We recently published an article listing some of the best neighborhoods in Denver to live in. But it’s not always possible to start with ‘the best’, especially if you’re new in town and want to gain some firsthand experience with different neighborhoods.
Plus, in just the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 7.7%. There’s no two ways about it, the cost of living in Denver, Colorado just keeps rising. And it’s no wonder — with the enormous draw of the city’s attractions, and the allure of the Rocky Mountains, Denver’s population is still growing and so is its economy.
But that doesn’t mean that renting in Denver is impossible or has to break your bank. There are still numerous neighborhoods in Denver with affordable rent both in and outside of the metro area.
Finding Affordable Rent in the Denver Metro Area
West Denver
Located west of the I-25 and just south of Sloan’s Lake, West Denver is a large area full of smaller neighborhoods. Sitting between Denver’s downtown and Lakewood, West Denver gives you ‘the best of both worlds’ by keeping you close to the city while being an area with a more suburban feel.
Because of its size, West Denver also gives you the option to find an area that feels best for you, while still retaining affordable rental prices. Westwood and Mar Lee stand out as particularly affordable parts of West Denver.
Congress Park
Just three miles from downtown Denver, renting in the Congress Park area will place you within walking distance of several Denver attractions, including Cheesman Park and the area’s namesake, Congress Park. Congress Park is also home to the Denver Botanic Gardens which is unmissable during all four seasons. Recently, Congress Park has also gained notoriety for its many cozy and creative eateries.
Washington Virginia Vale
If you travel along Cherry Creek Drive just a mile or so past the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, you’ll arrive in one of Denver Metro’s most affordable areas to rent — Washington Virginia Vale. Nestled between Cherry Creek and Leetsdale Drive, the area is just over five miles from Denver’s city center, keeping you connected to downtown without the downtown prices.
Garland Park is a great place for a picnic or a walk, and runners and bikers alike will love the short walk (or ride) to get onto Cherry Creek Trail, a 24-mile path perfect for exercise and sightseeing. Currently, Washington Virginia Vale is one of, if not the, most affordable neighborhood in Denver to rent a place to live.
Top Affordable Denver Suburbs
Commerce City
Just a short drive from the city lies Commerce City. With one of the lower costs of living of any suburb surrounding Denver, it’s perfect for those who work from home or don’t mind a small commute. Starting north of Denver and stretching toward the northeast, Commerce City is an area full of growth.
Thornton
Exiting Denver going north on I-25 will take you to Thornton, the biggest suburb on our list. Historically, Thornton was rural farmlands but in the last few decades the area has transformed and grown immensely — without losing its natural splendor.
Renters will enjoy the value they receive for the prices they’ll find and can make the most of Thornton’s 81 city parks, endless miles of trails, and 2,000+ acres of public green space.
Northglenn
To round out our list of affordable neighborhoods to rent in Denver, we turn from the largest suburb on the list to the smallest: Northglenn. Its small size gives it a cozy, small town feel while still offering everything a renter could want.
The main highway and roads quickly bring you to Denver without forcing you to leave Northglenn to find anything you could want including shopping, entertainment, and dining as well as parks and numerous other outdoor spaces.
Aurora Highlands
Directly east of Denver lies the neighboring county of Aurora which is home to the Aurora Highlands. While not part of Denver, it is certainly close enough for a commuter, located just off the 225.
One of the most attractive features of this neighborhood (aside from the affordable rental prices) is how connected residents are to more than just Denver. In addition to being close to the city, Aurora Highlands is also just minutes away from Cherry Creek State Park and Denver International Airport and lies equidistant to Downtown Denver and Denver Tech Center.
Other Ways to Find Affordable Rent in and Around Denver
Beyond finding the right neighborhood, it’s also important to choose the right company to rent from. Koelbel has been a part of the Denver real estate market for 70 years and knows the city better than most. While many think of us as homebuilders we have also partnered with affordable housing programs in Denver, Boulder, and other places in Colorado to be able to offer homes to rent for those not ready or not able to put down permanent roots just yet.
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