City Guide / Denver

6 Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Denver

By Landing | Sep 28, 2020
View of up-and-coming neighborhood in Denver, Colorado

If you’re thinking about moving to Denver, you’re in good company. Thousands are relocating to furnished apartments in Denver, for the mountain access, the booming tech industry, or the easygoing but active city life—or all of the above. 

The Denver area’s distinct identity blends the personality of a laid-back, adventurous, eco-friendly hipster with a high-paying tech guru at a major company. But each neighborhood within the city has its own unique character and offers different things to do in Denver. As you weigh out the pros and cons of living in Denver, you’ll want to take a closer look at the neighborhoods. All Denver neighborhoods come with their own set of factors to consider. 

So which one is right for you?

Keep reading for a deep dive into six of the best neighborhoods to live in Denver, including things to do, what makes them special, and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment as listed on Zumper.

1. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill—known affectionately by locals as “Cap Hill”—is a vibrant area with soul and grit. You can likely find a rental property within walking distance of some of Cap Hill’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants, helping you enjoy the nightlife among a younger crowd. Thanks to its proximity to kid-friendly parks and good public schools, the area appeals to young working families as well.

Things to do and places to go in Capitol Hill

  • Music venues: If there’s one thing Capitol Hill has in abundance, it’s trendy concert venues and theaters. Between the Ogden Theater, the Fillmore, and Quixotes, there’s always a show worth seeing.
  • Molly Brown House Museum: Activist Molly Brown is a big part of Denver’s history, and Capitol Hill has memorialized her legacy at the now-restored “House of Lions.” This three-floor museum-house gives an inside glimpse into the Brown family home, with additional exhibits and collections featuring local history and art. 

What makes Capitol Hill unique

Capitol Hill is the most densely populated area of Denver. In terms of real estate, it contains many more apartment complexes than single-family homes, seeing as 79% of the neighborhood consists of rental properties. With such consistent bustling energy, there’s always something to do and someone new to meet.

Median rent: $1,202

2. Highlands

In the Mile High City, isn’t every neighborhood considered a “highland”? But these Highlands are unique—the area got its name because it overlooks downtown Denver, giving residents a beautiful view in addition to their trendy boutique shops, art galleries, and expansive green spaces. 

Despite its historic settlements, there’s no shortage of new restaurants and chic cocktail bars. The Highlands has rebranded itself as a cultural hub, making it an in-demand area for relocation housing for many millennials moving to Denver, and arguably one of Denver’s hottest neighborhoods.

Things to and places to go in Highlands

  • Highlands Street Fair: This annual festival is a staple of Highlands life and the surrounding Denver community. The fair includes over 100 vendors selling food and drinks, clothing, and artisan goods. Enjoy free outdoor concerts, get your face painted, learn about some of the local non-profits, and a whole lot more.

What makes Highlands unique

Highlands makes the old feel new, and the new feel timeless. The beautiful architecture is complimented effortlessly by trendy vintage-style shops and innovative restaurants—including an old auto shop that was transformed into a hip brewery. The residents turned a somewhat decaying part of Denver into a revitalized destination spot with their grit and determination, not to mention some of the best beer in town.

Median rent: $1,695

3. Sloan’s Lake

Of all of Denver’s neighborhoods, this one is known for its walkability, abundant green space, and to-die-for food and drink options. You can sample a wide variety of cuisines, including authentic Mexican food at Chili Verde, Thai fusion at US Thai Café, and classic Italian dishes with easygoing vibes at Sarto’s. 

Enjoy a day outdoors by the lake or at one of the neighborhood’s 270 public parks, then grab a bite and brew at a restaurant before hitting the town or heading home for a quiet night in. Sloan’s Lake residents always have plenty to do without the hustle and bustle of Denver’s more commercial areas. 

Things to do and places to go in Sloan’s Lake

  • Colorado Dragon Boat Festival: The only thing better than celebrating Asian heritage with live music, cultural performances, and authentic cuisine? A competitive race between stunningly crafted dragon boats—for free. This is the kind of unique event you can expect from Sloan’s Lake.

What makes Sloan’s Lake unique

As the name suggests, Sloan’s Lake inherited its identity from—you guessed it—Sloan’s Lake. The neighborhood has expanded into more than just a lakeside retreat; however, fishing, kayaking, and swimming are still a big part of its charm. 

