Where Do Young Professionals Live in Denver? Top 5 Neighborhoods to Know

Denver has emerged as a magnet for young professionals in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The Mile High City offers a little bit of everything that twenty and thirty-somethings are looking for a thriving job market and an active social scene. In fact, Denver consistently ranks among the top US cities for singles and young professionals. Average salaries here trend higher than the national average, and unemployment remains lower, which means plenty of opportunity to grow your career.

Beyond the promising career opportunities, Denver’s lifestyle is a huge draw. When it comes to what young professionals desire in a neighborhood, Denver has it all: a thriving dining scene, amazing breweries and bars, a plethora of outdoor recreation, and a diverse variety of cultural activities. 

Whether you’re moving to Denver for a new job or you’re a local looking for a change of scenery, choosing the right neighborhood can make all the difference. Below, we explire six of the best places to live in Denver for young professionals:

LoDo (Lower Downtown) – Urban Living with Historic Flair

LoDo, short for Lower Downtown, is Denver’s iconic downtown neighborhood where work and play collide. Situated in the heart of the city, LoDo puts you right in the middle of Denver’s bustling professional scene​. Young professionals who live here enjoy an urban vibe sprinkled with history. This area includes some of Denver’s oldest brick buildings and the renovated Union Station, which now houses shops, restaurants, and bars.

Living in LoDo means you’ll never be bored. Within a few blocks, you can find hundreds of options for dining and drinking, from trendy brunch spots to rooftop cocktail bars and craft breweries​. LoDo is also home to some of the city’s best nightlife, sports, and entertainment: Coors Field (for Rockies baseball games), Ball Arena (concerts and Nuggets/Avalanche games), and countless music venues are nearby. On weekends, you might stroll the 16th Street Mall or catch a game and then meet friends at a local bar.

For those moving to Denver for work, LoDo offers convenience. Many corporate offices and startups are located in or near downtown, meaning you could walk or take a quick scooter ride to the office. Union Station provides light rail and bus connectivity to the greater metro area (and even a train directly to Denver International Airport). Plus, LoDo’s streets are highly walkable, so owning a car isn’t necessary. Keep in mind, however, that all this convenience comes with a higher price tag. Rent in the LoDo neighborhood is one of the priciest in Denver. Most apartments here are modern high-rises with luxury amenities, which appeals to those who want a sleek lifestyle and are willing to pay for it. If you crave a city lifestyle with endless entertainment at your doorstep (and your budget allows), LoDo is tough to beat.

LoHi (Highland) – Trendy Vibe and Community Feel

Across the river and just northwest of downtown lies Highland, often called LoHi (Lower Highland). This neighborhood has become one of the most popular Denver neighborhoods for young professionals – and it’s easy to see why. LoHi blends city living with the best parts of a quieter community, giving residents a “best of both worlds” scenario. You’re close to downtown (just over a mile away), but the atmosphere feels distinctly different from the high-rises of the Central Business District.

LoHi has gained a reputation for its food and drink scene. Trendy restaurants, taco joints, artisan coffee shops, and craft breweries seem to be on every corner. Many have patios or rooftops offering views of the downtown skyline (perfect for a happy hour or Sunday brunch). This area is also known for its boutique shopping and the iconic Highland Bridge, which connects pedestrians right into downtown’s Commons Park.

Young professionals in LoHi enjoy the social scene, but also appreciate practical perks like ample street parking and a slightly slower pace than downtown. It’s a very walkable neighborhood, and there’s a tight-knit community vibe (think farmer’s markets and neighbors who actually say hello). While rents have risen with LoHi’s popularity, you can often find a better deal here than in the heart of downtown. Commuting is straightforward. A quick drive or rideshare on I-25, or even a bike ride, will get you downtown in minutes. Overall, LoHi is ideal if you want a lively atmosphere with nightlife, without sacrificing the neighborhood feel.

RiNo (River North Art District) – Artsy and Revitalized Warehouse District

For a more edgy, artsy vibe, RiNo is the place to be. RiNo, or River North Art District, is technically part of the historic Five Points neighborhood, just north of downtown. What was once an industrial area of warehouses has transformed into one of Denver’s hotspots for young creatives and professionals. The streets of RiNo are literally an art gallery. There are colorful street murals covering building walls at every turn, and annual art events draw crowds from all over. 

