Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024

Denver is a large city that is considered one of the best places to move to in Colorado. The city has something for everyone to enjoy, from arts and entertainment to sports and food. As one of the most livable cities in Colorado, Denver features unique neighborhoods offering exceptional qualities such as a low crime rate, affordable housing, top-notch amenities, a lot of shopping malls and restaurants with access to public transit. If you are planning to live in Denver, here are the 7 best neighborhoods in Denver with the best quality of life in 2024.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Denver City, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from Denver Crimes Data in 2023. This map shows the offenses with a reported date within the last 3 months. Note that neighborhoods with fewer residents, but higher foot traffic, may be disproportionately represented in the rankings. The crimes include property crime, residential burglary, business burglary, burglary by force, burglary unforced, auto theft, arson, violent crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median property buying cost for December 2023 and Zillow’s median 1-bed apartment rent for January 2024.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Best neighborhoods in Denver

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1. Five Points

1. Five Points - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 89
  • Population: 18,144
  • Crimes: 5 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,800
  • Median property buying cost: $676,500

Five Points, named after its five-way intersection in 1881, is Denver’s third-most walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 90. Five Points is one of Denver’s oldest and most diverse areas, earning the title “Harlem of the West” as a prominent stop for jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. Residents enjoy a vibrant culinary scene, featuring some of the best Caribbean, soul food, catfish, and barbecue in the city.

The neighborhood hosts annual events such as the Five Points Jazz Festival in May, celebrating its musical heritage with over 100 performers and family-friendly activities. Additionally, the Juneteenth Music Festival and Mo’ Betta Greens Marketplace add to the lively cultural atmosphere.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $676,500, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $2,800 as of December 2023. For safety, it has a total of 5 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CityData (2021)

Five Points, Denver

2. Baker

2. Baker - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 201
  • Population: 9,086
  • Crimes: 22 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,000
  • Median property buying cost: $605,000

Located in the inner southwest corner of Denver, the highly esteemed Baker Neighborhood offers quick access to Downtown Denver and major freeways, making it an ideal location for those seeking a convenient commute. 

Known as one of Denver’s hippest neighborhoods, Baker features Broadway, a lively thoroughfare with vintage boutiques, diverse Asian eateries, brewpubs, and live music venues. Choosing to live in Baker not only provides proximity to downtown Denver but also grants locals access to a vibrant cultural scene and a range of amenities suitable for families and individuals alike.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is$605,000, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $2,000 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 22 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CityData (2021)

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Baker, Denver

3. LoDo/Union Station

3. LoDo/Union Station - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 175
  • Population: 5,878
  • Crimes:  29.77 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,600
  • Median property buying cost: $730,000

LoDo is a bustling downtown neighborhood known for its trendy shopping and dining scene. It is one of Denver’s top nightlife and eating neighborhoods, filled with hip restaurants, sports bars, rooftop cafés, and brew pubs with lovely boutiques and restaurants. It is a central nightlife area, and the clubs and bars are packed until closing on weekends. 

If you are ranking the best neighborhoods to live in Denver, LoDo makes our list. It is full of communities that make the city unique and lively. LoDo’s central location gives its locals convenient access to various activities. Sports fans are guaranteed to love this neighborhood because it’s home to both the Pepsi Center and Coors Field and is just a few blocks from Mile High Stadium.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $730,000, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $2,600 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 29.77 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & Union Station Gov (2021)

LoDo/Union Station, Denver

4. Capitol Hill

4. Capitol Hill - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 320
  • Population: 9,496
  • Crimes: 34 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,675
  • Median property buying cost: $375,000

Known as “Cap Hill” among locals, this Denver neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest, is rich with known landmarks such as the Colorado State Capitol building and Millionaire’s Row. The Golden Triangle Creative District adds a modern flair to this historically significant area, creating a vibrant blend of art, culture, and Colorado history.

