Denver is known as the Mile High City because of its elevation being a mile above sea level. Home to dynamic attractions, sports teams and a diverse array of outdoor recreation, this Colorado capital is a perfect spot to call home.
Start living a great life in a rewarding city sure to keep you active, entertained and satisfied. With modern conveniences and amenities at your fingertips, life in Denver is everything you hope it will be.
Close to wide open spaces allowing you a respite from the hustle and bustle if you choose, Denver offers a relaxed and fun vibe. Denver winters can be cold, but they offer a vast opportunity to enjoy skating, skiing, snow play and more. The spring brings new life with snow melts, beautiful blossoms and the promise of warm months to come. The summer is a great time for exploration from fishing to water sports to hiking and more.
The fall foliage is a stunner. Culture and the arts are part of the Denver experience with outstanding entertainment, art galleries, museums and more! Making your home in Denver will have you be the envy of your friends and family!
Denver Area Communities
You can live in an exciting townhome community in Denver.
Downtown Denver
LoDo (Lower Downtown), RINO (River North) and Larimer Square are popular areas near downtown. From walkable neighborhoods to urban condos, style and convenience await you!
Southern Denver
Neighborhoods like University Hills, University Park, Virginia Village, Overland and Washington Park are some highly coveted areas with great amenities and friendly neighbors.
Commerce City
Looking for new construction close to Denver? Commerce City is on the outskirts of Denver offering an array of new homes sure to fit any family.
Northeastern Denver
You’ll find two popular residential neighborhoods in this area of town away from the trappings of big city feel with single family and attached homes. Stapleton and Northfield residents enjoy relaxed living with great amenities.
Northwestern Denver
Modern single family dwellings put you in the thick of the action of Northwestern Denver with neighborhoods like Highland and Berkley. Beautiful homes come with great schools and nearby amenities.
Aurora
With low-maintenance new construction condos, Aurora looks quite appealing. Commuters prefer this area with its ease of major thoroughfares and the Aurora Metro Center for light rail.
Centennial
Close to Cherry Creek State Park this city offers everything from condos to large homes. With a median home price closer to $330,000 finding an affordable home in the 15th safest city in the U.S. is promising.
Littleton
Littleton is a family friendly suburb experiencing rapid growth due to its great options and home appreciation. Making an investment here is an investment in your future with beautiful green space and a welcoming community. RTD light rail makes Denver an easy commute.
Indian Creek
Indian Creek is just far enough removed from Denver to feel much more like a suburb. Enjoy quiet single-family homes on inviting residential streets in this friendly suburb.
Top Denver School Districts
Your children will thrive in Austin’s fantastic schools.
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Denver Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Colorado, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Cherry Creek School District
Students Served: 54,695
School Breakdown: 44 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and 8 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Cherry Creek, Chapparal, Piney Creek Ranches, Foxfield
Boulder Valley School District
Students Served: 31,247
School Breakdown: 36 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, and 13 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Ward, Tolland, Rollinsville, Superior, Nederland, Lake Shore Park, Saint Anton Highlands, Sunset, Silver Springs, Sugarloaf, Mountain Meadows, Wheelman, Magnolia, Ordell, Iris Ave, Seven Hills, Pine Brook Hills
Littleton Public Schools
Students Served: 15,780
School Breakdown: 15 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Part of Littleton, Greenwood Village, Southglenn, Bow Mar
Douglas County School District No. RE-1
Students Served: 66,896
School Breakdown: 65 elementary schools, 27 middle schools, and 17 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 20
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Douglas County
Jefferson County School District No. R-1
Students Served: 86,708
School Breakdown: 115 elementary schools, 46 middle schools, and 38 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Evergreen, Jefferson County
St. Vrain Valley School District
Students Served: 31,776
School Breakdown: 32 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 12 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Below state averages
Communities Served: Idaho Creek, Puritan, Jessum, Rinn, Liberty, Pleasant View Ridge, Dacono, Firestone, Noland, Riverside, Raymond, Balarat, Peaceful Valley, Highland, Highland Lake, Morey
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Students Served: 39,287
School Breakdown: 37 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, and 10 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 20
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Thornton, parts of Broomfield
Denver Public Schools
Students Served: 90,234
School Breakdown: 111 elementary schools, 68 middle schools, and 59 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 15
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
Communities Served: The city of Denver
Elbert County School District No. C-1
Students Served: 3,079
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
Communities Served: The city of Elizabeth
Top Employers in Denver
Denver is a high tech hub.
