As Colorado’s capital and largest city, Denver is bursting with culture, offering spectacular views and opportunities for outdoor recreation no matter which side of the city you’re on. The Mile High City boasts a wide array of wildly diverse neighborhoods to fit every Denverite’s lifestyle, from the young professionals craving vibrant nightlife to the families with young children seeking parks and good schools.
There’s a place for everyone in Denver — but in such a large city, it’s no wonder that newcomers might feel overwhelmed as they decide where to rent or buy a home. That’s why we created a neighborhood map to help you determine where to live in Denver.
This Denver neighborhood map is a great resource for buyers and renters alike. It can help you narrow down neighborhoods to determine where you’d like to buy or assist you in balancing competing priorities as a renter, from affordability to walkability and nearby amenities.
Are you ready to discover some of the best neighborhoods in Denver? Let’s dive in!
Finding Your Fit in all the Denver Neighborhoods
When weighing the pros and cons of the many neighborhoods in Denver, these are a few factors for you to consider:
Commute and access to public transit: The Denver metro area is large, with a population of more than 3 million people across 10 counties. You will have to determine how far you’re willing to drive on a day-to-day basis, taking into account where you work and which areas you visit frequently. You might also want to consider proximity to major highways, like I-25, and access to public transit, including the RTD bus and light rail lines.
Walkability and bike-friendliness: Some Denver neighborhoods will be more walkable than others, with coffee shops, grocery stores and more just a few blocks away. Others have more of a suburban feel, often requiring you to drive to nearby amenities. Some areas might also make it easy to commute by bike, with plentiful bike lanes.
School districts: A neighborhood’s school district can be a key factor for families with children in determining where to live. All of the neighborhoods we’re going to discuss are within Denver city limits, which means they’re in the Denver Public Schools district. The district includes 207 schools, which serve a total of 90,452 students.
Budget: Home prices in Denver are relatively high compared to other parts of the Front Range — with a median list price of $575K — but rates vary significantly by neighborhood. If you’re a buyer, some areas might allow you to secure a larger home, giving you more bang for your buck, but the location could be less desirable — your budget and lifestyle should guide you as you make that decision. If you’re renting, keep in mind that the average rental prices will be different in each neighborhood — and experts recommend that you spend no more than a third of your income on rent.
Lifestyle: Do you prefer to live amongst a vibrant urban buzz, or would you thrive in a quiet, suburban-feeling neighborhood?
Access to amenities: Would you rather prioritize proximity to parks or easy access to restaurants and nightlife? Consider where you go most often and look at neighborhoods that offer those amenities.
Overview of the Main Denver Neighborhoods
Urban & Walkable
Do you want to experience the culture-rich and fun lifestyle that comes with living close to downtown? If so, these neighborhoods could be for you.
Known as Denver’s oldest neighborhood, LoDo (Lower Downtown) is filled with stunning historic buildings. It also offers nightlife, including plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as easy access to transit. Union Station, which is a hub for Amtrak train and RTD bus and light rail, is in this neighborhood. Homes in LoDo are listed for a median price of $750K.
Many young professionals call Capitol Hill home. This neighborhood, which contains the Colorado State Capitol building, is eclectic and walkable. Homes in Capitol Hill are listed for a median price of $344.8K.
Historically known as the “Harlem of the West,” Five Points is diverse and culture-rich. The neighborhood is undergoing a revitalization, and it offers easy light rail access. Homes in Five Points are listed for a median price of $625K.
Trendy & Hip
These neighborhoods could be a great fit if you’re interested in living close to downtown and drawn to neighborhoods with a more artsy, creative vibe.
The River North Art District (known as RiNo) is filled with art galleries and breweries. It also boasts music venues such as Mission Ballroom. If you’re searching for a trendy loft to call home, this neighborhood could be perfect for you.
Highland is made up of three distinct districts: Highlands Square, Tennyson Street and Lower Highland (LoHi). Across this neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and boutiques. It also boasts scenic views. Homes in Highland are listed for a median price of $725K.
Berkeley is cool and creative but has plenty of residential blocks, making it great for families and singles alike. It also has several large parks. Homes in Berkeley are listed for a median price of $982K.
