Best Neighborhoods in Denver

We probably don’t have to tell you this, but the Mile High City has a lot going for it. In addition to holding the title as the best place for beer-lovers to live, Denver is chock-full of restaurants, music venues, city parks, and locally-owned shops. Plus, with 78 different and distinct neighborhoods, there’s a place for everyone. We picked out a few of the best neighborhoods in Denver, so read on and see why it’s one of Colorado’s best cities.

East Colfax

Named for the longest commercial street in the U.S., the East Colfax neighborhood is the place to be for music lovers. Venues like the Bluebird Theater, Fillmore Auditorium, and the Ogden Theater have hosted performances from icons like Bob Dylan to up-and-coming local bands. Not surprisingly, the neighborhood skews younger—about 30 percent of the population is under 35.  It’s also one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city.

Cherry Creek

This quieter, walk-friendly neighborhood is known for being an outdoor shopping and dining destination. The retail options at Cherry Creek North are unrivaled—with both big-box department stores and smaller shops (over 70 percent of the businesses at Cherry Creek North are locally owned). It’s not all commerce in Cherry Creek though; the Cherry Creek Trail connects the neighborhood to downtown Denver—terrific for bicyclists, runners, and walkers who don’t want to live in the hustle of the city but want to be close enough to visit it. Plus, every year on 4th of July weekend, the neighborhood celebrates the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, one of the largest art celebrations in the country.

Congress Park

Plenty of public transportation options, quaint shops and restaurants, and just a 3-mile commute to downtown make this neighborhood popular among Denver residents. The bustling Colfax Avenue acts as the neighborhood’s northern border and is home to many can’t-miss eateries. On Madison Avenue is where you’ll find local favorite TAG Burger Bar and on 12th Avenue, you can stop for dessert at Sweet Cooie’s. It’s also a quick walk from Congress Park to Denver’s Botanic Gardens, located at the east end of Cheesman Park.

Highlands

The Highlands are divided up into three sections: Lower Highland (LoHi), Tennyson Street Cultural District, and Highland Square. Restaurants, local bars, and breweries provide residents with food, entertainment, post-work options. Avanti Food and Beverage, a collective eatery, is a can’t-miss spot, as is Recess Beer Garden, both in LoHi. Along Tennyson Street, Local 46 is a go-to watering hole and beer garden that hosts live music, and The Empourium Brewing Company serves up tasty local beer with excellent service. Highland Square, near 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard in West Highland, offers trendy boutiques, independent restaurants, and coffee shops—in the summer months, it also features a farmers market and numerous street festivals.

Capitol Hill

One of the most popular neighborhoods in Denver is, no surprise, also one of the most expensive for renters. It was recently named one of the best places for Denver millennials to live. Capitol Hill is a lively area close to Denver’s Central Business District, making for an easy commute to work. Residents certainly get their money’s worth— there are a handful of museums, popular restaurants, and live music venues along the stretch of Colfax Avenue that borders the neighborhood to the north. The neighborhood is also known for its many local coffee shops and easy access to Cheesman Park. Capitol Hill is a great neighborhood for young professionals and artists alike.

Lower Downtown (LoDo)

For those who want a decidedly more urban setting and an easy commute to work, LoDo is your spot. Union Station is located here, making it convenient to get to almost anywhere else in Denver. It’s also the perfect neighborhood if you love baseball—Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, is in your backyard. Plus, it’s the oldest neighborhood in Denver, so it has a rich cultural history. Shops, restaurants, and bars fill the historic Dairy Block, offering residents everything from local, handcrafted goods to date-night-worthy cocktails.

Platt Park

• 

• 

• 

Platt Park is about four miles from the Central Business District and sits adjacent to the University of Denver. Along South Pearl Street you’ll find local shops that add an eccentric charm to the neighborhood, a farmers market offering local produce, and tasty restaurants that satisfy any craving. Platt Park is convenient to I-25 and Denver’s light rail for those who commute to downtown.

Five Points

One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, Five Points gets its name from the five-point intersection at Washington Street, 27th Street, 26th Avenue, and Welton Street. In the 1930s and 40s, Five Points was the top destination for jazz musicians, hosting legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, but the area fell into disrepair. A recent, concerted effort revitalized the neighborhood, and its central location, new businesses, and growing population have put Five Points back on the map. The neighborhood pays homage to its musical roots with events like the Five Points Jazz Festival and the Juneteenth Musical Festival each summer.

River Arts North District

Situated along the Platte River, starting on Lawrence Street, is the trendy River North Arts District (RiNo), known for its vibrant street murals and warehouses-turned-art spaces. It sits just north of Five Points and boasts a handful of local breweries, including Mockery Brewing and Black Shirt Brewing, not to mention heavy hitter Blue Moon Brewing Company. The historic Denver Central Market, where you can find baked goods, produce, pizza, a full bar, and more, also calls RiNo home. If you’re looking for a reason to move to Denver, RiNo is a big one.

Think one of these neighborhoods sounds perfect for you? Check out thousands of apartments for rent in Denver and get started on your search today.