RiNo is a paradise for foodies and craft beer enthusiasts. Old warehouses have been repurposed into brewpubs, distilleries, gourmet food halls, and live music venues​. The popular Denver Central Market, for example, is a food hall where you can grab quality coffee, fresh oysters, handmade ice cream, and more under one roof. By evening, many RiNo spots turn into lively bars or music clubs, making it a fun playground after work.

While RiNo itself isn’t a major employment center (most residents commute to downtown or elsewhere), its proximity to downtown (just a couple of miles) makes it convenient – you can drive or bike to the city center in under 10 minutes, and a light rail line also serves part of Five Points​.One thing to note is that RiNo’s popularity has grown fast, and with it, rent prices have climbed – often similar to LoHi or even LoDo for the newest places. Street parking can be a bit tight on weekends when the area fills with nightlife visitors. However, if you’re drawn to a creative environment with vibrant nightlife and don’t mind the industrial aesthetic, RiNo/Five Points is a fantastic choice. It offers a unique blend of Denver’s cultural history and its innovative present.

Washington Park – Laid-Back Lifestyle by the Park

Not every young professional wants the buzz of downtown 24/7. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere without giving up urban conveniences, Washington Park, or (Wash Park), provides just that. Located a few miles south of downtown, this neighborhood is centered around one of Denver’s best parks (also named Washington Park). For those who love the outdoors, it’s hard to beat. The park boasts two lakes, jogging and biking trails, spacious lawns for picnics or volleyball games, and even flower gardens that bloom in the summer​.

Living around Wash Park offers a balance of city and suburb. It’s more residential compared to places like Capitol Hill, but you’ll still find clusters of trendy restaurants, corner cafes, and local shops – particularly along South Gaylord Street and around the edges of the park. On weekends, you’ll see plenty of young professionals jogging, walking dogs, or enjoying brunch on a patio.

If you’re moving to Denver and envision yourself in a neighborhood where you can have an active Saturday at the park and a quiet evening on your porch, but still be a short Uber ride from the action, Washington Park is worth a look. It’s especially popular among young professionals who might be planning to settle longer-term, since it has a slightly more mature, community-oriented feel while still being fun and accessible.

Baker (South Broadway) – Historic Charm and Hip Nightlife

Rounding out our list is Baker, a smaller neighborhood south of downtown known for character and the lively South Broadway strip. If you love live music, vintage shops, and a bit of grit mixed with trendiness, Baker could be your perfect fit. The neighborhood features a mix of old and new. You’ll see Victorian-era houses on quiet side streets and modern lofts or apartments tucked among them​. Meanwhile, along South Broadway (the main commercial drag), there’s an array of bars, breweries, punk-rock music venues, tattoo parlors, and indie boutiques that give the area a distinctly alternative flair. Baker is also adjacent to the Art District on Santa Fe Drive, where art galleries and studios host a popular First Friday Art Walk each month.

Baker has become increasingly popular with young professionals who appreciate its unpretentious vibe and relatively affordable rents (at least compared to downtown hotspots). The average rent in Baker is a bit lower than LoDo, and you might find an older apartment or carriage house rental that doesn’t break the bank. Plus, you’re only about 2 miles from downtown – roughly a 10-minute drive or a 15-20 minute ride by public transit or bike. That makes commuting feasible while you enjoy a more down-to-earth home base.

Baker is a great choice for those wanting a balance of historic charm and modern fun. It’s a place where you can grab amazing tacos from a food truck, or catch a concert at a dive bar. For both newcomers to Denver and longtime locals in their twenties and thirties, Baker delivers a slice of classic Denver with a trendy twist.

Finding Your Perfect Denver Neighborhood

If you’re moving to Denver from out of state, we always recommend spending a weekend exploring. Grab a coffee, walk around, and feel the vibe for yourself. And if you’re already a local, venturing into a new part of town could give you a whole new perspective on the city. At the end of the day, there’s no one "perfect" spot. It’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle. Think about your priorities:

• Want to walk to work, or are you fine with a quick drive?

• Prefer a quiet night or a buzzing bar scene?

• Need green space to unwind?

Every neighborhood has its own energy, and the 5280 Living Team is here to help you find the one that feels like home. Where you live shapes how you live. We know the ins and outs of Denver's rental market, and we’ll help match you with the right apartment, in the right neighborhood for your life and goals. Let’s find the perfect home base to help you thrive in Denver, both professionally and personally!