Located in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, the Denver metro area offers its residents a rich and exciting lifestyle. Many places claim to offer “something for everyone,” but this area truly delivers. City dwellers will find plenty to do in downtown Denver, families will appreciate the peace and quiet of the suburbs and outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice over the quick drive to the mountains. Denver.org describes the city as “where 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and natural beauty combine for the world’s most spectacular playground.” House hunters from many walks of life can stand to benefit from purchasing a home in this desirable area.
Let’s explore further!
History of Denver
Founded in 1858, Denver, Colorado, has a rich history rooted in the mining and ranching industries of the west. Before prospectors and other fortune-seekers poured into the region, the area now known as Denver was occupied by numerous indigenous groups, including the Ute, Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes.
The city is now a modern place to live and growing quickly in popularity among millennials. According to a 2023 study from SmartAsset™, over 40% of Denver’s total population was made up of millennials. The Mile High City ranked fifth on the list of top cities where this generation is moving.
Professional sports
As you may be aware, sports are a big deal in Denver. The city is often known as a football town with the Denver Broncos, but there are many other sports teams to follow. Colorado Rockies baseball games are a favorite summer pastime for many locals, while the championship-winning Colorado Avalanche hockey team and Denver Nuggets basketball team both draw large crowds at Ball Arena.
City attractions
Union Station is both an active transit hub with train and bus services across the state and country, as well as a hot spot for food and culture. The historic station house was restored in the early 2010’s and now hosts trendy shops and restaurants, as well as the elegant Crawford Hotel.
The mile-long 16th Street Mall is a popular shopping and dining destination in the heart of downtown Denver. The mall serves as the connector between major city landmarks, including Union Station and the Colorado State Capitol. The Denver Pavilions is located on 16th Street and includes a movie theater, upscale bowling alley and a number of popular stores and restaurants. While the mall is pedestrian-friendly, it also offers the free MallRide shuttle bus, which has stops on every corner.
Located in City Park, the Denver Zoo is deeply dedicated to both education and conservation. Besides being home to 2,500+ fascinating animals, the zoo also hosts a number of school programs, children’s camps, community science projects and worldwide conservation efforts. For some holiday fun in the winter, don’t miss the phenomenal Zoo Lights display, which features an abundance of animal-shaped lights.
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and serene place to spend time. In the summer, visitors can appreciate an array of stunning gardens featuring plants native to Colorado and beyond. Unexpectedly, this urban oasis is also an excellent place to visit in the winter, with its annual Blossoms of Light holiday display. If Halloween is your holiday, Glow at the Gardens is a must-see, featuring hand-carved pumpkin displays, live performers and more.
The Botanic Gardens location at Chatfield Farms offers nature trails, wildflower gardens, historic buildings and numerous festivals and special events throughout the year.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Also inhabiting City Park since 1908, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has both permanent and visiting exhibitions that educate and enthrall visitors of all ages. Popular exhibits include Expedition Health®, Prehistoric Journey, Space Odyssey and Egyptian Mummies. Be sure to check out the Infinity Theater and Planetarium as well.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss Elitch Gardens! This popular theme park offers 54 heart-pounding rides and attractions, from twisty roller coasters to family-friendly water slides, all with first-class views of the Denver city skyline. The park is open from the end of April through the end of October and hosts seasonal events throughout the year.
Music and entertainment
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Many Denver metro area residents and visitors agree that there is no better place to see a concert. Even if you don’t get to rock out to your favorite band, the view from Red Rocks is well worth the trip (plus, you can hike one of the several trails surrounding the venue). Since opening in 1941, Red Rocks has hosted some of the world’s most famous artists, from The Beatles to Bob Dylan. In 2015, the venue was even designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, this sought-after site continues to feature musical acts of all types, as well as fan-favorite events like Film on the Rocks and Yoga on the Rocks.
Nicknamed “Broadway’s home away from home,” the Buell Theatre is the largest theater in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. No need to go to New York to see your favorite shows! Performances here include some of theater’s most iconic musicals and plays, such as Mamma Mia!™, THE WIZ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and more.
In addition to being the home of the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets, Ball Arena is also an amazing concert venue that hosts a number of top-tier artists. Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Billie Eilish and Tim McGraw are just a few of the acts that have performed here recently.
As Denver’s premier stand-up comedy venue, Comedy Works is a great place to get your laughs in. Between its two locations (one in Downtown Denver and the other in Greenwood Village), the club hosts everything from family-friendly events and amateur nights to shows by famous comedians.
And more…
There’s no shortage of live entertainment venues in and around Denver. Located in the River North (RiNo) neighborhood, Mission Ballroom is one of Denver’s newer spots for live music. The Grizzly Rose is the city’s most well-known country bar and concert hall, hosting free line-dancing lessons along with both big-name and up-and-coming musical artists. Other popular spots include the Paramount Theatre, the Fillmore Auditorium and Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre.
