One look at the license plates around you confirms it: Denver is attracting people from all over the country. And it’s no surprise why—abundant sunshine, a thriving food and bar scene, an active arts and music community, and innovative businesses all add to the Mile High appeal. Of course, the nearby Rocky Mountains are a major draw, too.

But figuring out where to plant roots in Denver isn’t always straightforward. Our sixth annual top neighborhoods list is here to guide you. We assessed each of Denver’s 78 official neighborhoods using our unique livability formula (see “The Process” below), which evaluates home values, school quality, safety, and other defining characteristics, including cultural amenities, food accessibility, bike-friendliness, green spaces, and more.

This year’s list reflects the challenges of a tough 2023 housing market, marked by high interest rates and reduced buyer activity. For the first time since we began compiling this list, average home prices dropped in 50 of Denver’s neighborhoods. Yet, even with these shifts, many people found their ideal homes here, often prioritizing safety and affordability over the latest trends.

With interest rates easing, you may be thinking about claiming your own piece of Mile High paradise. Whether you’re relocating to Colorado from another state or moving within the city, our top 25 neighborhoods list highlights the best places to live now and offers tips on settling into each.

Population 713,252

2023 Average Home Sale Price $738,128

​

The Process

Here’s how we determine our annual list of the 25 Best Neighborhoods:

Our ranking relies on four main factors: home prices, crime statistics, school rankings, and an X factor score that captures less quantifiable attributes such as access to green space, public transit, and dining and shopping options. Each category is weighted as follows: 30% for year-over-year changes in home values, 25% for safety, 15% for school quality, and 30% for the X factor. Our initial review includes all 78 neighborhoods as defined by the city of Denver, though two neighborhoods (Auraria and Sun Valley) were excluded this year due to low home sale volumes. Additionally, areas like LoHi or RiNo aren’t individually listed, as they aren’t officially recognized as separate neighborhoods.​

Data Breakdown

Home Sale Prices: Data, sourced from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) and analyzed by Michelle Schwinghammer of West + Main Homes and the DMAR Market Trends Committee, reflects the average closing prices from 2022 to 2023.

Safety: Crime data for each neighborhood, obtained from the Denver Police Department and based on National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) standards, was adjusted per capita using 2022 population statistics from Denver’s Community Planning and Development office. Neighborhoods were ranked from lowest to highest crime rates.

School Ratings: Based on the Colorado Department of Education’s 2023 school performance scores (SPF), we rated each school on a four-point scale, with four being the highest. Neighborhoods without schools used ratings from adjacent areas. Schools closed in the 2022–23 year were excluded.

X Factor: Each neighborhood received a score from one to 10 based on distinctive features and amenities.