Where to live in Denver? Let’s face it: the whole city of Denver is beautiful. (I mean, have you looked at that mountain range to the west?) You cannot possibly go wrong when making the decision to move to Colorado’s booming capital, but you may be looking for some insight as to where to live in Denver. What part of town is your part of town?
Every city contains various neighborhoods, each with their own quirks and characteristics. Denver is no exception, but it might take a little work to find your stomping grounds in this city — and not because they don’t exist. Your place just might not have a name (yet). Whereas a metropolis like New York aged over time, gradually solidifying the boundaries of its neighborhoods, Denver is still on its way up. When the city’s existing culture met with tremendous growth, neighborhoods were born. Most of them sprang up before anyone could even agree on names.
But without names, how will you know where to live in Denver?
Don’t worry; we made this guide to highlight each of Denver’s distinct locales. We hope this guide will help you find your neck of the woods.
Whether you already know where to live in Denver, or need further help deciding, AptAmigo can help. We’re always ready to find your perfect location and an apartment that suits your every need.
Related: Things to Do Before Moving to Denver
Neighborhoods in the Highlands
One of Denver’s most gentrified and sought after areas, the Highlands’ winding roads present a small town aesthetic, while still boasting a wide range of restaurants, boutique shops, yoga studios, and historical buildings. In addition to its boho-chic vibe, this area, which includes the West Highland and LoHi neighborhoods, offers quick and easy access to the highway, providing a direct route to the mountains.
Price point: Because of how sought after this area is, you will find a higher price point than many areas with one beds averaging over $2,300.
West Highland
Located in the Northwest of the city, you will find apartments scattered amongst mostly single family homes in West Highland. With its townie feel, local eateries and watering holes, farmer’s markets, and a high percentage of yogis per capita, it embodies the epitome of granola. If you want to immerse yourself in a conscious community with the Flatirons waiting only a hop, skip, and camelback away, West Highland will treat you well.
Some fave spots: El Camino Community Tavern, Uncle, Vital Root
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Lower Highland (LoHi)
LoHi’s character mirrors its location: somewhere in between the wholesome-trendy Highlands area and the poised Riverfront. Living here, you gain walkable access to downtown by crossing over the Platte River via one of the picturesque bridges, or you can stay on this neighborhood’s side of the Platte to avoid the ballpark crowd and enjoy a bougier happy hour. LoHi is your sweet spot if you don’t mind a slightly higher price point for the chic, stylish social scene with contiguity to downtown.
Some fave spots: Little Man Ice Cream, Postino, Linger, Avanti, Root Down, Recess Beer Garden, Confluence Park
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Downtown Neighborhoods
The city’s oldest neighborhood, better known as LoDo, is also one of its most vibrant. This central location radiates excitement throughout streets that host Denver’s locals and visitors as they arrive in the heart of downtown at Union Station. We break LoDo into two sections here because, if you choose to live downtown, the part you move to will depend on the lifestyle you want.
Price Point: You can find a range of luxury living with a mix of Class-A (less than 10 years old) and Class-B (10-25 years old) residential properties. On average, a one bed will cost about $2,500 a month, but will ring in higher or lower depending on the type of building you choose.
Lower Downtown (LoDo)
Locals often refer to the part of town located on the southeast side of Wewatta and Union Station as BroDo because of the baseball culture emanating from Coors Field. Although going to a Rockies game is one of the most popular attractions in the neighborhood, it is only one of many to enjoy. Bustling nightlife surrounds the stadium, consisting of dives, rooftops, and sports bar as well as the historic district of Larimer Square with its chic restaurants and boutiques.
Do you want walkability? Does seeing people when you walk out of your apartment excite you? Are you a baseball fan? If you answer yes, yes, and yes, you will love LoDo.
Some fave spots: Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, Wynkoop Brewing Company, El Chapultepec, Rhein Haus Denver, View House, Milk Market
Riverfront
Although technically considered Lower Downtown, the Northwest of Wewatta Street looks undeniably distinct from its BroDo counterpart. Riverfront holds a much more peaceful and refined environment, a haven somehow nestled in between the commotion of the ballpark and the high-priced trendiness of LoHi. Rather than walking outside to find streets full of Denver’s visitors, business personnel, and socialites, you will be met with the beautifully well-kept parks lining the Platte River, with a view the Rockies in the distance. If you prefer to stay within reach of all of the action, but would like a bit of tranquility, Riverfront is the way to go.
