The Best Neighborhoods in Denver for Families

Originally settled as a gold mining town at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the Denver area has transformed into one of the nation’s most popular places to live. Here we highlight the best neighborhoods in Denver for families, each with great schools, low crime rates, and access to vibrant restaurants and shopping.

Centennial

You’ll find this Denver neighborhood south of Cherry Creek State Park. Thanks to this prime location, there’s no shortage of family outdoor activities in the area. There are also many recreational trails and parks scattered throughout Centennial. For those less interested in the great outdoors, Centennial is also home to The Streets at SouthGlenn, which includes a movie theater, restaurants, and both major chain and boutique stores.

Centennial is regularly ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S. An unexpected bonus: the city is overseen by the unique “council-manager” form of government, which limits the city’s power to levy and collect taxes.

In terms of school systems, the Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools both serve the community. Their elementary schools and high schools both boast some of the top test scores in the state.

Centennial spans almost 30 sq miles, so it offers a diverse selection of neighborhoods, housing options, and price ranges. Whether you’re in the market for a small condo or a large home, you’ll find it here. Home prices can widely vary depending on what you’re looking for, but the average sales price is around $449,000.

Greenwood Village

What once was an area of dairy farms and gravel roads has today become one of Denver’s most affluent suburbs. Residents admire Greenwood Village for its prime location, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional sense of community.

Greenwood Village includes part of the Denver Tech Center, where you can find the offices of many major businesses and corporations. As a result, the neighborhood is popular amongst both executives with growing families and young professionals looking to live close to the tech center.

Access to exemplary schools is another significant advantage. Both the Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools serve the neighborhood. Greenwood Village is also home to Cherry Creek High School, which has been ranked as the top high school in the state.

In Greenwood Village, you will find everything from large luxury estates and horse ranches to high-end condos and townhomes. The neighborhood is one of the pricier options in Denver, with the average home value in the mid $900k range, but if you work in the DTC, the short commute to work could make it worthwhile.

Littleton

This historic Gold Rush city is often cited as one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for families. Located on the southwest side of Denver, Littleton offers the quintessential small-town experience plus easy access to the rest of the city via the RTD light rail. Littleton also has over 1,477 acres of parks and open space, including Chatfield State Park.

More than 40% of Littleton residents have children under the age of 18, so families with kids will fit right in. Littleton Public Schools have been ranked the number 1 district in the Denver area. Its high schools have been listed as some of the best in the country.

The majority of residents are homeowners, so it’s a popular neighborhood for families looking to put down roots. Homes in Littleton are mostly newer builds, but you’ll find some craftsman-style homes as well. The average value of a house in the area is around $440,000.

South Park Hill

Another excellent find is South Park Hill. Here you’ll enjoy ample bike lanes, tree-lined streets, and convenient access to all that Denver has to offer. The historic City Park and Denver Zoo are right next door, making it a fun place for young families. For the grown-ups, a variety of wine bars, quaint eateries, and boutique shops in both North and South Park Hill create a fun and welcoming environment.

Residents of South Park Hill cite the neighborhood’s easy commutes to downtown Denver, as well as its quiet streets with a suburb-in-the-city vibe, as top highlights. And for those with kids, Kearney Street is ideal with its art center, cupcake shop, and pizzeria, all geared towards the little ones.

The Denver Public Schools system serves South Park Hill. The area’s high schools are ranked as some of the best in all of Colorado.

South Park Hill is coveted for its oasis of comfortable living that appeals to young buyers, professionals, and retirees alike. The residential area features a variety of older and remodeled homes valued at an average of $670,000. Home styles include remodeled condos, bungalows, single-family homes, and luxury row homes.

Washington Park

Nicknamed “Wash Park” by the locals, this is one of Denver’s most family-friendly neighborhoods. It’s best known for the 155-acre park at its center. The park features two pristine lakes, ample open space, and lush gardens modeled after George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon.

It also offers incredible walking, running, and biking trails for the whole family to enjoy. The nearby South Pearl and South Gaylord streets have an abundance of trendy restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

Like South Park Hill, Wash Park is also served by the Denver Public Schools system. The area’s East High School is ranked in the state’s top 10.

Architectural styles vary from historic gems to modern masterpieces set back on sizable lots. Keep in mind that home prices in Wash Park tend to be on the pricier side in the low $800,000 range, so it can be helpful to have a skilled real estate agent on your side when house hunting.

What’s the best neighborhood in Denver for your family?

Whether you are a local who knows their way around town or you’ve just moved to Denver, this city has something to offer everyone. But even seasoned Denverites might have trouble deciding on the best neighborhood in Denver for their family. Our Orchard Home Advisors have the neighborhood knowledge you need to buy the perfect home, covering everything from home prices to school districts.

And if you’re looking to sell your current Denver home and buy your next dream home, Orchard’s Buy & Sell service can help. Instead of waiting for your current house to sell before you can buy your new one, Orchard gives you the ability to shop without your home sale delaying your timeline. We’ll help you make a competitive, non-contingent offer to buy your next home, then sell your current home for top dollar in 120 days or less. Thinking about working with us? Drop us a note at support@orchard.com.