Living in Denver
Let's break down the neighborhoods.
Top neighborhoods in Denver
LoHi
Skyline views, rooftop patios and a footbridge to downtown.
Best for: Young professionals who want to walk to dinner and to work downtown
Novara take
- Walkability5
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease2
- Quiet2
Getting around: Walk or bike to Union Station and LoDo over the Highland Bridge; quick access to I-25.
Local favorites: Little Man Ice Cream · Denver Union Station (short walk) · Commons Park (across the bridge)
LoHi sits on the bluff just across I-25 from downtown, so you get skyline views with a neighborhood feel. Weekends revolve around brunch and rooftop patios, and the walk to Union Station takes about 15 minutes. Newer buildings mean amenity-rich apartments, but street parking is tight.
Photo: Jesse James, CC BY 4.0
RiNo
Murals, breweries and converted warehouses.
Best for: Creatives and social renters who love breweries and food halls
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands2
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet1
Getting around: A Line at 38th & Blake Station (to Union Station and DIA); easy access to I-25 and I-70.
Local favorites: Denver Central Market · Improper City · Great Divide Brewing Barrel Bar
River North is Denver's arts district, with block after block of murals, taprooms and food halls. New mid-rise apartments keep popping up along Brighton Blvd and Larimer. Expect lively evenings and some construction, plus a direct train to the airport.
Photo: Paul Sableman, CC BY 2.0
Capitol Hill
Historic mansions, cozy bars and big-city energy.
Best for: Renters on a budget who want character and walkability
Novara take
- Walkability5
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease2
- Quiet2
Getting around: Next to downtown and the Golden Triangle; Colfax bus lines (15/15L) run east-west.
Local favorites: Cheesman Park · Denver Botanic Gardens · Sprouts Farmers Market on Colfax
Cap Hill is one of Denver's densest and most walkable neighborhoods, full of vintage brick buildings and older apartments that are often more affordable. Colfax brings dive bars, music venues and late-night food. Cheesman Park is the neighborhood backyard.
Photo: Hustvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cherry Creek
Polished, upscale and boutique-lined.
Best for: Professionals and downsizers who want luxury and shopping at their door
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping5
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet4
Getting around: Between downtown and Glendale; quick to I-25 via University Blvd and to downtown via Speer Blvd.
Local favorites: Cherry Creek Shopping Center · Whole Foods Market Cherry Creek · Cherry Creek Trail
Cherry Creek pairs a major shopping center with the walkable boutique streets of Cherry Creek North. Apartments here lean luxury, with concierge-style amenities. The Cherry Creek Trail makes it easy to bike downtown without traffic.
Photo: Gtj82, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Wash Park
Lakes, sports leagues and tree-lined streets.
Best for: Active renters and dog owners who want a calmer, park-centric life
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife2
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease3
- Quiet4
Getting around: About 15 minutes to downtown; quick access to I-25 via Downing or Logan.
Local favorites: Washington Park (lakes and gardens) · Old South Gaylord Street shops · Whole Foods Market (Washington Park area)
Wash Park is built around one of Denver's favorite parks, with lakes, volleyball courts and a running loop. Housing is mostly bungalows and duplexes, so rentals are often townhomes or carriage houses. It's quiet, green and very dog-friendly.
Photo: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Highlands
Victorian homes and indie shops on Tennyson and 32nd.
Best for: Couples and renters who want a neighborhood feel close to downtown
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease3
- Quiet4
Getting around: About 10 minutes to downtown; access to I-25 and I-70.
Local favorites: Highlands Square (32nd & Lowell) · Tennyson Street shops and restaurants · Sloan's Lake Park (nearby)
The Highlands (West Highland and Highland) mix historic Victorians with newer townhomes. Highlands Square and Tennyson Street have local shops, cafes and restaurants. It feels residential and relaxed, with Sloan's Lake a short bike ride away.
Photo: Gtj82, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ratings are the Novara team's own take, out of 5. Spots and details can change, so ask your locator for the latest.
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