Some fave spots: Pizza Pedal’r, Commons Park, The Pig & Sprout, REI Flagship Store, Wine Dispensary, Hello Darling
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Neighborhoods in Upper Downtown
If you continue southeast from Union Station, past BroDo, you will find yourself in Upper Downtown. Although still amongst skyscrapers, these neighborhoods bring a slower pace in comparison to Lower Downtown. Many of the new construction high-rises are luxury communities, offering a wide array of amenities to their residents.
Price Point: Upper Downtown provides a mix of Class-A (less than 10 years old) and Class-B (10-25 years old) residential properties similar to Lower Downtown, but with a slightly lower price point given that it is slightly removed from the hype. One beds start closer to the $1,400s, but typically tend toward the $1,700 – $2,000 range.
Central Business District
The name stems from its status as the commercial core of Denver. Other than the constant motion of street performers, tourists, and shoppers on the beloved 16th Street Mall and the bustle of nine-to-fivers, this neighborhood remains fairly calm and especially quiet on weekends. Luckily, the central location makes owning a car only necessary for people looking to escape the city. If your top priority is an easy commute to work, you should check out Central Business District.
Some fave spots: Panzano, Tarantula, Colorado History Museum, the Denver Center of Performing Arts, Cherry Creek Trail.
See apartments in the Central Business District here.
Uptown
When referencing this neighborhood, people often use the name Uptown and North Capitol Hill interchangeably. As downtown’s next door neighbor, it sits a few steps east of the Central Business District and a few steps north of Cap Hill, a convenient location responsible for its rapid boom. Because it’s adjacent to, but not in downtown, Uptown offers reasonably priced, high-end living options, while maintaining the charm of an eclectic residential area. Here, you will find coffee shops, belly-pleasing restaurants, gourmet convenience stores, and Denver’s seasoned music venues. If you want to live within walking distance of downtown and love frequenting your neighborhood spots, live in Uptown.
Some fave spots: La Pasadita Inn, Walter’s, Fillmore Auditorium, Steuben’s, Watercourse Foods, Marczyk Fine Foods
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River North & Five Points
Once LoDo reaches Park Ave, it becomes a historical locale that once hosted iconic jazz artists and industrial warehouses. Those same buildings now house concert venues, breweries, and art galleries. Some lingering original structures still stand as period pieces.
Price point: The average rent for one beds in the RiNo area is over $2,000, with higher budget options available in the newer, modern luxury apartments.
River North Art District (RiNo)
When a section of a city was once solely industrial, it seems to always experience an artist takeover. Accordingly, the weathered and exposed infrastructure of RiNo used to consist of factories and warehouses. Today, it presents an open and inviting social scene shaped by creatives of many different mediums – craft brewers, visual artists, chefs, designers and furniture makers, and coffee roasters, to name a few. The artwork is not contained within the lofted walls, instead it extends throughout the whole neighborhood. Magnificent murals completed by many of Colorado’s talented street artists cover the streets.
Due to its popularity, new construction went up fast in RiNo. Now, new apartment buildings, grocery stores, and bike lanes intermingle with historic structures. RiNo is an awesome place to live if you enjoy the urban charm of an avant-garde revival.
Some fave spots: Cart Driver, Crema, Ratio Beerworks, Gerard’s, Tracks, Improper City, Mission Ballroom
Five Points
Rather than once containing the wares of Denver, this neighborhood has always been predominantly residential. In the past, it was referred to as the “Harlem of the West” because of its jazz focus. Today, you still see Victorian-style facades from that time. Most of the housing in this neighborhood was built in the earlier half of the 1900s. Because of its historical status, this neighborhood is undergoing a less rapid renovation than its artsy sister-hood, RiNo. Five Points may look rougher on the surface and lack modern housing, but it conveys a rich cultural character through its acclaimed concert halls and neighborhood gems worth frequenting. If you want to live close to the art district with a lower price point, Five Points is a great option.
Some fave spots: Rosenburg’s Bagels and Delicatessen, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Mercury Cafe, Snooze A.M. Eatery, Spangalang Brewery
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Neighborhoods in East Denver
This part of town preserves Denver’s roots more than any other section of the city, while simultaneously acting as the perfect poster child for tremendous growth. With a variety of long established buildings and shops mixed with renovated and newly erected construction, this part of town offers the greatest cultural variety.