Health, education, and banking bolster Denver’s thriving economy.
Denver Health
Denver Health serves almost a third of the people of Denver by providing top notch healthcare, and by being the largest employer in the area.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is another major healthcare provider that employs a large number of Denver residents that work in the medical sector.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo brings a number of jobs in the finance sector to the Denver Area, bolstering the economy and providing work.
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Children’s Hospital Colorado has numerous locations throughout Denver, including a large, centrally located campus. It employs over 5,000 people in the Denver Area.
Aurora Public Schools
Aurora Public Schools has 65 schools in the district providing a quality learning experience to all students, and career opportunities for people who want to work in the education sector.
Denver Area Museums
Explore Denver’s historic architecture.
Denver Art Museums
The Denver Art Museum, one of the largest and most popular museum in Denver, hosts a great eclectic collection found in two buildings. From Degas to original costumes from Star Wars movies there are great exhibits sure to keep you engaged.
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
Find this sports museum inside the Mile High Stadium. See artifacts, history, inductee information and more. Free admission makes this an absolute must for sports fans.
Denver Firefighters Museum
This inspirational museum showcases over 100 years of artifacts and exhibits demonstrating tools, gear and procedures used by firefighters. Found in Station Number One, the Denver Firefighters Museum lets you see what life is like for firefighters.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
From a planetarium to a huge dinosaur skeleton that greets you in the lobby, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has amazing exhibits.
Forney Museum of Transportation
The Forney Museum of Transportation’s collection of vehicles here includes planes, trains and automobiles for a start. Throw in some buggies, motorcycles, bikes and fire trucks. You can even view a Denver cable car.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Denver has outdone itself with this great aviation museum found inside airplane hangars at a former Air Force base. See everything from military uniforms to massive planes. Take the role of pilot on the flight simulators!
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s collection is as interesting as its architecture. Rotating modern art exhibits are thought-provoking. After an afternoon taking in some culture enjoy the rooftop café with gorgeous mountain views and coffees.
Great Parks in the Denver Area
Do some yoga in one of Denver’s beautiful parks.
City Park
Close to the zoo this great green space is filled with league play of flag football and soccer. The fish are biting at the two ponds. Join the community for fun festivals at this welcoming park.
Sloan’s Lake Park
Water recreation is on the schedule at the largest Denver city park. Sloan’s Lake Park is abuzz with fishermen, boaters and jet skiers enjoying this beautiful lake. Take in gorgeous Front Range views and stay active walking the whole lake.
Central Park
Front Range views are at the top of the list at this park. With 80 acres of green space it’s easy to relax, enjoy the playgrounds, picnic and more. Bring the bikes for an easy ride. The rolling hills make for fun sledding in the winter.
Berkeley Park
Denver enjoys another great park with a lake. Take in the relaxation with the lakeside trail. Be sure to bring Fido to his own little dog park.
Civic Center Park
When you’re ready to festival, Civic Center Park is the place to go. Denver knows how to enjoy a celebration over a common theme from music to food to holidays. This is the perfect spot to take a break after enjoying the art and history of downtown.
Cherry Creek State Park
Just 15 miles from Denver is a beautiful state park full of prairie, wetland environment and a reservoir. Camp, boat, paddleboard, swim, hike and more in this natural Colorado environment.
Denver Sports Teams
You Can Root On (Or Pretend You Don’t Care About)
Watch a game at the Mile High Stadium.
The Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth, Denver Outlaws and Denver Barbarians all make their home in this area.
Yes, that’s right. Denver is home to many professional sports teams representing football, hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby.
Spend your time at Mile High Stadium, Coors Field or at one of the many sports bars in the area. Denver fans are seen sporting navy blue, orange and white during football season. They roll right into their purple, silver, black and white fan gear for baseball season. You can also get in on some college sports action with nearby University of Colorado and the University of Denver.
No matter your sport, Denver has you covered with its wide array of great teams working their talent and skills for the fans!
