The 5 best neighborhoods for retirees in Denver

Thao Tram Ngo

29 Nov 2023

Aerial panorama of ballpark during rush hour in Denver Colorado

We used our proprietary Location Scores to rank the neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado based on the following characteristics that matter to retirees: Pedestrian-friendly, Transit-friendly, Parks, Groceries, and Quiet.

Here’s our list of the best neighborhoods for retirees in Denver:

  1. Golden Triangle
  2. Five Points
  3. Lower Downtown
  4. Capitol Hill
  5. Cherry Creek

Quantifying the characteristics of the best areas to live in Denver for retirees

Getting a sense of place in Denver through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street- and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Denver’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best Denver neighborhoods for retirees, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

  • Pedestrian-friendly: Represents how many stores and institutions are nearby and how pleasant it is to walk to them
  • Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
  • Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
  • Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
  • Quiet: Level of noise nearby

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Here are the average scores for Denver:

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 6.4 — Some day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 4.8 — Transit is available for some trips
  • Parks: 7.9 — Large amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 6.6 — At least one grocery store within a 15-minute walk
  • Quiet: 5.7 — Some sources of noise nearby

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 6.3

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Denver for retirees

Here’s our data-informed list of Denver’s top neighborhoods for retirees:

1. Golden Triangle

Map of Golden Triangle neighborhood in Denver, Colorado

 

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 9.2 — All day-to-day needs are within a few minutes’ walk
  • Transit-friendly: 7.4 — Within walking distance of rapid transit and frequent bus lines
  • Parks: 8.8 — Large amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 8.3 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 4.6 — Multiple sources of noise nearby

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 7.6

The Golden Triangle neighborhood, also known as the Civic Center, is home to the Colorado state Capitol. It also has a thriving arts scene and boasts multiple museums, such as the History Colorado Center and the Denver Art Museum.

The streets of Golden Triangle are lined with galleries, eclectic restaurants, pubs, and cozy coffee shops. During the warmer months, Civic Center Park is bustling with folks having picnic lunches. In the “Creative District,” the Curious Theatre Company holds regular productions.

2. Five Points

Map of Five Points neighborhood in Denver, Colorado

 

 

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 8.7 — All day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 7.4 — Within walking distance of rapid transit and frequent bus lines
  • Parks: 7.4 — Large amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 8.4 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 5.8 — Some sources of noise nearby

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 7.5

Five Points is the perfect neighborhood for the young and young at heart. It’s a vibrant area with multicultural food options, soul food eateries, cute cafés like Welton Street, and pubs. For those into live music, the Roxy Theatre and Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom are great options.

During the summer months, take the grandchildren to the playgrounds and the outdoor pool at Mestizo-Curtis Park.

3. Lower Downtown

 

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 9.1 — All day-to-day needs are within a few minutes’ walk
  • Transit-friendly: 9.8 — Near rapid transit and frequent bus lines
  • Parks: 7.9 — Large amount of park space nearby
  • Groceries: 8.3 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 2.5 — Many sources of noise nearby

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 7.5

The Lower Downtown neighborhood, also known as LoDo, is known for its many shopping options and vast dining scene. Much of the area boasts Victorian buildings that are now home to the shopping boutiques in question, as well as a number of lounges.

The neighborhood is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Historic Union Station is a community hub, especially in the summer months. There are a number of events that happen, including concerts and a weekly farmers’ market.

4. Capitol Hill

Map of Capitol Hill neighborhood in Denver, Colorado

 

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 9.7 — All day-to-day needs are within a few minutes’ walk
  • Transit-friendly: 6.9 — Transit is available for most trips
  • Parks: 7.5 — Within walking distance of rapid transit and frequent bus lines
  • Groceries: 8.9 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 4.7 — Multiple sources of noise nearby

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 7.5

The historic Capitol Hill neighborhood is a residential area with elaborate old mansions and an artsy, bohemian vibe. If you’re someone who likes to play tourist in your neighborhood, check out the Molly Brown House Museum, the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, and of course the Colorado State Capitol.

Coffee is available at all hours at the number of late night coffee shops, and cute food options are in abundance, like Charlie Brown’s Bar and Grill and Vesper Lounge Middle Eastern.

5. Cherry Creek

Map of Cherry Creek neighborhood in Denver, Colorado

 

  • Pedestrian-friendly: 8.4 — All day-to-day needs are within walking distance
  • Transit-friendly: 3.9 — Transit is available for some trips
  • Parks: 7.7 — Within walking distance of rapid transit and frequent bus lines
  • Groceries: 7.9 — At least one grocery store within a few minutes’ walk
  • Quiet: 5.9 — Some sources of noise nearby

👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 Composite score for retirees: 6.7

Cherry Creek is an affluent residential neighborhood with a vibrant shopping scene. The namesake creek is overlooked by Cherry Creek Mall. There are a number of department stores, high-end boutiques, and diverse restaurants in the mall. When you head north from the mall, you’ll find a hub of chain restaurants, cafés, and cocktail lounges peppered in between a number of small contemporary art galleries.

If you like to get on a bicycle, the Cherry Creek Trail is well suited for cycling enthusiasts. Some of the nearby landmarks include the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Denver Zoo.

Finding the right neighborhood in Denver for your retirement

Denver is the perfect place to spend your golden years if you love shopping, diverse food options, outdoor activities, and historic architecture.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Denver. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you.

Curious about how other neighborhoods (or cities!) might fare?
Try the Insights Atlas to get in-depth location insights on any neighborhood, city, or address in the US and Canada.