As the age-old real estate saying goes, it’s all about location, location, location. Many homebuyers are looking to move to an area with a great surrounding neighborhood, that offers accessibility to the city with the perfect local amenities. In many cases, the answer to this desire lies in the tucked away, walkable areas, districts, and neighborhoods not everyone may know about.
We’re breaking down the top areas we think every buyer who seeks walkability should know about, highlighting some of the top things to check out when you’re there!
1. Denver’s Lowry Neighborhood
Lowry sits just southeast of Central Denver, with bordering neighborhoods of the beautiful Montclair, Hilltop East, and Lowry. Proximate to the famous Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum, Community College of Aurora and CommonGround Golf Course, Lowry now occupies the former
Lowry Air Force Base. Lowry offers a wide variety of homes from single-family homes to townhomes and condos, with an equally wide array of amenities including over 800 acres of parks and open space, a recreation center, playgrounds, amphitheaters and more.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Colleges – There are 3 colleges that can be found in the Lowry area, including the Colorado Film School, Colorado Free University and the Community College of Aurora.
2. The Soiled Dove Underground is a renowned spot that boasts a recording studio, private events and some of the music industry’s top talent.
3. The Lowry Beer Garden offers over 9,000 square feet of outdoor garden area and serves up locally made beer, garden-style food like brats and sausages, pretzels and more, and has over 16 beers on tap with another 40+ bottled and canned options.
2. Lakewood’s Belmar Neighborhood
Belmar is one of the larger areas we’ll be exploring, situated just a few minutes west of Central Denver in Lakewood, Colorado. Belmar offers some of your larger amenities including Whole Food Market, Century 16 Belmar movie theatre, shopping like Nordstrom Rack, restaurants, coffee shops and more.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Dining: Stop by Bar Louie, “The Nation’s Hottest Gastrobar” for some drinks and a bite, Ted’s Montana Grill for a great burger, or The Rock for some wood-fired pizza.
2. Take time for some self-care! Belmar offers a wide variety of options from Me Spa to Massage Envy to Paul Mitchell the School and so much more.
3. If you’re looking for some entertainment, try Painting With A Twist for a fun night of drinks and art.
3. Central Denver’s South Pearl Street Neighborhood
Denver’s South Pearl Street is a cute slice of Denver. Just south of Central Denver and blocks from Washington Park and the University of Denver, South Pearl Street features some of the top restaurants, bars and coffee shops in town, with a summer event schedule including farmers markets, live music and events, this collection of history, shopping, dining, and entertainment is sure to be a spot you want to check out
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Do some yoga at Hot Yoga On Pearl or Karma Yoga Center.
2. Visit a Denver favorite coffee shop, Stella’s Coffee Haus.
3. Whether you’re looking for fresh organic produce, artwork or just a quick snack, the South Pearl Street Farmers Market is one Denver’s biggest farmers market. You can explore the market every Sunday from 9am – 1pm from May 17th – November 15th. Be sure to check the website for updated rules and regulations concerning COVID-19.
4. Historic Downtown Littleton Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Littleton is a small town unto itself. Featuring historic architecture, boutique businesses, shops, galleries, breweries and more, you can feel the local community come together in this charming area, which is preserved and maintained by the Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants Association.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. A must for all chocolate lovers is The Chocolate Therapist
2. Try to escape at the Mystic Escape Room
3. Find a new forever friend at the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley
5. Denver’s Washington Park West Neighborhood
Situated in the southern neighborhood of Central Denver, the Washington Park West neighborhood sits just west of the 161 acre Washington Park (Wash Park), with the charming Platt Park to the south and Baker, Alamo Placita and Cherry Creek to the north.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Head to Vert Kitchen for a French sandwich or quick brunch
2. Grab a bike or your furry friend and cruise around Wash Park
3. Meander on over to South Broadway for awesome food, drinks and plenty of entertainment
6. Central Denver’s Congress Park Neighborhood
Bordered by Colfax Ave to the north and Colorado Blvd to the east, this charming, historic neighborhood offers quick access to the best of Denver with a cozy, charming neighborhood feel. Congress Park, blocks from the Denver Botanic Gardens, it’s namesake park, Congress Park which offers a community pool, tennis courts, sporting fields, and a playground, and the famous Cheesman Park. You can also find charming local restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping running right through the neighborhood.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Have a great Italian dinner at Shells & Sauce
2. Just feet from congress Park, The Denver Botanic Gardens was named one of the top 10 gardens in North America and a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Be sure to check the website to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
3. Grab brunch and mimosas or a burger at a local favorite, TAG Burger Bar
7. Westminster’s Bradburn Neighborhood
Bradburn sits just north of Central Westminster, on the north side of I-36. Proximate to The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills, with easy access to Boulder and Denver, this urban neighborhood is a favorite for people looking to be just arms distance from it all, with all the local amenities. Bradburn Village has four different neighborhoods, nine parks, two recreation centers, schools including the Adams County Charter School, daycares and access to 45 miles of open space trails.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Get a hole in one at The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills
2. Visit the historic Westminster Castle
3. Get a drink at Wonderland Brewing Co
8. Edgewater Neighborhood
Edgewater is a little town just west of Central Denver, right between the cities of Denver, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood. Edgewater is situated just next to the stunning 177 acre Sloan’s Lake, a hotspot for summer events, water sports and more. Edgewater’s small community sitting right on Denver’s doorstep features a mix of restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and local amenities.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Make your tummy happy with Happy Leaf Kombucha.