Living in Denver
Live a life you love in Denver!
Denver is a popular place to call home. his beautiful city has a higher cost of living predominantly due to the housing market. Denver residents are more than willing to pay a little extra to live in a city full of great beauty and attractions.
Groceries, healthcare, utilities and transportation costs are on par with the rest of the nation. Denver has a strong economy and low unemployment rate. Abundant jobs provide opportunity for new residents.
Denver takes pride in its outstanding healthcare services and clean and safe city. Commuting here can be lengthy due to traffic and weather conditions. Denver residents rely primarily on their own vehicles but there is easy mass transit including both bus and rail transit services. Living the Colorado dream in Denver is well worth the challenges with its high quality of life.
What price can you put on fresh mountain air and stunning views?
Denver Housing Trends
From master-planned communities to urban lofts, the housing options continue to impress in Denver. This hot market means you need to act quickly when you find the perfect fit. If you do your homework, you’ll find a home at a price point you’re comfortable with allowing you to enjoy all Denver has to offer!
Median Home Price: $426,200
You’ll find a variety of homes in nearby suburbs. New construction homes on large lots as well as premium condos with low-maintenance are popular choices. Suburbs offer more for your dollar with a commuting trade off.
Growing Communities in Central Denver
Don’t miss out on any of the fun that Downtown Denver has to offer! Unlike unicorns, new home communities in Central Denver actually exist, making the possibility of the exciting urban lifestyle you always dreamed about something that can happen. Communities like Lincoln Park and Twelve Neighborhoods feature beautiful new construction homes in this vibrant part of town.
Growing Communities in East Denver
East Denver has the best of all possible worlds: short commutes, thriving neighborhoods, and well rated schools. This fun suburb of the Mile High City has something for everyone ranging from families, to young professionals, to retirees.
Aurora is one of the larger towns in East Denver with new construction home available for sale. In communities like East Creek and Stapleton, you can make your dream home a reality.
Growing Communities in South Denver
Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree make up some of the fantastic towns in South Denver. These neighborhoods have some of the best school districts in the Denver Area, making them a great fit for growing families looking to put down roots in comfortable new home communities like Central Park, Highline, and Meridian Village.
Growing Communities in Arvada
Arvada is one of the hottest cities in the Denver Area. This North Denver town is so much more than a commuter city; its funky culture the best in craft beer, beautiful scenery, and exciting events.
When you build your new home in one of Arvada’s new home communities, like Haskins Station and West Ridge, you get to live in such a fun suburb, you won’t even miss the hustle and bustle of the Mile High City!
For a closer look at Denver communities, check out our article on the best suburbs in the area.
Amazing Denver Restaurants
Denver knows no bounds when it comes to flavorful dining. With chef-inspired upscale dining to hole in the wall favorites, Denver residents have great options for dining out. Having popular mainstays and new progressive restaurants, eating out can be a fun adventure.
Buckhorn Exchange
This Denver restaurant is proud to be the oldest with its Old West theme complete with abundant taxidermy on the walls. Home to the first liquor license in the state, patrons have included five former presidents and several celebrities.
Grandpa’s Burger Haven
Looking for the best burger in the city? Grandpa’s Burger Haven delivers. This old style grab and go window hands you a white bag filled with your amazing burger. No frills but all the flavor at this hamburger stand!
Uncle
Uncle’s is a flavor-infused restaurant specializing in spicy chicken ramen, fried mushrooms, and a unique shrimp cocktail. This popular restaurant is adding new and progressive items to its menu sure to please!
Owlbear
There is barbecue outside the state of Texas, and Owlbear is one of the great Denver locales! Buy your smoked meat by the half pound or sandwich. This popular spot sells out quickly!
Maine Shack
Find some coastal dining with fabulous seafood including lobster rolls and clam dip. With a coastal décor including lobster traps, you’ll feel like you’re at the coast enjoying the fresh offerings of surf & turf.
Linger
Truly an interesting experience to eat at a themed restaurant built in an old mortuary. Select your drinks from toe tags and eat on a gurney table. This restaurant takes a morbid setting and gives it a fun spin including a rooftop lounge!
Roxy on Broadway
This great restaurant has nightly entertainment from open mic to live music. Enjoy truffle fries, pastrami sliders and simple yet tasty cocktails sure to create an enjoyable night!
