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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Denver City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Denver’s most popular neighborhoods.
This list is more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Denver movers and movers throughout the country.
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A Little About Living in Denver
People are moving to Denver because of the incredible lifestyle this city offers. And locals can attest, it’s just a wonderful place to live. With over 300 days of sunshine, you don’t have to check the weather before going for a hike or bike ride, walking the dog, or taking an exercise class in one of Denver’s 205 parks.
The lifestyle brings people into Denver. And the many job opportunities keep them here. Denver has had a rush of entrepreneurs who are creating many unique jobs opportunities. And the city created numerous clean energy jobs across the city. With an unemployment rate that runs significantly below the rest of the country, most new residents find a job as easily as they find a fried pair of Denver’s classic Rocky Mountain oysters.
The city, as you know, is Colorado’s proud capital, known for its incredible food, settled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and home to four major professional sports teams. If you’re willing to drive an hour out, the wider region around Denver has some world-class ski areas and prime dirt-bike, rafting, and rock-climbing destinations.
With all these perks, greater Denver is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the country. Since 2010 it’s grown 17%, adding 429,000 new residents. While some places lost population from covid, Denver actually grew. Maybe you’re itching for a ‘Rocky Mountain High’ too? We’re here to help. Check out our list of the best up and coming neighborhoods in Denver, below. For a helpful comparison of average home values as of mid-2023 Zillow shows a value of $568,000 for Denver and $543,000 for the entire state.
Louisville
Located about 23 miles north of Denver, Louisville has a great small-town feel with the best of both city and country. The city leaders are passionate about building a close community and the area hosts regular cultural events for locals to connect with each other.
26% of Louisville’s land area is made up of parks and open space, and this room to enjoy the nature and history of the region is of top priority to locals. Residents are very involved in the local government and the projection of their neighborhoods, giving Louisville an even stronger community feel.
The city suffered a tragic loss of nearly 600 homes during the December 2021 Marshall Fire. Though the city was spared, In many ways the community is still recovering.
What’s Happening in Louisville
Lousiville has plenty of regular and yearly events, like their Street Faire, music concerts in the parks, and winter Parade of Lights. Their thirty two miles of trails throughout the town and gorgeous Coal Creek Golf Course keep residents happily active. And their Historical Museum plans programs and offers exhibits about the area’s past.
Louisville’s great local eateries include family friendly B.O.B.S. Diner with its American and Mexican comfort food, Bittersweet Café with its live music, Pica’s Taqueria, and 12Degree Brewing.
Schools in Louisville
Schools near Louisville include Louisville Elementary School, Louisville Middle School, and Monarch High School among others.
Homes in Louisville
This old, charming town has its fair share of modern homes. Single family homes average $850,000 in mid-2023 according to Zillow. Condos: $450,000.
Superior
Located about 30 miles northwest of downtown, Superior has gone from an historical coal mining area to a tiny residential town to a giant redevelopment with resulting population boom. With the development of Rock Creek Ranch came thousands of new residents, shops and restaurants, community events, 27 miles of trails, and 594 acres of parks. Whew!
What’s Happening in Superior
Superior offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including parks, hiking trails, biking paths, playgrounds, and recreation facilities. Regular community events thrown throughout the year make it easy for newcomers to meet neighbors and build new friendships
Superior’s events include some fun eating and shopping during their September Chili Fest and town-wide Community Garage Sale. The town also offers a number of charming local eateries. Check out the casual Wayne’s Smoke Shack where you can order true Texas-style barbecue by the pound, family-friendly, Italian styleBrunelleschi’s.and Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar.
Schools in Superior
Schools near Superior include Superior Elementary School, Eldorado K-8 School, and Rock Creek School among others.
Homes in Superior
This homey neighborhood has bunches of single-family homes in differing styles. Home prices average $873,000, condos: $459,000.
Centennial
If you want option upon option of outdoor activities, a calmer environment, and are fine with sleeping a little further from the city, Centennial might be your next home. This sprawling area is located roughly 35 minutes southeast of downtown Denver and surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.
Centennial was founded in 2001 and blossomed to over 100,000 residents today. While Centennial is its own little city, its emphasis is on the open spaces, native wildlife, and beautiful nature surrounding and intermingling with its streets. Centennial is home to some of the region’s most impressive trail networks and recreational amenities. And with two of the top school districts in the state (Littletown Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District) serving its residents, Centennial has been recently ranking as one of the best places to live in the country.
What’s Happening in Centennial
Centennial offers a plethora of things to do, and new local stores, unique restaurant, and interesting activities are continuing to open in this mini-city. A visit to the Streets at South Glenn makes for a great shopping experience. Check out the sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and local and national retailers there.
