The Best Neighborhoods For Singles In Denver, Colorado
Living single in Denver? If you're new to the area or ready to mingle on your own within The Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, there are some great neighborhoods to consider. Singles may often opt for a metropolitan life rather than a rural one for the excitement and convenience of the city, which might include local entertainment, bars, restaurants, sporting events, and much more. Known for its outdoor recreation and lively downtown social scene, Denver remains one of the top five cities that singles love to live in (per WalletHub). From the enticing world of nightclubs, brewpubs, and live events to quieter districts with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and Rocky Mountain living, there are many attractive areas for singles within the capital city.
So, what are some of Denver's best neighborhoods for solitary dwellers? Depending on what you desire — a condo, house, or apartment — there are distinct areas like the historic Capitol Hill with various museums and music venues, which maintains a cool, bohemian vibe, or immerse yourself in the heart of the downtown in hip and happening districts like River North or Five Points, both situated near the South Platte River. Whatever area suits your lifestyle may offer a slightly different atmosphere within the mountain-urban environment. Keep reading to learn more about some of Denver's top areas to live autonomously.
Capitol Hill
Known for its historic architecture and 19th-century mansions, Capitol Hill offers a variety of attractions and activities for young professionals. About 10 minutes from downtown, the area is situated between Cheesman Park, including the Denver Botanical Gardens and the Colorado State Capitol, located within the northwest sector. With about 15,000 residents, Cap Hill is beloved by singles for its thriving nightlife, including shops, coffeehouses, and bars like Hudson Hill and Charlie Brown's Bar & Grill (via Urban Phoenix). Amidst its social scene, the district is filled with several educational lures to choose from, like the Molly Brown Museum and History Colorado Center, as well as the Denver Art Museum nearby.
A dense urban environment, more people rent than own in Capitol Hill, with the average monthly rent of approximately $1,200, while homes are valued at about $342,000 (per Niche). The cost of living may be somewhat elevated, but not as much as in a larger city like New York. Maintaining an eclectic, bohemian vibe, the area is well-established and affordable while it continues to flourish with modern development.
Cherry Creek
Expect nothing less but top-of-the-line living in Cherry Creek. From posh cocktail lounges, shopping, and eateries to outdoor recreation and trails, Cherry Creek has a bit of everything for active singles. Located about 5 miles, or approximately a 15-minute commute from downtown Denver, Cherry Creek is a highly sought-after area for young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35, with nearly 60% of the residents being single (per Urban Phenix). A somewhat upscale neighborhood, the borough features the Cherry Creek Shopping Center with high-end shops like Nordstrom's and Anthropologie, including Elway's Steakhouse. Average rent may run around $2,000 a month, with homes listed around the $700,000 mark, per Niche.
Within the neighborhood, there's access to cafes and restaurants day or night like Olive & Finch, as you might also take advantage of outdoor parks and recreation at Gates Tennis Center or Pulaski Park, which features a playground, athletic fields, and climbing. Additionally, the 40-mile-long Cherry Creek Trail extends through the area, as it's commonly used by avid walkers and cyclists and can be accessed via Cherry Creek Park.
Five Points
The ultimate urban location, you will be at the center of it all while living in Denver's downtown Five Points. Receiving a top-notch A+ rating for nightlife, historic Five Points has endless avenues to explore, including a renowned jazz scene that originated with late greats like Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong (via Denver). With a creative background of musicians and writers, including Miles Davis and Jack Kerouac, Five Points offers a variety of cafes and craft breweries like Woods Boss and Spangalang, including many soul food and barbeque joints, as well as museums like the notable Black American West Museum.
With continuous development, getting established within Five Points for a studio or one-bedroom apartment may range between approximately $1,400 to $1,700 (per RentCafe). The Ballpark District and Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies play, is also nearby as many locals may peruse the activity along Blake and Welton streets. Additionally, take a breather within the metro scene while at Mestizo-Curtis Park, which includes a swimming pool, basketball, and tennis courts.
River North (RiNo)
The heartbeat of Denver, River North, or RiNo, is an elongated section situated right along the Platte River. Known for its local art community, trendy joints, and exhilarating entertainment, RiNo offers limitless opportunities for singles amidst its modern, industrial vibe. The colorful art district of RiNo Art Park is a broad area for artists to represent their work to the community on a visual level. Visiting a brewpub is also quintessential, like the posh yet industrial Bigsby's Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant or the rooftop spectacular, The Woods Restaurant at The Source Hotel. Additionally, the centralized area covers both sides of the river while it features building murals, art galleries, late-night grub, marijuana-friendly dives, and popular concert venues like Larimar Lounge and Nocturne.
Further north is the River North Festival Grounds for more concerts and holiday events and enthralling nightlife. The City of Cuernavaca Park is also nearby for those wanting to take a break from the fast-paced city life. Living in such a vibrant area may come with a higher price tag to own as well, yet rentals seem about average compared to the surrounding districts. A studio apartment or condo might go for about $1,200 and up, while real estate prices sit around $500,000 or more, per Rocket.
Sloan Lake
On the west side of Platte River is a tranquil and picturesque part of town filled with breweries, parks, food chains, and coffee shops, which all surround the serene landscape of Sloan Lake, or Sloan's Lake. Originally owned by Thomas M. Sloan, the city of Denver emulsified the body of water with Cooper Lake to make one large reservoir, which is now the biggest one within Denver city limits (via Hashtag Colorado Life). With over 150 acres of land, locals can boat, hike, and fish, especially various types like rainbow trout, bluegill, and flathead catfish, among others. Other types of recreation offered within the park are basketball and tennis courts.
By living the single life in Sloan Park, you can venture outdoors amidst the lake park or mingle within endless urban amenities, including the ample number of eateries, breweries, coffeehouses, and shops. A place of significance is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which features new and old films with the option of cocktails and grub while you watch. From historic brick homes to modern townhomes, there's a variety of spaces to consider with the lake life. A higher percentage of 25–35-year-olds may reside within Sloan Park, with some early 20-somethings, as monthly rent has decreased to an average price of $1,500, per Niche.
Washington Park
A lovely place to settle down, Washington Park may provide a suburban life for singles looking for a quieter routine away from the hubbub. Located just south of Cherry Creek and about 15 minutes from downtown Denver, Washington Park provides fashionable shopping districts like the historic South Gaylord Street and South Pearl Street, plus art galleries, bistros, and bars, alongside abundant choices of outdoor recreation (via Denver). With captivating scenery from the Rocky Mountains in the background, residents can also explore the expansive green space of Washington Park, which offers various sports facilities, including jogging and cycling trails, delightful gardens, and serene spots for picnics. Smith and Grasmere lakes are also situated within the park that may feature a boathouse, kayaks, and tennis courts.
Purchasing a home in Washington Park may be something to ponder as a high percentage of residents own their places compared to renting (per Niche). Average rent may go for a hefty $2,240 a month, while median home values sit at approximately $800,000. With many families rooted within this mainly residential area, the crime rate is also lower than in other neighborhoods that may be closer to the downtown area.