DENVER – Denver has dozens of neighborhoods but some of them are better than others when it comes to finding a great place to raise a family.
For our list of family-friendly neighborhoods, we focused primarily on two big factors that parents usually look at: Crime/safety and quality of neighborhood schools. We used 2016 crime numbers from the Denver Police Department and school ratings from Niche (you can read about how they determine school scores here).
Because affordability is also a concern, we included home price info from Zillow, as well. It may come as little surprise that some of the neighborhoods on this list are also among the city’s most expensive.
RELATED: These five Denver neighborhoods are good options for first-time homebuyers
Here are seven neighborhoods that have a well-rounded combination of low crime and good schools, in addition to other factors that make them great for families.
1. Wellshire
Wellshire had the second-lowest crime of all of Denver’s neighborhoods last year. Located between I-25, Highway 285, University Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard, Wellshire has great nearby schools and several parks to encourage kids to get outside.
Crime density: 70 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B-
Zillow home price: $732,100
2. Hilltop
Located immediately east of Colorado Boulevard and Leetsdale Drive, Hilltop is another solid choice for families, with several parks, great schools and some of the lowest crime in Denver.
Crime density: 159 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B-
Zillow home price: $1,045,600
3. Lowry Field
Once home to Lowry Air Force Base, the Lowry neighborhood is now a residential area that’s great for families. In addition to have great schools, Lowry also is home to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Lowry Sports Complex Park, giving families plenty to do without going far.
Crime density: 178.8 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B-
Zillow home price: $587,400
4. Washington Park
As the name suggests, the Washington Park neighborhood is immediately adjacent to Washington Park. The Denver Country Club and Cherry Creek Shopping Center are not far away, offering plenty of activities for kids and parents alike.
Crime density: 219.7 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B-
Zillow home price: $769,900
5. Country Club
Located just north of the Washington Park neighborhood, Country Club has many of the same amenities: Parks, shopping, low crime and great schools (and very expensive homes).
Crime density: 232.7 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B
Zillow home price: $1,232,300
6. Stapleton
Like Lowry, Stapleton is a residential neighborhood built on what was once a major air traffic site. The area was home to Stapleton International Airport until 1995, but today it is a growing, family-friendly community with lots of park space.
Crime density: 260.6 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B
Zillow home price: $564,500
7. South Park Hill
Just east of City Park, you’ll find the South Park Hill neighborhood. While nearby East Colfax Avenue has a reputation for crime, this neighborhood still has some of the lowest crime rates in the city. Plus, who wouldn’t love living so close to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science?
Crime density: 307.2 offenses per square mile
Niche school score: B
Zillow home price: $641,400
RELATED: These are Denver’s best neighborhoods for getting around without a car