The best places to live in Denver
The areas and suburbs of Denver are diverse; from luxurious Cherry Creek and historic Capitol Hill to family-friendly Stapleton, there is something to suit every newcomer. Most of these neighbourhoods also have a range of housing options, including everything from luxury condominiums to trendy loft conversions and historic Victorian houses.
House hunters will need to be fairly flexible in their requirements and shouldn't set their heart on finding a home in one particular neighbourhood, as the demand is high. Instead, they should make a list of suitable neighbourhoods and then start searching for accommodation within their budget.
Here is a list of popular neighbourhoods in Denver.
Young and trendy neighbourhoods in Denver
Cheesman Park
This picturesque part of Denver is located close to the Capitol Hill district and is especially popular among young professionals in Denver. There is a wide array of accommodation and price points in Cheesman Park, including old Victorian homes, modern condominiums, townhouses and apartments.
For those who want spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, the best option is a towering condo. Loft apartments are also popular in this area. Residents of Cheesman Park have good access to amenities such as restaurants, bars and clubs, as well as the park itself, which provides an excellent space for loads of leisure activities.
Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek is an upscale neighbourhood in Denver. While it is somewhat popular with older couples looking to downsize, it's also a common spot for new arrivals moving to Denver for an active lifestyle. The area is a self-contained oasis for its residents, who have art galleries, coffee shops, retail outlets, bars and restaurants right on their doorstep.
In the summer, Cherry Creek becomes a hive of activity, with musicians and artists performing regularly at Filmore Plaza. Accommodation in this neighbourhood mainly consists of modern housing and apartments.
Lower Downtown
Lower Downtown, known among Denver's residents as LoDo, is the perfect neighbourhood for newcomers looking to have all of what Denver has to offer right on their doorstep. It's the ideal area for those with an active social life who don't have a car.
All the city's best bars, restaurants and nightlife spots are in LoDo, as well as cultural sites such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and outdoor settings like Commons Park. New arrivals will be close to work but far from the city's best schools, making this area ideal for young professionals without children.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Denver
Stapleton
Stapleton is a popular area among families in Denver. It was once home to the city's municipal airport but now consists of a mix of residential properties, retail buildings and sprawling parks. Stapleton is also home to a sizeable Bohemian crowd of artists, and this is evident in the public murals and interactive artwork on display throughout the neighbourhood. New arrivals will find a range of housing options in Stapleton, including lofts, condominiums, townhouses and larger single-family homes.
Littleton
With its quintessential small-town feel, this family-friendly neighbourhood is a great place to raise children. Littleton is home to several good restaurants, shops and plenty of green spaces to relax and play with the kids.
Having won Colorado's highest academic accreditation for seven years running, new arrivals living in Littleton can also rest assured that they'll be close to some of the best public schools in the state. With good RTD light rail access, the 12-minute commute to the city centre has never been easier. Craftsman-style houses are littered throughout the neighbourhood amid some gorgeous new builds.
Mayfair
Mayfair is an excellent place for those on a budget. The predominant type of architecture that can be found in the area is 1950s ranch-style homes. Alongside these modest properties, new arrivals can also find some more contemporary homes. The area is particularly popular with students and medical professionals working at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the National Jewish Hospital.
Mayfair is also located close to Lindsley Park, which is perfect for those with children and those who enjoy an active lifestyle. While there are just a handful of restaurants and shops in the area, Mayfair is only a 15-minute commute from downtown Denver and a few minutes away from Cherry Creek.
Further reading
►Learn about Denver's property market in Accommodation in Denver.
Photo credits: Downtown, Denver by Andrew Coop. Family home by Yaroslav Muzychenko. Images sourced from Unsplash.
Expat Experiences
"Close to the centre of town, Highlands, City Park, Congress Park, Wash Park, Sloan’s Lake and LoDo are popular. To the South, Parker and Highlands Ranch provide good options with good views of the mountains. To the north, Longmont and Lafayette (near the university town of Boulder) are growing." Hendrik, a South African expat, shares his experience of life in Denver, read what he has to say in his interview.
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