Neighborhoods

Denver's urban marketplaces and food halls have transformed the city, stimulating economic activity, promoting sustainability, and offering space for face-to-face connections. However, challenges such as gentrification must be addressed. Despite these challenges, these marketplaces and food halls remain integral to Denver's identity and spirit of innovation.

Denver is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural surroundings, and booming real estate market. With many neighborhoods offering unique charms and amenities, it's no wonder that one of the most frequent questions asked is, “What’s the hottest neighborhood in Denver?” The answer may surprise you!

The Regis neighborhood in Denver is best known for its family-friendly vibes and cheaper housing sitch than its neighborhood buddies to the south. Here, you’ll find great eats, outdoor activities galore, and plenty of access to everything else Denver has to offer.

Affordability and a laid-back charm meet in Denver’s Lowry Neighborhood. Offering families and young professionals alike a place to call home—and with such a short drive to downtown’s amenities—there’s nothing like a little bit of Lowry.

Cheesman Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, annexed all the way back in 1883. Development was slow to start, but with the completion of the neighborhood’s namesake park in 1915, the neighborhood grew into what it is today.

The River North Arts District, lovingly called RiNo (like rhino, the animal), is “Where art is made.” Unquestionably the hippest neighborhood in Denver, RiNo offers a mix of urban charm and industrial revival. And it could be your next home!

Just five miles southeast of the city center lies Mayfair, an eclectic area central to some of Denver’s best architecture, businesses, and eateries. Described as cozy and progressive, this under-the-radar neighborhood is sure to please residents and visitors alike!

This charming neighborhood has everything—from eclectic architecture and popular music venues to craft beer bars and some of the best eateries in Denver. Here are 8 reasons to love Curtis Park.

“The best little known neighborhood in Denver,” according to its community association, Athmar Park has a ton to offer: a young-and-active vibe, multicultural energy, and some of the most charming (and affordable!) mid-century modern homes in the metro area.

And some of the best pho you’ll ever have in your whole entire life. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves…

Virginia Village began small, but it’s now blossomed into southeast Denver’s most populous neighborhood. In recent decades the primarily residential neighborhood has seen a boom in commercial developments, adding even more charm and draw to the area..

Washington Park—affectionately dubbed “Wash Park” by the locals—is one of Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods. It draws retirees, young families, and singles alike to its beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and fantastic amenities.

West Highland, a tiny residential enclave just north of Sloan’s Lake, is perfect for singles and families alike. With its trendier sisters nearby—Highland to the east and Berkeley to the north—West Highland feels like a local’s spot fitted with all the amenities.

Five Points—encompassing smaller neighborhoods like Ballpark, RiNo, and Curtis Park—is one of Denver’s oldest and most diverse neighborhoods. The neighborhood is perfect for those looking for a vibrant atmosphere and spending time outdoors. There’s plenty to do, from innovative coffeehouses and craft breweries, to museums that bring the past to life.

Capitol Hill—fondly known as Cap Hill—is your must-see destination for all things arts, culture, and Colorado history. Rated #2 best neighborhood for young professionals, this swanky area has everything you could want and more!

Harvey Park is your own “slice of the suburbs” with an urban twist. This densely packed area has everything you could want: beautiful homes, gorgeous parks, and delicious restaurants!

Denver’s Wellshire neighborhood is the perfect transition between city and suburban living. The architecture is a mix of mid-century ranches and brand-new mansions, making Wellshire a unique destination for both new and established families.

Berkeley is the definition of good vibes. With its absolutely-in-the-city-but-damn-if-it-doesn’t-feel-like-a- small-town vibe, it’s a lovely spot for everyone from first-time home buyers to empty nesters and everyone in between. 

For most neighborhoods in Denver, it’s relatively easy to choose a word or two to describe the area’s overall vibe. Historic. Family-oriented. Foodie heaven. You get the idea.

But because Central Park is massive—7.5 square miles and home to 25,000 people—it’s tough to find one way to describe the place. In fact, Central Park isn’t just one neighborhood; it’s a collection of 12 neighborhoods. 

So while there’s no perfect description of this community based on architecture or residents, the history of the place suggests one: Redemption. 

Hang a left outside the Denver Zoo gates, go about a mile, and you’ll find yourself in the southeast corner of Denver’s Whittier Neighborhood. This quaint and comforting hidden gem is rich in history and community. 

Also? It has a freaking beer spa. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

OK, seriously: What could be more wholesome than a neighborhood named after its schools? Nothing, really. And that’s 100% the vibe of Cory-Merrill, the sleepy suburb-like spot in South Denver.

Head south a couple of long blocks from the Denver Zoo, and you’ll find yourself in the tree-lined urban paradise that is Congress Park.

Congress Park neighborhood does, in fact, contain a park. Buuuuut it started as…a cemetery.

If we had to describe North Denver’s Jefferson Park neighborhood in one word, it might be this: Scrappy. And that’s not just because the neighborhood is named after Thomas Jefferson. (Yes, the Thomas Jefferson—the guy who wrote the Declaration of Independence.) But also because the community just won’t quit.

Located a few blocks south of Capitol Hill, the Platt Park neighborhood is overflowing with rich history, tons of retail and dining, and updated amenities sure to keep you entertained and exploring.

Alamo Placita isn’t officially a Denver neighborhood. But with its unique architecture, delicious eats, and outdoor amenities, it absolutely deserves a spotlight!

This week’s Dwell Denver Neighborhood Spotlight takes us on a little field trip. We traveled through central New Mexico last week and stopped to marvel at the abandonedness of a small railroad village called Encino (population 94 according to the 2000 census). See, Heather and I love abandoned places. The more decrepit, the better! We love marveling at old buildings, falling down or in different phases of decline, and wondering what they were like in their heyday.

This week’s Dwell Denver Neighborhood Spotlight focuses on one of Denver’s most sought-after neighborhoods…LoHi. Lower Highland (or LoHi, for short) wasn’t given its nickname until the early 2000’s when the developers of the Olinger property at W. 30th Ave. and 16th St. and Boulder St. needed a moniker that would distinguish the neighborhood from Highland, which lies to the north. Since then, LoHi has made many a nation-wide MOST AWESOME NEIGHBOHROOD list. The popularity of this neighborhood has skyrocketed since the development of the Olinger property and is now a destination spot for the entire city.