With Denver’s iconic cultural landmarks, awe-inspiring nature, and unrivaled craft brewery scene, it’s not surprising that tourists are flocking to Colorado’s capital in record-high numbers. But the Mile High City isn’t just a fun destination to visit — it’s also a great place to call home.
As it continues to recover from the pandemic, Denver has seen a 1.17 percent increase in residents from 2022 to 2023, and the entire metro area is projected to reach over 3.2 million residents by 2025. If you’re one of the many people planning a move to Colorado’s vibrant capital city, here are some of the top Denver neighborhoods to start your next chapter.
Moving to Denver in 2024
- 2,931,000 residents currently live in or around Denver, making this one of the 20 largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
- The median home value in Denver is about $600,000, and the median apartment rental is $1,654 per month. Housing costs in Denver are 36% higher than the national average, but utilities are 13% lower.
- The median annual salary in Denver is $54,000, and the hourly rate is about $26. The minimum wage is currently $12.32.
- The estimated total expenses for a family of four in Denver come to $4,578 per month — and $1,272 for a single person. Those costs do not include housing, and they’re about 11% higher than the national average.
- Denver’s public education system has a score of 6.1/10. On average, its students also rank 7.7/10 on the national college readiness index.
- As of September 2023, inflation rates across the Denver metro area have risen by 5.4%. This outpaces the national average of 3.7%, but the cost of groceries and electricity in Denver are both marginally lower than the national average. If you relocate here from San Francisco, your cost of living will decrease by 23%, and if you move from Chicago, it’ll decrease by 7%.
What Denver Has To Offer
Although it’s one of the more expensive U.S. cities, Denver has many enticing perks. It boasts spectacular natural beauty, outdoor activities for any season, and impressive sustainability efforts. Thanks to its location and elevation, Denver was named America’s most climate resilient city of 2023. It also boasts over 200 miles of accessible hiking and biking trails, such as the High Line Canal Path, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, or Cherry Creek Trail, to name a few.
“[The Golden Triangle] boasts over 500 businesses and attractions, spanning across 45 blocks. From museums and galleries, to cafés and retail spaces, and many other irresistible amenities, you’ll never run out of things to do”
Denver’s job market and economic forecast are on the upswing too. In fact, 4,700 new positions were recently created in Colorado, and the unemployment rate is low at 2.8 percent. A number of major corporations have offices in Denver as well (think: Coors, Ibotta, Oracle, Comcast, Amazon, and IBM), so there’s no shortage of jobs to apply for.
In terms of entertainment, the city offers world-class attractions to suit all interests. If you’re a sports fan, you can cheer on the Denver Broncos at Empower Field. If you’re a foodie, visit the trendy restaurants at 16th Street Mall — or any of Denver’s 150 local breweries. Or, if you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, check out the Denver Art Museum. All of these options (and more) make Denver a fun, exciting place to live for nearly anyone.
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Best Denver Neighborhoods to Choose From
There are 78 Denver neighborhoods to explore, and each one has its own unique personality — from charming and historic, to creative and quirky, to chic and sophisticated. But the right location is ultimately a matter of preference, so take some to consider your priorities.
For instance, are you in the market for a safe, affordable place to raise a family? Or would you rather have walkable access to hip urban nightlife? Do you want to be in a top-rated public school district? Or are you looking for close proximity to nature? Let’s break down six of the best Denver neighborhoods to help you narrow your search.
River North: Eclectic Vibes
If you’re a bohemian at heart, the River North Art District (nicknamed “RiNo”) will make you feel at home. Arguably one of the most unique Denver neighborhoods, RiNo features an eclectic mix of industrial architecture, creative businesses, dynamic entertainment, and an inclusive sense of community.
Check out this area’s vibrant street murals, indie music venues, and experimental art galleries such as Knew Conscious Collective. Enjoy global cuisine with a local farm-to-table twist at restaurants like the Japanese-French fusion bistro Koko Ni. Or immerse yourself in the innovative nightlife culture at Nocturne, a warehouse turned jazz bar.
