Denver is chalk full of diverse neighborhoods that each have their own look, feel, perks, and views. This Denver neighborhood guide will walk you through the Victorian homes of Five Points, the small and quaint area of Capitol Hill, the art-centric area of RiNo, and everything in between.
If you’re single and looking for action, have a family and looking for quiet- Denver has options for everyone!
Denver Neighborhood Guide
Art District on Santa Fe
First Friday Art Walk is a blast on this street that caters to the thriving art scene. Sante Fe has more than 30 art galleries, progressive businesses, studios, shops, breweries and more. From the murals at Museo de las Americas to Denver’s oldest dining establishment, the Buckhorn Exchange, this area is great for anyone looking to be in the heart of the action.
Capitol Hill and Golden Triangle
The heart of culture in this vibrant city, Capitol Hill is not only where the Colorado State Capitol Building is located. But, it also houses many other government buildings, funky old homes, The Molly Brown House Museum, Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park, more than 50 galleries, shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and museums. This is the heart of Denver and it’s easy to see why it found a spot in this Denver neighborhood guide.
Cherry Creek
Easily the most comfortable neighborhood in Denver, Cherry Creek is home to couture retailers, high-end dining, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and 2 square miles of outdoor shopping and dining. Cherry Creek is also home to some of the most gorgeous old homes and new high-rise condos in the city, luxury hotels, and more salons than any other part of the city. You won’t go wanting here and there is plenty to walk to, see, and do.
Downtown Denver
This historic district is super hip and one of the coolest neighborhoods in Denver. Downtown Denver began with the Gold Rush and influx of people moving west to strike it rich. It’s home to sports stadiums, 16th Street outdoor shopping mall, skyscrapers, Platte River, live music venues, co-working spaces, grocery stores, Denver Union Station, and much more. In Lower Downtown (LoDo), Victorian buildings have been converted and renovated to house restaurants, galleries, shops, bars, breweries and cafes.
East Colfax
Colfax Avenue is the longest commercial street in the country and it is jam packed with entertainment. Colfax began in 1868 as a dirt road and then became a bustling trolley route in The Mile High City in the 1890s. It is home to a vibrant music culture, bar scene, shopping, restaurants, art, theatres, and cool old homes. This is a busy area full of life, making it perfect for someone looking to be in the middle of the action in Denver’s neighborhoods. If you’re wondering where to live in Denver, start here.
Five Points
Historically the jazz capital of the west, Five Points has soul. This is a cool neighborhood in Denver that was once the place to be for live music and jazz greats including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, who played clubs like the Rossonian and the Rainbow Room. It still hums with life and a vibrant bar scene. It is also host to Denver’s annual Jazz Festival which takes place in the summer and draws characters from times past. The homes here are older and funkier than most neighborhoods in Denver. It also provides a bit more affordability than some of the other areas in Denver.
Highlands
Super close to downtown and rich with hispanic heritage, the Highlands (and trendy LoHi) is a great place to live with incredible views of the city. It sits on higher ground than the rest of Denver and boasts some of the best views of both the city and the mountains. With three diverse districts, Highland Square, Tennyson, and LoHi, this area has tons to offer the single home buyer or renter, young families, large families, and everything in between. There are many lush parks, independent shops and bars and restaurants, and a diverse selection of homes, condos, studios, and apartments. This is the trendiest neighborhood in Denver and it’s easy to see why in this Denver neighborhood guide.
RiNo / River North
A living, breathing canvas, RiNo (or River North) is a happening neighborhood with industrial buildings that have been converted into residences, uncommon art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. This is a thriving neighborhood in Denver day or night and has been infiltrated by creative, innovative residents. The streets are lined with incredible art that changes each year, in addition to Denver Central Market, many breweries and distilleries, and some of the best coffee you can find. If you’re looking for a funky studio, new condo, or an old home, you can find it here. Like Five Points, this area is growing quickly, but still has some more affordable housing options.
South Broadway
Known for its diverse offering of over 100 antique shops, thrift stores, and avant garde storefronts, South Broadway has come a long way since its early days as a shipping corridor. Now lined with funky shops, great restaurants, some of the most happening bars and clubs in Denver, and a quaint feel, tons of people are moving to this area.
Uptown Denver
Near of City Park, Uptown Denver is perfect for families looking to be close to the city but also have space to run, play, grow and explore. This is a cool neighborhood to live in Denver with Restaurant Row on 17th street, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This Denver neighborhood guide wouldn’t be complete without Uptown as it has had a huge impact on the progress and diversity found in the city.
Washington Park
Washington Park (Wash Park) is home to the oldest shopping district in Denver, Historic South Gaylord Street. This is the most family friendly atmosphere you can find in Metro Denver, with its huge park, lake, and lake house, gorgeous old homes, great schools, and fun neighborhood events. Nearby is South Pearl Street with its many offerings for entertainment, shopping, food, and drinks.
Olde Town Arvada
Close to Denver, but just far enough away to feel like you’re out of the city, this suburb has tons to offer and its downtown area is super cute with shops, restaurants, and a “main street” feel. Trolly lines came out to this area as the gold rush boomed and people wanted a slight escape. Arvada has 90 parks and is a wonderful city to raise children.
Lakewood
Just south of Denver, this neighborhood is known for the recently updated downtown area, Belmar Shopping and Dining District that is based around central plaza which extends 22 square city blocks with bars, restaurants, fine dining, events, and summer concerts. Lakewood is also close to the outdoors with Bear Creek Lake Park just a short drive away. Close to Denver and far more affordable, this is an incredible option for the cultural seeker who wants to be close to, but not in, Denver.
Golden
Golden was Colorado’s territorial capitol up until 1867 and is now home to Miller Coors Brewing, one of the largest brewing facilities in the world! This gorgeous town has incredible views, a beautiful river named Clear Creek with white water rafting and great fishing, lots of small shops, restaurants, and bars, and is also home to 6 museums. The famed Red Rock Amphitheater is just a short drive away. There are also tons of hiking and biking trails, including a trail you can take all the way to the center of Denver.
Littleton
Littleton is like a small snapshot in time with its main street lined with turn of the century buildings and a quiet atmosphere that will feel like home immediately. It was recently rated the No. 2 Best Small City in America by Wallethub.com and one of the Five Best Cities for Families in Colorado by Livability.com. Nestled near the foothills of Colorado’s Front Range, Littleton appeals to residents through its combination of beautiful natural landscape and award-winning cultural amenities for the perfect blend of mountain and city lifestyle. Looking to buy a home in Littleton or sell a home in Littleton- See Houses Currently For Sale in Littleton!
