Park & Rec Oriented Neighborhoods
Filled with parks and homes with multiple bedrooms, these communities are often filled with families, pets and parks. There are many of these neighborhoods throughout Denver and the surrounding suburbs.
Stapleton
For the residents of Stapleton, this master-planned development strikes the right balance between urban and suburban. The mixed-use community welcomed its first residents in 2001 and has been growing steadily ever since, with many drawn by the location just 15 minutes from downtown. The single-family houses, townhomes and apartment buildings here are perched close together on pretty, winding streets. Retail and shopping lean more towards chains than not, but some of the walkable shopping districts have local boutiques and outposts of trendy downtown restaurants.
Average Rental Rates:
Single family homes $2500 - $5000
Townhomes $1700 - $3000
Condos $1500 - $2500
Park Hill
Park Hill is a stately, tree-lined neighborhood on the northeast side of Denver. Many of the homes here date to the early 1900s and range from sprawling Tudors to compact bungalows. You won’t find many multi-family buildings here, and the well-cared for houses are highly sought-after. Tucked here and there, you’ll find small pockets of retail and dining, often filled with longtime businesses that are beloved by Park Hill locals.
Average Rental Rates:
Single family homes $2200 - $7000
Townhomes $1200 - $2800
Lowry
Lowry sits on the eastern-most border on the site of a former Air Force base, which closed in 1995. Since then, the area has been redeveloped into a master-planned community with 3,000 homes, townhomes, duplexes and condos. The homes here are comparably affordable with easy access to downtown, making Lowry attractive to families and young professionals. Locals often walk to bike to the Town Center here, where independent restaurants and boutiques give Lowry a laid-back, hip vibe.
Average Rental Rates:
Single family homes $3000 - $5000
Townhomes $1800 - $3300
Condos $1200 - $2500
Montclair
One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, Montclair is an architecture lovers’ dream, with plenty of historic homes in the Tudor and Queen Anne styles seated among mid-century ranches and cottages. The residential neighborhood is quiet and the homes well-kept, attracting mature residents who desire serenity within in the city. You won’t find much commerce in Montclair, but bustling Stapleton and Cherry Creek are just minutes away.
Average Rental Rates:
Single family homes $2200 - $3000
Crestmoor
Nestled between Lowry and Hilltop, the Crestmoor neighborhood has a good mix of single family properties ranging from smaller ranch style to larger custom homes. The area isn’t a shopping or dining destination but is adjacent to Cherry Creek hot spots. The real draw of Crestmoor is the large lots with sprawling backyards — very unusual for central Denver.
Average Rental Rates:
Single family homes $3000 - $6000
Hilltop
Hilltop is an older yet upscale neighborhood located in between prosperous Cherry Creek and modern Lowry. The area has become very popular for larger, newly built houses and expansive remodeled homes. And, of course, we should mention the views afforded by its slightly higher elevation. Good schools and a tight-knit community round out the desirable qualities of Hilltop.
Average Rental Rates:
Single family homes $3,000 - $10,000
Condos $2,500-$3,000
Highlands
Highlands is just a few minutes from central Denver, but it feels like its own little downtown. The boutiques, bars and restaurants that line 32nd Avenue are somehow trendy yet timeless, making the area a popular destination for all of Denver. Of course, this style and convenience is attractive for residents, too, and the neighborhood is in high demand. A handful of new condo and apartment buildings grace Highland, but the inventory mostly consists of updated bungalows and Victorians.
Average Rental Rates:
Homes: $2500-$3500
Townhomes: $2200- $4500
Condos: $1700 - $3000
City Park
City Park truly has a little something for everyone. Here, you’ll find some of Denver’s grandest historic mansions sharing views of City Park with brand-new high-rise condo buildings. Smaller yet mostly updated homes fill in the tree-lined streets, and residents include everyone from 20-something roommates to new families to empty-nesters. The neighborhood is bordered on the south by East Colfax Avenue, where the nightlife attracts a young, vibrant crowd.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2500 - $3500
Townhomes $2200 - $3000
Condos $1500 - $3000
Observatory Park & DU
This established neighborhood is known for its well-kept homes, good schools and neighborly feel. Newer condos and apartment buildings are a common sight near the University of Denver (DU), and there are small enclaves with sprawling, gated estates. However, most of Observatory Park is filled with mid-century remodels and new, modern single-family homes and townhomes. The DU campus means there are plenty of bars and sandwich shops, but there are high-end eateries that cater to the area’s sophisticates.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2500 - $5500
Townhomes $2200 - $2500
Condos $1200 - $2000
Platt Park
To the south west side of Washington Park (Wash Park to the locals), this is a shopping and dining destination for many Denver residents. New scrapes, pop tops and remodeled older homes abound, with bungalow-style homes in abundance. Platt Park ordinances prevent high-rises from spoiling the small-town feel, so newer townhomes and small apartment buildings are the only multi-family residences. Old South Pearl is the highlight of the area, with beloved restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops intermixed with small office buildings. The lightrail offers an easy commute to Downtown or DTC.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2500 - $4500
Townhomes $2500 - $3500
Washington Park
Washington Park — Wash Park to the locals — is one of Denver’s most elite residential neighborhoods. Historic mansions line the neighborhood’s namesake park along with large new builds. The surrounding tree-lined streets are home to mostly remodeled bungalows, along with a few older yet upscale high-rise apartments and condos. South Gaylord Street includes several blocks of local boutiques and restaurants. The central feature is the park itself, with two lakes, expansive gardens and trails for running, walking and biking. But, don’t expect to have the park to yourself, as thousands of people from across Denver flock to Wash Park every week.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2500 - $5500