2. Enjoy the path surrounding the lake or have fun with some water sports at Sloan’s Lake.
3. Spoil your tastebuds and support a local favorite, Konjo Ethiopian.
9. Denver’s Tennyson Neighborhood
Tennyson Street is situated just northwest of Central Denver, between Berkley, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Sunnyside, and North Washington. Tennyson is home to an eclectic mix of eateries, boutique shops, galleries, studios, breweries, entertainment and more. When we think of walkable districts, Tennyson is among the top on that list.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Fill your tummy with an array of options, some of our favorites are El Chingon Mexican
2. Do some shopping at the wide variety of shops including Love Tree Art, eXtraOrdinary Gift Co, or Feral Mountain Co.
3. Grab a glass of wine and a book at Book Bar Denver.
10. Denver’s Stapleton Neighborhood
Stapleton is a hub for over 35,000 residents who now inhabit the old Stapleton International Airport, which has since been replaced by the renowned Denver International Airport. Stapleton is known as an urban oasis, featuring an immense layout of award-winning parks, community centers, pools, events, and activities. During the summer, you can expect festivals, bike races, farmers markets and music in the park, along with so many fun initiatives like Stapleton’s Got Talent, beer festivals, kids triathlons and a pumpkin patch and SO much more!
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Visit one of the more than 20 pocket parks, multi-use fields, and picnic areas, or one of the 7 local pools and aquatic facilities
2. Pick from a long list of Stapleton events, including family film series, wine education series, summer events and so much more!
3. Enjoy good food and drink at one of Stapleton’s many restaurants and drink spots.
11. Central Denver’s South Gaylord Street neighborhood
South Gaylord Street is tucked into the beautiful Washington Park neighborhood, surrounded by Denver’s Belcaro, Cory-Merrill and Wash Park West neighborhoods. It is just blocks from the Archdiocese of Denver, the stunning 161 acre Washington Park (Wash Park), with University of Denver just to the South and the famous Cherry Creek area just to the north
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Explore the whimsical treasures at Silk Road gift shop. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for a loved one or want to treat yourself to something special, Silk Road is certainly worth checking out.
2. Hungry? Stop into Max Gill and Grill for a taste of the beach at five thousand feet! Be sure to check out their daily specials!
3. Make an appointment with Salon Theory and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or cup of coffee while you get your beauty service needs by their highly experienced team.
12. RiNo (River North)
RiNo could be considered one of Denver’s newest, coolest neighborhoods, as well as one of the fastest-growing and changing neighborhoods around. RiNo, which stands for the River North Art District, includes four historical neighborhoods: Globeville, Elyria- Swansea, Five Points, and Cole and is bordered by I-25 to the West, I-70 to the North, Park Avenue to the South, and Larimer Street to the East. RiNo is home to many industrial conversion buildings, art, music, and events.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. The Source is an industrial conversion building that can be likened to a European market, with great food and drink, shops, office space, and even a hotel all sharing the same building. Stop by The Woods rooftop for an incredible outdoor patio showcasing Denver and the mountains beyond, grab a meal at Acorn or Safta, rated two of Denver’s top restaurants, or checkout The Source’s events calendar for all the fun things they have happening
2. Spend a night at RiNo’s First Fridays, featuring live music, art openings, the best food trucks and so much more
3. Tour the incredible street art by starting with Denver.org “Three to See”
“Reverberations” – Trippy, concentric circles comprised of geometric patterns overtake an otherworldly landscape in this pulsating piece by Damon Soule and Justin Lovato. Find it on the east side of Larimer, between 25th and 26th streets.
“Larimer Boy and Girl” – Artist Jeremy Burns’ clever use of a building’s extruding fins means you can only observe the complete image by walking toward it from a distance. Go one way and you’ll see a boy with a surprised expression; go the other to see a melancholy girl. It’s located at 27th and Larimer.
2668 Walnut St. – Vyal One tackled a massive project when he adorned the entire building at 27th and Walnut in hallucinogenic orbs and eyeballs. The result is electric.
