Denver neighborhoods continue to evolve and resonate a certain charm and are the framework that make up our unique city. Older established areas continue to exude a timeless appeal while other lesser traveled neighborhoods attract people with a modern vibe and energy. Finding your dream neighborhood depends on a variety of attributes you find most important in an area. Before you buy or rent a home in Denver, read our guide and learn some tips to find your dream neighborhood!
There are a number of factors to consider when searching for the perfect neighborhood. Before you go on any tours, consider the following and make notes of what you prefer in regards to:
Architectural Style
When you visualize your dream home, what do you see? Is it modern and sleek, a cozy bungalow or a more stately Victorian style? Do you want split level, two stories, or do you want to keep it all on one main level? When it comes to Denver architecture, the possibilities are as unique as your personal vision.
Or, maybe you don’t have anything in mind yet and are looking for some inspiration. Read our article on the 10 most popular home styles in Denver. Your Usaj Realty broker will be able to tell you what neighborhoods are more likely to have the style that most appeals to you. For example, if you are looking for an early 20th Century bungalow, your Usaj Realty broker will show you properties in Washington Park, Berkeley, Congress Park and West Highland neighborhoods.
The Schools
Being in a great school district can be critical to the resale value of your home even if you don’t have children. According to the National Association of Realtors, “Buyers’ [aged] 22 to40 home choices are driven by their convenience to job, but also the quality and convenience of school districts.” Your Usaj Realty broker will help you discover how the schools rank and if they are helping or hurting the value of the home.
On the flip side of this, if you are renting and don’t have any school-aged children, being located in a great school district may unnecessarily add to the price tag of your rental agreement.
Amenities
Local amenities add to a neighborhood’s charm and the quality of life for its residents. Whether it’s a park, tennis courts, library, dog park, bike trail, restaurant or coffee shop, a neighborhood’s features provide activities to do outside the home. For example, if you love golf, City Park or City Park West are definitely neighborhoods to check out. Finding a neighborhood that offers resources and facilities that meet your needs is crucial to choosing a dream neighborhood in Denver.
What About Your Commute?
Before you rent or buy, explore what your route to work will look like. Is the home near a major highway? Will you be able to bike to work if that is important to you? Is the home near a light rail station? Driving the route to your place of work during the time you would ordinarily be commuting is a good idea. Checking on how close you are to your favorite grocery store is also crucial during this step. Anywhere you drive or visit on a regular basis is worth a Google Map investigation at the very least!
Taxes and Other Expenses
Depending on the value of your home, which will go up or down depending on the neighborhood, you will pay a coinciding property tax.
According to NOLO, “In Colorado, the taxable value of a home is 7.96% of its ‘actual value’ – basically, what the home would sell for on the open market. The 7.96% figure (also known as the assessment ratio) may change from time to time. The taxing authorities multiply the taxable value of your home by the tax rate to arrive at the tax you’ll owe. Let’s say the taxable value of your home is $300,000 and the tax rate is $100 for every $1,000 of taxable value. Your property tax for the year will be $3,000 (30 x $100 = $3,000).”
Other expenses might include:
- Homeowner association fees
- Development or condo regulations that may cost you money
- Travel and gas costs to get to work or other frequently visited places
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Utilities/Internet/Home maintenance
Ask Your Usaj Realty Broker About Any Impending Changes
Once you’ve found a home you want to buy, your Usaj Realty broker can contact the city planning office and inform you on any future changes that might be impacting the neighborhood (e.g. future construction projects or road expansions). If you fall in love with a corner lot, you will want to know if the empty lot next door is going to be turned into an apartment complex.
Not-So-Fun Aromas and Cacophony
Whether it’s the dog treat factory next door or a neighborhood bar that really likes to party with blaring music until 2 a.m., it would be prudent to check out the neighborhood at various times prior to closing the deal on a new home. Try to swing by at different times, day and night, and make sure you’re OK with the surroundings, regardless of the hour.
Ambiance and Environment
This is something that can’t be quantified. It’s a favorite block or feeling you get when going to a certain space. If a neighborhood draws you in and makes you want to stay, you know you’ve found it. Whether it is a quaint Thursday night farmer’s market in Central Park, or the perfect card shop, Wordshop, in Highland, or volleyball in Washington Park, your Usaj Realty broker will help you discover your dream neighborhood!
Want Some Suggestions? See Our Dream Neighborhoods Below:
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Sloan’s Lake
“Walking, biking or running around Sloan’s Lake during sunset are some of my favorite things to do! It has the most beautiful views of the city and the mountains.”
Kristina Casinelli, Broker Associate
Kristina@usajrealty.com | 720.902.8475
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Park Hill
“I love the tight-knit, family-oriented feel of the community. The annual summer block parties, shady tree lined streets, and walkability/bikeability to so many local places make it an awesome place to live and play!”
Megan Ivy, Broker Associate
Megan@usajrealty.com | 303.900.5489
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: RiNo
“I love the RiNo neighborhood for its walkability, ever-evolving restaurant and bar scene, and random pop-up markets and things to do. You will never be bored in the RiNo neighborhood!”
