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Central Business District

Central Business District

Neighborhood in Denver, Colorado

Denver County 80202, 80204

$429,119 Average Value
$560 Average Price per Sq Ft
73 Homes For Sale

Downtown Denver’s “work hard play hard” neighborhood

With vibrant art and an eclectic restaurant scene that sit among high-rise office buildings, the Central Business District is an embodiment of the live-work-play lifestyle. Referred to as just “Downtown” by locals, the neighborhood serves as the beating heart of Denver with its central location, businesses, nationally known retailers, theaters and condominiums – all within walking distance of each other. “The Central Business District is kind of the pulse of Downtown,” says Nicholas Dembeck, a broker associate with The Agency, who has over 15 years of experience. “There is a vibrancy in this area that one would truly call the Downtown lifestyle comparable to other big cities.”

Sculpture Park highlights the Central Business District skyline.
Sculpture Park highlights the Central Business District skyline.
16th Street Mall is very walkable in Central Business District.
16th Street Mall is very walkable in Central Business District.
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Exploring the city’s pedestrian promenade

As the heart of Downtown, the Central Business District is flush with shopping and dining experiences. Many of the high-rise office buildings have unique shops and restaurants on the lower levels that cater to foot traffic. Denver’s original Masonic Temple, built in 1889 and identifiable with its red sandstone exterior, also hosts the Appaloosa Grill on its ground floor. Known locally as “The Horse,” the restaurant serves made-from-scratch American comfort food. This establishment, along with many others, is found along the 16th Street Mall – a pedestrian promenade and major retail artery for the city. The area is currently undergoing major renovations and should be completed by 2025, though businesses continue to stay open and flourish despite the construction. Restaurants on the strip include Kealoha’s BBQ, with its Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and West of Surrender, a saloon and kitchen serving up modern versions of Old West dishes. Along 16th Street, “there are tons of patios and rooftop bars that offer amazing views of Downtown and the mountains,” Dembeck says. Nighttime brings a whole new level to the scene, with establishments like FTW Denver and Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. In addition to the food, pedestrians can find local stores and national retailers lining the streets. Name-brand stores include H&M, Sephora and Target. Gift shops, novelty stores and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory add a fun flair to the area’s directory.

Central Business District residents meet up with friends at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery.
Central Business District residents meet up with friends at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery.
Central Business District residents can get a great dinner and drinks at Appaloosa Grill.
Central Business District residents can get a great dinner and drinks at Appaloosa Grill.
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Art and culture at every corner

Downtown's entertainment options are limitless, with many venues and museums adding to the area’s art and culture scene. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is a four-block facility with 10 performance theaters, including a ballroom, concert hall, opera house and more. “No matter what you’re looking for arts-wise, it’s the key place to go,” says Caroline Campbell, Public Relations and Communications Manager for Visit Denver. “I grew up in the suburbs of Denver, and we would often come to Downtown to watch plays like The Nutcracker.” Outside the venues, Sculpture Park is known for its towering 60-foot sculptures dubbed “The Dancers.” Next door is the Colorado Convention Center, which hosts over 400 events and expos each year. Visitors strolling through the area are greeted by the famous 40-foot blue bear sculpture that has become the city’s unofficial mascot. The American Museum of Western Art has a robust collection of frontier paintings spanning three levels. There’s also the Denver Firefighters Museum and the whimsical Museum of Illusions with its interactive exhibits.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex in Central Business District features events all year long.
The Denver Performing Arts Complex in Central Business District features events all year long.
Central Business District residents and visitors enjoy the Sculpture Park downtown.
Central Business District residents and visitors enjoy the Sculpture Park downtown.
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Community events within walking distance

Directly south of the Central Business District, Civic Center Park is a local hotspot for festivals and community events. Holiday-specific ones include a New Year’s Eve fireworks display, a Fourth of July party and a holiday parade in the winter. The park also hosts many concerts for local and touring artists. “In the summer it’s just a great place to spend your time. On Wednesdays there are food trucks that come to the park,” Campbell says. Another community hub in the area is Union Station, which is located a mile north. The Urban Market is a farmers market that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, showcasing local vendors with everything from fresh produce and baked goods to jewelry and furniture.

