4 Luxury Neighborhoods Showcase the Best that Denver Has to Offer
It is clear that Denver has become one of the most desirable places to live in the country. This means that as the city’s explosive real estate growth continues, there’s a premium on Denver’s most desirable areas. These areas are varied, but they each offer something unique to people looking to buy a home in Denver. These are neighborhoods that offer the height of convenience in terms of location. They also showcase luxury living surrounded by culinary gems, high-end shopping, and outdoor activities. This is far from an exhaustive list, but these are four of the hottest neighborhoods in Denver along with some suggestions of how to eat, shop, and explore your way through them.
Washington Park
Washington Park or Wash Park as it is known locally offers a pristine, almost suburban, neighborhood charm in the middle of the city. Large mansions and charming bungalows are situated along a 165-acre park filled with bikes, children, picnics, and volleyball much of the year. Fortunately, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s plenty of time to enjoy it. It is one of the best locations in the city being a few minutes drive to downtown and is close to the highway. It’s also situated along the Cherry Creek bike trail, which is a 42-mile paved, flat bike path that connects much of the city, free from traffic and stoplights. The neighborhood also borders Denver Country Club, the most exclusive country club and golf course in the state. Wash Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, along with unique boutiques and art galleries.
Where to Eat
The culinary explosion taking place in Denver ensures there are always new and inventive options to try. You see this with the plethora of new restaurants in the neighborhood. Wash Park also hosts several neighborhood staples that should not be overlooked. If you’re craving for brunch head over to Devil’s Food where homemade pastries are served with their scratch made breakfast options. They also make one of the best lattes you’ll ever try. For dinner, perhaps the best restaurant in the city is Sushi Den, stocked with fresh fish flown in daily from Japan. The Hamachi jalapeno appetizer is a must try!
Cherry Creek North
Situated in the heart of the city, Cherry Creek North serves as the apex of designer shopping and elegant dining that Denver has to offer. The neighborhood is next to Cherry Creek Mall, home to designer stores like Burberry, Coach, and Nordstrom. You can also stroll around the neighborhood and peruse stores like Hermes, Eileen Fisher, and Vineyard Vines. The area is filled with coffee shops, exquisite art galleries, and excellent people watching. One of the best things about Cherry Creek is that it has a wonderful feeling of a self-contained neighborhood. With a movie theater, Whole Foods, Post Office, etc., it has almost everything a person needs within walking distance. Luxury meets livability in this charming neighborhood.
Where to eat
Cherry Creek is filled with a variety of dining options to please any taste, from affordable and quick, to fine dining. Quality Italian, a New York transplant, is in the gorgeous Halcyon hotel and their chicken parm for two is a crowd pleaser. If you are looking for something more low key, head to the Cherry Cricket to catch a game and a cold beer, they also have one of the best hamburgers in the country. Much of the neighborhood’s food and drink revolves around happy hour and there are dozens of great options. Make sure to try Machete, where inventive tacos are paired with dangerously strong fresh made margaritas. The Jacquard hotel offers great happy hour deals and has just opened a rooftop patio in time for the summer; with gorgeous views of the mountains and expertly crafted cocktails.
RiNo
The River North Art District known as RiNo has emerged as one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Lonely Planethas even named it one of the ‘Ten Best Neighborhoods in the Country.’ It is a short walk or bike ride from downtown and is within walking distance of Coors Field. Many of the buildings have been transformed from warehouses into coworking spaces, wineries, and amazing breweries. There is also a vibrant art scene with galleries, flea markets showcasing local artisans and street art. Almost every weekend you can find outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and pop-up restaurants. This is the epicenter of bold transformations and innovative urban design, which is driving an artistic resurgence to the city!
Where to Eat
RiNo is home to an amazing amount of breweries, with Epic Brewing Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Company being among the local favorites. It’s also worth stopping by the large patio at The Infinite Monkey Theorem for a tasting flight of their wines. In terms of gourmet dining, there are several standout options. Safta is the brainchild of James Beard Award winner Alon Shaya and boasts an elevated Middle Eastern menu inspired from the tastes of Israel, Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece. The homemade pita is completely addictive. For fine dining, Uchi presents an experience unlike anything else in the city. The award-winning Uchi was originally opened in Austin, Texas by James Beard Award winner Chef Tyson Cole. His inventive take on Japanese cuisine has been wowing diners for years and his Denver location does not disappoint. Make sure to try the Wagyu beef and the Lamb shoulder with black truffle.
Belmar
If you want to get out of the congestion of the city, the Belmar neighborhood in Lakewood is an excellent option. Close to both downtown and the mountains, it offers luxury living and dining options in a more relaxed environment. Belmar Shopping and Dining District has completely transformed downtown Lakewood and reminds visitors of the charm of a small town mixed with luxury options. The area surrounds a central plaza, ringed with cafes, and has concerts during the summer and ice skating during the winter. It also has art galleries, a movie theater, and designer shopping options. Close proximity to hiking trails and golf courses ensure you can stay busy by taking in the outdoors during the summer and then jump on I-70 for skiing once the snow starts falling.
Where to Eat
PHO Belmarasia serves inventive Thai options, while you can stroll down after dinner to Paciu Gelato for homemade ice cream and gelato. There are also a ton of cafes that serve great coffee and homemade pastries in the neighborhood. Our personal favorite is the French Press.