Denver dates to the Colorado gold rush in the 1850s
Denver has evolved from an arid plot just east of the Rocky Mountains to a lively cultural, dining and outdoor recreation destination. Like many other Colorado communities in the 1850s, Denver gained recognition after prospectors discovered gold at the bottom of the South Platte and Cherry Creek rivers. While populations in surrounding towns dwindled along with the gold supply, Denver made a name for itself as the area’s original entertainment center; this lasting reputation in the Wild West helped the city thrive. Fast forward to today, and Denver is a bustling state capital that's home to more than 700,000 people. The city's past is honored through multiple historic districts, including Curtis Park , which arose as Denver's first streetcar suburb in the 1870s. Innovation and growth are championed in major employment centers such as the Central Business District and the Denver Tech Center, transforming the city into a commercial powerhouse.
Sculpture Park
Take a leisurely walk along the river in Auraria.
in City Park West, Denver, CO.
It's hard to beat City Park in autumn.
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Choice and flexibility in the housing market
The Denver Metro Association of Realtors reports a median sales price of $690,000 for single-family homes. Townhouses and condos had a median sales price of $410,000. "The whole metro market is evenly balanced between buyers and sellers right now," says native Mark Trenka, the broker and owner of Century 21 Trenka Real Estate. "Our overall inventory has increased over the last six months. It's giving buyers more choices and flexibility where they don't have to go into crazy bidding wars like we had a couple of years ago."
Denver's housing options range from historic Italianate row homes in the Capitol Hill neighborhood to contemporary high-rise condos in River North 's Arts District, often called RiNo. Ornate Queen Anne and Carpenter Gothic properties are common in Curtis Park, while Craftsman bungalows comprise most of the housing stock in the Highland and West Highland communities. Although some of the earliest homes have been renovated, others might require repairs. Compact lots and reduced yard maintenance are more common near the city center. "Downtown has always been a younger population split with an older population," Trenka says. "Younger residents starting their career, or mid-career, enjoy the loft and condo-style living." Neighborhoods to the south, such as Harvey Park , often offer spacious lawns and a more suburban feel that Trenka says is popular with families.
Rows of luxury homes line the streets in Cherry Creek.
You can find some great Victorian Mansions in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Classic Victorian-style homes can be seen throughout the Curtis Park neighborhood.
Sparks of history are prevalent throughout Lower Downtown.
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Art galleries in RiNo, cheering on the Broncos and outdoor concerts at Red Rocks
Cultural offerings are concentrated in the Central Business District and Capitol Hill neighborhoods, including the Denver Art Museum and Ellie Caulkins Opera House at Denver Performing Arts Complex. RiNo is filled with galleries, while the streets of Lower Downtown , affectionately nicknamed LoDo, are lined with most of the city's nightlife hot spots, including the walkable micro-district Dairy Block. Colorado is known for its diverse agricultural industry, showcased in city-wide events. "The National Western Stock Show brings the agricultural side of life into Denver for two weeks every year," Trenka says. "[The city and the County of Denver are] refurbishing the whole National Western Complex venue and adding research facilities from Colorado State University."
Coors Field is home to MLB's Colorado Rockies and the NFL's Broncos play at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Both the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and NBA's Denver Nuggets take on opponents at Ball Arena.
"We are between both coasts, so we get everything," Trenka says. "If there's an artist on tour, we're going to see it. And because Denver doesn't have the size of Chicago or New York, you can always find a ticket." About 10 miles away in Morrison is the award-winning Red Rocks Amphitheater, an open-air concert venue built into natural sandstone formations.
Capitol Hill residents are close to the Denver Art Museum.
Curtis Park residents are just blocks away from Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.
Deer Creek residents can enjoy an outdoor performance at the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
The National Western Complex in Globeville, CO is a world renowned venue for cattle and farming.
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Cost of living above the national average
When it comes to shopping, Denverites have access to everything from kosher and halal markets to vegan and gluten-free bakeries. Urban districts in Lower Downtown, such as the 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square, offer walkable shopping experiences. Colfax Avenue, one of the longest commercial stretches in the nation, features popular stores and restaurants, including the original location of the iconic Denver Biscuit Company.
Denver's cost of living is 10% above the average American city. The legalization of marijuana has contributed to a rise in Denver's economy over the last decade, with The Colorado Sun reporting that licensed sales have surpassed $13 billion since 2014, generating more than $2 billion in tax revenue. There are several Fortune 500 companies based in the city. Newmont Mining is the biggest gold-mining company in the world, and DCP Midstream is a leading natural gas company in the U.S. Other major employers include Davita Healthcare Partners, another Fortune 500 company, and the Denver International Airport.
Around a quarter of employed residents work from home. According to a 2024 article from the Denver Post, locals spent an average of 37 hours on congested roads in 2023, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., an increase from 2022 but still below pre-pandemic levels. For many commuters, riding a bike or hopping on public transit can save time. The Regional Transportation District's public bus and light rail routes help commuters reach the airport and employment centers in Commerce City and the Denver Tech Center. From Union Station, locals and visitors can also take advantage of the free MallRide, which runs up and down the 16th Street Mall. Plus, the city's proximity to Interstates 25 and 70 makes it easy for drivers to head south to Colorado Springs or west into the mountains.
