I’ve been selling real estate in Denver for over 20 years, and one question comes up more than almost any other: “Which part of South Denver should I look at?” It makes sense. South Denver covers a huge swath of the metro, and the neighborhoods couldn’t be more different from one another. Whether you’re moving from out of state or relocating from another part of the city, picking the right neighborhood will shape everything: commute time, school options, weekend routines, and how much house you can actually get.
I’m a Denver native. I grew up here, raised my family here, and I’ve watched South Denver transform over the decades from quiet bedroom communities into some of the most desirable real estate in the entire country. Here’s my honest, neighborhood-by-neighborhood take on what you’ll find south of downtown.
Cherry Creek: Walkability Meets Luxury
If you want to walk to dinner, browse galleries on a Sunday morning, and still be close to downtown, Cherry Creek is hard to beat. The neighborhood sits about 10 minutes southeast of downtown Denver and has built a reputation as the city’s most walkable upscale district.
The housing stock here is diverse. You’ll find luxury high-rise condos and townhomes alongside traditional single-family homes on tree-lined streets. Prices reflect the location. Expect to pay $600,000 on the low end for a smaller condo, with single-family homes regularly clearing $1.5 million and up. Penthouses and luxury units go higher still.
What I hear from clients who choose Cherry Creek: they love that they can leave the car at home on weekends. The Cherry Creek Shopping District, the trail along Cherry Creek itself, and a strong restaurant scene create a self-contained lifestyle. It’s popular with professionals, empty nesters, and anyone who values convenience over square footage.
One thing to know: parking and traffic can be frustrating. If you’re commuting by car, budget extra time.
Cherry Hills Village: Estate Living at Its Best
Cherry Hills Village is the opposite of Cherry Creek in almost every way. This is one of the most prestigious zip codes in all of Colorado. Estate-sized lots, equestrian properties, private ponds, and homes that back up to Cherry Hills Country Club define the neighborhood.
Prices here start around $2 million and climb well past $10 million for the larger ranch properties. You’re not buying just a home; you’re buying into a very specific lifestyle. Many residents keep horses on-site. The lots are genuinely large, often an acre or more, which is rare for any major metro area.
Cherry Hills Village is served by Cherry Creek School District, one of the most highly rated in Colorado. The schools, combined with the privacy and prestige of the neighborhood, attract families who want top-tier education without sacrificing space or tranquility.
It’s about 20 minutes from downtown Denver by car. Close enough for city access, far enough to feel like its own world.
Greenwood Village: Corporate Corridor, Great Schools
Greenwood Village sits right along the Denver Tech Center (DTC), making it a logical choice for professionals who work in that corridor. The area has excellent office parks, major corporate headquarters, and strong light rail access via the RTD lines that run through the DTC.
The neighborhoods themselves are quieter and more suburban than Cherry Creek, but the quality of homes is high. You’ll find a mix of established subdivisions with mature trees and newer construction. Prices range from around $600,000 for a townhome up to $2 million-plus for larger custom homes in gated communities.
Cherry Creek School District serves most of Greenwood Village, which is a major draw for families. I’ve had clients specifically target Greenwood Village for the combination of school quality, commute convenience to DTC, and neighborhood feel.
If you’re relocating for a corporate job in the Tech Center, this is the first place I’d tell you to look.
Englewood and Centennial: More Accessible Entry Points
Not everyone moving to South Denver is coming with a $1.5 million budget, and that’s completely fine. Englewood and Centennial offer a more realistic entry point into the south metro without sacrificing quality of life.
Englewood, which borders Denver directly to the south, has been going through a quiet revitalization over the past several years. Home prices range from the mid-$400,000s for smaller bungalows up to $800,000 for larger updated homes. It has a light rail station on the C Line, making downtown Denver accessible without a car. The dining and retail scene along South Broadway has improved significantly over the past decade.
Centennial, further south, is more traditionally suburban. Newer subdivisions, good schools (Cherry Creek SD covers much of it, with some areas under Littleton Public Schools), and a family-friendly feel throughout. Prices are generally in the $500,000 to $900,000 range, though that shifts with the market.
For first-time buyers in the south metro, or those relocating from a high-cost-of-living city who want to stretch their budget, these communities deserve a serious look.
Castle Pines and Lone Tree: Suburban Done Right
Further south, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Denver, Castle Pines and Lone Tree represent the newer, more suburban end of the south metro spectrum. These communities were largely developed in the past 20 to 30 years, so the homes tend to be newer construction with modern floor plans, larger garages, and more outdoor space.
Lone Tree has become increasingly popular because of its proximity to the Park Meadows retail corridor and easy access to I-25. It also has a light rail station, which is a big plus for commuters. Home prices generally run $600,000 to $1.3 million.
Castle Pines skews even more upscale and secluded. Golf courses, private club access, and larger lots make it popular with buyers who want that resort-town feel without leaving the metro. Prices start around $700,000 and climb past $3 million for the nicest properties.
Both communities fall under Douglas County School District, which consistently ranks among the top districts in Colorado.
One honest tradeoff: you’re further from Denver, and you’ll feel it. Mountain access is excellent (Breckenridge and the I-70 ski corridor are about an hour away), but daily city trips take planning.
What to Know Before You Move
Light rail is more useful in South Denver than many people expect. The RTD system connects Englewood, the DTC area, and Lone Tree to downtown Denver, which can genuinely cut down on car dependence. If your job is downtown or in the DTC, it’s worth factoring proximity to a light rail station into your home search.
School districts matter a lot here. Cherry Creek School District and Douglas County School District are both strong, and parents are often very intentional about which district they land in. Know the boundaries before you fall in love with a house.
The outdoor lifestyle is real. The mountains are roughly 45 minutes from most of South Denver on a good day. Chatfield State Park is right in the area for hiking and water recreation. The High Line Canal Trail runs through multiple south Denver neighborhoods and is a genuine community asset.
For a more detailed breakdown by neighborhood, including current median prices and what’s on the market, check out the South Denver neighborhood guides. It was built specifically to give real, local information to buyers and newcomers moving to the area.
Moving to a new city is stressful enough. Knowing what to expect from each neighborhood — not just the sales pitch but the real texture of daily life — makes a difference. That’s what I try to provide.
We hope you found this blog post on Moving to South Denver: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide useful. Be sure to check out our post on Moving Guide Checklist – Step by Step for more great tips!
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