Article Overview: Best Neighborhoods in Denver
Looking for the best places to live in Denver? This helpful guide has you covered. We evaluated several key factors like home prices and population size to determine the best neighborhoods in Denver for families, young professions, outdoor enthusiasts and more.
Longtime readers of this website know we’re not keen on small talk, so let’s get to it!
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Denver
#10. Mar Lee
| Median Age | 30.3 years |
| Median Home Price | $462,00 |
| Median Household Income | $55,000 |
| Walkability | 3/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 6/10 |
| Transit | 4/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Newcomers looking to soak in all that Denver has to offer. Mar Lee is a welcoming neighborhood that offers affordable housing and a slower pace of life, making it ideal for families and young professionals.
Despite being a quiet and (somewhat sleepy) neighborhood with that classic old Denver style, Mar Lee has a fairly young population that gives this Denver neighborhood an energized (yet relaxed) vibe.
If you’re new to Denver and aren’t sure if you’re ready to commit to the city just yet, Mar Lee is a good place to base yourself.
Admittedly, the area is better suited for those that love suburban living In lieu of trendy restaurants and cafes. Locals seem to prefer long leisurely neighborhood walks and catching up with friends over homemade meals rather than meeting up at bars and restaurants.
If you’re planning to work downtown, the commute (without traffic) takes less than 20 minutes. However, during rush hour you can expect that number to tick up to 40 minutes.
For those that love to keep daily errands a local affair, you’ll find that transit and walkability is limited in Mar Lee. This neighborhood is definitely better suited for drivers more than walkers.
Worth mention: This is one of the best neighborhoods Denver has to offer for new homeowners, as evidenced by the median home price of $462,000. The average rent is also quite reasonable (for Denver, that is) at around $1,200 for 1-bedroom.
Any way you slice it, Mar Lee should be considered when researching the best neighborhoods in Denver for those that love life on easy mode.
#9. Cheesman Park
| Median Age | 37 years |
| Median Home Price | $456,000 |
| Median Household Income | $85,000 |
| Walkability | 8/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 7/10 |
| Transit | 7/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Nature lovers that plan to spend most of their free time outside, while enjoying charming architecture during neighborhood strolls.
There’s no denying that one of the biggest perks of living in Denver is having access to the great outdoors.
In that regard, those who want city convenience without giving up the beauty of nature would consider Cheesman Park as one of the best neighborhoods in Denver.
The neighborhood is small, only 11 blocks at its widest, but the $456,000 median home price makes it affordable for young professionals and singles as well.
Named for the beautiful park that anchors it, this area is also home to the much beloved 24-acre Denver Botanic Gardens. The park is surrounded by charming homes best described as little mansions, but there’s plenty of apartments and condos around as well.
The area is peaceful without sacrificing much by way of amenities. This gives locals a chance to meet someone on the bike path or over a cup of coffee (I suggest Thump Coffee).
In terms of downsides, those researching the best neighborhoods in Denver for families may find themselves wanting more from the schools. While the schools in the area get average ratings, they seldom seem to grace the list of the best schools in the city, so heads up.
#8. Platt Park
| Median Age | 35 years |
| Median Home Price | $828,000 |
| Median Household Income | $124,000 |
| Walkability | 8/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 8/10 |
| Transit | 7/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Young families and antique collectors, interesting architecture, great walkability, lots of activities to do year-round.
Platt Park is a true gem in the heart of Denver. Full of charming tree-lined streets, craftsmen home and local shops, living in this area is a treat.
One of the biggest perks of living in Platt Park is the undeniable walkability. Everything is within arm’s reach, from grocery stores to cafes and restaurants, you don’t really need to leave the neighborhood.
The median rent for a one-bedroom unit is around $1,900, which is steep, but you’re paying for access. Some of the best private and public schools in all of Denver are located in Platt Park.
Families from all over relocate for the school programs that help encourage innovative learning. It’s still a growing area, but it’s already one of the best Denver neighborhoods.
