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Originating as a Denver airport site in the 1930s, Central Park (formerly Stapleton) has since grown into a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of things to do. The neighborhood’s namesake Central Park is the third largest park in Denver, offering year-round programs and events like the farmers market, outdoor concert series, and pumpkin patch. Residents have also started implementing New Urbanism and value parks and open spaces as places to build up the community, so you’ll find parks, community gardens, and picnic benches throughout the area. Central Park’s Mediterranean Revival and Ranch homes line the streets—and newly planted trees continue to grow and provide shade for the many large yards in the area. Combined with quality Denver schools like Willow Elementary and Northfield High School, this area has become a great place for families to call home.
Things to Do in Central Park
Get active with group fitness classes and weekly activities, or splash around the lazy river at the Central Park Recreation Center. Visit a collection of over 50 Colorado-owned businesses and shops—including local restaurants, boutiques, and play places—at Stanley Marketplace. Take the whole family to see the Colorado Rapids (MLS) shoot and score goals at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Go hiking in Denver at the Discovery Trail or Lake Mary Loop Trail, or sign your kids up for summer camp and other wildlife activities at the nearby Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Wake up with the Hashtag Hot Cake, Pork Hash, and Chipotle Chicken & Waffles at the lively Hashtag Restaurant—featuring some of the best breakfast in Denver. Grab a Southern-inspired Denver brunch with Friend Favorites like Crispy Huevos Rancheros, Smoked Brisket Hash and Eggs, or a Banana Split Parfait at Four Friends Kitchen. Bite into delicious burgers and sandwiches like the Flyte Burger, Jumbo Jet, or In Flyte BLT—or play rounds of bowling and mini-golf at FlyteCo Tower, the former air traffic control center. Or savor handmade dumplings made from Pan Fried Pork, Pan Fried Beef, and Pan Fried Chicken at Mason’s Dumpling Shop.
Cherry Creek
- Home Price: $782,740 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Colorado cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, retirees
Cherry Creek’s luxurious homes and convenient access to some of the city’s most popular amenities have made it a great place to buy a home in Denver. Cherry Creek streets are lined with great housing for families, including Modern, Ranch, and Tudor-style homes, as well as typical Denver Squares. The signature Cherry Creek North business district is home to some of the best restaurants in Denver, plus art galleries, spas, and over 300 shops you can visit with the whole family. The neighborhood also runs through Cherry Creek Park and other wildlife trails, providing outdoor lovers with excellent spaces for hiking, biking, fishing, and more. New residents can get familiar with neighbors at fun community events like the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, French Fest, and Live & Local Saturdays. With an eclectic mix of shopping, outdoor recreation, and community interaction, it’s easy to see why the area is in such high demand.
Things to Do in Cherry Creek
Go biking, birdwatching, or running on the scenic 24.6-mile Cherry Creek Trail. Enroll kids in junior programs, enjoy pickleball open play, or join the co-ed Top Dog Doubles league at the Gates Tennis Center—one of Colorado’s top public tennis facilities. Appreciate and purchase vintage European posters—some of which are from the late 1800s—from entertainment, Art Deco, and fashion collections at the public Denver art gallery, Gallerie Rouge. Travel just outside the neighborhood to see hundreds of exotic blooms from the Alpine, Steppe, and Aquatic living plant collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Sip cups of Denver coffee brewed from brands like Intelligentsia, Kilogram Tea, and Askinosie Chocolate at the hip local coffee joint, Aviano Coffee. Build your own burger with Rocky Mountain-sourced ingredients, or choose from selections like the Cricket Royale, Bison, or Impossible Burger while watching game-day events at The Cherry Cricket. Make reservations for hearty fare and American-style eats like Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the Ruby Red Trout, or the Wood-Grilled Ribeye at Cherry Creek Grill. Or pull out a chair for some of the best sushi in Denver with Asian-American blends like the Firecracker, Hamachi Crunch, and Tootsie Roll at Hapa Sushi.
Littleton
- Home Price: $446,500 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Colorado cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Littleton is easily one of the best suburbs in Denver due to its rapid growth, competitive housing market, and excellent mix of suburban and outdoor amenities. This Denver suburb is particularly great for families, thanks to its highly-rated elementary and high schools within Littleton Public Schools. Young professionals will also enjoy living in Littleton, as the RTD light rail provides easy access to Denver proper. As a classic Colorado locale, Littleton boasts charming renovated Ranch, Mid-century Modern, and Craftsman-style houses. Outdoor areas like Chatfield State Park and a vibrant downtown area offer plenty of great activities, while festivals like Western Welcome Week and Summerset Festival provide things to do throughout the year.
