Best Neighborhoods in Denver, CO, for Every Type of Buyer

by Jamie Gonzalez

Denver sits a mile above sea level with the Rockies on the western horizon, and its neighborhoods range from the high-rises around the Capitol to leafy bungalow streets near City Park and Washington Park. The best one depends on your budget, how much you want to walk to dinner, and whether a short commute or a yard matters more. We scored 45 Denver neighborhoods on Movoto data and public sources so you can compare them side by side.

Key takeaways

Best overall: Cherry Creek (8.3), followed by Congress Park, University, Speer, and Country Club.
Best for commuters: University, with University Park and Speer next.
Best for families: City Park, then North Park Hill and Congress Park.
Best for young professionals: Speer, Cherry Creek, and Capitol Hill.
Best value: Speer, Congress Park, and East Colfax.
Best for luxury buyers: Country Club, Cherry Creek, and Cory Merrill.
Best for pet owners: Capitol Hill, Speer, and Cheesman Park.

How we ranked Denver’s neighborhoods

Each neighborhood received a 0 to 10 score on affordability, price appreciation, school quality, safety, walkability, food and dining, kid-friendliness, and commute time. Movoto supplied the walk, food, kid, and pet scores, prices, and GreatSchools ratings. We added offense reports from the Denver Police Department’s open data, commute times from the American Community Survey, and 2025 appreciation from FHFA ZIP-code price indexes. Each “best for” list reweights those scores for that audience, and the score beside each neighborhood is its score for that list. Full methodology is at the end.

Not sure what fits your budget? Movoto’s home affordability guide and calculator can help you estimate a price range before you start comparing neighborhoods.

Best Denver neighborhoods overall

1. Cherry Creek (score 8.3)

Median price: $1.15M | Walk score: 84 | Average school rating: 9.0/10

Top-rated schools, a walkable shopping and dining district, and the strongest appreciation in our data.

Cherry Creek is known for the shops and restaurants of Cherry Creek North, the Cherry Creek Trail along the creek, and a mix of condos and single-family homes. Its schools are among the best-rated in our set, and its ZIP code’s home prices rose about 4% in 2025, the highest among the neighborhoods we scored. It is also one of the pricier neighborhoods in the city.

Ready to look? Browse homes for sale in Cherry Creek or see Cherry Creek market trends.

2. Congress Park (score 7.8)

Median price: $640K | Walk score: 76 | Average school rating: 9.0/10

Excellent schools and a walkable setting at roughly half Cherry Creek’s price.

Congress Park is a residential neighborhood of brick bungalows and tree-lined streets between Cheesman Park and Cherry Creek, with the restaurants and shops of Colfax and the Cherry Creek area close by. Schools rate 9.0 on average, and crime is moderate. At a median around $640,000, Movoto’s guide to what kind of house you can buy with $600K shows how far that budget goes in other markets.

Want strong schools without the Cherry Creek price? See homes for sale in Congress Park or Congress Park market trends.

3. University (score 7.6)

Median price: $725K | Walk score: 76 | Average commute: about 23 minutes

The shortest commute in our data, near the University of Denver.

University is a neighborhood of single-family homes around the University of Denver campus, with low crime and a walkable commercial strip. The commute is the shortest among the neighborhoods we scored.

Explore homes for sale in University or University market trends.

4. Speer (score 7.5)

Median price: $325K | Walk score: 81 | Food score: 97

The most affordable of the walkable top picks, a short trip from downtown.

Speer is a dense neighborhood along Speer Boulevard and Cherry Creek, with a mix of apartments, condos, and historic homes and easy access to downtown, Cherry Creek, and the creek’s trails. The median price is low because condos make up much of the inventory. At that level, see what a $300K budget can buy, and the guide to the income needed for a $300K home covers the qualification side.

Ready to live near downtown? Browse homes for sale in Speer and Speer market trends.

5. Country Club (score 7.4)

Median price: $2.0M | Walk score: 82 | Average school rating: 9.0/10

A historic, high-end neighborhood with strong schools and walkable amenities.

Country Club is one of Denver’s oldest upscale neighborhoods, with large historic homes near Cherry Creek’s shops and restaurants and Cheesman Park. Schools rate 9.0, and it shares the same strong ZIP-level appreciation as Cherry Creek.

