Downtown Denver’s “work hard play hard” neighborhood
With vibrant art and an eclectic restaurant scene that sit among high-rise office buildings, the Central Business District is an embodiment of the live-work-play lifestyle. Referred to as just “Downtown” by locals, the neighborhood serves as the beating heart of Denver with its central location, businesses, nationally known retailers, theaters and condominiums – all within walking distance of each other. “The Central Business District is kind of the pulse of Downtown,” says Nicholas Dembeck, a broker associate with The Agency, who has over 15 years of experience. “There is a vibrancy in this area that one would truly call the Downtown lifestyle comparable to other big cities.”
Sculpture Park highlights the Central Business District skyline.
16th Street Mall is very walkable in Central Business District.
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Exploring the city’s pedestrian promenade
As the heart of Downtown, the Central Business District is flush with shopping and dining experiences. Many of the high-rise office buildings have unique shops and restaurants on the lower levels that cater to foot traffic. Denver’s original Masonic Temple, built in 1889 and identifiable with its red sandstone exterior, also hosts the Appaloosa Grill on its ground floor. Known locally as “The Horse,” the restaurant serves made-from-scratch American comfort food. This establishment, along with many others, is found along the 16th Street Mall – a pedestrian promenade and major retail artery for the city. The area is currently undergoing major renovations and should be completed by 2025, though businesses continue to stay open and flourish despite the construction. Restaurants on the strip include Kealoha’s BBQ, with its Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and West of Surrender, a saloon and kitchen serving up modern versions of Old West dishes. Along 16th Street, “there are tons of patios and rooftop bars that offer amazing views of Downtown and the mountains,” Dembeck says. Nighttime brings a whole new level to the scene, with establishments like FTW Denver and Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery.
In addition to the food, pedestrians can find local stores and national retailers lining the streets. Name-brand stores include H&M, Sephora and Target. Gift shops, novelty stores and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory add a fun flair to the area’s directory.
Central Business District residents meet up with friends at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery.
Central Business District residents can get a great dinner and drinks at Appaloosa Grill.
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Art and culture at every corner
Downtown's entertainment options are limitless, with many venues and museums adding to the area’s art and culture scene. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is a four-block facility with 10 performance theaters, including a ballroom, concert hall, opera house and more. “No matter what you’re looking for arts-wise, it’s the key place to go,” says Caroline Campbell, Public Relations and Communications Manager for Visit Denver. “I grew up in the suburbs of Denver, and we would often come to Downtown to watch plays like The Nutcracker.” Outside the venues, Sculpture Park is known for its towering 60-foot sculptures dubbed “The Dancers.” Next door is the Colorado Convention Center, which hosts over 400 events and expos each year. Visitors strolling through the area are greeted by the famous 40-foot blue bear sculpture that has become the city’s unofficial mascot. The American Museum of Western Art has a robust collection of frontier paintings spanning three levels. There’s also the Denver Firefighters Museum and the whimsical Museum of Illusions with its interactive exhibits.
The Denver Performing Arts Complex in Central Business District features events all year long.
Central Business District residents and visitors enjoy the Sculpture Park downtown.
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Community events within walking distance
Directly south of the Central Business District, Civic Center Park is a local hotspot for festivals and community events. Holiday-specific ones include a New Year’s Eve fireworks display, a Fourth of July party and a holiday parade in the winter. The park also hosts many concerts for local and touring artists. “In the summer it’s just a great place to spend your time. On Wednesdays there are food trucks that come to the park,” Campbell says. Another community hub in the area is Union Station, which is located a mile north. The Urban Market is a farmers market that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, showcasing local vendors with everything from fresh produce and baked goods to jewelry and furniture.
The slider eating contest is underway at BBQ Fest Denver in the Central Business District.
Traditionally dressed ladies of the Cherry Blossom festival pose in Central Business District.
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A selection of quality condos
Although dominated by commercial buildings, Downtown has impressive condominium housing options. Condo buildings range from contemporary high-rises to old Art Deco buildings that were converted from commercial to residential use. The Denver Dry Goods Company building was converted into condos after the business closed in the 1980s and now stands as a local landmark with its red brick exterior. One of the more modern condominiums, Spire Condos, towers over 40 stories above 14th Street and is known for its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Many of the condos in the area share similar price tags. Homebuyers can find a one-bed, one-bath unit with 950 square feet for as low as $400,000, or a unit with two beds and two baths that’s 1,300 square feet for $750,000. Many of these buildings come with additional amenities such as a parking garage, fitness center and community pool. There are also a handful of condos around 500 square feet for $200,000 to $300,000.
Spire Condos are a perfect example of urban condo living in the Central Business District.
The Denver Dry Goods Company building in Central Business District was converted to condos.
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Traveling around Downtown
As the center of downtown Denver, the Central Business District has numerous commuter options. Five RTD light rail stations are within the neighborhood, and two additional ones are less than a mile away. Most are located along Stout Street and California Street and connect to Lines D, H and L. Additionally, there are bus stops on virtually every street from local transit services. Denver’s Union Station is less than a mile north for train travel. Those who prefer driving a vehicle can access US Highway 70, also known as Colfax Avenue, at the southern end of the neighborhood. People can also travel by foot since the streets are pedestrian-friendly. “It’s one of our most walkable areas in the city. You don’t need a car to get around,” Campbell says.
Getting educated in the city’s public schools
Children living in the Central Business District don’t have to travel far to access Denver Public Schools. Greenlee Elementary School is a couple of blocks south of Colfax Avenue and maintains a B-minus grade on Niche. From there, students can attend McAuliffe Middle School. Known as an Innovation School, McAuliffe has a B grade and provides numerous community service and field trip opportunities. West High School has been serving the community from its grand English Gothic-style building since the 1920s and earns a C grade. Students at West have access to college credit courses and internship opportunities through its CareerConnect program.
Combatting the city’s crime
The CAP Index for the Central Business District has a crime score of 9 out of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4. This could be due to the area’s high density of commercial buildings and volume of foot traffic. Many condominiums combat the risk of property crime with security measures like video surveillance, and the city’s police department regularly provides tips for crime prevention through their media outlets.
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Welcome to the Centennial model where “updated” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle. This 2-bedroom gem has had more upgrades than your phone this year. The kitchen? A total glow-up, featuring laminate countertops, tile flooring (because carpet in kitchens is a crime), a modern tile backsplash, a full squad of stainless steel appliances, and custom walnut cabinets so nice you’ll want to open
Sky-High Living in the Heart of Downtown! Welcome to Unit 32K in the iconic Brooks Tower building; your urban oasis 32 floors above the city! This sleek and stylish 1-bed, 1-bath condo is perfect for young professionals who want to live, work, and play in the heart of Denver. Wake up to breathtaking mountain and city views, grab coffee from a local cafe, and walk to work, Coors Field, Union
Experience the pinnacle of urban luxury in Penthouse 42C at 1020 15th Street, a contemporary, remodeled residence in the iconic Brooks Tower. Located in the heart of Denver's Theater District, this exclusive 42nd-floor retreat offers stunning views of the Downtown Denver skyline from three private balcony and terrace spaces. Step into the expansive entry foyer, which opens to a light-filled
This Centennial model 2 bedroom presents extraordinary mountain views from southwest side of the building, the exterior balcony will give you the opportunity to enjoy those views. LVP flooring throughout, carpet in bedrooms. All kitchen and bathroom updates are complete. Custom lighting and full furnished. Immediate occupancy available, just bring you and your suitcase and this is ready to go!
Experience the pinnacle of urban luxury in Penthouse 42C at 1020 15th Street, a contemporary, remodeled residence in the iconic Brooks Tower. Located in the heart of Denver's Theater District, this exclusive 42nd-floor retreat offers stunning views of the Downtown Denver skyline from three private balcony and terrace spaces. Step into the expansive entry foyer, which opens to a light-filled
Sky-High Living in the Heart of Downtown! Welcome to Unit 32K in the iconic Brooks Tower building; your urban oasis 32 floors above the city! This sleek and stylish 1-bed, 1-bath condo is perfect for young professionals who want to live, work, and play in the heart of Denver. Wake up to breathtaking mountain and city views, grab coffee from a local cafe, and walk to work, Coors Field, Union
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christopher Thompson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
6,265
Median Age
36
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$98,448
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,008
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.6%
College Graduates
73.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
66''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
93/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
86/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