Price Point: This neighborhood’s mix of weathered, renovated, and brand new buildings provides a sliding scale of options and price points. One beds start at around $1,300 for more seasoned buildings, with newer, higher-end buildings coming in much higher.
Cap Hill
Receiving its name from the gorgeous, gold-domed Capitol building that resides in this neighborhood, Capitol Hill is comprised of history and hipsters. A mix of historic mansions, museums, and lively nightlife within the most densely populated area of the city creates an eclectic community for liberal city slickers to thrive. It is impossible to feel bored when Broadway St., Colfax Ave., and any manner of exciting destinations await around each corner. You can find used book stores, the best music venues, tasty vegetarian (and not vegetarian) food, and coffee shops with the best espresso. Luckily, all of these spots sit within walking distance because parking is undeniably one of the biggest nightmares in this district. If you prefer walkability (or bikeability) and the grittiness of city life, Cap Hill beckons you.
Some fave spots: City O’ City, Pablo’s, Wax Trax, Ogden Theatre
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City Park West
Although often lumped in with another neighborhood because of its location tucked between Uptown, City Park, and Cap Hill, City Park West definitely marks a district all of its own. Similar to its western neighbor, Uptown, it provides some of the best local neighborhood restaurants and bars with stellar happy hours. The name indicates exactly what you get when living in this neighborhood: a taste of city living and the serenity of Denver’s most popular park. If you want to live in a relaxed neighborhood where you can enjoy daily hang outs in the 320-acre park with a taste of the Cap Hill grit emanating from the spirited East Colfax Ave, City Park West is your ideal location.
Some fave spots: Mountain Sun Pub, Weathervane Cafe, City Park, Denver Zoo, Atelier, Pho & Bar
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South Broadway Neighborhoods
A truly comprehensive area just south of downtown that provides direct access to parks, well curated local shops, historic theaters and much more, South Broadway pleases anyone willing to consider a location outside of the more centralized downtown neighborhoods. And, with Denver’s light rail nearby, you not only receive access to the neighborhood itself, but a carefree ride that takes you anywhere from downtown Denver, the university, the DTC, and everywhere in between.
Price Point: Moving a little south of downtown lowers the price point of units a touch. The average price of a one bed is more than $1,800, with Class-C residential one beds beginning around $1,400 and some Class-A, lavish one beds beginning closer to $1,800.
Baker
Many people refer to Baker as SoBo in reference to South Broadway and in keeping with this city’s love for shortened monikers. A place once filled solely with single-family homes, this neighborhood has seen many multifamily renter options pop up in recent years. Although most of the streets consist of low key residences, you’ll quickly find yourself strolling up and down South Broadway to discover vintage clothing, a wide range of eateries, book stores, record shops, art galleries, craft supplies, and hip music venues. The diverse entertainment options and artistic intrigue attract a whimsical demographic. If you seek a true neighborhood outside the downtown area, with access to an unpolished, yet tastefully eccentric main strip, you will thrive in Baker.
Some fave spots: Mayan Theater, Historians Ale House, Herban Underground, The Wizard’s Chest, (a very large) Goodwill
Wash Park
Close to Baker, but providing a more wholesome lifestyle, this neighborhood resembles suburban living, with its direct access to the highway, its awning covered shops, and its respective Washington Park. The park carves out a lush landscape for people to walk their dogs, run, bike, paddleboat, or enjoy the formal flower gardens located within. In addition to those leisure activities, you can visit South Pearl Street, more often referred to as Denver’s “restaurant row.” If you want to take a breather from the metropolitan buzz and experience a day-to-day that resonates with most Colorado residents, Wash Park will become your sanctuary.
Some fave spots: Homegrown Tap & Dough, Lincoln’s Roadhouse, Sushi Den, Sexy Pizza, Washington Park (the actual park)
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Found Your Denver Neighborhood? Now, Find an Apartment There.
There you have it, our guide to each Denver neighborhood. Now that you narrowed down where to live in Denver, let AptAmigo do the rest. Reach out and let us know which neighborhood(s) you’re interested in and tell us about your lifestyle. We will curate a list of apartments that you’ll love, schedule tours to each of them, and even accompany you to each building.
Related: Best Ways to Find an Apartment In Denver.
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* The original version of this article was first published on October 28, 2019.