Baker: Historic Meets Young and Hip
- Median Rental Price: $1,787
- Median Home Price: $609,000
- Commute to Downtown Denver: Less than 10 minutes
With its original 1800s-era architecture and craftsman bungalow homes, Baker is an enclave steeped in historic charm. But while it might seem like a cozy relic of the past, Baker has tons of modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for young families or professionals.
A quick ride on the convenient public transit will take you right to downtown Denver, while the tree-lined streets and outdoor recreation (like on Vanderbilt East Park) lend this riverfront neighborhood a peaceful suburban feel. From cute local vintage shops, like The Ten Penny Store, to third-wave coffee roasters, like Middle State, the character here is unmatched.
Cherry Creek: Upscale and Picturesque
- Median Rental Price: $3,207
- Median Home Price: $1,300,000
- Commute to Downtown Denver: Less than 15 minutes
Located in a million-dollar housing market, Cherry Creek is one of the more affluent Denver neighborhoods, but if you can afford the price, it’s certainly worth looking into.
This area is famous for its premier retail destination, Cherry Creek North, which features more than 300 locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, fitness studios, art galleries, and coffee shops. Or for a quieter change of pace, you’ll also find scenic natural oases, such as the Denver Botanic Gardens and the 22-mile Cherry Creek Regional Trail. The school district is highly rated too, with impressive academic, diversity, and college readiness scores.
Park Hill: A Diverse Infusion of Cultures
- Median Rental Price: $1,295
- Median Home Price: $700,000
- Commute to Downtown Denver: Less than 15 minutes
This multi-ethnic community, just a few miles east of downtown, is known for its welcoming atmosphere that embraces all cultural influences. As one of the first Denver neighborhoods to racially integrate in the 1960s, Park Hill continues to reflect these diverse, progressive roots today.
Think: more affordable housing options, international eateries (Soul food at The Blazing Chicken Shack, Italian fare at Spinelli’s Market, or Latin American cuisine at Lucina), and a new urban coworking space that serves local minority business owners (Park Hill Innovation Hub). There’s something for everyone here — and that goes for you too.
Golden Triangle: The Entertainment Hub
With the city pulse at your doorstep and Rocky Mountain views in the distance, The Golden Triangle boasts all the best of what Denver has to offer in one convenient, energetic location.
“As it continues to recover from the pandemic, Denver has seen a 1.17 percent increase in residents from 2022 to 2023, and the entire metro area is projected to reach over 3.2 million residents by 2025.”
This area boasts over 500 businesses and attractions, spanning across 45 blocks. From museums and galleries, to cafés and retail spaces, and many other irresistible amenities, you’ll never run out of things to do. Take in a live performance at the Curious Theatre Company, peruse both the historic and contemporary exhibits at the Denver Art Museum, or check out the iconic Tivoli Brewing Company, Colorado’s original craft brewery.
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Fort Logan: A Family-Oriented Feel
- Median Rental Price: $1,869
- Median Home Price: $505,000
- Commute to Downtown Denver: About 20 minutes
If you prefer a more suburban environment with access to nature and space to raise a family, Fort Logan has you covered. This area tends to be more cost-effective than Denver’s urban core, but it’s also a quick drive into the city whenever you’re in the mood for a Broncos game or other attraction.
In terms of local entertainment, the nearby Sheridan Recreation Center offers athletic courts, fitness amenities, and art classes to suit all ages. For outdoor enthusiasts, Bear Creek Park has miles of trails to explore. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head to Monaghan’s Bar & Grill, a Fort Logan institution for over 130 years.
Whether your idea of the perfect home features trendy urban vibes, peaceful natural scenery, or anything in between, there’s plenty of Denver neighborhoods to choose from. The Mile High City is thriving, and there’s no better time to experience it for yourself, so best of luck as you find the right spot to embark on this new adventure.