The slider eating contest is underway at BBQ Fest Denver in the Central Business District.
The slider eating contest is underway at BBQ Fest Denver in the Central Business District.
Traditionally dressed ladies of the Cherry Blossom festival pose in Central Business District.
Traditionally dressed ladies of the Cherry Blossom festival pose in Central Business District.
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A selection of quality condos

Although dominated by commercial buildings, Downtown has impressive condominium housing options. Condo buildings range from contemporary high-rises to old Art Deco buildings that were converted from commercial to residential use. The Denver Dry Goods Company building was converted into condos after the business closed in the 1980s and now stands as a local landmark with its red brick exterior. One of the more modern condominiums, Spire Condos, towers over 40 stories above 14th Street and is known for its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Many of the condos in the area share similar price tags. Homebuyers can find a one-bed, one-bath unit with 950 square feet for as low as $400,000, or a unit with two beds and two baths that’s 1,300 square feet for $750,000. Many of these buildings come with additional amenities such as a parking garage, fitness center and community pool. There are also a handful of condos around 500 square feet for $200,000 to $300,000.

Spire Condos are a perfect example of urban condo living in the Central Business District.
Spire Condos are a perfect example of urban condo living in the Central Business District.
The Denver Dry Goods Company building in Central Business District was converted to condos.
The Denver Dry Goods Company building in Central Business District was converted to condos.
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Traveling around Downtown

As the center of downtown Denver, the Central Business District has numerous commuter options. Five RTD light rail stations are within the neighborhood, and two additional ones are less than a mile away. Most are located along Stout Street and California Street and connect to Lines D, H and L. Additionally, there are bus stops on virtually every street from local transit services. Denver’s Union Station is less than a mile north for train travel. Those who prefer driving a vehicle can access US Highway 70, also known as Colfax Avenue, at the southern end of the neighborhood. People can also travel by foot since the streets are pedestrian-friendly. “It’s one of our most walkable areas in the city. You don’t need a car to get around,” Campbell says.

Getting educated in the city’s public schools

Children living in the Central Business District don’t have to travel far to access Denver Public Schools. Greenlee Elementary School is a couple of blocks south of Colfax Avenue and maintains a B-minus grade on Niche. From there, students can attend McAuliffe Middle School. Known as an Innovation School, McAuliffe has a B grade and provides numerous community service and field trip opportunities. West High School has been serving the community from its grand English Gothic-style building since the 1920s and earns a C grade. Students at West have access to college credit courses and internship opportunities through its CareerConnect program.

Combatting the city’s crime

The CAP Index for the Central Business District has a crime score of 9 out of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4. This could be due to the area’s high density of commercial buildings and volume of foot traffic. Many condominiums combat the risk of property crime with security measures like video surveillance, and the city’s police department regularly provides tips for crime prevention through their media outlets.

Brittany Bell
Written By
Brittany Bell
Mark Huddleston
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd L Crosbie, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Denver International

35 min drive

Subway

16Th-California

Subway

18Th-California

Subway

16Th-Stout

Subway

18Th-Stout

Subway

Theatre District/Convention Center

Bus

Curtis St & 18th St

Bus

15th St & Stout St [ Y Stop ]

Bus

California St & 19th St

Bus

18th St & Glenarm Pl

Bus

Stout St & 18th St

Bus

18th St & Stout St

Bus

15th St & Glenarm Pl [ Y Stop ]

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Central Business District US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 10 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$460,000
Median Single Family Price
$529,500
Median Townhouse Price
$395,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$609,499
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$380,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$560
Number of Homes for Sale
73
Last 12 months Home Sales
139
Months of Supply
6.30
Median List Price
$474,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
23%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
948
Median Year Built
1967
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,589
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,147
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,315
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
753
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
482

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    891 14th St Unit 2703, Denver, CO 80202

    $700,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 900 Sq Ft
    • 891 14th St
    • Unit 2703
    • New 15 days ago

    Amazing remodeled condo in the heart of the best part of Denver! Views of the mountains and the stadium! This wonderful home has been updated and upgraded throughout! The entry provides you with built in drawers with in drawer charging station and two closet cabinets! Fully updated kitchen with white modern cabinets, stainless steel appliances, upgraded granite counters and cabinet pantry!

    Kathy Loidolt Engel & Voelkers Pikes Peak

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd L Crosbie, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,265
Median Age
36
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$98,448
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,008

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.6%
College Graduates
73.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
66''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

93 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

97 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

86 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Central Business District
Todd L Crosbie
LIV Sotheby's International Realty
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