Denver is one of the most attractive cities in the country right now – it recently landed on a more than honorable 14th spot in the US News rank of the 150 best places to live in 2021-2022. The city’s population registered a whopping nearly 20% growth between 2010 and 2020, according to US Census data, confirming Denver’s long-term power of attraction.
With a solid economy centered around aerospace, financial services, energy, bioscience and IT, Denver offers opportunities for a wide array of well-paying jobs. However, the city has many other draws, besides good jobs and a strong economy. It’s an ideal place for people interested in a good work-life balance as well as access to numerous outdoor activities and attractions. Living in Denver means living literally minutes away from breathtaking sites where you can hike or practice sports such as rock climbing, rappelling, rafting or skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
There’s a long list of pros for moving to Denver – or to continue living here if you’re already a resident. As for the best places to live, Denver is home to many cool neighborhoods, depending on your needs, wants and financial prowess. If you’re in the market for a new home in the city, you should know that the home value in Denver currently stands at around 560K, according to the Zillow Home Value Index, almost 80% above the national home value of $312K.
Indian Creek, Westwood or Elyria-Swansea are some of the affordable neighborhoods in Denver that also provide a good quality of life. Home values in these neighborhoods range from $330K to $400K, pretty close to the national average, and generally provide a good bang for the buck.
However, if you want to experience living at its best, you need to dig deeper into your pockets. Homes in Denver’s most-desirable neighborhoods are not cheap, but they come with some exquisite amenities. Here’s what you can expect in terms of home prices in Denver’s upscale neighborhoods.
1. Cherry Creek neighborhood – $1.05M
Home values in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood are north of $1M. But living in the neighborhood comes with hard-to-beat amenities and perks. The neighborhood is located close to the downtown area and is highly walkable and bikeable – the almost 12 miles long Cherry Creek Trail takes you through several parks and other attractions.
The neighborhood is also famous for its many boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, and its artsy vibe, with a plethora of art galleries. The world-famous Cherry Creek Arts Festival takes place right here in the neighborhood each July. A mixture of dense urban development and residential streets lined by trees, Cherry Creek provides housing for all tastes, from apartments to one-story ranches or Tudor-style homes.
With good schools, access to numerous amenities and a mixed urban-suburban feel, this neighborhood is a great choice for people at all stages of life, from families with children and young professionals to retirees.
2. South Park Hill neighborhood – $920K
South Park Hill neighborhood, located close to the city park, the adjacent municipal golf course and the Denver Zoo, is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Denver, with the home value in the area at around $920K. There’s easy access to the downtown area, but South Park Hill maintains a definite suburban feel. The local architecture is diverse and charming, with many examples of Spanish Colonial revival, Craftsman style bungalows, Victorian mansions, and art deco homes. It’s a good place for young families, with high safety scores and well-rated schools. In terms of entertainment and shopping, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, stores, deli shops and more.
3. Washington Park West neighborhood – $860K
Home value in Washington Park West neighborhood hovers around $860K, with many beautiful, early-20 century homes to pick from. The area has some great advantages under its belt – it provides easy access to the I-25 highway, ski slopes are located 15 to 30 minutes away and its adjacent namesake park makes a great place for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
The neighborhood is full of young families and professionals. Local schools, such as Byers Middle School or South High Park, provide good quality education and make the area even more attractive for parents with school-age children. The food and entertainment scene is also pretty animated, with trendy restaurants such as Vert Kitchen, coffee shops and dive bars.
4. Platt Park neighborhood – $810K
This charming Denver neighborhood stands out due to its tree-lined streets, famous farmers’ market, many eateries, as well as food and music festivals. Home value in Platt Park touches on $810K, and you can choose between original early 20-century bungalows, Tudor-style homes or sleek and modern townhouses.
You can get downtown from here in about 15 to 20 minutes – but who needs to go downtown when you have all the amenities you might want locally? On top of the vibrant food scene, you’ll also find a host of shops, boutiques, libraries and wellness centers. The area is a great fit for young people who want to enjoy its nightlife and laid-back vibe, but it can definitely work for families with children too – it’s safe, with access to good schools and parks.
5. Sloan Lake neighborhood – $790K
One of the historic neighborhoods of Denver, Sloan Lake, comes with a lot of character – and amenities. The home value in the neighborhood is a little over $790K, and there’s a variety of architectural styles, including Tudors, Mediterranean revivals and contemporary to choose from. The neighborhood is adjacent to Sloan’s Lake Park, an expansive green area perfect for family walks or taking pets for a stroll.
Sloan Park is becoming more and more popular with young professionals and families – no wonder, considering the local amenities. Besides being highly walkable, near a generous park, and with a suburban feel to it, Sloan Park also has a thriving and affordable food scene, local shops and supermarkets that are easy to access, as well as several public, charter and private schools to choose from.
If you’re sold on Denver, remember to thoroughly plan your move ahead of time, as relocating can be a complicated process. One way to streamline your move is by using self storage which can prove extremely useful while you move and afterward. The monthly rate for a 10×10 self storage unit in Denver sits at $128 per month and there are approximately 60 facilities in the city, which means you’ll definitely find one that suits your needs, regardless of the neighborhood you choose as your new home.
