Not only is Denver one of the best big cities to live in the U.S., but it’s also a great place to raise a family! Whether you’re searching for an area with affordable housing, top-notch schools, or close proximity to outdoor recreation, these five family-friendly neighborhoods in Denver are perfect for raising kids.
Berkeley
- Home Price: $293,687 median purchase price; $911 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of Denver neighborhoods
The laid-back neighborhood of Berkeley in northwest Denver is home to a variety of local shops, restaurants, outdoor recreation opportunities, and more. There are also plenty of housing options, from modern townhomes and charming bungalows to brick Tudors and Dutch Colonials with expansive yards. Parents can send their children to quality schools within the neighborhood like Rocky Mountain Prep Berkeley, Centennial: A School for Expeditionary Learning, or Skinner Middle School. Plus, residents can connect with their neighbors at family-friendly community events like First Fridays On Tennyson, Tennyson Street Fair, and Tennyson Fall Festival—which features food trucks, live music, street performers, and pet parades!
Things to Do in Berkeley
Get an adrenaline rush on the Cyclone Roller Coaster, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, or enjoy other rides and attractions during the summer months at Lakeside Amusement Park. Play with adoptable rescue kitties, have a cup of coffee or hot cider, or attend events like Tarot with Cats at Denver Cat Company. Spend a day kayaking on the lake, playing tennis, and having a picnic at Berkeley Lake Park or Rocky Mountain Lake Park. Drive a few minutes away to Downtown Denver to take the family to a Denver Broncos (NFL) game at Empower Field at Mile High. Try the Shepherd, Chicken Curry, and Cheesy Potato Hot Pasties at The Pasty Republic. Savor authentic Texan BBQ like the Smoked Pork Shoulder, Dirty Mac, and Barbecue Tacos at Post Oak Barbecue. Choose from over 50 different types of sandwiches and wash it down with a pint of the Tenn Street Coffee Amber or Giggity IPA at The Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe & Brewery. Or have a scoop of some of the best ice cream in Denver with flavors like Blueberry Lemon, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Mint Chocolate Bark at High Point Creamery.
Cherry Creek
- Home Price: $782,740 median purchase price; $2,186 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Denver neighborhoods
Not only is Cherry Creek one of the best Denver neighborhoods for families, but it’s also one of the best places to buy a home in Denver! This upscale neighborhood is filled with luxury condominiums and duplexes, as well as Craftsman bungalows, Tudors, and ranch-style homes. Not to mention, parents can send their younger children to great elementary schools in the area like Bromwell Elementary School and Steck Elementary School. Those looking to live a more active lifestyle have close proximity to the Cherry Creek Trail—perfect for biking, jogging, and walking, while also providing easy access to Downtown Denver. Residents can also attend the world-renowned Cherry Creek Arts Festival, where over 300,000 people gather to celebrate the visual arts every year!
Things to Do in Cherry Creek
Spend the day shopping at more than 160 stores—including luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus, Burberry, and Chanel—at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Participate in sports like tennis, croquet, golf, and more when you become a member at Denver Country Club. Let the kids run around the playground, or practice your pickleball and tennis serve at the award-winning Gates Tennis Center in Pulaski Park. Find a new non-fiction read, or browse rare and collectible shelves of books at The Hermitage Bookshop—one of Denver’s oldest bookstores. Order breakfast dishes like the Monster Burrito, The Jalapeño Popper, and Caramel Apple Pancakes at Syrup Cherry Creek. Looking for some of the best Chinese food in Denver? Dig into the Lobster Dumplings, Truffle Tuna, and Miso Chilean Seabass at Little Ollie’s. Try the Wood-Fire Roasted Chicken, Famous French Dip Au Jus, and the Ruby Red Trout at Cherry Creek Grill. Or devour Mile High City burgers like the 720 Jammin’ Poblano Burger, 983 Big Cheesy, or the award-winning Cricket Royale at The Cherry Cricket.
Congress Park
- Home Price: $416,967 median purchase price; $1,207 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Denver neighborhoods
If you’re moving to Denver in search of a great spot for your family to settle down, put Congress Park on your list! This centrally-located Denver neighborhood offers families a range of housing options to choose from, including quaint bungalows and Victorian-style homes. Parents who want a quality education for their children can send them to area schools like Teller Elementary School and Denver East High School. Additionally, residents have easy access to recreational fun at nearby Cheesman Park and neighborhood namesake Congress Park—where families can cool off in the outdoor pool, play games of pickleball or soccer, and take morning walks while enjoying beautiful Colorado weather.