Mile High City Sliders
You will follow this food truck to every corner of the city once you try the delicious patties from classic to the jalapeno popper. This food truck knows how to satisfy a burger craving.
City Donuts
For an absolutely decadent tasting donut, don’t miss out on City Donuts. Colfax is home to yeast-risen donuts, fritters and pastries that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Masterpiece Deli
Looking for a creative offering between two pieces of bread? From ahi tuna to a classic Reuben, Masterpiece Deli has your mouth watering. With large portions and tasty sides this is a treat!
Ace Eat Serve
Combine table tennis, amazing cocktails and fabulous food and you’ve scored a creative fun restaurant. Who knew ping pong and Peking duck would be such a great combination?
Work & Class
This fun and funky restaurant is found serving family-style food in recycled shipping containers. Bold flavors come alive nightly with two great business partners creating the menu with flairs of the South combined with northern Mexico.
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
More than your average hot dog, the varied dogs here include wild game and specialty sausages. To think this all started from a hot dog cart using Coca-Cola braised onions and cream cheese topping on wieners.
Bastien’s
This restaurant has been in action since 1958. Sugar steak comes two ways, rare or medium rare. Add a dirty martini and enjoy the atmosphere of this Denver institution.
El Taco de Mexico
Green chile is big in Denver dining. El Taco de Mexico masterfully uses green chiles in their recipes. Counter service and to-go food make getting your chile fix easy. From breakfast to enchiladas, get ready to fill your stomach with delicious food!
Safta
Safta is an inspired Mediterranean restaurant by New Orleans chef Alon Shaya. Named for the Hebrew word meaning “grandmother” you will sample food fueled by the chef’s grandmother. Try wood-fired pita, hummus, kebabs, falafel and matzah ball soup to die for in this new eatery.
Post Oak BBQ
Texas made it up north in the delicious barbecue style seen at Post Oak. Named for the wood they smoke their meats on, Post Oak BBQ offers their delicious meat in tacos, sandwiches and more.
Domo
Find Japanese fare in this restaurant with a fantasy feel. The traditional farmhouse is infused with Japanese influence and artifact along with a gorgeous Japanese garden outside.
Great Attractions for Denver Stay-cations
The Denver Zoo
This welcoming zoo is on 80 acres in City Park. As one of the largest attractions in the city, the Denver Zoo delivers a great experience with animal exhibits and conservation efforts. Be sure to take time at the holidays to see Zoo Lights, a stunning winter wonderland. The kids will love breakfast with Santa or bunking with the beasts overnight on New Year’s Eve. Other great events go on year-round at this fabulous Denver attraction.
US Mint
This is a fun outing. You won’t believe the efforts that go into producing our money. The Denver Mint has been producing coins since 1906. Being only one of four branches in the United States, Denver offers an educational tour that you will find enlightening. See the process and measures put in place to produce coins and commemorative coins.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Red Rocks is truly a beautiful natural area just 10 miles west of Denver. You see amazing concerts in a stunning park. The rocks are truly red as a natural phenomenon where the plains transition to the Rocky Mountains. Spend some time on a guided tour, listening to music, hiking, biking and more at this Colorado jewel!
Denver Botanic Gardens
These gorgeous gardens showcase some serious efforts in conservation of natural habitats. The tropical biosphere is always in bloom. The Japanese garden is serene and peaceful with pools and lily pads. With over 50 gardens including a children’s garden along with the interactive Science Pyramid, you can enjoy hours at this Denver attraction.
Colorado State Capitol
Denver is the proud capital of Colorado and its capitol building is a stunner. This white granite building opened in 1894, topped with a gold dome that pays homage to the Colorado Gold Rush including real gold leaf, this building is a great place to tour. The views from the dome are impressive.
Different Perspective
See majestic mountain views and a bird’s eye view of this fabulous area from a hot air balloon. Glide in the skies seeing fields, mountains, streams and more. The ascent and descent are surreal where you feel as though you are floating in space.
Winter Recreation
Denver is close to great ski resorts for snow skiers and snowboarders. Some excellent spots for snow include Aspen, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Eldora Mountain and Echo Mountain. Most of these spots are within an hour to an hour and a half from Denver. Get your gear and hit the slopes for a great close getaway!
