Live, work, and play downtown in Denver’s lively concrete jungle.
Bustling · Urban · Central · Walkable · Professional
There’s never a dull moment in this lively neighborhood. Residents live in the middle of downtown Denver. Home to some of the finest dining and best-loved bars, the Central Business District is most comparable to living in a big city.
The name stems from it being the commercial core of Denver. Other than the constant motion of street performers, tourists, and nine-to-fivers, this neighborhood remains fairly calm and especially quiet on weekends. Luckily, the location is so central that having a car is only necessary for those looking to escape for a weekend trip to the mountains. If your top priority is having an easy commute to work, you should check out the Central Business District.
The housing options in downtown Denver are primarily luxury high-rises with spectacular city views and impressive amenities. This neighborhood brings a slower pace compared to Lower Downtown (LoDo). It’s a great place to host visitors and to meet new people.
Neighborhood Vibe
If you want a big city feel, this little neighborhood will be perfect for you. Although it is smaller than the business districts in New York or Chicago, you’ll still get that bustling downtown vibe. Commuters run to lunch, the Light Rail trains meander through traffic, and people in suits whiz by on electric scooters. Sleek glass skyscrapers tower over parking lots, 7-11s, and ever-present construction projects. Massive hotels like the Hyatt Regency, the Sheraton, and the Westin host conferences year-round. Because this area is so urban, it isn’t ideal for people with dogs.
Favorite Spots
Although this area is very business-centric, there are a few historic spots that should not be overlooked. Built in 1892, the Brown Palace serves high tea in its quaint atrium, and across the street sits the Gothic spires of Trinity United Methodist Church. The Delectable Egg or Sam’s No. 3 are breakfast favorites; while Panzano, Guard & Grace, and Menya Noodle Bar are great for a work lunch or happy hour. You’ve probably seen The Big Blue Bear at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, which has become a famous landmark.
Things to Know
Because this is a business district, weekends in the CBD are quiet. Restaurants that are packed during weekdays are closed, and roads are shut down for parades and 5Ks on their way to the Civic Center. Unsurprisingly, parking is limited here (although less expensive than LoDo), you'll have to head over to West Colfax to find free street parking with ease. Downtown Denver housing is almost exclusively high-rises, with the exception of a few historic buildings that have been converted into lofts. From here you can catch some sun at a rooftop pool, get great views of the sunset, and watch the fireworks at the Rockies Stadium on the 4th of July. If you're looking for bustling city life without the price tag, check out the Denver Tech Center neighborhood.