Townhomes $3000 - $5000
Condos $1500 - $2800
Highlands Ranch
What was once expansive open ranchland has grown over the past 25 years to become a suburban escape with hundreds of residential communities and subdivisions. Shopping and dining here consist mostly of national and local chains, but residents enjoy reasonable housing costs and easy access to open space and trails away from the bustle of the city. In Highlands Ranch, you can choose from newer homes, condos and apartment buildings.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2200 - $4500
Townhomes $2000 - $3000
Condos $1500 - $2500
Castle Rock
Although Castle Rock sits right off I-25 in between Denver and Colorado Springs, the area feels less like a suburb and more like a small-town escape. A walkable main street includes restaurants, boutiques and office space and is surrounded by small, charming houses. New housing developments are cropping up around the nearby countryside, offering one of the most affordable areas for those who want to live in a newly built home. For those will to trade quick access to Denver for mountain views and plenty of trails and open space, Castle Rock is an ideal location.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2200 - $4500
Townhomes $2000 - $3000
Condos $1500 - $2500
Denver Tech Center (DTC)
The Denver Tech Center (DTC) is a mixed-use area dominated by office parks and large apartment complexes. Endless local and chain lunch spots cater to the DTC workforce, but nightlife here is far from staid. Tons of popular Downtown restaurants and bars have opened sister spots here that attract a more mature crowd in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Families will find comfortable residential neighborhoods just outside of the busy commercial areas.
Average Rental Rates
Townhomes $2300 - $3500
Condos $1500 - $4000
Alamo Placita
Bordered by busy boulevards just southeast of Downtown, Alamo Placita is a hidden gem of quiet, residential streets and parks. This small enclave includes mostly single-family homes, including turn-of-the-century Victorians and bungalows, many of which have been remodeled. Alamo Placita attracts young professionals who want quick access to Downtown as well as families and mature adults. If you’re looking for a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from everything, Alamo Placita is a fabulous option.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2800 - $4000
Townhomes $2500 - $3200
Cheeseman Park
Stately Cheesman Park is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. High-rise condo buildings intermix with historic mansions along the outskirts of the park, with surrounding streets offering older apartment buildings and turn-of-the-century Victorians. You’ll find a few local bars and restaurants here, but the true social hub is the park itself, which is always filled with dog walkers and joggers. Cheeseman’s central location and diverse housing options attracts both renters and homeowners.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $3000 - $5500
Condos $1500 - $2800
Aurora
One of Denver’s largest suburbs, you can truly find any type of neighborhood here, from spartan apartment complexes to large developments featuring brand-new homes. While lacking a true downtown (unless you count the eclectic stretch of Colfax Avenue), Aurora offers a huge array of amenities and attractions, including golf courses, malls and reservoirs. Parts of Aurora have long been home to certain immigrant populations, so if you love Authentic Asian or African food, you’re in luck — Aurora has some of the most unique and authentic ethnic cuisine in the state.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $1800 - $4000
Townhomes $1000 - $2300
Condos $1000 - $1500
Lakewood / Golden
The gateway to the mountains is a sought-after suburb that offers gorgeous views. Housing is varied, with older, affordable subdivisions paving the way to large homes dotting the foothills. Golden, with its historic, tourist-friendly downtown, is particularly popular. The schools here are fantastic, and young families are joining the older residents who raised their families here a generation ago. Many homes here have the square footage and are ready to be updated, but a few new luxury developments are also still building out.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $1800 - $4000
Townhomes $1000 - $2300
Condos $1000 - $1500
Westminster / Broomfield
Relatively new additions to the Denver suburbs, these areas grew up as Denver’s housing needs expanded. Housing here consists of newer homes, smaller homes that need some updates, and condos and apartments with all the amenities. Malls and shopping centers are plentiful here, and dining generally leans toward national chains. However, affordable rates and easy access to both Denver and Boulder makes this area an excellent choice for budget-conscious residents and commuters.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $1800 - $4000
Townhomes $1000 - $2300
Condos $1000 - $1500
Littleton
Littleton is one of Denver’s most popular suburbs, with a trendy downtown and fabulous mountain views. Houses and condos close to downtown are on the pricier side, but plenty of more affordable options are available throughout Littleton’s large footprint. The oldest neighborhoods often consist of small homes encircling a small park, but newer neighborhoods with larger homes are plentiful. Littleton includes a healthy mix of local shops and restaurants as well as convenient brand-name options. The town is always a popular choice among families young and old.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $1800 - $4000
Townhomes $1000 - $2300
Condos $1000 - $1500
Centennial / Lone Tree
Sprawling along the southeastern end of Denver, this area is filled with lots of larger homes and many new subdivisions. Developed around the expanding housing needs of Denver and the burgeoning Denver Tech Center, the suburbs of Centennial and lone Tree were designed to be convenient. Shopping malls and big-box stores are always close by, and the lightrail provides easy access to Downtown and the Tech Center.
Average Rental Rates
Single Family Homes $2200 - $3200
Townhomes $1200 - $2300
Condos $1300 - $2500