We Denverites take great pride in the history and energy of our neighborhoods, and all 78 of them have something totally unique and wonderful to offer in the way of personality. From the gritty and trendy to the rich and well manicured, there’s a Mile High ‘hood’ that’s just perfect for each and everyone one of us. And luckily, all of them are brimming with innovative eateries, top notch cocktail spots, and independently owned boutiques and shops. Here are just 10 (of the many, many) best places to live in Denver.
1. East Colfax
What Playboy once referred to as "the longest, wickedest street in America," is in fact the longest commercial street in the U.S. and has been around since at least 1868. There are an endless amount of eclectic eateries, dive bars, nightclubs, restaurants, coffee spots, and independently owned shops like Tattered Cover and Twist and Shout Records. Colfax is also a music lovers dream and is home to the famed Fillmore Auditorium, the Ogden and Bluebird theaters, and dark, gritty hole-in-the-wall venues like Lost Lake Lounge. If you're a guy or gal about town, and you like to be on the scene, this is definitely yours.
2. Capitol Hill
Another vibrant, edgy (and slightly dirty) Denver neighborhood that's popular with the bohemian and hipster crowd is Cap Hill. It's the perfect amalgamation of art, culture, and history and is bursting at the seams with museums, galleries, venues, theaters, and stunning mansions and architecture. Cap Hill is the perfect fit for the hip and nitty gritty!
3. LoDo
The rent may be pricey in the historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) district, but just think of all the money you'll save on transportation. LoDo is a wonderfully walkable part of the city that's brimming with hip restaurants, nightclubs, and neighborhood haunts of all sorts. If you like the nightlife and the hustle and bustle of Larimer Square, Union Station, and the 16th Street Mall, you'll be in your element in LoDo.
4. RiNo
RiNo (River North) is simply the epitome of urban charm. This neighborhood has undergone an industrial revival and is now stocked full of historic factories and warehouses turned wineries, distilleries, breweries, galleries, and studios for artisans of all kinds. Art lovers and dreamers unite in this unique, trendy Mile High 'hood' just north of Downtown Denver.
5. South Broadway
SoBo is a one-stop-shop for innovative eateries, fabulous vintage and antique stores, neighborhood bars, music venues, and other locally owned shops and restaurants. Some highlights include Beatrice and Woodsley, Historian's, and The Crown Social. If you want digs in close proximity to plenty of happenings, you'll dig SoBo.
6. Uptown
This hip but quaint neighborhood that was labelled as up-and-coming not too long ago is now certainly a major player. On 17th Avenue from Broadway all the way to City Park is a stretch known as "Restaurant Row," and is home to an abundance of unique food spots, pubs, and bars (most of which have gloriously sunny patios). A few personal favorites are Beast + Bottle, Humboldt, and Ace Eat Serve. And with its close proximity to Downtown, City Park, and Colfax, Uptown is a win, win, win!
7. City Park
Where Uptown ends, City Park begins, and the best feature about this neighborhood is obviously its sprawling namesake park. Just outside your back door, you can enjoy panoramic views of Denver and the surrounding mountains, miles and miles of trails, many notable landmarks, and plenty of leisure and activity. Hot child in the city!
8. Cherry Creek
The tree-lined streets and well manicured homes and yards of Cherry Creek is quite picturesque, but one of the major draws is certainly its unparalleled shopping district. There are over 300 stores, not to mention luxury hotels, great dining, outdoor patios, exercise studios, salons, spas, and more. Cherry Creek can accommodate your any desire.
9. Washington Park
Another jewel of a neighborhood that is family and pedestrian friendly and always very well kept, is Wash Park. The streets are tree-lined, and the homes are charming. South Pearl Street has great boutiques, bars, and local restaurants, as does Old South Gaylord, one of Denver's oldest shopping and dining districts. And, of course, there is the actual park, which is a mecca for runners, bikers, picnickers, and meanderers. (Oh, and geese. Plenty of geese!)
10. Highlands
If you love lush green gardens and parks, fabulous rooftops with panoramic views of the city, and hip, local shops, bars, and eateries, you'll adore the Highlands. Highlands Square, Tennyson Street, and LoHi (Lower Highlands) all have something perfectly unique to offer in the way of innovative restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Highlands is a lovely combination of historic and modern, and it's frankly just plain lovely.
What do you think are the best places to live in Denver and why? Show your neighborhood pride, and let us know in the comments!
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