Denver proper has more than 20 neighborhoods. Virtually all accommodate people without a car. Each offers easy access to downtown Denver; a variety of local parks and lakes; a wide variety of good restaurants and nightly entertainment; and boundless shopping. However, for those people wondering where to live in Denver, there are several neighborhoods that make living without a car inconsequential. In fact, some neighborhoods in Denver are so centrally located and convenient that owning a car doesn't really make sense. Below are the best neighborhoods for the active person who is without a car but wants the ability to get out and about the city if the notion arises.
Highland-Northwest and -- as the name implies --above downtown, Highland is arguably the most convenient local in Denver regardless of whether or not someone does or does not have a car. For those with a car, interstate 25 and 70 intersect on the northeast border of Highland. But, Highland is equally convenient for those without a car. Mile High Field is on the southeast corner of Highland. Downtown is a 10 minute bike ride downhill from Highland, just on the other side of Coors Field. Highland is a five minute bike ride from to Lower Downtown (LoDo) where the majority of Denver's best restaurants and nightlife are located. Highland is just the other side of the Platte River from Denver's whitewater park and the riverwalk, a 17 mile double-wide concrete path meandering along the Platte. Highland is walking distance from Elitch Gardens, the Downtown Aquarium, and REI. Highland also offers a beautiful view of Downtown Denver at night. In its own right, it is a bustling little neighborhood with breakfast joints, lunch spots and quality restaurants open in the evening. Highlands is ideal for the motorless commuter. Washington Park-The name typically shortened to "Wash Park" by residence, when considering where to live in Denver, Washington Park neighborhood is one of the prettiest middle-class neighborhoods in Denver. As opposed to the one, two and three bedroom homes that dominate Highlands, the early to mid-1900s designs in Wash Park are much larger. Even more beautiful than the homes around Wash Park is the park itself. Over 165 acres in area, Wash Park's trees grass and facilities are extremely well maintained. While not as close to downtown, LoDo and the river as Highland is, the Wash Park neighborhood is ideal for the weekend recreator who likes spending time outdoors running, playing volleyball, basketball, football and frisbee golf. Wash Park is one of the biggest attractions in Denver. For a person without a car, Washington Park is perfect because two major public transportation routes boarder the neighborhood, and it is within biking distance to both downtown and Cherry Creek.
Cherry Creek-One of the Denver Area's most affluent areas -- historically, its most affluent -- Cherry Creek is within walking distance of Downtown Denver, but has an equal share of attractions. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is filled with high-end department stores, fine dinning, and monthly events. Cherry Creek North is a recently developed residential/commercial center that offers convenient shopping, dining and evening entertainment and the design of Cherry Creek North encourages foot traffic. For those planning to live in Cherry Creek without a car will be pleasantly surprised by the number of large shade trees along the sidewalks in the residential and the width of the bike path running along the Cherry Creek.
Union Station-In the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo), with respect to where to live in Denver, Union Station offers the best public transportation opportunities for residence living in Denver without a car. Steak houses, Mongolian grills, sports bars and Mexican food restaurants are available on every street corner. Coors field is in LoDo as is the Pepsi Center and Elitch Gardens. While there are very few residential homes in LoDo, there are large number of condominium and apartment complexes in the area. For people wanting to be in the middle of Denver's nightlife action, LoDo is where to be. Having a car in Lodo is impractical for anyone not required to commute out of Denver Proper for work. Public parking is expensive and free parking is virtually nonexistent.
Stapleton-Technically in Aurora, the Stapleton neighborhood is named after the old airport that was located in the area prior to the construction of Denver's new international airport. Following the demolition of the old airport, there was an emplosion of expansion into the area. New homes, shopping centers and dining establishments appeared overnight. The municipality put a great deal of emphasis on green areas and foot traffic accommodation. In addition to a municipal design that makes getting around the Stapleton neighborhood extremely easy on foot, the RTD lightrail completed in 2014 makes it a breeze for people wanting to go from Stapleton to downtown.
Cheesman Park-For someone without a car who is looking to rent in an area that offers good transportation and fast access to downtown and LoDo -- especially the younger crowd, -- Cheesman is a great place to look for housing. The park itself is considerably smaller than Wash Park. However, the 81 acre park is beautifully maintained and is a wonderful weekend refuge for those people living in the neighborhood. In addition to the open space, the park has a large pavillion; a botanic garden and well maintained facilities. Additionally, it is closer to downtown than the Wash Park Neighborhood. Closer to downtown than Highland, Cherry Creek, Wash and Stapleton as well, Cheesman Park is not only a nice place to live, it makes getting into the mix of the city without a car very simple. For those who find housing difficult to find near Washington Park and are wondering where to live in Denver, Cheesman Park is definitely and area worth considering.