Kristin Boritzke, Broker Associate
Kristin@usajrealty.com | 720.790.3005
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Washington Park
“There is a chill feeling I get here, and I love all of the historic homes. It has a quiet, serene feel to it which makes evening walks amazing. In just a few short blocks, I can walk or ride to the park, enjoy walking paths, lakes and summer volleyball games. There are so many great streets that are home to some of my favorite restaurants and shops, like Perdida, Homegrown, Molecule Coffee Bar, and Wish Gift Shop. “
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: LoHi
“LoHi is a lively neighborhood with some of Denver’s best restaurants, coffee shops and patio breweries/bars. I love being close to the Platte River Trail for bike rides and walking my dog!”
Maddy Hollar, Broker Associate
Madeline@usajrealty.com | 720.780.0291
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Hilltop
Hilltop neighborhood is one of the toniest areas in Denver as evidenced by its continued popularity over the decades. Developed in the 1940s, the boundaries of Hilltop neighborhood are Severn, Colorado, Alameda and a squiggly line running from Monaco Pkwy to Holly.
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Congress Park
“One of my favorite streets is Historic 7th Avenue. I love the wide street, and proximity to parks and the city! “
Jenny Usaj, Employing Broker
Jenny@usajrealty.com | 970.514.8960
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Harvey Park
” I grew up in Harvey Park. What I loved most about where I grew up is that I lived around a lake, Wolcott Lake. It was like our little oasis in the city. We would go swimming, sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, all right in our backyard. It doesn’t get much better than that!”
Kira Fleischer, Broker Associate
kira@usajrealty.com | 720.664.9434
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Baker
” Well, I’m biased but I love Baker because we live there and think it’s great. It’s super diverse and laid back. There are a ton of local restaurants and shops within walking distance as well as a large park across from our house where you can always find other dogs.”
David Harrison, Broker Associate
david@usajrealty.com | 720.734.7448
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: RiNo
” I love the area surrounding RiNo. There are tons of great places to grab a bite to eat or listen to some nice music. It’s a great community of young professionals, and the best part about living in RiNo is being able to walk everywhere. There is no need for a car and with the RTD bus line right outside your door, you can get anywhere in Denver! The community is very tight-knit and friendly. Everyone knows each other and is willing to help out whenever they can. If you’re looking for a place that’s close to downtown but still has its own identity, then RiNo is the place for you! “
Noah Crowley, Broker Associate
crowley@usajrealty.com | 720.864.1689
MY FAVORITE DENVER SUBURB IS: Morrison
” I love the west side of I-25! Arvada, Golden, Lakewood and Morrison are all terrific places to live.”
Christina Claxton Paterson, Broker Associate
christina@usajrealty.com | 720.806.4054
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Five Points
Five Points is a vibrant northern Denver neighborhood with over 150 years of rich, evolving culture. It has passed it’s “up and coming” phase and is truly one of Denver’s shining, revitalized successes.
Irene Schiavo, Broker Associate
irene@usajrealty.com | 720.728.1482
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Olde Town Arvada
Olde Town Arvada is a vibrant neighborhood just northwest of Denver. It has a distinctive old western charm that makes it truly unique among Denver suburban neighborhoods.
Matthew Malloy, Broker Associate
MattMalloy@usajrealty.com | 720.637.5182
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Englewood
Englewood is the first suburb south of Denver and is generally contained in the area of Yale, Clarkson, Belleview and Santa Fe. Approximately 34,000 people live in Englewood, making it the fourth most populous city in Arapahoe County.
Tori Bradley, Broker Associate
tori@usajrealty.com | 720.575.1594
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Brighton
Brighton is an established community 20 miles north of Denver which has seen a huge increase in population with the growth of Denver. Conveniently located northwest of Denver International Airport, Brighton has attracted people looking for small town atmosphere yet close to the amenities Denver and Boulder have to offer.
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Central Park
Central Park is a large planned community that evolved after the closure of Denver’s Stapleton Airport in 1995. The runways, hangars, and terminal have given way to thousands of single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and townhomes interconnected among a vast network of parks, trails, and open space.
MY FAVORITE DENVER NEIGHBORHOOD IS: Downtown Golden
Crystal Treadway, Broker Associate
crystal@usajrealty.com | 720.605.9414
Top Neighborhoods in Denver According to 5280 Magazine
| 5280’s Ranking | Neighborhood Name | See Homes For Sale |
| #1 | Wellshire | See Wellshire HomesFor Sale Here |
| #2 | Belcaro | See Belcaro Homes For Sale Here |
| #3 | Wash Park | See Wash Park Homes For Sale Here |
| #4 | Platt Park | See Platt Park Homes For Sale Here |
| #5 | City Park | See City Park Homes For Sale Here |
| #6 | Speer | See Speer Homes For Sale Here |
| #7 | South Park Hill | See South Park Hill Homes For Sale Here |
| #8 | Sloan’s Lake | See Sloan’s Lake Homes For Sale Here |
| #9 | Hilltop | See Hilltop Homes For Sale Here |
| #10 | Union Station | See Union Station Homes For Sale Her |
(Editor’s note: This blog was originally published in June of 2017. It has been revised and updated to reflect current trends).
