Community Insights
Community insights only an expert would know.
As a native Coloradan, Melissa has watched Denver change and grow over the years. Now as a realtor, she has many unique and valuable insights on the neighborhoods and communities that make up the Greater Metro Area. Here are a few that might be of help in your search for the ideal Denver neighborhood. Got a question? Reach out to Melissa anytime. She’s the expert to call.
Explore Denver Communities
Arvada
The city of Arvada, located just northwest of Denver, offers visitors a small town feel. Much of the community’s charm stems from the turn-of-the-century Main Street Americana ambiance of Olde Town Arvada, with its numerous restaurants, bars, breweries, galleries and shops. Arvada boasts 90 parks within city limits and festivals and farmers’ markets nearly every weekend.
Centennial
Just to the south of gorgeous Cherry Creek State Park lies Centennial Home buyers will find a range of housing options, from small modern condos to large single family homes. See a show at nearby outdoor Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, which hosts acclaimed musical artists with a backdrop of mountain views. Enjoy beautiful weather, food, shopping, and a flick at convenient outdoor shopping center, The Streets at SouthGlenn. Families with young children will love Centennial’s excellent Heritage Elementary School.
Denver
Denver, Colorado — The Mile High City — is where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure. Denver is an outdoor city known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries, chef-driven dining and red-hot music scene, all within easy reach of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is also a hub for chef-owned restaurants and is at the forefront of the food hall revolution. Denver has many vibrant neighborhoods, from LODO to Cherry Creek, there is a vast array of diverse neighborhoods.
Englewood
Incorporated in 1903, Englewood is a full-service city 20 minutes south of downtown Denver, where residents and businesses benefit from major transportation corridors and a central location. The city is known for its small-town charm and its proximity to a major metropolitan area.
Golden
The Wild West is still alive in Golden, Colorado’s territorial capital until 1867. Upon arriving in Golden, you are welcomed with an old-fashioned wooden arch over Washington Street reading: “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden!” Today, it’s home to six museums; Coors Brewery, one of the largest brewing facilities in the world; and a downtown filled with shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Golden is also home to miles of hiking trails for all levels, some stellar rock climbing and Clear Creek, which runs through the center of town and offers whitewater rafting and excellent fishing. With its secluded, small-town feel and plenty to see and do, Golden is a great daytrip option from Denver.
Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch is a 22,000-acre master-planned community founded in 1981. The community has a population of 96,000 people. Highlands Ranch is located 12 miles south of Denver in Douglas County and offers a wonderful quality of life and opportunities for an active lifestyle. Highlands Ranch has been named by NerdWallet as one of the best places to raise families in Colorado, recognized nationally by Forbes as one of the top places to move in the nation. Business Week also named Highlands Ranch one of the best places to raise kids.
Lakewood
The fifth-largest city in the Denver metro area, this suburb to the west of the city has one of the best views of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Lakewood’s downtown Belmar area, complete with shops, restaurants, a movie theater and pedestrian-friendly spots, has emerged as a local hangout that attracts visitors from surrounding areas. With more than 80 maintained parks, Lakewood is also one of Denver’s top places for outside activities.
Littleton
Options for home buyers range from modest townhomes in well-maintained communities to large new construction single family homes. Explore local history and art at the kid friendly Littleton Museum, or enjoy live music, food, and fireworks while you get to know the neighbors at the Littleton Main Street Block Party. If you have kids or want to raise a family, the Littleton public schools are an excellent option for your child’s education.
Morrison
This town to the west of Denver, at the bottom of winding Bear Creek Canyon, is perhaps most famous for the nearby natural outdoor concert venue, Red Rocks Amphitheater. Its tiny main street strip is filled with restaurants, quaint shops and antique haunts. Near town, a bike path skirts Bear Creek and leads to an extensive trail system and reservoir.
Northglenn
Northglenn is about 30 minutes north of Denver right off interstate I-25. Boasting over 250 acres of parks and open spaces, along with trail systems that connect these parks, Northglenn is a growing suburb in the north Denver metro area.
Parker
Parker, located in Douglas County with easy access to the Denver metropolitan area, is known for its unique Western-Victorian downtown and its hometown feel. The Cherry Creek Trail runs along Cherry Creek, north and south through Parker. Bicycling, hiking, nature walks, and cross-country skiing are all popular uses.
Thornton
Just 10 miles northeast of Denver, Thornton is a relatively new city. Thornton boasts nearly 1,000 acres of developed park and recreation centers, and 230 acres of open space — land preserved from development.
Wheat Ridge
Located near the western edge of Denver, Wheat Ridge is an interesting mix of old and new. Primarily a residential city, Wheat Ridge also features several retail centers and more than 20 parks. Tucked in the curve of I-70 as it heads west into the mountains, Wheat Ridge is an expansive community with a rich mix of cultural and shopping centers.