Median rent: $1,025

4. Central Business District

The Central Business District sits at the heart of the city, in downtown Denver. It was recently renamed “Upper Downtown,” which locals have shortened even further to “UpDo,” to match the nicknamed neighborhoods around it, like LoDo, RiNo, LoHi—it’s a bit of a Denver thing. As the original name suggests, UpDo is a bustling commercial neighborhood, complete with high-rises and attractions. 

Things to do and places to go in the Central Business District

  • 16th Street Mall: This mile-long promenade is a pedestrian-friendly shopping center with dining and entertainment. The MallRide shuttle takes shoppers up and down the length of the walkway for easy access to all your favorite stores. 
  • Museums: No matter your niche interests, there’s a museum for you, including U.S. currency, Western art, firefighters, and more. 

What makes the Central Business District unique

Access is everything in the Central Business District. Not only are there myriad things to do right around the corner, but it’s also a regional transportation hub. In the Central Business District, it’s easy to get to other parts of the Denver metro area and beyond if you want to take a day trip somewhere new.

Median rent: $1,695

5. Glendale

This unique enclave is a small Denver suburb (technically part of Arapahoe County) that happens to be smack dab in the middle of the city. The area is full of young professionals who enjoy Glendale’s trendy coffee shops, bumping nightlife, and overall urban feel—Glendale is, after all, literally surrounded by the Denver cityscape. 

91% of residents are upwardly mobile renters. As the area grows, new development projects are on the horizon, including office spaces, increased residential projects, and an impressive entertainment district to bring back the bustling arts and music scene Glendale once had. 

Things to do and places to go in Glendale

  • Four Mile Historic Park: When you enter this quaint area of Denver, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Get a glimpse of the city’s historic past with a walking tour of Denver’s oldest homes and structures or enjoy a family picnic and special events programming at this 12-acre park.

What makes Glendale unique

Considering its size, you’d think Glendale would be nothing more than a few streets of single-family homes and basic retailers. For a city that would fit on the University of Colorado campus, there is a lot to keep yourself occupied, and soon there will be even more. 

Median rent: $1,130

6. Platt Park

This burgeoning neighborhood is currently undergoing remodels and construction projects to convert some of the old buildings into trendy new apartments and homes. The previously small-town community is becoming an eclectic hub of activity and excitement as more young people flock to the area.

Its main thoroughfare of Old South Pearl Street has kept the area’s quaint charm intact, featuring unique shops and restaurants, and a glimpse of the trolley line that used to be. 

Things to do and places to go in Platt Park

  • James H. Platt Park: The neighborhood’s namesake park is a beautiful green space to enjoy a family picnic, playtime at the sprawling playground, or a soccer or frisbee game. Pop into the Decker Library or Fleming Mansion, which are right next door. 
  • South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market: South Pearl Street is home to a bustling farmers’ market every Sunday from spring through fall. They host additional special events, including a Halloween parade and flea markets, on the last Sunday of the month. Check out locally sourced market items like fresh produce and unique decor and gifts.

What makes Platt Park unique

Platt Park has become Denver’s destination foodie heaven, with some of the best cuisines from around the world within the neighborhood’s borders—authentic Malaysian food, Japanese tapas, wood-fired Naples pizza, and more.

Median rent: $1,713

Land in a great Denver neighborhood

With all these up-and-coming neighborhoods in Denver, it’s no wonder that the Denver real estate market is so tricky to navigate—there’s a lot of competition to move into the best neighborhoods. 

Luckily, Landing takes the stress and hassle out of securing a lease, leaving you with all the best parts of relocating to a new city. With fully furnished apartments in Denver, 24/7 concierge service, and no long-term leases or deposits, you can use the valuable time you save to choose the perfect Denver neighborhood for you. 

And if you don’t like the first area you try, you have at least five more great options right here on this list. Landing makes it easy to switch regions or apartments. The hardest part will be deciding where to go next! 

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Landing

Ted may be the world's slowest typist and struggle to hold a pen, but he has mastered how to pursue a more flexible lifestyle throughout his airborne adventures around the U.S. Whether you're looking for more information before migrating to a new city or want to find an easier way to rent a nest—erm, apartment—Ted will always be here to share his best advice for where to live and how to thrive.