Illustration of Denver Colorado Skyline

Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Colorado

Imagine the crisp, mountain air of Colorado brushing against your skin as you survey the beautiful landscape dotted with promising homes for sale. You’re in the market to buy, and the Centennial State presents a rich array of emerging neighborhoods, offering an alluring mix of both urban flair and suburban tranquility. From Denver’s vibrant River North Art District to the serene Seven Hills community, Colorado is ripe with opportunities for savvy homebuyers like you. But, the question still lingers, which neighborhood holds the golden ticket to your dream home? Stick around, and let’s explore this together.

Key Takeaways

  • River North Art District (RiNo) in Denver is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its vibrant art scene, breweries, and unique dining options. It offers a mix of industrial and residential properties, making it an attractive location for outgoing urbanites.
  • Baker, also in Denver, is a historic and diverse neighborhood with 19th-century brick houses and prominent architect-designed buildings. It has a good transportation network and offers a mix of industrial, residential, and commercial properties.
  • Cherry Creek, a neighborhood in Denver, is gaining traction in the real estate market. It is ranked third in real estate and offers excellent schools, low crime rates, open spaces, public transportation, and dining options. It is known for its high-end dining and boutique shopping experiences.
  • Sloan’s Lake, another neighborhood in Denver, is a vibrant area with a high X Factor score and low crime rate. It offers a mix of open spaces, public transportation, diverse food options, and fun activities. It hosts the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival and features boutique fitness studios.

River North Art District, Denver

Dive into Denver’s River North Art District, often called RiNo, a thriving neighborhood that’s quickly emerging as a cultural hub with its diverse array of art galleries, breweries, and unique dining spots. Imagine walking through the streets, being surrounded by creativity at every corner. It’s not just the art that’s capturing people’s attention but also the unique combination of old and new. Former industrial buildings have been repurposed to house a variety of startups, contributing to Denver’s economic growth.

RiNo’s eclectic mix makes it a cultural hotspot, a place where you can find something that suits your taste. Whether you’re an art enthusiast looking for the perfect piece to add to your collection, a beer lover seeking a new favorite brew, or a foodie on the hunt for a unique dining experience, RiNo’s got you covered. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, business, and leisure that makes it such an enticing neighborhood. So if you’re considering buying Colorado real estate, RiNo should definitely be on your radar. It’s vibrant, it’s dynamic, and most importantly, it’s up-and-coming. RiNo is where the heart of Denver beats.

Baker, Denver

Let’s take a journey just a mile south of Denver’s Civic Center, to the neighborhood of Baker, a historic and diverse area that’s been catching the eyes of many potential Colorado real estate investors. Baker’s history dates back to 1859, with a boom in residential development in the 1880s. You’ll find a stunning mix of 19th-century brick houses and buildings designed by prominent architects, many of which are part of the Baker Historic District.

Modern-day Baker is a vibrant, diverse community. The neighborhood is a mix of industrial, residential, and commercial properties, each area possessing its own unique characteristics.

Located in Baker are several parks, including Phil Milstein Park. You’ll also find it’s well-connected with different bus lines and two light rail stations. So, if you’re looking for a slice of history with the convenience of modern amenities, consider buying in Baker. It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood that’s not just a place to live but a community to belong to.

Centennial, CO

Incorporated in 2001, Centennial is a relatively new city. Despite its youth, it’s already home to large employers such as Arrow Electronics and Comcast, meaning a strong employment rate of 67% for its residents.

Just 15 miles south of Denver, Centennial offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit community vibe with easy access to the state’s capital. You’ll find excellent public schools here, making it a great place to raise a family. Plus, with a high quality of life, it’s a city where you’ll feel comfortable settling down.

When it comes to real estate, the median listing price in Centennial is $625,000. While this might seem steep, consider the amenities and opportunities this city provides. Given its thriving job market, exceptional schools, and proximity to Denver, investing in Centennial could be a wise move. So, if you’re looking for a promising real estate market in Colorado, Centennial should be on your radar.

Sloan’s Lake, Denver

If you’re drawn to vibrant neighborhoods that boasts a great mix of open space, public transportation, and diverse food and shopping options, then Sloan’s Lake, Denver could be your perfect match in your Colorado real estate hunt. Ranked 26th in real estate and with a relatively low crime rate, this neighborhood offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty to do. You can indulge in carefully crafted Mexican bites at Chile Verde or enjoy fresh-baked bagels at Leroy’s. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby boutique studios and the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is a must-see. With a mix of great food, fun activities, and accessible amenities, Sloan’s Lake is a promising choice for your next home.

