Denver, Colorado, has been a top moving destination for years now, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. If you are thinking of building a unique house in Denver, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of lovely neighborhoods in Denver to choose from.
What Makes Denver, CO, So Unique?
Denver is unique because it has the perfect mix of city amenities and natural beauty. You can enjoy all the perks of city living, like great restaurants, entertainment options, and cultural attractions, and then escape to the mountains for a hike or a ski trip when you need some fresh air.
Denver is a City You Can Call Home
Denver is a great place to call home because it’s growing but not too fast. The city has a strong economy, which means there are plenty of job opportunities, and it’s also a very affordable place to live. You can find a variety of housing options in Denver, from downtown condos to suburban homes.
A Custom Built Home in Denver is an Investment
When you build a custom home in Denver, you’re not just investing in your future but also in the city’s future. By choosing to build a house in Denver, you’re helping create jobs and strengthen the economy. Plus, a custom home will always be a good investment, and it will appreciate in value over time.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Denver
There are plenty of premium neighborhoods to choose from in Denver, so how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
- The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown and other amenities
- The type of housing available in the area
- The schools in the neighborhood
- The crime rate in the neighborhood
- The cost of living in the neighborhood
No matter what your priorities are, you can find a great neighborhood in Denver to call home. So, if you’re thinking about building a new home in this amazing city, be sure to check out these five neighborhoods first.
North Capitol Hill (Uptown)
If you’re looking for a trendy and convenient neighborhood to build in, North Capital Hill (Uptown) is a great choice. This vibrant area is located just north of downtown Denver, and it’s home to plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. You’ll also be close to the city’s cultural attractions, like the theater district and the art museum.
The homes in North Capital Hill are a mix of historic buildings and new construction, so you can find the perfect style, modern or traditional, to match your preferences. And because the neighborhood is so popular, home values are on the rise.
The Pros of Uptown:
- Centrally located near many of Denver’s best attractions
- A mix of new and old construction homes
- Home values are increasing
- Vibrant nightlife and dining scene
- Close to public transportation
The Cons of Uptown:
- More expensive than some other neighborhoods
- Can be noisy
- Not ideal for families with young children
River North Art District (RiNo)
If you’re an art lover, RiNo is the perfect Denver neighborhood for you. This up-and-coming area is home to many of the city’s best art galleries, studios, and museums. It’s also filled with hip restaurants and bars, making it a great place to socialize and enjoy the nightlife.
RiNo is still an emerging neighborhood, so you’ll find a mix of old warehouses and new construction homes. This is an excellent selection if you’re looking for a more creative and unique place to live. And because the area is gentrifying, home values are on the rise.
The Pros of RiNo:
- Home to many of Denver’s best art galleries and studios
- Filled with hip restaurants and bars
- A mixture of home styles
- Home values are increasing
The Cons of RiNo:
- More expensive than some other neighborhoods
- Can be noisy
- Not ideal for families with young children
City Park West
City Park West is a great neighborhood for people who want to be close to downtown Denver without living in the hustle and bustle of the city. This residential area is located just east of City Park, which means you’ll have easy access to all the green space and amenities the park has to offer. You’ll also be close to the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Art Museum.
Although City Park West is primarily residential, you’ll find a few restaurants and shops mixed in. Plus, it’s close to all the shopping and dining options in Uptown. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a small-town feel.
The Pros of City Park West:
- Close to downtown Denver
- Close to City Park, which offers plenty of green space and amenities
- Close to the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Art Museum
The Cons of City Park West:
- Borders Colfax Ave, which has higher crime rates
- It can get noisy since St. Joseph hospital is nearby (ambulances)
Washington Park
You’ll feel right at home in Washington Park if you love the outdoors. This neighborhood is located just south of City Park, and it’s filled with beautiful tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes. You’ll also be close to two of Denver’s best parks: Washington Park and South Platte River Greenway.
In addition to being a great neighborhood for nature lovers, Washington Park is also perfect for families. It’s home to several schools, a library, and a recreation center. And because it’s close to downtown Denver, you’ll have easy access to all the city’s amenities.
The Pros of Washington Park:
- Close to City Park and Washington Park
- Beautiful tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes
- Close to two of Denver’s best parks: Washington Park and South Platte River Greenway
- Perfect for families since it is safe and quiet
The Cons of Washington Park:
- It will require a vehicle or bike to get around since it is not near public transportation
- More expensive than some other neighborhoods
- Not as many nightlife and dining options since it’s a residential area
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a great neighborhood for people who want to be close to the action. This lively area is home to Denver’s best restaurants, bars, and music venues. You’ll also find many art galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops.
Because Capitol Hill is so popular, it can be more expensive to live here than in some other neighborhoods on this list. But, it’s worth it to be close to all the excitement. If you’re looking for an area where you can always find something to do, Capitol Hill is a great choice.
The Pros of Capitol Hill:
- Close to many of Denver’s best restaurants, bars, and music venues
- Filled with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops
- Always something to do
- Affordable rent prices
The Cons of Capitol Hill:
- The majority of buildings are older (100+ years) which means more maintenance is required
- It can be noisy since it’s such a lively area
- Street parking can be challenging to find
The Homeless Camps Status in Denver
The homeless camps’ status in Denver is a bit complicated. While Denver has made strides in recent years to reduce the number of people living on the streets, many individuals and families struggle to find safe and affordable housing.
In 2019, Denver’s Homelessness Outreach Team conducted over 3,500 surveys of people living on the streets. This team is dedicated to connecting people living in homeless camps with services and resources that help them get back on their feet.
Despite the city’s efforts, there is still much work to be done regarding homelessness. If you’re looking for ways to help, consider donating to or volunteering with one of the many local organizations that provide services to the homeless population.
What People Also Ask About Neighborhoods in Denver
Now that you know a tad about some of Denver’s most popular neighborhoods, you might still have some questions. Here are some FAQs with answers about living in Denver.
What is the cost of living in Denver?
The cost of living in Denver is relatively high compared to other cities in the United States. The average rent for a one-bedroom (875 sq ft) apartment is around $1,850/month. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in.
Which neighborhood in Denver is most expensive?
The most expensive neighborhood in Denver is Cherry Creek. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood is over $2,500/month.
Is Denver a safe city?
Yes, Denver is a safe city. The crime rates in Denver are lower than in many other major cities in the United States. However, it’s always vital to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when walking in unfamiliar areas.
What is public transportation like in Denver?
The public transportation system in Denver is called RTD. It includes buses, light rail, and commuter rail. There is also a regional bus service, Bustang, that covers neighboring towns and counties. Denver also has a bike-sharing program, which is called Denver B-Cycle.
