The classy Denver Union Station, located in the heart of downtown, is the main transportation hub and locals’ hangout with a direct rail connection to Denver International Airport. From there, it’s easy to get around on foot, light rail, pedicab or electric rental bike. You can also take the free MallRide where electric shuttle buses run up and down the 16th Street Mall and stop at almost every corner. (Note: The mall is presently being revitalized, so there might be some detours.)

From here, your adventure is just beginning… in any direction.

Denver's arts and culture scene is thriving with six world-class museums located in the city center. Denver Art Museum , with its renowned American Indian and Western art, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art , with unique salon-stye exhibits combining fine art and home furnishings, the Clyfford Still Museum , featuring the life's work of a pioneering visual artist, and History Colorado Center , which tells Colorado's story with exciting interactive exhibits, are all located in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Closer to the heart of downtown, you'll find Meow Wolf Denver’s mind-bending Convergence Station and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver , which has rotating exhibitions and quirky events.

Discover Denver's local art galleries and shops in creative neighborhoods such as the Art District on Santa Fe, Highland and River North Art District (RiNo), with bars, restaurants, live music venues, art galleries, urban food halls and street art around every corner.

And there are plenty of places to relax and take in the brilliant blue skies.

City Park is Denver’s largest green space while Washington Park has two lakes, two formal flower gardens, tree-lined paths and seemingly endless expanses of green grass. And Denver Botanic Gardens is a breathtaking urban oasis with themed gardens from multiple climate zones.

The 25 Best Neighborhoods in Denver in 2024

Take a look around at the license plates in your neck of the woods, and you’ll know this to be true: People from all over the country flock to Denver. And we don’t have to tell you why. Cough, abundant sunshine, sensational restaurants and bars, a vibrant arts and music scene, and cutting-edge businesses, cough. There is a lot to love about the Mile High lifestyle—not to mention our proximity to those oh-so-appealing Rocky Mountains.

What’s less obvious is exactly where to settle down. Our sixth annual top neighborhoods list is here to help. We evaluated all 78 official Denver neighborhoods through our livability formula (see “The Process,” below), which takes into account home values, school quality, safety, and those distinctive aspects that set a place apart like its cultural offerings, food access, bike-ability, open spaces, and more.

This year’s list was inevitably shaped by a brutal 2023 housing market with high interest rates and fewer buyers. For the first time since we started compiling this list, the average home price dropped in 50 of the city’s 78 neighborhoods. But even in the midst of a rough real estate year, people found their forever homes in Denver, often prioritizing safety and affordability over the trendiest parts of town.

With interest rates dropping, you might be tempted to secure your own slice of Mile High City paradise. So, whether you’re moving to the Centennial State from Texas (stifle your groans, locals) or just hopping ’hoods, our list of the 25 best places to live right now—and how to enjoy it once you put down roots—is here when you’re ready.

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