Here Are 11 of the Safest Neighborhoods in Denver To Choose From

There are plenty of reasons why roughly 50,000 people move to the Denver area each year. Aside from the abundant outdoor recreation opportunities available such as hiking, biking, and skiing, Denver offers a strong economy and job market that’s ideal for taking your career to the next level. And the city's culture and arts scene? Let’s just say, there’s never a dull moment. But as with any large city, Denver has its struggles. One of which is crime. According to NeighborhoodScout, Denver’s crime rates are among the highest in the nation — even higher than other big cities like New York and Chicago. That shouldn’t deter you, though. If you’re wanting to move to the magnificent Mile-High City, you’ll just need to know the safest neighborhoods in Denver — and there are plenty to choose from. 

Safest Neighborhoods in Denver — FAQs

Q: Where is the safest area in Denver?
A: Washington Park often stands out as one of the safest areas you can choose to live in Denver. 

Q: Is LoDo in Denver safe?
A: Like the downtown areas in many other large cities, the Lower Downtown (LoDo) area of Denver certainly deals with crime. In fact, Areavibes gives the area a “D” rating, saying that the overall crime rate is nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. However, LoDo has 60 percent less crime than the city, as a whole. You certainly shouldn’t miss out on all the excitement LoDo has to offer; just simply be aware of your surroundings when you’re out and about.

Q: What is the best neighborhood to visit in Denver?
A: Because of the beautiful atmosphere and plentiful local establishments, Washington Park and Lower Downtown (LoDo) are considered some of the best neighborhoods to visit in Denver.

Q: What are the worst neighborhoods in Denver? 
A: Just as in any large city, much of Denver’s crime is concentrated in certain areas. Neighborhoods with the most crime include Central West Denver, Northern Denver, and Auraria.  

Q: What is the best suburb of Denver to live in?
A: For those who prefer the suburban lifestyle, look no further than the suburb of Holly Hills — rated the No. 1 best Denver suburb for young professionals and to raise a family, as well as the best place to live in the state overall! With top-rated public schools and a fun nightlife scene, anyone would be proud to call this suburb home. Other popular Denver-area suburbs include Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and Greenwood Village.

11 Safest Neighborhoods in Denver 

There are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Denver that have quite the amenities to offer! From family-friendly atmospheres to fun outdoor recreation, dining establishments, local attractions, and more, check out our top picks for the safest neighborhoods in Denver. 

Washington Park is one of the most popular areas in Denver, and given its tree-lined streets and beautiful flora, it’s not a surprise.

1. Washington Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,300
• Average home value: $1.22M
• Great for: Families, green space, beautiful homes, dining

One of the most popular areas in Denver is Washington Park (locally known as Wash Park), which surrounds — you guessed it — an almost 160-acre park, complete with two lakes, two flower gardens, a walking trail, and more. The area's grid of tree-lined streets is designed to appeal to both empty nesters and active families. And these groups definitely enjoy the area's large playground and its quiet environment, along with the renovated Victorian homes and more modern luxury homes. Concerned with safety? The Washington Park neighborhood is one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver, with 22 percent less crime than the city of Denver overall. 

Looking for Washington Park's best food and beverage offerings? Check out the popular South Gaylord Street, which features establishments such as Perdida and Devil's Food Bakery. You also don’t want to miss the fresh pasta dishes at Restaurant Olivia!

2. North Park Hill  

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $682,700
• Great for: Families, schools, biking, dining

Compared to its sister community of South Park Hill, the North Park Hill neighborhood is a bit more of an affordable option when choosing the Park Hill area. This neighborhood also boasts several quality schools including East High School. North Park Hill has an overall charming residential character with easy access to other areas like Central Park.

The East 28th Avenue location of Bistro Barbes is a must-visit for anyone who is in the mood for a divine dining experience. The restaurant's chef serves a variety of dishes that are inspired by the cuisines of North Africa, the Middle East, and France. And Em's Ice Cream is ideal when you're in the mood for a sweet treat — particularly small-batch flavors such as burnt brown sugar and roasted banana.

3. Congress Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,600
• Average home value: $849,500
• Great for: Young professionals, beautiful homes, commuters, outdoor recreation, parks

One of Denver's most sought-after neighborhoods is Congress Park, which is best known for its Queen Anne homes and bungalows along the beautiful leafy streets. Bus stops and bike lanes near East Seventh Avenue Parkway make this neighborhood quite ideal for young professionals who commute. And Congress Park features various areas for recreation, such as its multiple tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, and baseball and softball fields. It’s also in close proximity to local hot spots such as City Park and the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Sloan Lake is one of the best Denver neighborhoods for families. It has top-rated schools and plenty of parks to give the kids a top-notch quality of life.

4. Sloan Lake

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $850,500
• Great for: Families, schools, beautiful homes, healthcare, outdoor recreation

The next neighborhood of Sloan Lake is one of the best neighborhoods in Denver for families, as it’s home to many top-ranked public schools, including DSST: Cedar High School and Polaris Elementary School. Although the area is sometimes overlooked by other popular neighborhoods, such as Highland, it has started to emerge as a desirable area for young professionals, as well. Its tree-shaded blocks feature Tudors, Mediterranean Revivals, and contemporary remodels. And did we mention that its namesake lake is the biggest one in Denver? 