Things to Do in Congress Park
See hundreds of exotic blooms, find hands-on experiences in the Mordecai Children’s Garden, or take a guided tour through the Water Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens. Browse both new and vintage albums, or attend live performances and signings at old-school vinyl record shop Twist & Shout. Celebrate the art of film by seeing exclusive new releases or arthouse retrospectives, or attend the Denver Film Festival and other events throughout the year at Sie FilmCenter. Purchase a new book, join a book club, or check out author events and signings at Tattered Cover Book Store‘s Colfax location. Get your caffeine fix with a Cappuccino, Cafe Latte, or Macchiato at House of CoPa. Start your morning with sweet and savory crepes like the Margarita, Patatouille, and Nutella Crepe at Crepes ’n Crepes. For Indian food in Denver, order the Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Medley, and Fresh Naan at Saucy Bombay. Or try specialty pizza pies like the Little Rose, Mountain Top, and Parma Italia at Blue Pan Pizza.
Park Hill
- Home Price: $366,040 median purchase price; $672 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Denver neighborhoods
As one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Park Hill provides families with a safe, affordable Denver neighborhood to settle down in. This mainly residential area presents residents with ample bike lanes, tree-lined streets, and a mix of Craftsman-style homes, trendy bungalows, and remodeled condos. Those living in Park Hill can connect with their neighbors during the summer at family-friendly events like the Park Hill Art Festival and the 4th-of-July Park Hill Parade. Plus, families who want a great education for their children can send them to nearby schools like Park Hill Elementary, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, and Denver School of the Arts—one of the best high schools in Colorado!
Things to Do in Park Hill
Hit the racquetball courts or relax in the sauna while the little ones take 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 attend the African Penguin Talk at the Denver Zoo. Send the kids to After School Art Club, or take a variety of art classes and workshops at the Art Garage. Learn about Egyptian mummies, gems and minerals, and prehistoric life at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science—one of the top Denver attractions for families. Feast on Southern brunch and lunch dishes like the Smoke Brisket Hash and Eggs, Southern Brisket Melt, and Kickin’ Sausage Grits at Four Friends Kitchen. Order the Vegan Lovers, Spinach White, or Midwestern Pizza at Sexy Pizza. Try the Sausage Rolls, Shepherd’s Pie, or Tilapia with a side of Baked Beans at GB Fish & Chips. Enjoy traditional Mediterranean fare like a Lamb Kabob, Chicken Shawarma, and Sabanekh at Phoenician Kabob.
Washington Park
- Home Price: $816,840 median purchase price; $2,092 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Denver neighborhoods
Known as “Wash Park” by locals and located just 15 minutes south of downtown, Washington Park is the perfect place for families seeking a residential feel near the heart of the city. Those looking to purchase a piece of Denver real estate can find plenty of homes to choose from—including gorgeously preserved Tudor and Mid-Century Modern homes, as well as Craftsman and Contemporary new builds. Those living in Washington Park will also appreciate the multitude of local shops and restaurants along Historic South Gaylord Street—not to mention neighborhood events like the Memorial Weekend Festival or the Denver Holiday Market, which provide fun for the whole family!
Things to Do in Washington Park
Roam through a replica of President George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon, or check out the athletic facilities, bike trails, and fishing opportunities at the namesake Washington Park. Swim laps in the indoor pool, have a friendly match of pickleball, or enroll your kids in youth sports at the Washington Park Recreation Center. Shop for unique gifts, home decor, and accessories at Wish Gifts Denver. Get active with sports and outdoor programs for all ages like swimming, racquetball, ice skating, and more at The Ritchie Center. Stop in for weekend brunch dishes like the Tres Leches French Toast, Chorizo Burrito, and Huevos Rancheros at Perdida. Try homemade pasta like the Tuscan Lasagna, Lobster Black Maccheroni, or Grilled Shrimp Angel Hair at Wash Park Grille. Order the Chicken Tinga Con Papas, Carnitas, and Lengua Street Tacos at Agave Taco Bar. Or sample rotating ice cream flavors like Maple Shortbread, Raspberry Brownie, and Salted Butterscotch at Sweet Action.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