This place is highly appreciated by younger couples and families for its quieter atmosphere. Choosing to reside in Capitol Hill not only means living amidst historic architecture, but also gaining access to abundant career opportunities across Denver, making it an attractive prospect for families and young professionals.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $375,000, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $1,675 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 34 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CityData (2021)

Capitol Hill, Denver

5. Congress Park

5. Congress Park - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 657
  • Population: 11,701
  • Crimes: 56.14 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,650
  • Median property buying cost: $889,000

Located in the heart of Denver, Congress Park, adjacent to Cheesman Park, offers a luxurious and historic living experience with its stunning architecture and lush green spaces. This residential area is part of a small-town atmosphere within a traditional city neighborhood, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a friendly and tree-lined oasis in the city. The location’s prime advantage lies in its proximity to Cherry Creek for upscale shopping and dining, quick access to downtown, and convenience to major stores on Colorado Blvd.

Congress Park itself serves as a recreational hub, featuring athletic fields, a playground, an outdoor pool, and tennis courts. Within its green expanses, residents can enjoy Ferril Lake, the City Park Pavilion, City Park Tennis Courts, Thatcher Fountain, and the City Park Golf Course, along with famous places such as Tropical Discovery, Monkey Island, and the Denver Zoo, making Congress Park a well-rounded and appealing option for those considering a move to Denver.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $889,000, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $1,650 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 56.14 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CityData (2021)

Congress Park, Denver

6. North Park Hill

6. North Park Hill - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 814
  • Population: 11,322
  • Crimes: 72 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,200
  • Median property buying cost: $685,000

North Park Hill, known for its affordability and elevated safety rankings compared to South Park Hill, offers a charmingly residential environment with pre-1960s ranches and newer homes on tree-shaded lots. Featuring bike lanes on major thoroughfares like East 23rd and East 26th avenues and Martin Luther King Boulevard, residents can easily pedal west to City Park and downtown or head east towards Central Park. The neighborhood is home to two well-performing schools, including McAuliffe International, making it family-friendly.

Locals praise the abundance of sidewalks, wide roads, and a dog-friendly neighborhood brewery. Just 10–15 minutes east of Downtown Denver, North Park Hill is described as a unique, community-driven place. This vibrant area offers a laid-back atmosphere, making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in Denver and providing ample opportunities for weekend adventures.

As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $685,000, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $2,200 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 72 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CityData (2021)

North Park Hill, Denver

7. Auraria

7. Auraria - Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Denver with the Best quality of life – 2024
  • Total number of crimes: 87
  • Population: 1119
  • Crimes: 78 crimes per 1000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,900
  • Median property buying cost: $670,000

Auraria is a small area in the middle of Denver and mostly known for the Auraria Campus, where three colleges are located. Locals can find the Ball Arena for sports and concerts and the fun Elitch Gardens amusement park. There are nice trails and green spaces along the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, making it a good place for families who love outdoor activities. 

According to locals, living in Auraria is a good option because they can easily walk to the downtown area like Meow Wolf and Larimer Square, making it a convenient and lively place for families and locals. As of November 2023, the median property buying cost is $670,000, and the median 1-bed apartment rent is $2,900 as of January 2024. For safety, it has a total of 78 crimes per 1,000 people.

Denver Crimes (2023), Rockethomes (Dec 2023), Zillow (Jan 2024) & CityData (2021)

Auraria, Denver

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Conclusion:

For those who enjoy outdoor adventures all year long, Denver is a haven for them, with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains only a short drive away. This city is known for its different extraordinary neighborhood, with its qualities alongside various amenities. Denver has become a cultural hub, from a strong job market to a thriving restaurant scene. If you’re measuring the best neighborhoods to live in Denver, where crime is low, and everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.

Are you moving soon? Find out the best Denver movers!

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Buckhead
  2. Midtown
  3. Piedmont Heights
  4. Poncey-Highlands
  5. Virginia Highlands
  6. Cabbagetown
  7. East Atlanta Village
  8. Summerhill

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering safety, affordability, and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places may have changed from last year’s lists due to fluctuations in criteria used in our methodology. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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