Quantifying the characteristics of the best areas to live in Denver for young professionals

Getting a sense of 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 places to live in Denver for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• 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
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

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

1. Union Station / Lower Downtown

Denver’s Lower Downtown/Union Station neighborhood, also known as LoDo, is a bustling area with lots of trendy shopping and dining options. Larimer Square is one of the many historic parts of the neighborhood, full of stunning Victorian-era buildings that are now home to a number of boutiques, restaurants, and lounges; a young professional’s dream.

Union Station is the main transport hub of Mile High City, and home to 10 chef-owned restaurants and bars. Some of these include The Cooper Lounge for cocktails, Stoic & Genuine for seafood, and the famous Terminal Bar. The latter is built inside of an old ticket station and is dedicated to serving regional beers and spirits that are made in Colorado. During the summer months, the Station holds concerts and a weekly farmers’ market.

2. Capitol Hill

Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is mostly residential with a boho twist. Its 13th Avenue is home to a lot of eclectic shops, bars, and late-night coffee houses, which offers young professionals a lot of options after work. Some of the most popular spots include Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen, Hudson Hill for cocktails, and the Broadway Market food hall.

If you want to check out some art on the weekends, the Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art are all excellent options.

3. Curtis Park / Five Points

Curtis Park/Five Points is considered to be one of the most energetic areas in all of Denver. It used to be known as “Harlem of the West,” and still takes the cake as one of the most diverse neighborhoods. The area is prominent for both art and business, and the outer streets are home to music venues, craft beer bars, eclectic eateries, and the Denver Central Market’s food hall.

Most of the shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants are found on Welton Street, which is closer to the Five Points border. A popular spot is the family-owned Mexican restaurant Curtis Park Creamery, which is a great option after a Saturday at the Foolproof Contemporary Art Gallery.

4. City Park West

City Park West is a neighborhood with an urban feel. There are a lot of young professionals in the area, and most of the residents are renters. The housing options are a mix of single-family homes and small apartment buildings, and the area is home to a huge hospital complex.

For some bonding time with co-workers, check out Epic Escape Game. If you’re looking for a bite to eat after, Illegal Pete’s is sure to show you a good time. Top the evening off with a drink at The Thin Man bar.

5. Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park is both an urban park and neighborhood. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Denver Botanic Gardens, and is a generally tranquil residential area. The park offers a ton of shaded jogging trails, a pavilion, and regularly hosts LGBTQ+ focused events.

Surrounding the park, there are a number of casual pizza spots, chill coffee houses, and unique craft cocktail bars like Ritual Social House.

Finding the right neighborhood in Denver for your career

Art, business, green space, and gastronomy; Denver has it all. No matter which one of our best areas to live in Denver for young professionals you choose, you’ll find all of these things in abundance. If you want to build a network of fellow young professionals in a place that offers diversity, variety, and pockets of peace, Denver should be high on your list.

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 and your professional life.