The 16th St. Mall has the best people watching Denver has to offer.
Larimer Square Bazaar
In the highly desired neighborhood of Cherry Creek you'll find the Cherry Creek shopping center.
Sparks of history are prevalent throughout Lower Downtown.
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Nearly 60 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine
Denver averages nearly 60 inches of snow annually. Many locals look forward to the cooler months when skiing, snowboarding and sledding become top activities. Echo Mountain and Loveland Ski Area are about an hour from the city. Ruby Hill Park offers one of Denver's best sledding spots just 6 miles from the Central Business District.
The city often has over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. "We have ridiculously good weather," Trenka says. "If it's cloudy and sunny today, the snow will melt tomorrow." During the warmer months, events and festivals take center stage in Civic Center Park, which sits beside the capitol building. The Denver Botanic Gardens attract visitors for summer concerts while neighboring historic Cheesman Park is known for its lively Art Fest. The two lakes at Washington Park are popular for boating and paddleboarding. City Park , an entertainment hub, is home to the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature & Science and the beloved City Park Golf Course. Scenic byways such as the South Platte River Trail and the 42-mile Cherry Creek Regional Trail connect many of the metro area's parks, allowing cyclists and hikers an alternative to traveling by road — although nearly 200 miles of bike lanes make that easy as well.
Cheesman Park Art Fest showcases hand-made American-made work, sold directly by the artist.
The Ruby Hill neighborhood offers beautiful views of the South Platte River.
Grab the family and head out to a beautiful day at the Denver Zoo in City Park, Colorado.
You can rent a paddle boat to enjoy Ferri Lake in City Park.
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Denver students can access SchoolChoice and some of Colorado's top private schools
Denver Public Schools, which offers the open enrollment process SchoolChoice, maintains an overall grade of B on Niche. Some students on the eastern side of the city can attend Cherry Creek School District, a highly rated and nationally recognized district that receives an overall grade of A on Niche. Faith-based and STEM-based private schools include the International School of Denver, a K-8 school with a grade of A-minus on Niche. Colorado Academy, a K-12 location, has an A-plus and was voted No. 1 in Best Private High Schools in Colorado on Niche. The city is also home to Colorado Heights University, University of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver, drawing undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world.
Havern School is an independent specialty school located in Littleton.
Colorado Academy is a private Pre-K-12 school with a score of A+ on Niche.com.
International School of Denver is a private pre-K, elementary, and middle school in Lowry.
The Montessori School of Denver in Virginia Village offers a private education.
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Affected by higher crime rates and homelessness
According to FBI reports, Denver’s property and violent crime rates are above the national average. Data from the city's official website shows that almost half of reported incidents are related to property crime. District 9, which includes most of Denver’s downtown area, accounted for more than 20% of all crime in 2022, based on the Denver Police Department Open Data Catalog.
Denver's population of people experiencing homelessness has risen to the fifth highest among major U.S. cities and is primarily concentrated in the downtown area. The city has multiple mitigation projects for the unsheltered, including House1000, which sought to house 1,000 people who previously occupied encampments. The city also intends to set up micro-communities to improve resource accessibility and affordable housing opportunities.
Denver has upcoming housing and a new major park
The city’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 is a detailed policy vision guided by residents' input. The plan focuses on economic growth, sustainability and safety improvements. In 2018, the Denver City Council approved the future development of a new 62-acre urban community along the South Platte River that would effectively replace Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, a Denver staple for more than 130 years. Although there are no dates on the calendar yet, Denverites can expect the change to happen "in the coming years," according to a Denver 9News article from 2023. "Another exciting project is Upton Residences," Trenka says. "That's going to be a twin tower building with 500 condo units, right in the heart of downtown." He also says Denverites are looking forward to the reconstruction of the 16th Street Mall.
The small neighborhood of Meadowbrook Heights offers residents a break from HOAs.
Meadowbrook Heights is filled with ranch and contemporary style houses on larger lots.
Nearby Chatfield State Park centers on Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,423 acre surface area lake.
Gorgeous modern four-bedroom home with a two-car attached garage in Columbine Knolls South II.
Welcome! I’m Malin, a dynamic Listing and Buyer Agent with RE/MAX Alliance. I bring a true passion for real estate to every client interaction, whether I’m helping sellers list and sell their homes at the best possible price or guiding buyers to find their perfect match. With an extensive background in customer service, sales, negotiations, and home remodeling, I offer a unique and invaluable perspective on the Denver Metro market. My diverse skill set enables me to provide comprehensive and insightful advice that’s tailored to your specific needs. Having called Colorado home for nearly 15 years, I am also well-versed in neighborhood insights, local events, service providers, and even the best restaurant spots around town. When you work with me you’ll receive a personalized client-centered experience, backed by my expertise, dedication, and a sincere commitment to achieving the best outcomes. I’m excited to be part of your real estate journey and look forward to helping you every step of the way!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
