Denver is a beautiful city with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and a wide variety of housing options. As your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Denver, Colorado, I enjoy the 300-plus days of sunshine, entertainment, and amazing parks. With a rich history and tremendous growth, you can find historic neighborhoods, modern new construction, and everything in between. Everyone looking for a place to live wants to find value for their money. I am always one to look for a great deal, so here are my recommendations for the top neighborhoods that will give you the most for your money.
Downtown Denver
If you seek to live in an active, walkable part of the city, consider Downtown Denver. Home to the famous 16th Street Mall, Elitch Gardens Theme Park, the Colorado Convention Center, and Coors Field, there is never a dull moment. I often enjoy walking to my favorite entertainment and dining venues and have utilized the bus and light rail system. Denver's Union Station is home to dining and entertainment establishments and also serves as a transportation hub. If you want to get out of town, Downtown Denver is located near the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 25.
Enjoy the urban environment without sacrificing green space or education. Spend time at the nearby Denver Botanic Gardens, City Park, or Cheesman Park. In terms of education, Downtown Denver Expeditionary School is a top choice for primary education, providing unique hands-on learning opportunities for students. With the growth of Downtown Denver, you can find historic buildings as well as modern new construction.
Skyland
Image: York at City Park Apartments Near the Skyland Neighborhood in Denver
Located just blocks away from Downtown Denver, Skyland offers easy access to dining and entertainment options. Those who live here enjoy visiting the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which are located in Skyland. If you are a golfer, Denver City Park Golf Course is just north of the zoo. This established area of the city is great for walking and is filled with bungalows and Tudors.
The Blue-A Line runs along Interstate 70, just north of Skyland. This makes it easy to travel by car or light rail. Bike lanes are also in abundance in this area. The top-ranked schools in Skyland are Prep Academy and Columbine Elementary School.
Cheesman Park
A quaint neighborhood that only spans 11 blocks, Cheesman Park offers an intimate feel. Although small, this neighborhood is just south of Downtown Denver and is home to the large park that bears the same name as the neighborhood, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and various dining options. On one trip up to Denver, my family enjoyed a picnic lunch and played catch on the park's green grass. You can pack your food or go for a bite at Thump Coffee, Voodoo Doughnut, Liks Ice Cream, Izu Sushi, Pete's Kitchen, or the Secret Garden Bar and Café.
If you are a fan of scary stories, this could be the place for you. This area used to be a graveyard. Although the 5,000 graves were moved after the land became a park, there are still haunting rumors in the area. The homes surrounding the parks are large and elaborate. However, most of the area offers single-family homes, apartments, and condos.
Capitol Hill
Calling all artists or anyone seeking an artsy neighborhood filled with history and culture. Capitol Hill, known as "Cap Hill" to residents, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver. It is home to the Golden Triangle Creative District, Millionaire's Row, the Molly Brown House Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol building (hence the name). Those who live here enjoy being part of such an eclectic community.
Located just west of Cheesman Park, Interstate 70 runs just to the north of the neighborhood. The nearest light rail station is the Auraria West Station, a 15-minute walk away. Many young people call this area home, as it is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Denver. For this reason, there is a real sense of community here.
Valverde
Located on the west side of Interstate 25, the Valverde neighborhood boasts multiple parks and is bordered on the east side by the South Platte River. I have several friends in this area, and they enjoy walking along the South Platte River. One of Denver's oldest neighborhoods, this area includes many single-family homes that were built in the 1930s and 1940s. The area near the river is largely industrial, but the western part of Valverde is filled with homes, many being rentals.
Residents find it easy to access bus lines and enjoy being close to retail and open space. Many utilize the Platte River Trail for outdoor recreation and fitness. The best schools in Valverde include KIPP Denver Collegiate High, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy, and Munroe Elementary School.
Image: Westwood Crossing Apartments near the Valverde area of Denver
Clayton
Named after the historical former George W. Clayton Trust and College, Clayton is situated between York Street to the west, Colorado Blvd. to the east, 40th Ave. to the north, and Martin Luther King Blvd. to the south. It's just north of Skyland. Those who live in this area enjoy eating at Rivers and Roads Coffee, taking pottery classes at Flux Studio, and attending Clayton Community Days. Everyone who lives in Clayton comes together for Clayton Days, which take place on the first Saturdays April through September. It’s free, brings the community together, and includes art, music, and food!
This area is filled with residences and is home to multiple parks, including Russell Square Park, Shafer Park, and Nairobi Park. One of Denver's "Sister City" parks, Nairobi Park is named after Nairobi, Kenya. Home to many families and young professionals, this area offers a sparse suburban feel. Some of the best schools in Clayton include Bruce Randolph School, Manual High School, and Harrington Elementary School.
Montclair
Montclair is located south of East Colfax between Downtown Denver and Aurora. It's close to Lowry Air Force Base. This historic neighborhood is cheaper than nearby neighborhoods such as Cherry Creek, Crestmoor, or Hilltop. There is potential in this neighborhood, which includes modern builds, 1950s homes, Victorian, and Queen Anne-style homes. City buses run through Montclair and residents can also drive to meet the light rail or commute by bike.
Those who live in Montclair apartments enjoy walking the leafy streets and spending time in neighborhood parks, which include Kittredge, Denison, and Montclair Park. Large lot sizes are a draw for families looking for more space and a more suburban feel. Many shops and restaurants are located at the edge of the neighborhood and notable schools include Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment and Denver School of the Arts.
Belcaro
If you are looking for a neighborhood south of Downtown Denver, consider Belcaro. Situated between Interstate 25 and E. 1st Ave., it is between Washington Park and Cherry Creek. There are many options for public transportation since University Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard run through Belcaro. These include bus, light rail, skyride, and Park-n-Ride. This neighborhood is home to the Stephen Knight Center for Early Education, which is high-performing and highly sought after.
With many options in active adult and 55+ apartments in the Belcaro, many seniors and retirees live in this highly educated neighborhood. There are several parks and residents enjoy walking on the Cherry Creek Trail, which is located on the northern border of Belcaro. There are many restaurants in the neighborhood, with the most famous being the longstanding Bonnie Brae Ice Cream. Curvy roads with large trees and stately homes are dominant in this area.
Alamo Placita
Image: Patio view from Avalon Governor's Park apartments
Situated north of E. Speer Blvd., Alamo Placita has a northern border of E. 7th Ave. and an eastern border of N. Downing St. The gem of this neighborhood is Alamo Placita Park, which is a picturesque space filled with lampposts, walking paths, and beautiful flowers. Many families and couples come here for professional photos. This area has an urban feel and includes RTD stops along Speer Blvd. and East 6th St.
Full of historic homes, we find bungalows, Tudor-style, Queen Anne, and Spanish Mission-style architecture. The streets are peaceful with mature trees. Residents enjoy the "Old Denver" character, eating in cafés and exploring the unique shops in the area. Major shopping districts are also located a short distance away.
Athmar Park
A charming neighborhood in southwest Denver, Athmar Park is bordered by Mississippi Ave. to the south, Alameda Ave. to the north, Federal Blvd. to the west, and the South Platte River to the east. Athmar Park has an active neighborhood association that organizes events and activities for residents. Those who love getting to know their neighbors thrive in an environment like this. Four parks are within the neighborhood, including Habitat Park, Venderbilt Park, Huston Lake, and Aspgren. Six schools and beautiful mountain views are also available in Athmar Park.
Places of interest include Athmar Park Library, Athmar Recreation Center, and Alameda Square Shopping Center. There is an active nightlife scene, bars, eateries, and shops. It's easy to walk, bike, and access public transportation in this neighborhood.