Outdoor recreation
Many homeowners come to Colorado for the mountains and stay for the active lifestyle. Regardless of the season, Coloradans can be found in the high country, soaking up the state’s natural beauty. The more adventurous residents may spend their weekends summitting 14ers (mountains that are over 14,000 feet high), but there are plenty of ways for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Denver metro area offers no shortage of urban parks where locals can recreate to their heart’s desire. One of the city’s most popular parks is the 155-acre Washington Park (often shortened to “Wash Park” by residents), which boasts two lakes, a rec center, playgrounds, gardens and various sports courts and fields. Sloan’s Lake Park, located northwest of Downtown Denver, is a popular spot for water activities and hosts the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Offering 330 acres of beautiful landscape, City Park is akin to “Denver’s version of New York City’s Central Park.” This spacious park is home not only to the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science, but also to trails, playgrounds, a public golf course and more.
Many ski areas are just an easy drive from the Denver metro area. Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Loveland are a few of the options located within two hours or less of Denver. These resorts/towns of course offer world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels, as well as ample shopping, dining and entertainment options for those who don’t want to brave the slopes.
What better way to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty than by visiting one of the country’s great National Parks? Located less than two hours away from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has something for everyone: hiking, camping, fishing, wilderness education, wildlife watching and more. If you decide to visit, be sure to take note of weather conditions and Leave No Trace practices.
Dining
Denver has an ever-expanding list of excellent dining options. From historic family businesses to Michelin star-level cuisine, you are sure to find an abundance of satisfying restaurants.
We’d be remiss not to mention this beloved Denver metro area institution, made even more popular by references in the television show South Park. Opening in Lakewood in 1974, Casa Bonita is no ordinary Mexican restaurant. The sprawling establishment features cliff divers, caves, costumed characters, puppet shows and a signature pink exterior, all of which has gained it a massive cult following. South Park’s creators actually purchased the spot in 2021. After years of renovations, they reopened it in 2023 to the delight of area residents and visitors.
For when your family can’t agree on where to eat, the Mile High City’s numerous food halls serve as an effective compromise. Find everything from empanadas to wood-fired pizzas, all under the same roof. The Source in the RiNo neighborhood, the Denver Milk Market in Ballpark, Stanley Marketplace in Aurora and Edgewater Public Market near Sloan’s Lake are just a few of the multi-faceted options in the area.
Colorado is known for its craft beer, and the Denver metro area is the perfect place to try some classic and unique brews. Popular spots include Prost Brewing Company in the LoHi neighborhood, Ratio Beerworks in RiNo, Dry Dock Brewing Company in Aurora and New Image Brewing in Arvada. If you’re searching for more familiar names, stop by Blue Moon Brewing Company to try their famous Belgian White, or take a tour of the massive Coors Brewery in Golden.
Moving to the Denver metro area
For house hunters looking to move to the Denver area, there are many communities that provide the quintessential Colorado lifestyle outside of the city center. New-construction homes in the following Denver-area cities and suburbs allow residents to enjoy the ease and convenience of a brand-new home with quick access to Denver amenities.
East
East of Denver, you’ll find several desirable areas worth considering for your next move. Aurora is Colorado’s third largest city and, as part of the notable Cherry Creek School District, it’s a great place to raise a family. Located northeast of Downtown Denver, Commerce City is another excellent option for relocating. This Adams County city offers easy access to several major highways, as well Denver International Airport and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
South
Just south of the Mile High City, you’ll find Castle Rock. This charming town boasts a picturesque mountain backdrop, a popular outlet mall and quick commuting access to the Denver Tech Center. Littleton is another family-friendly suburb south of Denver. Residents enjoy a quaint historic downtown, as well as ample outdoor recreation options at nearby Chatfield and Roxborough State Parks.
West
Straddling Jefferson and Adams Counties, Arvada is an attractive suburb for families and young professional alike. Commuters can enjoy quick access to Denver via I-70 or the light rail, while historic Olde Town Arvada offers plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options. Catch a performance at the Arvada Center, go fishing or paddle boarding at nearby Standley Lake or practice your putt at one of the several local golf courses.
North
Brighton is a fast-growing area north of Denver. Homeowners in this city appreciate close proximity to I-76, Barr Lake State Park and the Prairie Center Shopping Center. Farther north, you’ll find Erie. Despite its charming small-town feel, this community grants convenient access to the urban amenities of both Denver and Boulder, plus an easy drive to the beautiful Front Range mountains.
Search new homes in the Denver area, starting from the $400s at RichmondAmerican.com. Our local New Home Specialists are well-versed in the region and can help point you in the right direction during your new home search. Call us today at 303.850.5760.
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