Where Should I Live? Your Guide to Living in Denver
Denver is known to many as the “Mile High City” and offers a broad range of diverse neighborhoods for a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re looking for the bustle of downtown, the quiet of more suburban areas, or something in between, Denver has it all. At Usaj Realty, we take pride in finding the right neighborhood for our clients. But where should you even begin to look?
Our Top Neighborhoods:
- Highlands: If you’re looking for the intersection of older style homes and trendsetting restaurants, the Highlands is the perfect neighborhood. With a lively atmosphere, chic cocktail bars, and elegant old homes, it’s perfect for young professionals. Close to downtown, this area spans the South of the Platte River to Commons and Confluence parks, and is home to plenty of riverside trails and jogging paths.
- Cherry Creek: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant shopping district, upscale living, and contemporary art galleries. This sophisticated neighborhood features the Cherry Creek Mall with high-end fashion boutiques and eclectic eateries. Nestled along the neighborhood is the Cherry Creek Trail, which is popular among cyclists.
- Washington Park: This neighborhood is largely residential, but features a mix of modern and historic homes and is a great choice if you love outdoor activities. Centered in this neighborhood is its namesake Washington Park that hosts green space, sports facilities, formal flower gardens, beautiful trails, and an elegant boathouse overlooking Smith Lake.
- South Park Hill: If you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle bustling with community, South Park Hill is for you. Charming residential homes nestled with busy strips of stylish eateries, casual ice cream parlors, and pizzerias. Close to the City Park, Denver Zoo, and Nature and Science Museum, this neighborhood is perfect for families or young people looking to explore.
- Capitol Hill: Residential meets bohemian in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver. Featuring city access with plenty of cultural attractions, this area is perfect for those looking for balance of city and home. Nestled near the Golden Triangle of Denver, this area features historic beauties and new age art studios, as well as a lively night-life with hip bars and late-night coffeehouses.
Not Quite the Right Fit? We Love These Neighborhoods Too
- Top Rated Education – The Cherry Creek School District The Cherry Creek School District is one of the most highly regarded public school systems in Colorado, serving a diverse and growing population across several prominent suburbs including Greenwood Village, Centennial, Foxfield, Glendale, and parts of Aurora and Englewood. With more than 55,000 students and 65 schools, the district has earned a reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of community.
- Close to the Mountains – Golden is a vibrant mountain town that perfectly blends small-town charm with big adventure. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains just 15 miles west of Denver, Golden offers stunning natural beauty, a lively downtown, and endless outdoor activities—from hiking and biking to tubing in Clear Creek. Known for its rich history, including its Old West roots and Colorado School of Mines, Golden boasts top-rated schools, local breweries like the infamous Coors Brewing, and a tight-knit community spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic views, the walkable streets, or the easy access to both the city and the slopes, Golden is a truly golden place to call home.
- Commuter’s & Nature Lover’s Dream – Commerce City is conveniently located near major highways—including I-270, I-70, I-25, and Highway 76—getting to downtown Denver, DIA, or across the metro area is fast and easy. As one of Colorado’s fastest-growing areas, this vibrant city offers a dynamic mix of family-friendly neighborhoods, diverse culture, and abundant amenities that make it a great place to live at any stage of life. With over 25 miles of scenic trails, 840 acres of open space, a top-tier golf course, and access to one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country, Commerce City offers endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- For the Hydrophiles – Bow Mar is nestled just 12 miles southwest of downtown Denver, and is a peaceful, family-friendly community that spans approximately 520 acres—including 96 acres of scenic water features. Originally developed with mid-century modern, prairie-style homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the neighborhood maintains a timeless charm with its spacious lots, open landscapes, and breathtaking mountain views. Residents enjoy a quiet, country-like atmosphere with access to a private lake, year-round recreational activities, and a vibrant calendar of community events and social clubs. Bow Mar is an ideal retreat for those who value connection, nature, and tranquility.
What to Expect:
- Housing Market: The Market in Denver is competitive, so having an expert by your side to navigate is essential. The average home value is around $563,400. Rentals are popular in the area, with the average one-bedroom monthly rent being around $1,975.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Denver is slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to housing costs. First-time homebuyers often wait longer to purchase their homes, more opting to skip a townhome and go straight to a single-family home.
- Lifestyle: With a broad variety of experiences such as cultural events to outdoor recreation, Denver offers a balanced lifestyle. Combining urban amenities such as the Light Rail and late-night dining with natural beauty in the nearly 20,000 acres of city and mountain parkland and 850 miles of paved and off-street biking and walking trails, this city has it all.
Thoughts on Living in Denver:
Whether you’re looking for urban excitement or a quieter suburban life, Denver’s neighborhoods provide a unique blend of charm and convenience. Here at Usaj, we are ready to support your interests and list of wants when moving to Denver. Call us today to find the best neighborhood for you!
