Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains — a city where weekend skiing, hiking, and climbing are standard student activities. The University of Denver, CU Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver anchor a growing student population, and the city’s booming economy (aerospace, tech, cannabis) draws young professionals from across the country. Housing has risen sharply in the 2020s but remains below coastal cities.
University of Denver (South Denver)
University Park: The immediate DU neighborhood. Tree-lined streets with a mix of 1950s ranch houses and newer apartment buildings. The light rail station (University of Denver) is right on campus, connecting to downtown in 15 minutes. Rooms USD 800–1,400/month.
Washington Park (Wash Park): Denver’s Central Park — two lakes, running paths, volleyball courts, and miles of green space. Gorgeous Craftsman homes. 10 min walk to DU. Rooms USD 900–1,600/month.
Platt Park & South Broadway: South Broadway’s “Antique Row” has become a destination for vintage shopping, breweries, and live music. South Pearl Street has an excellent Sunday farmers market. Rooms USD 800–1,400/month.
CU Denver & MSU Denver (Auraria Campus)
Capitol Hill: Denver’s most diverse and dense neighborhood. Old mansions converted to apartments, Cheesman Park (the unofficial gayborhood gathering spot), and endless food options along Colfax Avenue. 10 min light rail or 15 min walk to Auraria. Rooms USD 700–1,300/month.
Baker: South of downtown along Broadway. One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods with Queen Anne Victorians and a thriving bar scene. 5–10 min light rail. Rooms USD 800–1,400/month.
Five Points (RiNo): The River North Art District. Former industrial zone turned into Denver’s hippest neighborhood — craft breweries, street art, and the Denver Central Market food hall. Rooms USD 900–1,600/month.
The Mountain Lifestyle Premium
Denver students pay a “lifestyle tax” — outdoor gear isn’t cheap, and having a car to get to the mountains adds costs. But the payoff is genuine: leave campus at 3 PM on Friday, be skiing by 4:30 PM.
For the ski-obsessed, getting the Ikon or Epic Pass (USD 700–1,000) and a reliable AWD vehicle is almost mandatory. Carpooling to resorts via Facebook groups offsets gas costs.
FAQ
Is Denver actually a mountain city? It’s on the plains, 30 km east of the foothills. “Mountain city” is a stretch — you need a car to get to actual mountains. But they’re close. How’s the weather? Wild. 300 days of sun per year, but snow as late as May and as early as September. The altitude (1,609m) means the sun is intense and hydration is essential. Monthly budget? USD 1,400–2,200 for rent, food, and basics. Add USD 200–400/month if you’re serious about skiing/climbing gear and trips.