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 researched the best up and coming neighborhoods in Denver for you.

Looking to live a little bit outside of Denver in a subdistrict? Check out some of these cities: ArvadaAurora, or Littleton

This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Denver movers and beyond).

Looking for Long Distance Denver Movers?

The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Denver (2022) Bellhop Blog

A Little About Living in Denver

People are moving to Denver because of the incredible lifestyle this city offers. And locals can attest, its 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.

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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 has promoted and created numerous clean energy jobs. With an unemployment rate that runs 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.

Villa Park

Villa Park offers its great location, a minimal commute, affordable housing, and enjoyable outdoor spots. And while at one point, this neighborhood was known as one of the cheapest places to live in the city, it’s now growing, and these desirable prices will inevitably go up, making it our first choice for the best up and coming neighborhoods in Denver, as well as one of our favorite Denver neighborhoods, period.. Still it represents a bargain with the average home price at $451,000.

What’s Happening in Villa Park

Federal Boulevard offers some of the best of the neighborhood’s shopping opportunities. And along with the upgrade comes exceptional ethnic food. The area is also dotted with lovely parks. Down the length of Villa Park is a green beltway and a lengthy frisbee golf course. From Villa Park’s green spaces, locals frequently enjoy the long city-wide bike trails that wind through their neighborhood.

Villa Park is ripe and ready to become the new popular spot. Its exceptionally inexpensive while sitting in a prime location, just west of downtown. Within the past few years, Villa Park has been redeveloped nicely with new stores, a movie theater, coffee shops, restaurants, and a new. And with the Denver RTD Light Rail running a few blocks away, commutes to and from Villa Park are as easy as sittin’ on your bum.

Schools in Villa Park

Schools near Villa Park include Cowell Elementary School, Eagleton Elementary School, and Escuela De Guadalupe among others.

Homes in Villa Park

Villa Park has a mix of single-family homes, historic houses, and newer apartments. Home prices average $451,000 mid-2023. The average apartment rental according to RentCafe is $2,200.

The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Denver (2022) Bellhop Blog

Hampden

This little neighborhood is smack-dab between Denver, Aurora, and Centennial, and roughly 10 miles southeast of downtown. Residents can easily access the Light Rail as well for a quick ride into the city. And locals can attest to the tight-knit community and inviting atmosphere throughout the neighborhood. With easy access to all the popular spots in the surrounding cities and a few perks of its own, Hampden has been gaining both popularity and residents, making it worth keeping an eye on, on our guide to the best up and coming neighborhoods in Denver. 

What’s Happening in Hampden

Hampden is home to over ten parks and sits directly next to the stunning Cherry Creek State Park. This vast green space, nearly twice the size of Hampden, features the Cherry Creek Reserve, which is shared by powerboats, sailboats, and paddle craft.

In addition to all the parks, outdoor activities, and proximity to downtown, Aurora, or Centennial, Hampden offers some good grub and tasty drinks. For a sample of some of the residents’ favorites, check out Citron Bistro, Santiago’s, The Bagel Deli & Restaurant, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco.

Locals are in luck because two great breweries sit just a few miles from their driveways. Hop over for some hoppy suds at Comrade Brewing. Or check out the award-winning Copper Kettle and its gorgeous taproom.

Schools in Hampden

Schools near Hampden include Holly Hills Elementary School and Holly Ridge Elementary School among others.

Homes in Hampden

Hampden has plenty of single-family homes throughout the neighborhoods. Home prices average $517,000 mid-2023. The average apartment rental according to RentCafe is $1,954.

Lowry

If you have money to throw at a neighborhood on the rise than Lowry should be your target. With houses selling like hot cakes, even when priced at $738,000, Lowry has gained the attention of locals wanting to settle down as well as property investors. The area is a popular spot for families – the nearby great schools are definitely a factor in this. Llocal perks like the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Lowry Sports Complex Park provide residents with plenty of fun and close-by activities.

What’s Happening in Lowry

This area was once an Air Base Center and has since been re-developed with new condos and single-family homes. Along with the redo came lots of shops and restaurants, like the fresh coastal inspired North Country. Lowry is just a short drive from downtown, and so most of Denver’s finest offerings are at Lowry residents’ fingertips. But the neighborhood remains a quiet residential escape from all the Denver hustle.

For some leisurely shopping, visit Lowry’s main drag on 2nd Avenue. Try out Tavern for dinner and the Lowry Beer Garden for drinks and its great happy hour.

Schools in Lowry

Schools near Lowry include Lowry Elementary School and Primrose School at Lowry among others.

Homes in Lowry

Lowry has a mix of character-rich older homes and cutting-edge newer homes. Average single family home price is $825,000. Condos average out at $529,000.

The Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Denver (2022) Bellhop Blog

The Highlands

This newly trending neighborhood is a diverse gem in the midst of the city. With Italian and Hispanic families still living in the area from several generations past, The Highlands offers a unique cultural richness.

Unlike other neighborhoods in a similarly prime location, Highland has the perks of being close to downtown without the big price tag. But that’s been catching people’s attention. And recent construction of new condos and apartments amidst Highland’s historic homes are beginning signs that it might not remain so for long.

What’s Happening in The Highlands

The Highlands is speckled with unique independent stores, art galleries coffee shops, and bistros, clubs, bars, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The area is very walkable, and during summer months the neighborhood offers farmers markets and community events.

To get a feel for local living, join in on First Friday’s artist displays in the Tennyson Street Cultural District. Schedule in the annual Street Fair that brings live music, tasty food, arts and crafts to the neighborhoods. Another rare and worthwhile event is the yearly Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, which celebrates Asian culture and moves across Sloan’s Lake.

The Highlands has easy access to the beautiful Sloan’s Lake Park, which features paddleboarding and walking trails. For the best of Highland’s food and drinks, check out Avanti Food & Beverage and Denver Beer Company. Top it off with locally-made treats from Little Man Ice Cream.

Schools in The Highlands

Schools near Highland include Highlands Ranch High School, STEM School Highlands Ranch and Valdez Elementary School among others.

Homes in The Highlands

If you love historic homes, then you’ll feel right at home in Highland. Single family home prices average $725,000, condos: $422,000 according to Zillow.

There you have it: 4 up and coming neighborhoods 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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Harrison Stevens
The Better Way to Move