Things to Do in Littleton
Practice the craft of beekeeping, see the Victoria Water Lilies bloom, or take a self-guided art tour at The Hudson Gardens & Event Center. Explore Littleton history in the the 1903 Blacksmith Shop and the Culture Gallery, attend daily farm programs in the two living history farms, and check out over 60,000 objects and artifacts at the Littleton Museum. Learn to play hockey, participate in adult leagues, and attend hockey camps at The Ice Ranch. Take the family fishing and kayaking along the South Platte River, or view Denver wildlife at South Platte Park. Try out a bacon-inspired Denver brunch with Pro Flight, Double Baller Bacon, and Bacon Hash from Bacon Social House. Fill up on family eats like the All American Burger, Santa Fe Classic Burger, and Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich during regular events like Trivia Tuesdays at Platte River Bar and Grill. Try the Chipotle Bourbon Butter Chargrilled Oysters, or grab slices of Denver pizza with pies like the Kitchen Sink or Pretty Hate Machine from Angelo’s Taverna. Or enjoy authentic, neighborhood-style Thai food in Denver with Pad Kea Mow Noodles, Panang Curry, and Pla Rad Prik Seafood from Wild Ginger.
Park Hill
- Home Price: $366,040 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 46% of Colorado cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Park Hill is considered one of the best neighborhoods for families in Denver, thanks to easy access to parks, libraries, and highly-rated schools. With community staples like Spinelli’s Market and Oneida Park and local green spaces like Fred Thomas Park along E 23rd Avenue, this Denver neighborhood offers a suburban feel and plenty of things to do. Homes for sale in Park Hill are available in Bungalow, Craftsman, and Tudor Revival styles. Families can enroll their children in some of the area’s top schools, including Park Hill Elementary or the Denver School of the Arts, while young professionals and singles can explore the neighborhood’s bustling nightlife scene just minutes from Downtown Denver. From its tree-lined streets to bustling business parks, Park Hill has just about everything you need for settling down.
Things to Do in Park Hill
Take the family to see up-close views of African lions, American flamingos, Asian elephants, and more at the Denver Zoo. Let your child’s imagination run wild at scientific and archaeological exhibits for families like Space Odyssey, Egyptian Mummies, and Expedition Health at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Work out at an open gym, relax in a therapy pool, or play games of racquetball at the Martin Luther King Jr Recreation Center. Enroll your kid in after-school art clubs focusing on ceramics, fiber arts, or drawing, or bring them to weekly classes during Friday Night Fun! at the Art Garage. On your way to work, grab house-made drinks like a Latte, Dirty Chai, or Midnight Fog at Torpedo Coffee. Indulge in classic bistro food like Truite à la Meunière, Schnitzel de Poulet, and Grilled Hangar Steak at Bistro Vendome, an authentic French restaurant in Denver. Enjoy a mix of Mexican, American, and Italian meals with a Steak Burrito, Sausage Caesar Sandwich, or Cheese Ravioli at the neighborhood staple, Ted’z Place Restaurant and Lounge. Or have a couple scoops of Denver ice cream with Sundaes, Splits, and Floats with a side of Dang Good Fries from Dang Soft Serve Ice Cream.
Washington Park
- Home Price: $816,840 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Colorado cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Flush with flower gardens, trails, and sports facilities, Washington Park is one of the best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals looking for urban recreation. Many original Tudor and Bungalow-style Washington Park homes have been maintained, but there is also newer construction in Modern and Ranch styles. The neighborhood’s namesake Washington Park comes with picnic areas and recreation centers, as well as lakes and boathouses for enjoying a day out on the water. Families in Denver can find excellent education at schools like Steele Elementary School while taking advantage of community events like the July 4th Celebration and Summer Yard Sale. Residents also have access to a wide variety of Washington Park shops and eateries on Old South Gaylord Street.
Things to Do in Washington Park
Play full-court basketball or pickleball, or get active in group fitness classes at the Washington Park Recreation Center. Hone your fishing skills by catching bluegill, carp, and lake trout from Smith Lake. Tee off on an 18-hole Denver golf course when you get a membership at the Denver Country Club, one of the oldest country clubs west of the Mississippi. Enjoy tennis in Denver by enrolling in youth or adult programs, participating in drills, and having Standing Court Time at Denver Tennis Park. Enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine like Formaggio del Giorno, Colorado Bison Shortribs, and Pomodoro pizza at Wash Park Grille. Satisfy your taste buds with upscale American favorites like the Campus Lounge Burger, Brisket French Dip, and Chicken Tenders from Campus Lounge. Sample sweet treats and Denver pastries like Chocolate Croissants, Vanilla Buttercream Cake, and Carrot Walnut Cupcakes at Devil’s Food Bakery. Or taste delicious ice cream flavors like Cookie Dough, Blueberry Cobbler, and Pumpkin Pecan at the family-owned Bonnie Brae Ice Cream.
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Neighborhood and suburb statistics from AreaVibes