Parker, CO

In the heart of Colorado, Parker’s robust housing market is a testament to its appeal, with homes spending only an average of 55 days on the market. Despite this steep competition, you’ll find the benefits outweigh the challenges. With an average commute time of just 26 minutes, exceptional school ratings, and one of the highest employment rates in the state, it’s no wonder Parker is a popular choice.

Recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, Parker boasts high-quality public schools, a plethora of parks and open spaces, and an abundance of community events. Plus, its strategic location offers easy access to both Denver and Colorado Springs, offering you the best of both cities.

However, be ready to invest a bit more for these perks. The median listing price in Parker is $665,000. But considering the amenities and the quality of life it offers, you’ll likely find it’s worth every penny. When it comes to up-and-coming neighborhoods in Colorado, Parker is a place you’ll want to keep on your radar.

Cherry Creek, Denver

Moving a few miles east from Baker, you’ll find yourself in Cherry Creek, a neighborhood that’s quickly gaining traction in Denver’s real estate market. Ranked third in real estate, it also boasts excellent schools and a low crime rate. Its X Factor score of 8.5 reflects the neighborhood’s open spaces, public transportation, and numerous dining options.

For foodies, Cherry Creek offers high-end dining at Kinis and Matsuhisa, or more casual fare at Flower Child. Need a caffeine fix? Try Aviano Coffee or Ku Cha House of Tea. In the evening, enjoy Old World wines at Derecho or craft cocktails at Forget Me Not.

Shopping enthusiasts will love Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North’s boutiques. Need to keep the kids entertained? Visit the play zone at the shopping center.

If fitness is your thing, you can sweat it out at Barrys, SoulCycle, or AKT. Different workout genres are available, including cardio at Studio Climbr and boxing at Rumble. Afterwards, StretchLab is available for recovery sessions. With its thriving community and amenities, Cherry Creek is a great place to invest in your next home.

Castle Rock, CO

Continuing our journey south of Denver, you’ll stumble upon Castle Rock, a town that effortlessly blends small-town charm with modern conveniences and offers stunning mountain views. Located 28 miles from Denver, it’s known for its picturesque landscape, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. The town’s name originates from a towering rock formation that overshadows the downtown area, a beacon once used by Native Americans and early settlers.

Castle Rock’s rich history dates back to the mid-1800s and is marked by numerous historic sites. Today, it’s a booming community characterized by a fusion of old-world allure and contemporary amenities.

Castle Rock shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re considering moving to or within Colorado. Homes here have an average listing price of $668,500 and typically stay on the market for 58 days. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a slice of small-town living without sacrificing modern comforts. With its unique blend of charm, history, and natural beauty, Castle Rock is indeed an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers promising prospects for real estate buyers in Colorado.

Seven Hills, Aaurora

Leaving the small-town charm of Castle Rock behind, let’s journey east to Aurora’s Seven Hills, a neighborhood earning recognition for its unique character and promising real estate prospects. With a vacancy rate of zero percent, you’ll find an established yet vibrant housing market, most of it built between 1970 and 1999, lending a cohesive appearance to the area.

Seven Hills’ diversity is a key part of its charm. An above-average income neighborhood, it boasts higher earnings than 76.9% of American neighborhoods. Plus, the childhood poverty rate is lower than in 67.9% of US neighborhoods. So, if you’re looking for a diverse, economically stable neighborhood to live in, Seven Hills should be on your short list.

Conclusion

So, you’re searching for the next big thing in Colorado real estate? Consider these up-and-coming neighborhoods. Denver’s River North Art District, Baker, Cherry Creek, and Sloan’s Lake are buzzing with potential. Don’t overlook Parker, Centennial, Castle Rock, and Seven Hills, either. These areas are gaining momentum and could be your perfect forever home with an investment opportunity upside. It’s time to dive into the Colorado property market – your ideal home or investment is waiting for you.

Tayana Sturm-Storck Realtor

Tatyana Sturm-Storck

Tatyana and Aaron have over 36 years of combined experience in buying, selling, and investing in real estate. Between 2020 and 2022 they had 282 buy/sell transactions. Approximately 70% of those transactions were in Aurora, Centennial, and Parker.