See homes for sale in Country Club or Country Club market trends.

Best neighborhoods in Denver for commuters

Weighted toward commute time, then walkability and safety.

Traffic on I-25 and I-70 can add up, so living close to downtown or the Denver Tech Center corridor helps. The neighborhoods below have the shortest average travel times in our data, between 22 and 25 minutes.

1. University (score 8.8)

Median price: $725K | Average commute: about 23 minutes

The shortest commute and low crime, near I-25.

University is close to I-25 and the Denver Tech Center corridor, and many residents work at the university or nearby. The neighborhood is walkable and quiet.

Want a short drive to work? Browse homes for sale in University and University market trends.

2. University Park (score 8.5)

Median price: $849K | Average commute: about 22 minutes

Another short commute, with a walk score of 71.

University Park is next to the University of Denver and has single-family homes, cafes, and good access to I-25. Crime is a little higher than in neighboring University.

See homes for sale in University Park or University Park market trends.

3. Speer (score 8.4)

Median price: $325K | Average commute: about 24 minutes

Walkable to downtown, with quick access to the interstate.

Speer sits between downtown and Cherry Creek, so many residents can walk, bike, or take a short drive to work. The area has plenty of rentals and condos.

Explore homes for sale in Speer and Speer market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Capitol Hill (score 7.9) and Cherry Creek (score 7.9)

Capitol Hill is walkable to downtown and the Capitol, and Cherry Creek has a short commute with top schools. See homes for sale in Capitol Hill or homes for sale in Cherry Creek.

Best neighborhoods in Denver for schools and families

Weighted toward school ratings, safety, and kid-friendliness. Neighborhoods without GreatSchools ratings are not ranked.

1. City Park (score 7.4)

Median price: $649K | Average school rating: 9.0/10 | Kid score: 63

Top-rated schools next to Denver’s biggest park.

City Park is home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, plus lakes, playgrounds, and paths that families use all year. Schools rate 9.0 on average, and the neighborhood is walkable.

Ready for a neighborhood built around a park? Browse homes for sale in City Park or see City Park market trends.

2. North Park Hill (score 7.3)

Median price: $699K | Kid score: 90 | Crime: among the lowest in our set

The highest kid score among the top picks, with low crime.

North Park Hill has larger lots, tree-lined streets, and a calm residential feel in northeast Denver. School ratings are more modest than in City Park, but the neighborhood’s kid score and crime figures are strong.

See homes for sale in North Park Hill or North Park Hill market trends.

3. Congress Park (score 7.3)

Median price: $640K | Average school rating: 9.0/10

Top-rated schools and a walkable setting close to Cheesman Park.

Congress Park has brick bungalows, local parks, and the shops and restaurants of Colfax and Cherry Creek nearby.

Explore homes for sale in Congress Park and Congress Park market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Park Hill (score 7.2), Cheesman Park (score 7.1), and Cherry Creek (score 7.0)

Park Hill has a kid score of 90 and tree-lined streets, Cheesman Park has schools rated 9.0 and a walk score of 80, and Cherry Creek has the same 9.0 school average. See homes for sale in Park Hill, homes for sale in Cheesman Park, or homes for sale in Cherry Creek.

Best neighborhoods in Denver for young professionals

Weighted toward walkability, dining, commute, and affordability.

If your weekends involve brunch, breweries, and trails, these neighborhoods put the most within reach.

1. Speer (score 9.1)

Median price: $325K | Walk score: 81 | Food score: 97

The best mix of walkability, dining, and price in the city.

Speer is close to downtown, Cherry Creek, and the Cherry Creek Trail, with a large supply of condos and apartments at lower prices than most walkable neighborhoods. It scores 9.1 for young professionals, the highest of any list in this article.

Ready to be close to it all? Browse homes for sale in Speer and Speer market trends.

2. Cherry Creek (score 8.3)

Median price: $1.15M | Walk score: 84 | Food score: 97

A walkable district of boutiques, restaurants, and trails.

Cherry Creek North has some of the city’s best-known dining and shopping, and the creek trail connects to downtown. It is pricey, but condos offer an entry point.

See homes for sale in Cherry Creek or Cherry Creek market trends.

