The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, CO

Stapleton

Denver is known for its incredible location – a part of the Rocky Mountains. Denver also holds the distinction as one of the highest elevations of a major city. This Midwest city offers more outdoor activities than one can imagine on and between the jaw-dropping mountains in the area.

So, it is simple to see the appeal of living in Denver, with its access to active lifestyles (hiking, skiing, camping, etc.) against the backdrop of incredible beauty and athletic challenges. In fact, residents do not have to give up major city perks like public parks, fine dining, ample shopping, and cultural events/museums to be near the clean, crisp air of the Colorado Rockies. The city’s history is equally rich as it hosts the National Western Stock Show/Rodeo – an annual event held for over a century. It is home to one of the 13 American cities with four professional sports teams.

Denver gets an unusual number of sunny days, which surpasses the national average by nearly 20 percent. And while the Mile High City residents experience some snowy winters, the continued sunshine throughout the year allows for the participation of winter sports and outdoor activities – and for some, this makes living in Denver even more appealing.

The number of people living in Denver increased by about 19 percent (to 714,252) between the 2010 and 2020 census data collections. Many Denver eateries have on-site breweries, with some larger breweries (i.e., Coors or New Belgium) offering tours. Denver is also the yearly host of the Great American Beer Festival each fall.

So, with all that Denver has to offer, it should come as no surprise that the real estate market has shown great strength and growth. If you’ve ever wondered which of Denver’s neighborhoods ranks as the swankiest, find out below – as we analyze and rank the ten wealthiest neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado.

Our Methodology

Philosophically, there are many ways to measure wealth. However, when it comes to determining the richest neighborhood in Denver, CO, comparing median home values is an objective way to evaluate market conditions based on the various factors that influence a home purchase.

Denver has 78 neighborhoods, and like most cities, some neighborhoods are quite chic – with home prices that easily reach into the seven figures- while others need some TLC and improvements. The character of Denver’s neighborhoods varies significantly, ranging from late-19th-century houses to modern, suburban-style developments and even large skyscrapers. 

Gathering data and information from various real estate and government reporting sites, we determined the following –

  • The current median home value in Denver is $548,453, which is about the same as it was last year at the same time. However, according to Zillow, more than 25 percent of sales in November 2023 were sold over its listing price.
  • Denver’s rent prices have also been booming. In fact, rent prices for Denver apartments have risen nearly 16% over the past year.

Given this current data, the cream of the crop Denver neighborhoods that rise to the top are noted below.

10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, CO (Updated 2023)

It may surprise many people to learn that many of Denver’s wealthiest neighborhoods are located near one another.

10. Auraria – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $541,700
  • Population – 779
  • Median Rent – $1,250 per month
  • Median Household Income – $86,875 per year

Once a tiny mining community that was a part of the Kansas Territory, Auraria is now one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Denver but is still considered small, relatively speaking. This Denver neighborhood is situated just south of the super-chic Cherry Creek. Living in this richest neighborhood in Denver offers its residents a kind of urban chic, with most residents owning their own homes.

In this Denver neighborhood, there are a lot of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and parks, and the Auraria Campus, which is home to three separate institutions of higher education: the University of Colorado (CU) Denver, the Community College of Denver (CCD)  and the Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver.

9. Platt Park – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $641,125
  • Population – 6,383
  • Median Rent – $1,924 per month
  • Median Household Income – $136,045 per year

Platt Park, which is near Washington Park, is among the richest neighborhoods in Denver. Platt Park is known for its tree-lined streets, a combination of architectural styles, and historical charm. The neighborhood is home to Old South Pearl Street, a historic district known for its charming shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. This area often hosts local events and farmers’ markets.

Some consider homes in this neighborhood the best in the state, ranging from bungalows to Victorians and more modern options. This south-central part of the Denver neighborhood has a sparse suburban feel, with most people being homeowners. Schools in this richest neighborhood in Denver are considered above average.

8. Belcaro – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $713,780
  • Population – 5,412
  • Median Rent – $2,178 per month
  • Median Household Income – $121,436 per year

Belcaro, which is located in the southeastern part of the city, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Denver known for its expansive properties, well-manicured lawns, and cozy tree-lined streets. Belcaro, which offers an affluent suburban lifestyle, is characterized by upscale homes with many different architectural styles, including traditional and contemporary. The neighborhood known as Belcaro offers a variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, with above-average schools.

Residents can enjoy the nearby upscale Cross Creek Shopping Center, which provides a wide variety of high-end retail shopping, fine dining restaurants, and entertainment options. Belcaro offers its residents well-maintained properties and proximity to essential amenities.  

7. South Park Hil l– Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $737,972
  • Population – 9,321
  • Median Rent – $1,566 per month
  • Median Household Income – $136,591 per year

South Park Hill is situated north and east of Downtown Denver, although it is centrally located enough to offer great convenience to its residents. South Park Hill offers single-family homes or multi-family residences, with many homes delineated as historic and well-preserved. This neighborhood is larger than some of the other wealthiest neighborhoods in Denver, offering many options for restaurants, entertainment, and parks to enjoy.  City Park, which offers large open green spaces, water/lakes, and the city’s zoo, is located near South Park Hill as well.  