The biggest downside of this Denver neighborhood is the eye-watering average home price of $828,000. Of course, Denver has more expensive areas that offer less than this neighborhood, but still! Average home prices that near one million is nothing to scoff at!
If you’re the handy sort (way to go, you!) perhaps you can find a Craftsman bungalow packed with style or making your own renovation dreams with a Victorian in need of rescue.
#7. Northfield
| Median Age | 43 years |
| Median Home Price | $556,000 |
| Median Household Income | $55,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 7/10 |
| Transit | 6/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Career focused individuals, access to green spaces, focus on affordable housing and planned development.
Tired of spending hours in traffic to get to and from work? Consider giving the Northfield neighborhood a try.
You’ll get quick access to most of Denver’s top employers at a median home price of only $556,000. I have more than a few friends that have left the more trendy parts of the city for Northfield because it’s quickly grown to become one of the best Denver neighborhoods.
When it’s time to get outside, locals don’t find themselves wanting for much. The neighborhood is connected to 46 miles of trails that lead through numerous scenic parks.
You can’t beat a good jog or bike around this neighborhood because it was designed for that! Northfield was laid out and upgraded over the years with pedestrian safety in mind.
It’s a safe area that’s not as quiet as other parts of Denver, such as Mar Lee. You’ll find neighborhood bars and restaurants that offer plenty of excitement.
The affordable housing initiatives in this area also increase diversity, especially considering the median rent is $2,100 for the neighborhood.
#6. Highland
| Median Age | 34 years |
| Median Home Price | $763,000 |
| Median Household Income | $105,000 |
| Walkability | 8/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 6/10 |
| Transit | 7/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Young professionals, nightlife, a good balance of homes and businesses, few errands require a car, mix of renters and owners
This part of Denver is located around Highland Square and Tennyson Street. It’s quirky and full of artist’s lofts, microbreweries, and art galleries ready to show off.
The median home price in Highland is $763,000, which is towards the high end for the city but still far more affordable than many of the other best places to live in Denver mentioned on this list.
Offering an undeniable charm and artistry in certain pockets of the neighborhood, I have to be honest — I can’t say that Highland is as scenic as somewhere like Platt Park.
It’s not as busy at night as some of the other best neighborhoods Denver has to offer. For most residents, that’s probably a plus rather than a negative.
There’s plenty of nightlife, but not so much that there are issues with crowds or a high crime rate. I think the median rent of $2,100 is a little high for many younger people, but it’s just a good encouragement to choose ownership instead.
Local’s Tip: Highland may be worth investing in now since demand is on the rise. This is considered one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Denver.
#5. Stapleton
| Median Age | 35 years |
| Median Home Price | $813,000 |
| Median Household Income | $92,000 |
| Walkability | 4/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 6/10 |
| Transit | 4/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Students and hospital employees, healthy lifestyles with farmer’s market, lots of restaurants, access to the airport.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. With median home prices clocking in at $813,000, this is one of the least affordable neighborhoods in Denver, but not without reason.
While it doesn’t have the walkability or transit options of other neighborhoods, with over 150 bars and restaurants in the neighborhood alone, it’s still quite accessible without requiring much travel.
It’s not far from top hospitals, the University of Denver, and the airport. Travel, work, and play all become a breeze when you’re located in Stapleton.
The public art scene is worth mention, make sure to check out the Eye and the Horizon on East 29th Avenue. Don’t forget to drop in at the Stapleton Farmer’s Market for fresh and healthy seasonal offerings too.
#4. Uptown
| Median Age | 35 years |
| Median Home Price | $635,000 |
| Median Household Income | $65,000 |
| Walkability | 8/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 7/10 |
| Transit | 8/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Active professionals, good access to top employers, those in search of great year-round activities.
Located in a prime location downtown, Uptown has something for everyone, but it’s perhaps the best fit for busy professionals looking to get their heart rate up while climbing the corporate ladder.
You’re in the heart of the city but can still expect less bustle and crime than in some other downtown neighborhoods. Families may want to consider the area for access to top schools both public and private.
You won’t need a car to get around the neighborhood since there’s plenty of public transportation on offer.