Sloan Lake is mainly composed of residences and parks, with a few notable establishments, including Chile Verde, Rise and Shine Cafe, and Leroy's Bagels. You can also find several boutique fitness studios within the area of Sloan Lake including White Lotus Therapeutics, which provides both massage and yoga. Residents are also near several healthcare facilities, including the Sloan’s Lake Primary Care Center, which offers a wide variety of services and treatments to its patients.

5. Indian Creek 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $399,900
• Great for: Tranquility, commuters, housing options, shopping, trails

Located in Southeast Denver, Indian Creek is a quiet residential community. With easy access to two major roadways, Interstate 25 and Highway 30, the area is ideal for commuters and those who like to travel into the city often. The area features a variety of housing options, including modern apartments and single-family homes.

Indian Creek is only around 30 minutes away from the downtown Denver area; however, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is just 10 minutes away, if you’re a fan of designer brands. Residents are also close to the Highline Canal Trail and the Cherry Creek Bike Trail, which both go toward downtown Denver.

6. Wellshire 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $1.13M
• Great for: Retirees, beautiful homes, walkability, rich history, golfing

The Wellshire neighborhood of Denver is a great place to live if you’re looking for a change from the city to the quieter suburban lifestyle. This neighborhood features a diverse mix of mid-century ranch homes and new mansions, making it a great choice for both established and new families. And its wide streets and various pedestrian walkways make it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Denver! Another bonus? The Wellshire Golf Course nearby features beautiful fairways and trees for those who like to be on the green — with a gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, of course.

7. Country Club

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,375
• Average home value: $1.66M
• Great for: Country club amenities, rich history, dining establishments, shopping

Unsurprisingly, the Denver Country Club is the highlight of living in this neighborhood, and it’s located in the neighborhood's center. It was established in 1887 and is regarded as one of the oldest country clubs in the country. Its members have access to various facilities, such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an updated dining and gathering space. With lower violent and property crimes in Country Club taking place than other neighborhoods nearby, this area is certainly one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver. 

The local Fruition Restaurant offers a variety of seasonal dishes that are made with ingredients from famous chef Alex Seidel's farm. Other local establishments that serve comfort food include Pho on 6th and Satchel’s on 6th. And La Cache, a business started by a hospital volunteer over 40 years ago, offers consignment antiques to support the families and kids of Children's Hospital Colorado.

Beclaro gives its residents easy access to the Cherry Creek shopping district, and if you’re lucky, a great view of migrating pelicans.

8. Belcaro

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,500
• Average home value: $1.46M
• Great for: Beautiful homes, shopping, outdoor recreation

The Belcaro neighborhood, characterized by its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, is situated in southeast Denver with easy access to various areas such as downtown. There are a wide variety of architectural styles that can be found in this area, such as grand mansions and modern homes.

The proximity of Belcaro to Cherry Creek's shopping district makes it an ideal place to live for those who are shopaholics. After all, Cherry Creek North is the place to be when cruising for entertainment and shopping options.

The central location of Belcaro allows residents to easily get to major employment areas, such as the Denver Tech Center, and several parks, including Bonnie Brae Park and Pulaski Park.

9. Southmoor Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $723,900
• Great for: Commuters, housing options, outdoor recreation

Southmoor Park is another neighborhood best known for its housing options, which include condominiums, rowhomes, and apartment options along the Monaco corridor. Residents of this neighborhood are drawn to its proximity to the Belleview light rail station. The Union Street overpass nearby provides easy access to the Denver Tech Center, as well.

Located near Thomas Jefferson High School, Jefferson Square Park is a great place for local residents to gather for outdoor recreation activities. It features a playground and fields that are used for soccer and lacrosse. The school's grounds also have multiple fields for different sports, including softball and tennis.

10. Regis

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $620,100
• Great for: Young professionals, students, families, walkability, dining, golfing

The Regis neighborhood is located in Denver's northwestern corner, and it's best known for its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere. It's also home to plenty of college students, as Regis University is within walking distance.

The Willis Case Golf Course nearby is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys playing golf. Its challenging yet beautiful setting and varied terrain make it an ideal choice for experienced players looking for a change in environment.

11. Washington Virginia Vale

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $471,700
• Great for: Rich history, outdoor recreation, dining

The Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood is located in southeast Denver and bordered by Alameda, Dahlia, Quebec, and Cherry Creek Drive North. You'll have access to a variety of top establishments as a resident of Washington Virginia Vale, including Santiago’s, which is a family- and dog-friendly establishment that even features a dog park.

The area is also home to one of the oldest structures in the city of Denver: The Four Mile House. It was a stagecoach stop that used to be located along the Cherokee Trail. Now it’s regarded as the oldest building in the city of Denver and serves as a community park and museum. 

PODS makes moving to one of the safest Denver neighborhoods easier, with flexible options to fit your family’s needs. 

Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Denver With the Help of PODS

After deciding on one of the safe neighborhoods in Denver to permanently call home, it’s time to start planning your move. When you use PODS, you’ll get a moving and storage container delivered directly to your current residence, so you can pack and load your belongings on your schedule. Once you’re loaded and ready to go, PODS will pick up the container and deliver it to your new residence. And with PODS City Service available in Denver, you won’t have to worry about big-city headaches such as driving through the busy streets and finding parking — PODS handles all of that. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.