Best Neighborhoods in Denver for Families

Moving to Denver with your family? Whether you’re searching for an area with affordable housing, fantastic schools, or close proximity to outdoor recreation, these five family-friendly neighborhoods in Denver are perfect for raising kids!

• • Berkeley
  • Fort Logan
  • Hilltop
  • Park Hill
  • Washington Park

Berkeley

• Home Price: $293,687 median purchase price; $911 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 32% of Denver neighborhoods

This quiet, residential neighborhood in northwest Denver is close to all the highlights of a big city while also offering great opportunities for outdoor recreation! Proximity to areas like Berkeley Lake and Rocky Mountain Lake Park, as well as Berkeley Dog Park and easy access to I-70, help to make Berkeley one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for young families. Berkeley is also highly desired by families for its accessibility to great Denver schools like Rocky Mountain Prep, Skinner Middle School, or Centennial: A School for Expeditionary Learning. Plus, the Berkeley neighborhood offers residents real estate options like Tudor homes, modern townhomes, duplexes, and more, with expansive yards and tree-lined streets.

Things to Do in Berkeley

Throw your hands in the air while riding the Cyclone Coaster or other attractions during the spring and summer months at Lakeside Amusement Park. Teach your kids how to fish in the lake or take them swimming in the outdoor and indoor pools at Berkeley Lake Park. Spend the day kayaking, playing a set of tennis, or taking in the mountain views at Rocky Mountain Lake Park. Stroll down Berkeley’s vibrant Tennyson Street, where you can visit local shops and restaurants or attend events, including indie rock concerts at the Oriental Theater. Savor authentic Texas barbecue dishes like The Ron Swanson Sandwich and Jalapeño Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese at Post Oak Denver. Try a Vegan Sloppy Jane Sandwich or order the Slice of the Day for different pizza flavors at Hops & Pie. Or sip on local brews like the Nightmare on Brett Sour or a Berkeley Burro at Berkeley Untapped.

Fort Logan

 

• Home Price: $227,605 median purchase price; $848 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Denver neighborhoods

If you’re in the market for an affordable Denver neighborhood with a cozy feel and plenty of parks and schools nearby, consider Fort Logan. A former military post, the now-established Fort Logan neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Denver, with a blend of Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, and ranch-style homes accompanied with spacious yards. Parents looking for good K-12 education in the area will appreciate being near top-rated schools in Denver, like Kaiser Elementary, Sheridan High School, and Mullen High School. Fort Logan’s excellent location also offers a quick, 20-minute drive to camping grounds in Denver, hiking, and other outdoor activities at Matthews/Winters Park and William Frederick Hayden Park.

Things to Do in Fort Logan

Walk the dog, watch the kids play on the playground, have a summertime picnic, or enjoy other family activities in Denver at Bear Creek Park. Hone your golf technique or enjoy a tennis match while the kids splash around in the pool at Pinehurst Country Club. Play a game of softball or baseball, or test out the soccer fields at Pinecrest Village Park. Solute the Sun during a yoga class or let the little ones practice tumbling at the Southwest Family YMCA. Visit Sheridan Library to check out books or take the kids to Family Storytime. Order the Chili Cheese Fries and a Smothered Bean & Cheese Burrito from Monaghan’s Bar and Grill. Indulge in the Fish and Chips or the Quesadilla Burger at Doghouse Tavern. Eat at a local, family-owned Chinese restaurant serving favorites like Sesame Chicken and Mongolian Beef at Jade Cafe. Or try homemade lunches, dinners, catered meals, and snacks prepared by culinary students and interns at The Ft Logan Eatery.

Hilltop

• Home Price: $416,967 median purchase price; $1,207 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Denver neighborhoods

This safe, affordable neighborhood in Denver is great for families looking for a sense of community, large yards, tree-lined streets, and lots of housing styles to choose from, including Tudor and Modern Craftsman ranches and bungalows. Hilltop is one of the best places to live in Denver partially because it offers easy access to family-friendly parks in Denver like Crestmoor Park, Robinson Park, Burns Park, and Cranmer Park—which features a newly restored Sundial Terrace! Families will also find top-rated public and private schools in the area, including Carson Elementary, Hill Campus of Arts & Sciences, and Denver Language School.

