The 5 Best Neighborhoods To Live In Denver If You're LGBTQ+

If you're craving a change and Denver is on your list of possible places to move, there shouldn't be anything holding you back from taking the leap. Known for having close to 300 days of sunshine, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, delicious craft breweries, and legal cannabis dispensaries as far as the eye can see, this city is one of a kind. Denver is also considered an LGBTQ+-friendly city, and CU Denver News even notes that the city's Pride celebration is the largest in the West.

Denver is known for supporting residents within the LGBTQ community, and a number of neighborhoods are commended for being queer-friendly. Scattered across the suburbs and downtown areas, you can find numerous gay bars, bathhouses, and clubs that offer fun and engaging places to meet new people and explore your surroundings. The city is also home to a variety of galleries, restaurants, and other culture-rich activities, with the culinary scene becoming bigger and more impressive every year. Denver is a thriving metropolis filled with new and emerging ideas that is sure to hook you, and the following neighborhoods are a great place to start looking for a new home.

Located west of downtown, this popular neighborhood is extremely LGBTQ friendly and boasts a number of shopping and restaurant options ideal for anyone who loves to eat out or spend money. Even if you prefer to save, The Highlands is considered a nice area to call home, with Sloane's Lake Park just under 3 miles away. According to GayRealEstate, charming brick bungalows line the streets, interspersed with businesses that make the whole community feel wholesome and diverse.

The Victorian-era houses are certainly a draw for many, but there are a number of independently-owned stores that offer fashionable pieces sure to tempt even the strictest shopper. If art is a big pull, the galleries in The Highlands will make your decision even easier, and the food is also a huge bonus in this area. Avanti F and B combines a variety of culinary concepts, each set up in renovated shipping containers, or try Linger and El Five for epic views and eats. The mix of old and new charm will surely provide you with the quintessential Denver backdrop you've been craving.

If being near downtown Denver is a checkpoint on your list, Capitol Hill should be one of the first neighborhoods you look at. According to Queer In The World, this area is a bohemian paradise that also exudes class and sophistication thanks to the stately mansions interspersed throughout the streets. These Victorian abodes now serve as apartments, townhomes, and condos to those who call Cap Hill home, and it is definitely one of the LGBTQ communities within the city.

Alongside the residential areas, you can find bars and clubs, and despite being one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, it offers pleasing walkways that will take you from place to place. The restaurants and other venues allow for easy socializing, and the popular locales offer a variety of options for cuisine, as well as people from every walk of life. Di Franco's and The 9th Door are both highly-rated eateries, while The Fainting Goat and Hudson Hill pop up as top-reviewed bars to check out. Wolfyy notes that Capitol Hill has earned the title of Denver's official gay area.

Downtown Denver definitely has its share of LGBTQ havens, but the suburbs are also worth checking out while house hunting. Central Park is one spot that offers outdoor exploration and lots of extra space for those who want to spread out. Bigger homes, larger backyards, and plenty of shopping all await those who want a quieter, more peaceful existence outside the bustling city (but still close enough to pop in when the mood strikes). Stanley Marketplace is also nearby, which boasts over 50 independently owned shops, restaurants, and wellness services local to Colorado (via Stanley Marketplace).

The community within Central Park is considered one of the most engaging and immersive, with a mixture of families, young professionals, and community leaders choosing to call this suburb home. According to Central Park, numerous events are always taking place in the area, ranging from concerts to Farmer's Markets and more. There are over 60 parks to enjoy as well, which is ideal for those who like to spend time in the fresh air. With a little bit of everything, it is no wonder this area has become a sought-after neighborhood for the LGBTQ circle.

If you like the idea of Capitol Hill but want more greenery, check out Cheesman Park, which sits just east of the former. Uncover Colorado notes that the entire park is 80 acres and also acts as the initial meeting point for the city's Annual Pride Parade. In addition, the area has many ties to the LGBTQ community, acting as a hub for those who want to enjoy the many perks the park has to offer. The surrounding neighborhoods are a mix of high and mid-rise condos, as well as a variety of single-family abodes. You can also find the Denver Botanic Gardens inside Cheesman's acreage, which provides visitors with a captivating outdoor space to wander around and spend time alone or with friends and loved ones.

The views from the park of the Rocky Mountains are another reason people flock to it, but there are nearby coffee houses that offer a cozy respite from the elements, as well as gay and queer resources, craft cocktail bars, and plenty of room to run, walk, stroll, or just hang out.

Denver is home to numerous neighborhoods that are LGBTQ-friendly and embrace everyone's individuality. Lowry is one such area, and one of the draws is how close it sits to Cherry Creek Shopping District. According to GayRealEstate, Lowry's scene is quieter and more suburban, different from the nearby Stapleton (which can also be referred to as Gapleton by some of the LGBTQ members who take up residence there). This serene locale provides people with over 800 acres of outdoor space, and the Lowry Denver website notes there are more than 3,000 apartments, condos, single-family homes, and duplexes in the community.

Cherry Creek is known for its lavish shops, restaurants, and offerings, which makes it a destination for locals and tourists alike. However, Lowry is a short distance away from all of these, ensuring you can find something to do rain, snow, shine, or anything in between. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor experiences, this small but friendly area has an equal balance to please everyone.