Welcome to DENVER
Colorado’s state capital is also its largest city––a fast-growing, hip, young, and desirable location that blends urban conveniences with outdoor adventure.
Rising from the South Platte River Valley in the shadow of the Rock Mountains is Colorado’s state capital, the bustling city of Denver. Famous for its craft cocktail scene, Union Station, fantastic art museums, parks, and great breweries, Denver sits at the confluence of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication.
The “Mile High City” came to be in 1858 as people flocked to the area searching for gold, which mostly lay in the mountains. Ever since then, the city has continued to grow and flourish, with the complete transformation of the downtown area ushering in a new wave of residents helped along by the redevelopment of the historic Union Station, which now houses many acclaimed restaurants and a new hotel. Besides its thriving cultural scene, the Colorado state capital is known for its fantastic weather, boasting more than 300 days of sunshine per year––more than Miami!
What to Love
- Boulder is only about 30 minutes away and a gateway to some of the most scenic and accessible hiking in the state.
- The Golden Triangle: a mixture of civic architecture, public art, and museums
- Diverse neighborhoods and beautiful natural amenities
People & Lifestyle
Denver is one of the most populated cities in Denver and continues to be a fast-growing city. Perched on the western edge of the country’s high plains, most Denver residents appreciate the outdoorsy lifestyle. The city’s abundance of natural beauty is one of the reasons why real estate is so desirable. Metro Denver has a huge population and a robust economy to match. The Denver lifestyle is hip, young, and fast-paced, with a relaxed vibe in most city neighborhoods, though each has unique characteristics.
The Highlands is one of the most coveted neighborhoods, home to eclectic restaurants, coffeehouses, and boutiques. In Downtown Denver, you’ll find the hipster neighborhood of River North with lots of street art, breweries, and converted warehouses. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Denver features numerous diverse neighborhoods, including more affordable locations like Capitol Hill.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping in Denver occurs primarily at 16th St Mall and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Outdoor cafés, attractions, and the Denver Pavilions––a shopping and dining complex––line the pedestrian-friendly promenade on 16th Street. After dark, pedestrians can get from one end of the street to the other via horse-drawn carriages or pedicabs. As the region’s premier shopping center, Cherry Creek boasts over 160 shops, 40 exclusive to the area like Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Neiman Marcus.
The rustic trattoria North Italia is housed inside the JW Mariott, right around the corner from Cherry Creek. If you’re planning to see a show at the Center for the Performing Arts in Larimer Square, you might consider making a reservation at the upscale steakhouse outpost, The Capital Grille. Other exceptional Denver restaurants include the minimalist Japanese eatery Sushi Sasa and the modern-day food hall Avanti F&B, a bi-level establishment boasting fantastic views of downtown.
Things to Do
Denver is a creative haven for anyone who appreciates art. The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago, with over 70,000 diverse works spanning centuries and continents. If you’re interested in something more surreal and avant-garde, Meow Wolf Denver is a one-of-a-kind walkthrough art experience with interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures, and a mind-bending story arc.
Spend an afternoon biking along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, a picturesque trail that extends 40 miles, starting from downtown Denver and connecting to rural and suburban Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
There is plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do on the weekend in Denver. Support the Denver Broncos at a football game at the acclaimed Empower Field at Mile High or visit the state-of-the-art Downtown Aquarium, home to more than 500 species, an interactive stingray touch tank, a restaurant, and a lounge.
Schools
Denver Public Schools is the city’s public school system. Below are a few of Denver’s most notable institutions.