Many families and young professionals live in South Park Hill, and residents who live in South Park Hill tend to be liberal. The public schools in South Park Hill are above average, with a median household income well above the state average. Residents in this richest neighborhood in Denver have access to several parks and green spaces – important options for urban living.

6. University Park – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price Sold (2023) –  $743,327
  • Population – 7,676
  • Median Rent – $1,572 per month
  • Median Household Income – $73,146 per year

University Park is a residential neighborhood located in the southeastern portion of Denver, although it offers convenient access to the city’s many attractions/amenities. This Denver neighborhood is best known for its close proximity to the University of Denver, including the historic Chamberlin Observatory, which is affiliated with the University of Denver and offers public stargazing events. The University of Denver (DU) is a private research university that influences the character of this richest neighborhood in Denver. This part of Denver offers a walkable business district brimming with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

This Denver neighborhood includes several public and private schools, which makes it appealing for those seeking educational opportunities. As one would expect, the emphasis on education in this neighborhood enhances the neighborhood’s appeal to families.

5. Cherry Creek – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $771,718
  • Population – 6,974
  • Median Rent – $2,116 per month
  • Median Household Income – $135,137 per year

Cherry Creek is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood in the southeast of Denver. The neighborhood is quite pricey, with some amazing amenities and proximity to transportation links to all parts of Denver. Given the above, it is not surprising to learn that Cherry Creek is not only one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Denver but often tops the list of Denver’s most desirable neighborhoods.

One of the main attractions in this preferred Denver neighborhood is the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, where residents and visitors will find incredible upscale shopping options, including high-end boutiques, luxury goods, and many fine dining options.  If you were considering renting in this Denver location, know that,  according to denverite.com, Cherry Creek ranks among Denver’s most expensive zip codes for those who wish to rent in Mile High City. On the plus side, with a median household income that exceeds $135,000, there is likely enough disposable income for the rest of the bills.  

4. Cory-Merrill – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $773,717
  • Population -4,181
  • Median Rent – $2,141 per month
  • Median Household Income – $102,196 per year

Cory-Merrill refers to one of the best places and richest neighborhoods in Denver. Located in the city’s south-central part, Cory-Merrill is less dense but has an urban feel because the area is primarily residential. However, nearby, visitors and residents will find a variety of dining establishments, coffee shops, green spaces/parks, and a vibrant bar scene. Many families and young professionals live in Cory-Merrill, where the public schools are above average.

Washington Park is located just north of the city, where residents will find lakes, walking and biking paths, and sports facilities.

3. Washington Park – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $862,606
  • Population – 7,292
  • Median Rent – $2,578 per month
  • Median Household Income – $169,878 per year

As the locals know it, Wash Park is situated south of Denver’s downtown area. This richest neighborhood in Denver is among the city’s most beloved and best-known. The neighborhood refers to the large 160+ acre urban park that offers recreational options, plus flower gardens, lakes, and walking/biking paths. The park offers a green and peaceful space that allows residents to escape the hustle and bustle of Denver’s urban vibe.

The charming Washington Park neighborhood properties offer buyers and residents a mix of architectural styles – from modern options to well-maintained and historic bungalows. Residents of Wash Park live by another historic district – Old South Gaylord Street. This vibrant and walkable neighborhood in Denver offers many dining options, shops, boutiques, cafes, and more.

2. Hilltop – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $1,023,943
  • Population – 7,477
  • Median Rent – $2,378 per month
  • Median Household Income – $172,575 per year

Hilltop ranks among the best places to live in Denver and the entire state of Colorado. Living in this affluent Denver community offers residents an urban, suburban vibe, with some of the lowest crime rates in the Mile High City. The residents of Hilltop appreciate the elegant and well-established community located east of Cherry Creek.

A sense of exclusivity characterizes the neighborhood of Hilltop as it offers upscale but architecturally diverse residences. Grand estates and modern residences are often mixed with other types of fashionable homes with well-maintained properties. Cranmer Park is at the center of Hilltop, with walking paths and open green spaces offering wide views of downtown Denver and the Front Range.

1. Country Club – Denver, CO

  • Median Home Price (2023) – $1,277,381
  • Population – 3,148
  • Median Rent – $1,659 per month
  • Median Household Income – $203,409 per year

The Country Club Historic neighborhood, which is often known as the Spanish Suburb of Denver, is one of the most scenic and wealthiest neighborhoods in Denver. Country Club, with homes that date back to the early 20th century, highlighting the various architectural styles used over time. The Country Club Historic neighborhood is located south and east of Denver’s downtown and ranks among the best places in the state with its iconic 100-year-old American elms and well-manicured estates characterized by exclusivity.

This Denver neighborhood is centrally located and officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places – which acknowledges the neighborhood’s architectural and historical significance.  

You can also read:

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply