Moving to South Denver? Here’s Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Your Complete Guide to Moving to South Denver in 2026

South Denver has emerged as one of Colorado’s most desirable places to live, offering an outstanding combination of urban sophistication, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly communities. Whether you’re relocating for career opportunities, lifestyle changes, or simply seeking a better quality of life, South Denver provides diverse neighborhoods that cater to every preference and budget. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making South Denver your new home.

Why South Denver? The Appeal Explained

South Denver’s popularity stems from its unique positioning as the gateway between urban Denver and the Colorado lifestyle that attracts people from around the world. The area offers:

• Geographic Advantages: Closer to the mountains while maintaining urban access
• Economic Opportunities: Proximity to the Denver Tech Center and downtown Denver
• Lifestyle Balance: Active outdoor culture with sophisticated amenities
• Family Appeal: Excellent schools and safe, community-oriented neighborhoods
• Investment Potential: Strong real estate market with consistent appreciation

Exploring South Denver’s Premier Neighborhoods

South Denver encompasses numerous distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal. Understanding these communities will help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Cherry Hills Village: Ultimate Luxury

Cherry Hills Village represents the pinnacle of South Denver luxury living. This exclusive community features:

• Price Range: $1.5M – $10M+ for luxury estates
• Housing Types: Custom estates, equestrian properties, waterfront homes
• Lifestyle: Privacy-focused, equestrian culture, country club community
• Schools: Cherry Hills Village Elementary, Kent Denver School
• Best For: High-net-worth professionals, empty nesters, privacy seekers

Washington Park: Urban Village Charm

Washington Park offers the perfect blend of city convenience and neighborhood community:

• Price Range: $600K – $2M+ for various housing types
• Housing Types: Historic bungalows, Tudor homes, modern builds, condos
• Lifestyle: Active, walkable, community-oriented, arts-focused
• Highlights: 165-acre park, South Gaylord Street shopping/dining
• Best For: Young professionals, active families, fitness enthusiasts

Cherry Creek: Sophisticated Urban Living

Cherry Creek combines upscale shopping with residential sophistication:

• Price Range: $500K – $3M+ for condos and homes
• Housing Types: Luxury condos, townhomes, custom homes
• Lifestyle: Shopping-focused, dining, cultural amenities
• Highlights: Cherry Creek Mall, art galleries, fine dining
• Best For: Urban professionals, luxury shoppers, cultural enthusiasts

Greenwood Village: Family-Friendly Suburban

Greenwood Village offers excellent schools and family amenities:

• Price Range: $400K – $1.5M for family homes
• Housing Types: Single-family homes, townhomes, some condos
• Lifestyle: Family-oriented, safe, suburban convenience
• Highlights: Top-rated schools, parks, family recreation
• Best For: Growing families, school-focused buyers, suburban lifestyle seekers

Centennial: Modern Suburban Living

Centennial provides newer construction and planned communities:

• Price Range: $350K – $1M+ for various home sizes
• Housing Types: New construction, master-planned communities
• Lifestyle: Modern amenities, family recreation, suburban comfort
• Highlights: New schools, recreation centers, planned amenities
• Best For: First-time buyers, families seeking new construction

Englewood: Emerging and Affordable

Englewood offers character and value with growing appeal:

• Price Range: $300K – $800K for diverse housing options
• Housing Types: Historic homes, renovated properties, condos
• Lifestyle: Artistic, diverse, up-and-coming community feel
• Highlights: Growing arts scene, local businesses, affordability
• Best For: First-time buyers, artists, value-seekers, young professionals

Additional Notable Neighborhoods

• Belcaro: Upscale residential area with tree-lined streets ($700K-$2M+)
• Bonnie Brae: Historic charm with walkable commercial district ($600K-$1.5M)
• Observatory Park: Family-friendly with great schools ($500K-$1.2M)
• Platt Park: Hip, walkable area with local businesses ($400K-$900K)
• University Hills: Near DU campus, academic community ($400K-$800K)
• Hampden South: Family-friendly affordable community with excellent value ($350K-$650K)

Cost of Living in South Denver

Understanding the financial implications of your move is crucial for long-term success and happiness in your new community.

Housing Costs

Median Home Prices by Area (2026):

• Cherry Hills Village: $2.5M – $5M median
• Cherry Creek: $800K – $1.2M median
• Washington Park: $850K – $1M median
• Belcaro: $950K – $1.1M median
• Greenwood Village: $650K – $750K median
• Centennial: $550K – $650K median
• Bonnie Brae: $750K – $850K median
• Observatory Park: $700K – $800K median
• Platt Park: $550K – $650K median
• Englewood: $450K – $550K median

Rental Market:

• 1-bedroom apartments: $1,200 – $2,500/month
• 2-bedroom apartments: $1,800 – $3,500/month
• Single-family homes: $2,500 – $8,000+/month

Other Living Expenses

Utilities and Services:

• Electricity: $80-150/month (average home)
• Natural gas: $40-80/month
• Water/sewer: $50-100/month
• Internet: $50-100/month
• Cable/streaming: $50-150/month

Transportation:

• Gasoline: $3.20-3.80/gallon (2026 estimates)
• Car insurance: $1,200-1,800/year
• RTD transit passes: $120/month for local service
• Parking (downtown): $150-300/month

Groceries and Dining:

• Grocery bill (family of 4): $800-1,200/month
• Restaurant meal: $15-30 per person (casual)
• Fine dining: $50-100+ per person
• Coffee: $4-6 per specialty drink

Climate and Weather

Denver’s semi-arid continental climate offers four distinct seasons with over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the country’s most appealing weather destinations.

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (March-May):

• Temperatures: 45-70°F
• Characteristics: Variable weather, occasional snow, blooming season
• Activities: Hiking preparation, outdoor festivals, park activities

Summer (June-August):

• Temperatures: 55-85°F (low humidity)
• Characteristics: Warm days, cool evenings, afternoon thunderstorms
• Activities: Hiking, camping, outdoor concerts, farmers markets

Fall (September-November):

• Temperatures: 40-75°F
• Characteristics: Crisp air, beautiful foliage, stable weather
• Activities: Peak hiking season, football season, harvest festivals

Winter (December-February):

• Temperatures: 15-50°F
• Characteristics: Mild by winter standards, occasional snow, sunny days
• Activities: Skiing, winter sports, indoor cultural activities

Weather Considerations

• Altitude: 5,280 feet elevation requires adjustment period
• Dry Climate: Low humidity means increased need for hydration and moisturizing
• Sun Exposure: Intense UV radiation at altitude requires sun protection
• Weather Variability: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes”

Schools and Education Overview

South Denver offers access to some of Colorado’s finest educational institutions, from excellent public schools to prestigious private academies. For families prioritizing education, our detailed Cherry Creek Schools guide provides comprehensive insights into the district that serves many South Denver communities.

Top Public School Districts

Cherry Creek School District:

• One of Colorado’s largest and highest-performing districts
• Serves Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Centennial
• Excellent test scores and college preparation programs
• Strong STEM and arts programs

Denver Public Schools:

• Serves Washington Park, Bonnie Brae, University Hills
• Includes several highly-rated schools and magnet programs
• Innovation zones with specialized curricula
• School choice options within the district

Littleton Public Schools:

• Serves parts of Centennial and surrounding areas
• Strong academic performance and community support
• Excellent extracurricular programs

Notable Schools

Elementary Schools:

• Cherry Hills Village Elementary (top-rated)
• Steele Elementary (Washington Park area)
• University Park Elementary (Observatory Park)

High Schools:

• Cherry Creek High School (nationally recognized)
• South High School (historic, strong academics)
• Arapahoe High School (excellent programs)

Private Schools:

• Kent Denver School (grades 6-12, college prep)
• Colorado Academy (preK-12, innovative curriculum)
• St. Mary’s Academy (all-girls Catholic, grades 9-12)
• Denver Academy (learning differences support)

Higher Education

• University of Denver: Private research university
• Community College of Denver: Affordable continuing education
• Colorado State University Denver: Urban campus
• University of Colorado Denver: Research university downtown

Transportation and Commuting

South Denver offers excellent connectivity both within the metro area and for broader regional travel.

Public Transportation

RTD Light Rail:

• Multiple lines serve South Denver communities
• Direct connections to downtown Denver and DIA
• Park-and-ride facilities available
• Clean, reliable service with regular schedules

Bus Service:

• Extensive bus network throughout South Denver
• Express routes to major employment centers
• Local circulator routes within neighborhoods

Bike Infrastructure:

• Growing network of protected bike lanes
• Cherry Creek bike path connects multiple neighborhoods
• B-cycle bike sharing program
• Mountain bike trail access

Major Highways and Roads

• I-25: Primary north-south corridor
• C-470: Beltway connecting western suburbs
• I-225: Eastern connection to Aurora and airport
• US-85 (Santa Fe Drive): Historic north-south route
• Broadway: Major surface street through multiple neighborhoods

Commute Times

To Downtown Denver:

• Washington Park: 10-15 minutes
• Cherry Creek: 8-12 minutes
• Greenwood Village: 20-25 minutes
• Cherry Hills Village: 15-20 minutes

To Denver Tech Center:

• Most South Denver locations: 10-25 minutes
• Excellent reverse commute options

To Denver International Airport:

• Light rail: 45-60 minutes
• Driving: 35-50 minutes depending on traffic

Job Market and Economic Opportunities

South Denver benefits from proximity to multiple major employment centers and Colorado’s diverse, growing economy.

Denver Tech Center (DTC)

The Denver Tech Center represents one of the largest employment hubs in the region:

• Major Employers: Charles Schwab, DISH Network, Arrow Electronics
• Industries: Technology, telecommunications, financial services
• Employment: Over 100,000 workers
• Growth: Continuing expansion and development

Downtown Denver

Key Industries:

• Financial services and banking
• Energy companies (oil, gas, renewable)
• Healthcare systems
• Government and municipal services
• Professional services (law, consulting, accounting)

Emerging Sectors

• Cannabis Industry: Colorado’s legal cannabis market
• Outdoor Recreation: Gear companies and recreation services
• Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace
• Bioscience: Medical research and biotechnology
• Renewable Energy: Solar and wind energy companies

Unemployment and Wages

• Unemployment Rate: Typically 2-4% (below national average)
• Median Household Income: $65,000-$85,000 (varies by area)
• Job Growth: Consistent positive growth across sectors
• Remote Work: High adoption rate, supportive infrastructure

Lifestyle and Recreation

South Denver’s lifestyle revolves around the unique combination of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities that define Colorado living.

Outdoor Recreation

Within 30 Minutes:

• Chatfield State Park (boating, fishing, swimming)
• Cherry Creek State Park (trails, lake activities)
• Roxborough State Park (hiking, red rock formations)
• Countless urban parks and green spaces

Within 2 Hours:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Multiple world-class ski areas (Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge)
• 14,000-foot peaks for serious hikers
• Mountain biking trails of all difficulty levels

Cultural Amenities

Arts and Entertainment:

• Denver Art Museum (world-renowned collections)
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre (iconic concert venue)
• Denver Center for Performing Arts
• Multiple music venues and theaters
• Growing local arts scene

Professional Sports:

• Denver Broncos (NFL) at Empower Field at Mile High
• Colorado Rockies (MLB) at Coors Field
• Denver Nuggets (NBA) at Ball Arena
• Colorado Avalanche (NHL) at Ball Arena
• Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Commerce City

Food and Drink Scene

Denver’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years:

• Craft Beer: Over 100 breweries in the metro area
• Farm-to-Table: Strong local food movement
• Diverse Cuisines: International dining options
• Food Trucks and Markets: Casual dining innovation
• Fine Dining: Award-winning restaurants and chefs

Healthcare and Services

South Denver offers access to excellent healthcare facilities and comprehensive services.

Major Healthcare Systems

• Presbyterian/Saint Joseph Hospital: Major medical center
• Porter Adventist Hospital: Full-service acute care
• Swedish Medical Center: Comprehensive medical services
• Children’s Hospital Colorado: Pediatric specialty care
• National Jewish Health: Respiratory specialty hospital

Specialty Services

• Multiple urgent care facilities
• Extensive specialist networks
• Alternative medicine practitioners
• Dental and vision care options
• Mental health and wellness services

Tips for Newcomers

Before You Move

• Visit Multiple Seasons: Experience Denver weather year-round if possible
• Research Neighborhoods: Spend time in different areas to understand character
• School Districts: Understand enrollment processes and timing
• Budget Planning: Factor in all costs including altitude-related expenses
• Housing Market: Work with local real estate professionals who know the market

First 30 Days

• Vehicle Registration: Register vehicles and get Colorado license
• Voter Registration: Register to vote in your new precinct
• Find Local Services: Dentist, doctor, veterinarian, etc.
• Explore Your Neighborhood: Walk/bike to discover local businesses
• Join Community Groups: Neighborhood associations, hobby groups

Adjusting to Altitude

• Stay Hydrated: Drink more water than usual
• Take It Easy: Reduce exercise intensity initially
• Sun Protection: UV rays are stronger at altitude
• Monitor Health: Some people experience altitude sickness
• Skin Care: Dry climate requires extra moisturizing

Building Community Connections

• Neighborhood Events: Attend local festivals and gatherings
• Recreation Groups: Join hiking, biking, or sports groups
• Volunteer Opportunities: Great way to meet like-minded people
• Professional Networks: Industry meetups and business groups
• Family Activities: School events, youth sports, family recreation

Long-Term Considerations

Investment Potential

South Denver real estate has historically shown strong appreciation:

• Consistent population growth driving demand
• Limited developable land in prime areas
• Strong economic fundamentals
• Colorado’s continued appeal to newcomers
• Infrastructure investments supporting growth

Future Development

• Transportation: Continued light rail expansion
• Commercial Development: New shopping and dining options
• Residential Projects: Thoughtful infill development
• Sustainability: Green building and renewable energy initiatives

Making Your Decision: Is South Denver Right for You?

South Denver offers an exceptional quality of life for those who value:

• Access to outdoor recreation and Colorado lifestyle
• Strong job market and economic opportunities
• Excellent schools and family-friendly communities
• Urban amenities without overwhelming city density
• Investment potential and property appreciation
• Four-season climate with abundant sunshine
• Cultural diversity and progressive values

Consider South Denver If You:

• Love outdoor activities and mountain recreation
• Want access to urban amenities without big-city stress
• Prioritize excellent schools and safe neighborhoods
• Can handle higher housing costs for lifestyle benefits
• Appreciate craft beer, local food, and cultural activities
• Work in tech, healthcare, energy, or other growing industries

Conclusion: Your South Denver Journey Begins

Moving to South Denver in 2026 means joining one of America’s most dynamic and desirable metropolitan areas. With its combination of economic opportunity, outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and strong communities, South Denver offers a lifestyle that attracts people from around the world.

Whether you choose the luxury of Cherry Hills Village, the active community of Washington Park, the urban sophistication of Cherry Creek, or any of the other distinctive neighborhoods, you’ll find that South Denver provides the perfect foundation for building your Colorado life.

The key to a successful move is thorough preparation, realistic expectations, and an open mind to embrace the unique lifestyle that defines Colorado living. With proper planning and the right neighborhood choice, your move to South Denver can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with mountain adventures, career opportunities, and lasting community connections.

Welcome to South Denver – where urban sophistication meets mountain adventure, and every day offers new possibilities for the life you want to live.

Frequently Asked Questions