The Complete Denver Neighborhood Guide for New Residents

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

LoDo is Denver's historic downtown core, centered around Union Station and Coors Field. The brick-lined streets, converted warehouses, and rooftop bars make it one of the most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods in the city. You can get to work, grab dinner, catch a Rockies game, and take the train to the airport without ever needing a car.

The trade-off is price. One-bedroom apartments in LoDo average around $2,200 per month, and condos start well above $400,000. Parking is limited and expensive, so most residents rely on RTD light rail, bikes, or ride-sharing. The neighborhood draws a younger crowd, with a strong restaurant and bar scene along Larimer Square and Market Street.

If you are moving into a LoDo high-rise, reserve the freight elevator well in advance and secure a temporary parking permit from Denver Public Works. Our team handles downtown Denver moves every week and knows the logistics inside and out.

RiNo (River North Art District)

RiNo has transformed from an industrial corridor into one of Denver's hottest neighborhoods. The district is known for its colorful street murals, craft breweries (Ratio Beerworks, Our Mutual Friend), and converted warehouse restaurants. The Source Hotel and Market Hall is a foodie destination, and the neighborhood hosts regular art walks and live music events.

Rents in RiNo typically fall between $1,900 and $2,100 for a one-bedroom, though new luxury developments are pushing prices higher. The area is still evolving, with new construction happening on nearly every block. If you value creative energy, walkable dining, and a neighborhood that feels like it is always on the move, RiNo is a strong choice.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill (often called "Cap Hill") is Denver's most eclectic neighborhood. It is the heart of the city's LGBTQ+ community, home to indie coffee shops like Pablo's Coffee, dive bars, vintage boutiques, and some of Denver's best people-watching. Cheesman Park sits along the eastern edge, offering green space and stunning mountain views.

With average one-bedroom rents around $1,700, Cap Hill is more affordable than LoDo and RiNo while offering equal or better walkability. The neighborhood has the second-highest walk score in Denver, so living car-free is very doable here. Street parking is tight, though, so if you have a car, look for units with dedicated parking.

Apartment moves in Capitol Hill often involve older buildings with narrow stairways and no elevators. Our team at Exquisite Logistics Moving is experienced in navigating these challenges. Check out our apartment moving services for details on how we handle tight-space moves.

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is Denver's premier upscale neighborhood. The Cherry Creek Shopping District features high-end boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, while the Cherry Creek Trail provides a scenic path for running and cycling that connects to downtown. The area feels more polished and quiet compared to the energy of LoDo or RiNo.

This is the most expensive neighborhood on our list, with one-bedroom rentals averaging $2,500 or more per month and median home prices exceeding $1 million. If you value upscale dining, boutique shopping, and a quieter pace while still being close to downtown, Cherry Creek delivers. The neighborhood also has excellent access to I-25 for commuters heading south toward the Denver Tech Center.

Highlands (LoHi and West Highlands)

The Highlands area, which includes LoHi (Lower Highlands) and the West Highlands, is one of Denver's most popular neighborhoods for good reason. LoHi offers stunning skyline views, some of the city's most celebrated restaurants (Linger, Root Down, El Camino Community Tavern), and a mix of renovated bungalows and modern condos.

West Highlands has a more residential feel, with tree-lined streets, local coffee shops, and easy access to Sloan's Lake Park. It is a popular choice for young families who want walkability without the intensity of downtown living. One-bedroom rents average around $2,000, and median home prices in the broader Highlands area sit around $735,000.

The pedestrian bridge connecting LoHi to downtown makes commuting on foot a real option, and the neighborhood has excellent bike infrastructure.

Washington Park

"Wash Park" is Denver's fitness-obsessed, tree-lined neighborhood built around its namesake 165-acre park. The park features two lakes, a recreation center, flower gardens, and miles of paths for running, cycling, and walking. On any given weekend, the park is packed with volleyball games, dog walkers, and kayakers.