The median home price of $635,000 is considered reasonable for all this Denver neighborhood has to offer. But those that aren’t in a position to buy can contemplate rent, with average one-bedroom units going for $1,700.
This Denver neighborhood is safer than other trendy areas (like Capitol Hill) while still giving you a place in proximity to all of the amenities of downtown. I visit friends there regularly and we love strolling East Colfax to see what’s going on in all of the vintage shops and bars.
#3. Broadway
| Median Age | 34 years |
| Median Home Price | $635,000 |
| Median Household Income | $126,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 8/10 |
| Transit | 7/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Those that love city living, affordable rent and housing, over 100 antique stores, some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.
You’ll find this neighborhood referred to as Baker, Broadway Heights, or even SoBo. It’s all heading south along Broadway Street, one of Denver’s oldest transportation hubs.
It’s a trendy and well-wooded area with lots of antique shops rubbing elbows with high-end restaurants and bars.
As such, many locals consider this one of the best neighborhoods in Denver. You’ll find growing mixed-use developments to help blending housing, retail and work since this neighborhood is focused on boosting walkability.
If you need to stay near the downtown area for work or entertainment options, I think this is one of the most beautiful areas to live in.
There’s a ton of history here, like the Littleton Museum with its working farm, that seems perfect for families with inquisitive kids. Even with all the focus on development and improvement, median home prices are currently $635,000.
The high median income indicates it’s pretty easy to find a good career in this area as well, while the affordable average rent of $1,200 keeps the neighborhood quite diverse.
#2. Belcaro
| Median Age | 52 years |
| Median Home Price | $2 million |
| Median Household Income | $175,000 |
| Walkability | 7/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 7/10 |
| Transit | 8/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Growing families with a big budget, great schools, highly walkable neighborhood, fewer bars and restaurants for a quieter community, strong neighborhood association.
With a median age of 52, Belcaro has the highest median age of all the Denver neighborhoods mentioned on this list. However, it’s not hard to see why so many locals choose to retire in the Belcaro area.
The area also offers some of the most beautiful homes in Denver. It’s a high-end neighborhood with lots of conveniences, making it one of the best Denver neighborhoods for those that can afford it.
The Super Boulevard connects you to most of the city while cutting commute times dramatically. Places rarely come up for rent, but when they do, expect to spend $2,600 or more per month.
Known for being one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver, Belcaro is extremely attractive to families. Heck, the median home price of around $2 million proves it.
As you might expect from such an in-demand area, Denver’s top schools are located here. The Stephen Knight Center for Early Education might be public, but it’s in more demand than many private schools throughout Colorado.
#1. Wellshire
| Median Age | 44 years |
| Median Home Price | $1.1 million |
| Median Household Income | $131,000 |
| Walkability | 5/10 |
| Scenic Beauty & Parks | 9/10 |
| Transit | 5/10 |
A Best Neighborhood in Denver for: Retirees and wealthy professionals, top-notch golf course, highly educated population, very low crime rates, beautiful homes.
Looking for the lowest crime rate in Denver? Big fan of golf and winding streets shaded by mature trees? Head for the Wellshire neighborhood and you’ll never look back.
Yet even with all the luxury and massive lots for a city, you’ll find that the median home price of $1.1 million is far from the highest in the area. It’s even considered affordable by those considering some of the luxury suburbs of Denver.
Unique home designs don’t just appeal to the owner but to everyone who passes by on a daily basis. The golf course is the main draw for the area, but even the schools are great and a big draw for families that can afford the house prices.
Average rent prices are around $2,000, which is a good match to the home prices. It’s an exclusive area that’s worth every dollar if you can afford it because it’s one of the best neighborhoods Denver has within its city limits.
Any way you slice it, no list of the best neighborhoods in Denver is complete without mentioning Wellshire.
Best Places to Live in Denver, Colorado (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick list of the best neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado.
- Wellshire
- Belcaro
- Broadway
- Uptown
- Stapleton
- Highland
- Northfield
- Platt Park
- Cheesman Park
- Mar Lee
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