Things to Do in Hilltop

Become a member and have a tennis match on one of the 12 courts at the Denver Tennis Club. Bring the little ones to storytime events for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for some family fun in Denver at the Schlessman Family Branch Library. Take your family just outside the neighborhood to explore aircraft, space, and rocketry exhibits—including simulator experiences—at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Explore local dining and shopping options at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, as well as local products from Colorado farmers and vendors every Wednesday and Saturday at the Cherry Creek Fresh Market. Order off the weekly menu or choose from paninis like The Silly Pig or The Holy Cow at The Cheese Company Deli Cafe. Order a Getting Figgy Wit It Burger or snack on Blue Cheese Kettle Chips at Park Burger. Have a dish of upscale ice cream in flavors like Basil with Blackberry Swirl or Earl Grey & Shortbread, or order a round of ice cream flight at High Point Creamery.

Park Hill

• Home Price: $366,040 median purchase price; $672 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of Denver neighborhoods

One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, Park Hill is one of the best areas to live in Denver for families who want to live in a safe community. With ample bike lanes and mature trees, Park Hill offers a mix of Craftsman-style homes, trendy bungalows, and remodeled condos—its micro-neighborhood, South Park Hill, is actually one of the best places to buy a house in Denver! Not only does Park Hill have top-ranked schools including Park Hill Elementary, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, and Denver School of the Arts, but the neighborhood also hosts plenty of family-friendly events like the Park Hill 4th of July Parade, which help maintain the community atmosphere.

Things to Do in Park Hill

Play pickleball and enroll the little ones in swim lessons at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Venture just outside of Park Hill to feed the giraffes, watch two-toed sloths hang upside down, or meet a penguin at the Denver Zoo. Attend art workshops and parties at the Art Garage. Learn about Egyptian mummies, space, gems and minerals, and prehistoric life at a top Denver attraction for families, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Venture a little bit outside of the neighborhood to catch a Denver Broncos (NFL) game at Empower Field at Mile High. Explore Kearney Street and stop for bagels with lox and cream cheese or sticky cinnamon rolls at Cake Crumbs Bakery & Cafe. Have a Mexican feast of Barbacoa Tacos, Chile Con Queso, and Enchiladas Plates at 7 Leguas Mexican Grille. Or try traditional Mediterranean fare like Chicken Shawarma and Lamb Kabob at Phoenician Kabob.

Washington Park

• Home Price: $537,873 median purchase price; $1,253 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Denver neighborhoods

Located just 15 minutes south of downtown, Washington Park is the perfect place for families to settle if you’re looking for a residential feel near the heart of the city. The Washington Park neighborhood offers families a slew of housing options—including gorgeously preserved Tudor and Mid-Century Modern homes, and Craftsman and Contemporary new builds—within walking distance of the neighborhood’s namesake, Washington Park. The 155-acre city park includes sport facilities, bike trails, and even kayak and fishing opportunities, but this Denver neighborhood also offers residents plenty of shopping and eateries in places like Old South Gaylord Street.

Things to Do in Washington Park

Roam through a replica of President George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon, complete with flower gardens and two lakes, at Washington Park. Play a game of Sharks and Minnows at the indoor pool with the kids or take a fitness class at Washington Park Recreation Center. Check out the multitude of local shops and restaurants along historic neighborhood street South Gaylord Street, or attend neighborhood events like Memorial Weekend Festival or Holiday Fest, which provide live music the whole family can enjoy. Grab a Honey Cinnamon Latte or Lavender Latte at the neighborhood’s local coffee shop, Wash Perk. Devour a delicious slice or two of Pigs and Pears Pizza or Rustic Ranger Pizza at Homegrown Tap & Dough. Or indulge in a Tropical Lobster Roll or the Cioppino on the patio at Max Gill & Grill.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes