Where to Live in Denver: A Neighborhood Breakdown from a Local Real Estate Expert

Washington Park (“Wash Park”): Classic Denver, Peak Park Life

If Denver had a yearbook, Wash Park would win “Most Likely to Be Out Jogging With a Latte.”

At the heart of the neighborhood is 155-acre Washington Park, with two lakes, flower gardens, tennis courts, and seemingly endless running and biking loops. It’s one of the city’s most beloved parks and a true lifestyle anchor for residents.

Housing:

• Mix of historic bungalows, Victorians, and scrapes replaced by luxury new-builds.
  
  

Vibe: Active, established, and polished. Think strollers, dogs, and serious runners circling the park at sunrise.

Perfect Saturday scenario: Walk to Old South Gaylord or South Pearl for brunch, bike around the park, then grab a glass of wine on a patio while kids and dogs run themselves tired.

Best for: Buyers who want an iconic Denver address, strong resale value, and a built-in outdoor lifestyle right outside the front door.

Sloan’s Lake: Water Views in a Landlocked State

Sloan’s Lake is Denver’s largest lake and one of its fastest-evolving neighborhoods. Picture paddleboarders at sunrise, downtown and mountain views, and a big loop trail around the water. 

In recent years, Sloan’s has transformed with new restaurants, apartments, and modern townhomes joining classic Tudors and mid-century homes on tree-lined streets. 

Housing:

• Mix of older single-family homes, scraped lots turned into modern duplexes/townhomes, and a growing number of condos.
  
  

Vibe: Casual, fun, and a little bit buzzy—with that “up-and-coming but already arrived” feel.

Fun detail: Sloan’s Lake even has a Dragon Boat Festival with boat races and cultural performances—proof that Denver really will turn any good body of water into a party. 

Best for: Buyers who want water, city views, and a strong mix of walkable restaurants, with less of a “heritage district” vibe and more “new energy.”

Edgewater: Tiny City, Big Personality

Technically its own small city just west of Denver, Edgewater hugs the western side of Sloan’s Lake and feels like a small town that accidentally landed next to downtown.

You’ll find cozy bungalows, mid-century ranches, and newer duplexes/townhomes, plus a cute main drag along 25th with coffee, tacos, pizza, and breweries. 

Housing:

• Cottages and mid-century homes on smaller lots, with growing infill of modern homes.
  
  

• Generally (relatively) more affordable than the priciest Denver neighborhoods but very competitive given the location next to Sloan’s Lake.
  
  

Vibe: Laid-back, walkable, and community-oriented, with just enough grit left to feel authentic.

Perfect evening: Walk or bike to Edgewater Public Market, grab something from your favorite food stall, then stroll around the lake at sunset.

Best for: Buyers who want a slightly lower price point than Wash Park/Sloan’s, love small-town charm, and still want quick access to downtown and the foothills.

The Highlands (including LoHi): Trendy, Urban, and Patio-Obsessed

“Highlands” is often used as a catch-all for several northwest neighborhoods (Highland, West Highland, LoHi), but the theme is the same: historic homes, walkable commercial streets, and some of Denver’s most in-demand restaurants and bars.

LoHi in particular is known for rooftop patios with killer skyline views and a quick walk over pedestrian bridges into downtown.

Housing:

• Classic Denver Squares and Victorians, scrapes replaced by sleek townhomes, plus mid-rise condo buildings.
  
  

Vibe: Young-professional energy but increasingly mixed with families; high walkability; lots of “Where should we brunch?” decisions.

Fun element: You can literally choose your skyline view: rooftop margaritas in LoHi, or sunset strolls along the Platte and into downtown—all without moving your car.

Best for: Buyers who want walkable nightlife and dining, love historic architecture but aren’t afraid of modern infill, and want easy access to downtown.

Tennyson / Berkeley: Artsy, Walkable, and Very “Weekend Market”

This is the neighborhood for people who want their coffee locally roasted, their art local, and their Friday evenings spent on a bustling neighborhood street.

Tennyson Street is the spine of Berkeley, lined with art galleries, boutiques, breweries, and restaurants, and known for events like street fairs and festivals. 

Housing:

• Patchwork of Denver Squares, Victorians, classic bungalows, and a growing number of modern townhomes and duplexes.
  
  

• Average home prices in Berkeley recently crossed the $1M mark, reflecting how hot this area has become.
  
  

Vibe: Creative, community-oriented, and lively—without feeling like a bar district.

Perfect Sunday: Walk to Tennyson for a farmers market or street fair, grab brunch, hit a brewery, and then wander around Berkeley Lake Park with a to-go coffee.

Best for: Buyers who want a strong neighborhood “main street,” like to be out and about, and value both character homes and modern options.

Central Park Denver: Master-Planned, Park-Rich, Family Magnet

Formerly known as Stapleton, Central Park is one of Denver’s largest planned neighborhoods and a magnet for buyers who want newer construction, lots of parks, and highly-rated schools in one place. 

The neighborhood was built on the old Stapleton Airport site and now includes around a dozen sub-neighborhoods, 50 parks, 7 pools, and multiple town centers with restaurants and retail. 

Housing:

• Mix of single-family homes, rowhomes, paired homes, condos, and apartments, with architectural styles ranging from traditional to ultra-modern.
  
  

• Average home values for the broader neighborhood sit in the upper 700s to 800s, with many single-family homes trading higher depending on size and location.
  
  

Vibe: Suburban-urban hybrid—lots of families, playgrounds, block parties, and bikes everywhere.

Fun detail: Central Park residents essentially live inside a giant rec system—trails, community pools, greenways, and direct connections to Sand Creek and the Wildlife Refuge.

Best for: Buyers who prioritize schools, parks, and newer homes, and who like the idea of a true planned community with amenities built in.

North Park Hill: Leafy, Neighborly, and Changing Fast

North Park Hill offers tree-shaded streets, mid-century ranches, and newer infill homes on larger lots than you’ll find in many central neighborhoods. 

It’s also known for strong community pride, bike lanes, and proximity to the evolving Park Hill Golf Course area—on its way to becoming one of Denver’s largest parks. 

Housing:

• Mix of pre-1960s ranches and newer construction.
  
  

• Prices generally more approachable than Denver’s most premium neighborhoods, but rising as demand grows for close-in family neighborhoods.
  
  

Vibe: Residential, neighborly, and diverse—with a growing restaurant and retail scene nearby along Colfax and in adjacent neighborhoods.

Perfect afternoon: Bike around the neighborhood’s quiet streets, then head to a local Italian market or café, and watch how many neighbors stop to chat on the sidewalk.

Best for:
Buyers who want a strong sense of community, bigger yards, and long-term upside as the surrounding amenities continue to develop.

How to Choose Your Denver Neighborhood

Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on what you prioritize:

• Maximum park access + prestige: Washington Park

• Water + skyline views + new development energy: Sloan’s Lake / Edgewater

• Rooftops, restaurants, and nightlife: The Highlands / LoHi

• Artist markets and strollable main street: Tennyson / Berkeley

• Parks, pools, and schools in a planned community: Central Park

• Bigger yards + evolving amenities + strong community: North Park Hill

• Central location + good value + classic brick homes: Hale / Mayfair

Curious what homes are selling for in Wash Park, Highlands, or Sloan’s Lake? Get a custom market report.