3. Capitol Hill (score 8.1)

Median price: $295K | Walk score: 91 | Food score: 96

The highest walk score among the top picks, and the lowest median price.

Capitol Hill is a dense neighborhood near the State Capitol, with Colfax Avenue’s restaurants and bars, Cheesman Park, and downtown within reach. Most of the housing is condos and apartments. Crime per resident is higher than in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Explore homes for sale in Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Cheesman Park (score 7.8), Five Points (score 7.5), and University Park (score 7.5)

Cheesman Park combines an 80 walk score with a park setting, Five Points has an 88 walk score and a median of $510K, and University Park has a short commute. See homes for sale in Cheesman Park, homes for sale in Five Points, or homes for sale in University Park.

Best value neighborhoods in Denver

Weighted toward affordability, appreciation, and amenities per dollar.

Denver is expensive, so value means finding walkability, safety, and decent schools at a lower price.

1. Speer (score 8.3)

Median price: $325K | Walk score: 81

A walkable, central location at a low median price.

Speer offers condos and townhomes close to downtown and Cherry Creek for far less than the surrounding neighborhoods. Appreciation in its ZIP code was slightly negative in 2025.

Ready to buy near downtown for less? Browse homes for sale in Speer or Speer market trends.

2. Congress Park (score 8.3)

Median price: $640K | 2025 appreciation: 4.1%

Top-rated schools and the strongest ZIP-level appreciation in the city.

Congress Park pairs 9.0-rated schools with a walkable setting and a price well below Cherry Creek’s.

See homes for sale in Congress Park and Congress Park market trends.

3. East Colfax (score 8.0)

Median price: $428K | Walk score: 63 | School rating: 6.7/10

A median under $430K, with a kid score of 72 and positive appreciation.

East Colfax offers a lower price along the Colfax corridor, with schools that average 6.7 and a short drive to downtown. Crime per resident is moderate.

Explore homes for sale in East Colfax or East Colfax market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Washington Virginia Vale (score 7.9) and Westwood (score 7.8)

Washington Virginia Vale has a median of $450K and a kid score of 72, and Westwood has a median of $390K with a kid score of 97. See homes for sale in Washington Virginia Vale or homes for sale in Westwood.

Best luxury neighborhoods in Denver

Neighborhoods qualified if the median price was at least $1 million, or $550 per square foot and $750,000 or more. Eight met the threshold.

A million dollars goes a long way in some markets and less in others. Movoto’s guide to what kind of house you can buy with $1 million compares the budget across major cities, and the income needed for a $1 million home covers the qualification side.

1. Country Club (score 9.5)

Median price: $2.0M | Average school rating: 9.0/10

Historic estates, top-rated schools, and a walkable location.

Country Club is one of Denver’s oldest upscale neighborhoods, with large homes and mature trees close to Cherry Creek’s shops and restaurants. It scores highest for luxury because it combines high prices with excellent schools and a high walk score.

Ready for a historic address? Browse homes for sale in Country Club and Country Club market trends.

2. Cherry Creek (score 9.5)

Median price: $1.15M | Median price per sq ft: $545

Walkable luxury with top schools and strong appreciation.

Cherry Creek mixes luxury condos with single-family homes, and the district’s shops, galleries, and restaurants are on the doorstep.

See homes for sale in Cherry Creek or Cherry Creek market trends.

3. Cory Merrill (score 7.7)

Median price: $1.15M | Average school rating: 7.7/10

Quiet streets, moderate crime, and a median around $1.15 million.

Cory Merrill offers large lots and mature trees in a residential setting south of Cherry Creek, with a walk score of 71.

Explore homes for sale in Cory Merrill and Cory Merrill market trends.

4. Honorable mention: Platt Park (score 7.6), Washington Park (score 7.6), and Belcaro (score 7.3)

Platt Park has South Pearl Street’s shops and restaurants at $555 per square foot, Washington Park is built around the park and its lakes, and Belcaro offers $1.65M estates. See homes for sale in Platt Park, homes for sale in Washington Park, or homes for sale in Belcaro.

Best neighborhoods in Denver for pet owners

Weighted toward the Movoto pet score, walkability, safety, and dog-friendly amenities. Tree cover was not available for Denver, so it is not included.