Family-Friendly Suburban Feel (Still in City Limits)
These neighborhoods could be a great fit for families with children or people searching for a quieter, suburban-feeling neighborhood that’s still within Denver city limits.
Named Denver’s best neighborhood of 2024 by local magazine 5280, Washington Park (also known as Wash Park) boasts plenty of green space — including the 155-acre park it was named for — and proximity to good schools. Homes in Wash Park are listed for a median price of $1.9 million.
Located on Denver’s south side, Platt Park has a quaint, cozy feel. In its shopping district, South Pearl Street, it offers a popular farmer’s market as well as restaurants and shops. Homes in Platt Park are listed for a median price of $990K.
Park Hill, a diverse, established neighborhood with tree-lined streets, can be divided into three sections: South Park Hill, North Park Hill and Northeast Park Hill. Of the three, South Park Hill is the priciest: The median price that homes in South Park Hill are listed for is $1 million, and the median price in North Park Hill is $744.9K. In Northeast Park Hill, the median price is $500K.
Up-and-Coming or Budget-Friendly Options
As all locals know, living in Denver can be expensive. If you’re looking for a more affordable home — relatively speaking, anyway — consider these neighborhoods.
Want to live near downtown on a budget? In comparison to other downtown-adjacent neighborhoods, Sunnyside can offer more affordable homes. This neighborhood is rapidly evolving. Homes in Sunnyside are listed for a median price of $835K.
There’s growing interest in Athmar Park, an affordable neighborhood filled with ranches and bungalows on residential streets. This neighborhood is known for being culturally diverse. Homes in Athmar Park are listed for a median price of $495K.
Montbello and Green Valley Ranch, both of which are on Denver’s east side, offer excellent value and a suburban atmosphere. These neighborhoods border Aurora and aren’t far from Denver International Airport. The median price that homes in Montbello are listed for is $459K, and the median price in Green Valley Ranch is $489.4K.
Outdoorsy & Laid-Back
For many, the appeal of living in Colorado is its outdoorsy, laid-back vibe. Lean into it in these neighborhoods.
Located on Denver’s west side, Sloan’s Lake (or Sloan Lake, depending on who you ask) appeals to those seeking an active lifestyle. This neighborhood includes the 177-acre Sloan's Lake Park — and its stunning lake views. Homes in Sloan’s Lake are listed for a median price of $1 million.
University Hills, on Denver’s south side, is a quieter, family-oriented neighborhood. It also offers easy access to trails. Homes in University Hills are listed for a median price of $625K.
Using the Denver Neighborhood Map
Denver is a diverse city with dozens of neighborhoods — and these certainly aren’t the only ones worth exploring. On our Denver neighborhood map, you’ll find these neighborhoods and many more, each with their own unique characteristics.
Enjoy exploring the map — and we hope you find your perfect place in the Mile High City!
Tips for Renters and Buyers
As you evaluate which Denver neighborhood would suit you best, we have a few more tips to help guide your search.
Renters should research the average rent in each neighborhood. Across Denver, the average rent is $1,933, according to the experts at Zillow — but that will vary widely by neighborhood. Some neighborhoods, like those closer to downtown, will have a larger share of apartments. That could be ideal, depending on the lifestyle you’re seeking.
Budget-conscious buyers should keep an eye on neighborhoods where they’re likely to find a good value. (If you’re looking to buy cheaper homes in Denver, check out our blog on the five Denver neighborhoods where it’s still possible to find affordable homes!) You should also reflect on which home style feels like the best fit before you commit to a neighborhood. Some people are drawn to bungalows, while others would feel more at home in a modern condo. Each of Denver’s neighborhoods has its own vibe and aesthetic, so determining which style you like best can help you narrow down your search.
Using the Denver Neighborhood Map to Find the Right Space
Our Denver neighborhood map is a great place to start if you’re trying to decide where to live in the Mile High City, but if possible, we strongly encourage visiting your top neighborhoods in person before you make your final choice.
Also, as you explore Denver’s many neighborhoods, remember to let your lifestyle and budget guide you — with those criteria in mind, we feel confident that you will find your perfect place.
Whether you’re a renter on the hunt for a new home or you’re a buyer searching for your next investment property, Evernest can help. Contact us today to learn how!