Take a brewery tour and sample the great micro and craft brewers in the area. Or check out Centennials amazing and unique coffee shops, like the Gong Cha – Lone Tree with coffee, tea and bubble tea. If you’re hungry, check out our favorite Centennial restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos.
What is it about a wide, clean path winding through nature? You’re able to immerse yourself in your surroundings, but the path takes the struggle out of it – no need to dodge a root or wearing boots to walk through the woods and along streams. Cherry Creek Trail meets that vision of a tranquil walk by a stream, guided by a wide, 42-mile long paved path wide enough for joggers, dog-walkers, stroller-pushers, and bike-peddlers alike.
For more leg-stretching, explore Cherry Creek State Park at large, which features breathtaking views of layered mountains beyond the water reservoir. Chatfield State Park is another beautiful open space with hiking trails, boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, and biking options.
Schools in Centennial
Schools near Centennial include Highland Elementary School, Ambleside School of Colorado, and Children’s Music Academy of Centennial, CO among others.
Homes in Centennial
Centennial has plenty of single-family homes with many houses built in the ‘50s. Money goes a little farther here. Home values average out at $659,000 with condos at $378,000.
Littleton
Littleton is the quintessential small town with its familiar friendly neighbors, wonderful local shops and restaurants, historic richness, and great recreational opportunities. It’s slightly off the beaten path. Locals seem exceptionally proud to be living in this safe, family-friendly community.
Located about 12 miles south of downtown, Littleton makes it easy for people commuting to and from Denver for work. And with the RTD Light Rail Station right at Mineral Street, it’s a straight shot to the city. Finally, Littleton Public Schools have won Colorado’s highest academic accreditation rating seven years in a row.
What’s Happening in Littleton
Littleton is buzzing. And this vibrant community offers a wonderful historic downtown packed with local restaurants and shops (over 220, actually). The Littleton Historical Museum will walk you through the story of the area’s past. And Hudson Garden hosts cultural and science entertainment events and concert series.
The area boasts of over 1,400 acres of green space and 200 miles of trails. Chatfield Reservoir is a recreational paradise with swimming, paddle boarding, boating, and a beachfront. Roxborough State Park features exceptional views of red rock formations. And the Mary Carter Greenway Trail (accommodating more than a million people a year!) lets locals and visitors ride their bike, jog, or walk along the miles of well-kept, paved trail-way.
Littleton’s new addition, the well-known Breckenridge Brewery, offers delicious brews, a screened in porch, and a beer garden. Also, check out the Cajun, Creole and homestyle NoNo’s Cafe for some of the area’s best locally-made meals.
Schools in Littleton
Schools near Littleton include Highland Elementary School, Littleton Academy, and Mackintosh Academy among others.
Homes in Littleton
You’ll spot a few Craftsman-style houses in Littleton amidst its beautiful newer builds. Average home prices are $719,000 and condos: $417,000. The average rental is $1,700 according to RentCafe.
Aurora
Located due east of Denver, the city’s diverse population is nearing 400,000 making it the third most populous city in the state. The city is actually larger in land mass than Denver, yet is mostly low-rise with sprawl, truly suburban in nature.
Getting from Aurora to Denver is simple via the RTD Light Rail station at East Centrepoint Drive. If you choose the RTD rail, expect a commute time of 50 minutes, 30 minutes driving.
Frequent flyers will like the town’s closeness to the airport. Average drive time according to Google is 24 minutes.
What’s Happening in Aurora
If you have kids or friends who play team sports, it’s very likely that you already know Aurora. The city was voted by Sports Illustrated as one of the most sports-friendly cities in the country. Its sprawling sports facilities cover over 200 acres, serving regional and national sports tournaments, often over 30 per year.
Stanley Marketplace is a small vibrant community of 50+ independently owned Colorado businesses. It’s great fun to wonder among the unique shops that offer ethnic foods and diverse shopping experiences.
Outdoor opportunities await at the Cherry Creek State – a natural prairie and wetland environment with an 880-acre reservoir used by boaters and paddle boarders alike.
The city is home to the most diverse ethnic communities in the state, so head there for good Ethiopian food. Try Venalonzo’s for great tacos, Uptown & Humboldt for gyros and burgers, and Zink Kitchen + Bar for upscale American.
Schools in Aurora
Schools near Littleton include Aurora Quest K-8, Aurora Academy Charter School, and Lotus School For Excellence High School among others.
Homes in Aurora
There is real home value to be had in Aurora. Average home prices mid-2023 are $482,000 with condos settling in at $310,000.
There you have it: the best suburbs in Denver!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in Denver!
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