13. LoDo (Lower Downtown)
LoDo is bordered by Riverfront Park to the North West, 20th Street to the North, Speer Boulevard to the South and Lawrence Street to the East. Lodo is home to some of the best restaurants and entertainment in town, including Riverfront Park, one of our favorite park areas comprised of Confluence Park, Commons Park and more. You can also find Elitch Gardens theme park and water park just blocks from Lodo.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Visit Denver’s Union Station, a gorgeous, recently remodelled 100+ year old Denver Historic Landmark turned epicenter. Here, you can find incredible food and drink at places like Snooze A.M. Eatery, ACME Delicatessen and Pizzeria, The Cooper Lounge and Terminal Bar, shop and catch a ride (even out of state) at Union Station’s transit center including the Amtrak Station, RTD Free Mallride, RTD Lightrail or RTD Free Metroride.
2. Catch a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field.
3. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.
14. City Park / City Park West
The City Park and City Park West neighborhood is a beautiful area packed with lots to do. Bordered by Colorado Boulevard to the East, Colfax Boulevard to the South, 23rd Avenue to the North and North Downing Street to the West, this neighborhood offers close proximity to everything, including Downtown Denver.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
Get lost in the magic of The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo.
Have a blast at one of the 10 free concerts in the park offered by City Park Jazz (cancelled for the 2020 season).
Stop by Denver’s classic restaurants, Vine Street Pub & Brewery or Tacos Tequila Whiskey
15. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is most known for the Art District on Santa Fe, which is home to some of Denver’s best artists. Whether you’re looking to explore some small galleries, beautiful street murals or grab a bite, Lincoln Park is a top Denver neighborhood. This neighborhood is bordered by I-25 to the West, 6th Ave to the South, Colfax to the North and Speer Blvd to the East, a stone’s throw away from Downtown Denver.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1. Adventure down Santa Fe Drive, year-round, for the First Friday Art Walks from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
2. Yummy places to eat like the recently awarded James Beard Foundation El Taco De Mexico.
3. Explore some of the shopping along Santa Fe Drive including Abstract, which carries exclusive brands and self-printed goods or Green Lady Gardens for some new houseplant boutique store.
16. Cherry Creek North
Cherry Creek North is known as one of Denver’s most desirable neighborhoods to live and work. Cherry Creek is contained by 6th to the North, Colorado Boulevard to the East, Cherry Creek North Drive to the South and University Boulevard to the West. Known for high-end shopping, restaurants, and living, Cherry Creek is a walkable haven of everything from restaurants and cafes to galleries, luxury spas, salons, and clothing.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1) Eat at iconic staples Cherry Cricket, Hillstone, Cherry Creek Grill or Zaidy’s Deli Cherry Creek.
2) Attend the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and other local events.
3) Furnish your home with the latest trends at West Elm, HW Home, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Room & Board and more.
17. Country Club
The Country Club Historic Neighborhood has been around roughly 100 years and is designated as a Historic Landmark district encompassing 380 homes. The Country Club neighborhood is bordered by East Alameda Avenue to the South, Downing Street and North Marion Street to the West, 8th Avenue to the North and Josephine/University Boulevard to the East. Upon arriving in this neighborhood, you can expect charm and curb appeal galore, large old tree-laden streets and some of Denver’s most beautiful homes.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1) The County Club’s namesake, The Denver Country Club, offering everything from stunning event venues to golf, racquet sports and so much more.
2) Take a stroll through the beautiful, 80-acre Cheesman Park.
3) Enjoy easy access to the best of Denver including Cherry Creek, Downtown Denver, The Cherry Creek Mall, and the 40-mile Cherry Creek Trail, running from Downtown Denver to Franktown, Colorado.
19. South Broadway / Baker
“Eclectic” might be a word many people associate with South Broadway, also referred to as, “SoBo” which is one of the many heartbeats to the city of Denver. The South Broadway area offers a fun and funky mix of art and antiques, shopping, bars and restaurants, entertainment and more. South Broadway runs on Broadway Street in Denver from roughly West 3rd Ave to the south side of I-25.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1) Find some Denver history at South Broadway’s Antique Row
2) Have a unique dining experience at Beatrice & Woodsley, Adrift Tiki Bar or grab a coffee at the fantastic Corvus Coffee Roasters (we highly recommend trying The Backcountry with their housemade almond/cashew milk!)
3) Attend Denver’s premier indie music festival, the Underground Music Showcase featuring over 200 artists in 20+ locations along Broadway
20. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is in the center of everything with a cozy neighborhood vibe. A mix of condos, apartments, townhomes, single-family homes and commercial buildings and businesses grace the streets of Capitol Hill, along with some of Colorado’s oldest history. This neighborhood is bordered by East 7th Ave to the South, Broadway to the West, Colfax to the North and North Downing to the East.
Top Three Favorite Attractions in this Neighborhood:
1) Tour the Colorado Capitol building
2) Visit the incredible local museums including the Denver Art Museum, the History Colorado Center, the Molly Brown House Museum, and the Clyfford Still Museum
3) Take a walking tour to learn about the mansions, architecture and history behind Capitol Hill and beyond