1. Capitol Hill (score 9.1)

Pet score: 100 | Walk score: 91

A perfect pet score and the highest walk score among the top picks.

Capitol Hill has Cheesman Park and Civic Center Park close by, plus many restaurants with patios.

Ready to bring your dog along? Browse homes for sale in Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill market trends.

2. Speer (score 9.1)

Pet score: 100 | Walk score: 81

Creekside trails and a low median price.

Speer is next to the Cherry Creek Trail and has many dog-friendly patios and parks within walking distance.

See homes for sale in Speer or Speer market trends.

3. Cheesman Park (score 8.9)

Pet score: 100 | Walk score: 80

A large park at your doorstep.

Cheesman Park is named for the large park at its center, with open lawns and paths and a dense mix of condos and historic homes around it.

Explore homes for sale in Cheesman Park and Cheesman Park market trends.

4. Honorable mention: University (score 8.9), Congress Park (score 8.7), and Cherry Creek (score 8.7)

University has low crime and a pet score of 100, Congress Park has quiet streets, and Cherry Creek has creekside trails. See homes for sale in University, homes for sale in Congress Park, or homes for sale in Cherry Creek.

Best historic neighborhoods in Denver (editorial pick)

This section is editorial and not part of the scoring.

1. Country Club

One of Denver’s oldest upscale neighborhoods, with large historic homes.

Country Club has early-1900s mansions and a historic district designation, with Cherry Creek’s shops and restaurants nearby. Browse homes for sale in Country Club.

2. Capitol Hill

A dense historic neighborhood near the State Capitol.

Capitol Hill has Victorian mansions, apartment buildings, and Colfax Avenue’s restaurants and venues. See homes for sale in Capitol Hill.

3. Five Points

A neighborhood with a long history as a center of Black culture and jazz in Denver.

Five Points is home to Welton Street’s historic jazz venues, and it is close to downtown and the River North area. Browse homes for sale in Five Points.

4. Park Hill

A neighborhood of early-1900s homes on tree-lined streets in northeast Denver.

Park Hill has a mix of bungalows and larger homes, many on wide, shaded streets. See homes for sale in Park Hill.

Bottom line

Cherry Creek is Denver’s best overall neighborhood in our data, with Congress Park offering similar schools at a lower price. Commuters should look at University and University Park, young professionals at Speer and Capitol Hill, and luxury buyers at Country Club and Cherry Creek. Always check current listings, flood zones, and school assignments before you buy.

Methodology and data notes

We scored 45 neighborhoods from 0 to 10 on each criterion using min-max normalization, with price, crime, and commute inverted so lower is better. The overall score weights affordability 15%, appreciation 10%, schools 15%, safety 15%, walkability 15%, food 15%, kid-friendliness 5%, and commute 10%. Each category list reweights these inputs.

Movoto data: walk, food, kid, and pet scores, GreatSchools ratings (up to three non-private schools listed on each neighborhood page), and market trends (median price, price per square foot, days on market, active listings).
Neighborhood boundaries: Movoto’s neighborhood pages do not publish boundaries. For crime, population, and commute we used a one-mile circle around each neighborhood’s center point, so neighboring areas overlap and values are approximate.
Crime: criminal offenses in the Denver Police Department’s open data (traffic offenses excluded), covering the most recent 365 days, within one mile of each center, divided by 2020 Census population in that circle. Rates run high in Capitol Hill, Five Points, and other neighborhoods near downtown because of commercial activity and visitors.
Commute: average travel time to work estimated from American Community Survey block-group data inside the same circle.
Appreciation: 2025 annual change in the FHFA house price index for the ZIP code containing each neighborhood’s center. Several neighborhoods share ZIP codes, so their figures are identical, and ZIP 80206 (Cherry Creek, Congress Park, and Country Club) has the highest 2025 gain, which lifts all three.
Prices: medians come from Movoto’s market-trends pages. Capitol Hill, Speer, and Cheesman Park are dominated by condos, which pulls their medians below those of nearby single-family neighborhoods, and several medians come from small samples with large year-over-year swings.
Left out: Marston, Fort Logan, Bear Valley, Regis, Hampden, Hampden South, Southmoor Park, and Indian Creek were excluded because their one-mile circles extend into neighboring suburbs outside the Denver Police Department’s data, which understates crime.