Day Trip to the Rocky Mountains
Colorado is all about the outdoor experience. Snow-capped peaks aren’t just for skiing. Hikers love communing with nature in the fresh air. Bring a picnic and stop by a cascading stream. Spot some mountain goats or capture some amazing photos on a relaxing hike.
Hot Springs
Take a scenic drive and soothe your muscles at the various hot springs found in the area. Just 30 miles to the west is the family friendly Indian Hot Springs at a pool fed by hot mineral water at 115 degrees. Princeton Hot Springs in Buena Vista offers various soaking options and features a historic bath house and water slides as well as an adult only pool.
Shopping
Larimer is a quaint shopping destination in Denver
Denver has great retail therapy options. From funky vintage finds to antiques to luxury brands, Denver has what you’re looking for.
Cherry Creek North & Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Anchor stores like Neiman Marcos, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the upscale luxury stores available a few minutes from downtown Denver. With shops, spas, home stores and more you can shop to your heart’s content. This is the Rodeo Drive of Colorado full of luxury boutiques, art galleries, salons and spas.
16th Street Mall
This relaxing pedestrian friendly promenade in Downtown Denver is a great way to find specialty shops and dining. Made up of several streets, the people watching here is fun. Street performers keep you entertained as you stroll through the various stores.
Stop at an outdoor café or take in a movie while in the area. Best of all some great breweries will reward you with a refreshing beverage when you’re done shopping. The convenient hop on/hop off RTD Mall Bus makes it easy to navigate this shopping district.
Union Station
This 100 year old landmark in downtown Denver is truly a mecca for shoppers, diners and travelers. This eclectic gathering space features souvenirs, books, gifts and more in its charming shops. The architecture of the building will have you in awe. Now home to a hotel and lively restaurants, this is a fun spot to enjoy a local adventure. Savor an ice cream cone and even play some free shuffleboard.
Larimer Square
This historic district saw many firsts for the city including a bookstore, theater and post office. Today, leisurely enjoy specialty shops selling wares from local artisans.
The charm and quaint feel make this a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the mall. Larimer Square is also home to abundant restaurants from bistros to wine bars. You can also catch a great comedy show as well!
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Denver.
Denver is a very diverse city, and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
Denver Community Church
The Denver Community Church has an iconic worship space, with beautiful stained glass windows that feature contemporary and classic designs.
Rocky Mountain Islamic Center
The Rocky Mountain Islamic Center serves Muslims in Lakewood. It offers daily prayers, the Friday Khutbu at 12:30, and a range of community events.
East Denver Orthodox Synagogue
The East Denver Orthodox Synagogue serves as the backbone of the Denver Orthodox Commuinty. It offers minyanim three times a day, shiurim, social programs, and youth programming.
Denver Buddhist Temple
The Denver Buddhist Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple from the Pure Land school of Mahayana Buddhism.
Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies
The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies seeks to obtain authentic understanding of the rich heritage of Hindu religious traditions.
Rodef Shalom
Rodef Shalom is the one of the oldest Conservative synagogue in the Denver Area. It seeks to build a community where all Jews come together as a single body of believers.
Downtown Denver Islamic Center
The Downtown Denver Islamic Center is a gathering place for a diverse and dynamic commuinty of Muslims in Denver. It also has an open center for people of all faiths.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The Radha Krishna Temple is part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Denver. It offers a range of open community events.
Zen Center of Denver
The Zen Center of Denver offers practice and training in Zen Buddhism, in addition to open meditation classes.
Christ Church Denver
Christ Church Denver is a welcoming community of believers that seeks to build a living faith and life together.
Other Colorado Resources
Top 10 Affordable Cities in Colorado
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Colorado in 2021
2021 Overview of Closing Costs in Colorado
10 Popular Master Planned Communities in Denver
Top Master Planned Communities in Colorado Springs
2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Colorado Springs
Home Builders in Leadville, Colorado
Home Builders in Salida, Colorado
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Colorado
Here are the Best Suburbs Near Denver, Colorado
Top 10 Safest Cities in Colorado
Moving To Denver? This Relocation Guide Will Help
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.
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