What Makes Denver a Good Place to Live for Young Professionals?
When it comes to what young professionals desire in a neighborhood, Denver has it all: a thriving dining scene, bustling neighborhoods, and plenty of recreational activities. On top of that, the Mile-High City is a great place for young professionals who want to grow their careers.
With a concentration of research areas, Lockheed Martin in nearby Littleton, and plenty of jobs in healthcare, telecommunications, and finance, Denver consistently ranks among the top places for singles and young professionals. Even better, the average salary in Denver remains higher than the national rate at $66,750, and the unemployment rate is lower than average. To put it simply, Denver has lots of job opportunities that pay better than average.
Whether you prefer a walkable artistic neighborhood, an energetic downtown vibe, or a trendy spot to eat and drink, the list below captures the best areas to live in Denver for young professionals.
Where Do Young Professionals Live in Denver?
Lo-Hi (Lower Highlands)
If you’re on the hunt for Denver neighborhoods for young professionals, the Lower Highlands (AKA Lo-Hi), should go on your list. Although this neighborhood is located near downtown, its charming vibe feels completely different from the city’s energy. Lo-Hi residents love neighborhood bites and beverages with plenty of trendy eateries, patio seating, breweries, and coffee shops to sample just steps away from home. The bottom line: Lo-Hi blends city living with the best parts of the suburbs, including walkability, ample parking, and a tight-knit community.
While a Lo-Hi apartment might not be close enough to your job to save your commute, the proximity to downtown and the interstate makes this neighborhood one of the more ideal communities to live in.
Central Business District
A dull moment never occurs in this lively downtown neighborhood. Just as the name implies, the Central Business District (CBD) functions as the commercial core of Denver, serving as home to law firms, energy companies, finance businesses, and other places where young professionals can grow. But it’s not all work and no play in this popular district. CBD is also home to longtime Denver restaurants, well-loved bars, and entertainment venues.
One important thing to know: most apartments in this neighborhood are luxury high-rise buildings that come with sophisticated amenities and impressive skyline views. When considering a move to this area, the price tag can be a little high, but the extra rent money might be worth it for the easy commute and big-city energy CBD offers.
LoDo
Located in the heart of downtown, LoDo neighbors the Central Business District, putting residents right in the thick of Denver’s bustling professional scene. LoDo offers an energetic, urban vibe with hundreds of options for eating and drinking, rooftop views, and some of the city’s best nightlife.
On top of that, LoDo apartments are located near Union Station on highly walkable streets, making this an ideal location for getting around the city fast – even if you don’t own a car. The LoDo neighborhood takes economic growth seriously and has its own chamber of commerce, visitor’s bureau, advocacy agent, and marketing entity. If you want a neighborhood with the energy and infrastructure to help you grow your career, LoDo is where it’s at.
Related: Best LoDo Restaurants
Capitol Hill
Historic Capitol Hill displays tree-lined streets, cobblestone sidewalks, and plenty of charm, including the sight of the famous gold-domed Colorado State Capitol building. There are plenty of cultural sites to explore on foot in “Cap Hill,” such as the Molly Brown House Museum, the Denver Art Museum, and loads of galleries and fine art studios. This charming section of the city feels dense and urban, with plenty of places to eat and drink as well as housing for nearly 16,000 residents.
Capitol Hill is just a short bike ride or train ride away from the Central Business District for an easy commute. And, when the day is done, the neighborhood keeps the party going with a lively nightlife and bar scene.
Related: Best Restaurants in Capitol Hill, Denver
RiNo
The River North Arts District (RiNo for short) is a young professional’s oasis, with a funky vibe and a hip, artistic feel on every corner. RiNo offers plenty to do on the weekends at its endless restaurants, craft breweries, coffee shops, furniture stores, galleries, and street art spots. If you work hard at your 9-to-5, this neighborhood gives you space to play hard on the weekends. While there aren’t as many job opportunities in the heart of RiNo, this is one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for young professionals because of its youthful energy and creative outlets.
How to Find the Best Apartment Buildings in Denver for Young Professionals
Busy young professionals don’t have time to sort through apartment listings to find the perfect location. But, our apartment experts do. An AptAmigo apartment locator can take your list of must-haves and find the best neighborhoods in Denver for young professionals to rent. We can create a schedule for you to tour apartment buildings and help you every step of the way from the initial search to signing a lease.