The surrounding streets are filled with charming bungalows, local eateries along South Gaylord Street, and a strong sense of community. One-bedroom rents typically range from $1,800 to $2,000. The neighborhood is popular with young professionals and couples who prioritize an active, outdoor lifestyle without giving up easy access to restaurants and nightlife.

Baker

Baker sits just south of downtown along South Broadway, one of Denver's most iconic commercial strips. The street is lined with independent shops, antique stores, taco joints, cocktail bars, and music venues. Baker has an unpretentious, DIY energy that attracts artists, musicians, and creatives.

Rents in Baker are slightly more affordable than many nearby neighborhoods, with one-bedrooms ranging from $1,600 to $1,800. The area is very walkable, with good bus connections and easy bike access to downtown. Median home prices hover around $649,000, making it a more accessible entry point for buyers compared to the Highlands or Cherry Creek.

Five Points

Five Points is one of Denver's most historically significant neighborhoods, known as the "Harlem of the West" for its rich jazz heritage and African American cultural history. Today, the neighborhood blends that heritage with new development, craft breweries, and a growing food scene. Welton Street is the neighborhood's cultural spine, home to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and a growing number of restaurants and shops.

Five Points is seeing significant investment and appreciation, with analysts pointing to it as one of Denver's top growth neighborhoods. One-bedroom rents run between $1,700 and $1,900, and the area offers solid transit connections via the Welton Street light rail corridor. It is an excellent option for anyone who wants to be close to downtown at a slightly lower price point than LoDo or RiNo.

Central Park (Formerly Stapleton)

Central Park is Denver's largest master-planned community, built on the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. The neighborhood features new-construction homes, excellent public schools, multiple pools and recreation centers, and miles of trails and parks. It is one of the top choices for families moving to Denver.

The community has a suburban feel while still being within Denver city limits. The Town Center offers shopping and dining, and the A-Line commuter rail provides direct service to Union Station and Denver International Airport. One-bedroom rents range from $1,800 to $2,100, while single-family homes typically start in the mid $500,000s. If you want new construction, great schools, and a strong neighborhood community, Central Park is hard to beat.

Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Lakewood, Westminster, and Arvada

If you are open to the broader Denver metro area, the suburbs offer more space, lower rents, and (in many cases) top-rated schools. Here is a quick look at the most popular options:

Highlands Ranch

Located about 20 miles south of downtown, Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community known for excellent schools, 70+ miles of trails, and four recreation centers. It is one of the most popular suburbs in Colorado for families. One-bedroom rents average around $1,600, and the median home price sits near $625,000. The commute to downtown takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Aurora

Aurora is Denver's largest suburb and one of the most diverse cities in Colorado. It offers a wide range of housing options at price points lower than central Denver, with one-bedroom rents averaging around $1,400. The city has its own restaurant scene, parks (including the stunning Aurora Reservoir), and is home to the Anschutz Medical Campus. RTD light rail connects parts of Aurora directly to downtown.

Lakewood

Sitting just west of Denver, Lakewood offers quick access to the mountains via Interstate 70 and Highway 6. The city has its own town center with shops and restaurants, and the West Line light rail connects it to downtown Denver. One-bedroom rents average around $1,500, and the area appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

Westminster

North of Denver, Westminster features the redeveloped Downtown Westminster area, Standley Lake, and good access to Boulder via Highway 36. One-bedroom rents average around $1,500, and the B-Line commuter rail connects the area to Union Station. Westminster is a solid pick for people who work in the Boulder-Denver corridor or want a quieter suburban lifestyle.

Arvada

Arvada combines a charming Old Town district with modern suburban living. The G-Line commuter rail connects Olde Town Arvada to Union Station in about 25 minutes. The neighborhood has a strong local food scene, access to Clear Creek Trail for cycling, and one-bedroom rents averaging around $1,500. It is a growing favorite among people who want small-town charm with big-city access.

We serve all of these suburban communities and more. Check our service areas page to confirm coverage for your specific move.