From LoHi to Washington Park: A Local Expert's Guide to Top Denver Short-Term Rental Neighborhoods

Short-term rentals are not just for vacations in Denver, they are a valuable tool for many different situations. They are great for people who are moving to Denver and want to check things out before committing to a long-term lease or home purchase. Many people want to take their time and find the perfect place before making a big commitment. Short-term rentals are also great for traveling professionals, like nurses or business travelers. Why stay in a hotel when you can have a quiet spot with a kitchen and ample amenities?

Another reason someone might need a short-term rental is because of a home project or emergency. When people build or renovate a house, they need a place to stay temporarily. If a disaster happens or a relative is ill, short-term rentals can come in handy until the situation has resolved. This type of rental may also be a good fit for someone who wants to sell their home and downsize. It could make sense to sell first and try out a rental of a certain size to see if it works best before committing.

Everyone's situation is unique, and everyone needs to find the best fit for them. Luckily, Denver is an amazing city that has an abundance of short-term rentals. My name is Marie, and I'm your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local Expert for Denver, Colorado. I live in Colorado Springs, about an hour south of Denver, but have many friends who live in Denver. I enjoy visiting them and also head up to the city frequently to catch a ball game, go to a water park, or visit a museum. I'm here to help you navigate the short-term rental scene and introduce you to a few neighborhoods you can consider checking out for short-term rentals in Denver.

The Short-Term Rental Scene in Denver

Denver offers a robust short-term rental scene. There are apartment complexes all over the Denver Metro Area that offer leases as short as one month. Choose something right in the city, on the outskirts, or opt for a suburb for a quieter experience. Apartments are nice because many offer amenities, such as access to pools, fitness rooms, and more. Living in an apartment community is also a great way to meet others, especially if you are new to the city.

In addition to apartments, you can find a condo or house for a short-term rental. Houses can give more privacy and the experience of living in a neighborhood.

Popular Neighborhoods for Short-Term Rentals in Denver

If you are going to opt for a short-term rental, why not make the most of it and stay in one of the most exciting areas of Denver? It's no surprise that some of the most popular areas for short-term rentals are simply some of the most popular and well-known areas of Denver. These areas are also the most popular for short-term rentals because they are densely populated, offer a variety of types of properties and price points, and are close to employment hubs and amenities.

Downtown Denver

If you want to be at the center of everything, consider a short-term rental in downtown Denver. There are apartments of all sizes available. This area is especially perfect if you don't have a car because it is very walkable and offers easy access to public transportation. You can participate in an active nightlife scene and there are amazing bars and restaurants all around.

In addition, you can easily get to cultural and entertainment opportunities and many parks dot the area. The urban convenience is very real and living in this area brings people together through events like markets and street fairs. Within just one square mile, downtown Denver boasts the opportunity to play on a river, explore museums, shop at a boutique or art gallery, see a Broadway show, find live music, ride a roller coaster, go to a water park, and see a professional sports game. That all sounds a little exhausting, so pace yourself.

You can find modern, newly built apartments, unique historic buildings, repurposed warehouses, and more. Shop around for an industrial-style loft, open floor plans, and homes that feature smart technology. No matter what you are looking for, downtown Denver can deliver.

LoHi (Lower Highland)

The Lower Highland (LoHi) Neighborhood sits north-west of downtown Denver and is an absolute gem. The highlights are the amazing breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Get out of bed on a Saturday morning and walk to grab breakfast. Or, enjoy a night out without having to even call a cab. When the need strikes for the outdoors, head to the South Platte River Trail, Confluence Park, or Commons Park. Join other dog walkers, joggers, bikers, and skaters along the South Platte River Trail that runs from Empower Field at Mile High through LoHi south to Cherry Creek. Some people take this trail to get to work! Confluence and Commons Park are connected and are situated along the South Platte River. They separate LoHi (Lower Highlands) from LoDo (Lower Downtown) and many come for picnics or for concerts in the spring and summer.

LoHi has a strong rental market and is very popular for young professionals. Enjoy modern architecture, rooftop bars, and trendy establishments. Find LoHi short-term rentals with a long list of amenities, luxury units, or affordable options. There is something for everyone.

Five Points

The Five Points Neighborhood attracts both long-term and short-term renters. It is a historic, walkable neighborhood and offers a variety of apartments, from unique, historic buildings to modern lofts. This neighborhood is known as the "Harlem of the West" because it was once a stop for many jazz greats. Today, it is still alive with coffeehouses, museums, tap rooms, and restaurants. The neighborhood gets its name because of the five-point intersection in the neighborhood. It's situated north-east of downtown Denver and wraps around Coors Field, with the north-west border being the South Platte River.

This old and diverse neighborhood values culture and bringing people together. This is exemplified by two annual events, the Juneteenth Music Festival and Mo'Betta Greens Marketplace. The Juneteenth Music Festival celebrates African American culture with delicious food, a car show, concerts, a pageant, and a parade. The Mo'Betta Greens Marketplace is available from mid-June to mid-October and is a great place to find homegrown produce and artisan foods. It's a great place to meet others who live in this community.

Capitol Hill

Live in sight of the Colorado State Capitol in Capitol Hill. There are several short-term rentals available here, in this historic area. Step out from your short-term rental and imagine life on "Cap Hill," which is full of beautiful turn-of-the-century mansions. This area is also home to the Molly Brown House Museum, and Civic Center Park, which houses music and food trucks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from May to October. In addition, residents can walk to the Denver Art Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum, Kirkland Institute of Fine and Decorative Art, and the Clyfford Still Museum.

Other walkable amenities include restaurants, coffeehouses, nightclubs, specialty stores, galleries, and fine-art studios. Annual events that take place in Capitol Hill are the Cinco de Mayo Festival in the Spring and Denver PrideFest in June. There is always something going on in this eclectic neighborhood.

Washington Park

Enjoy a slightly slower pace in Washington Park. This neighborhood gets you a little out of Downtown and into a more family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy greenery and beautiful landscaping as well as cute storefronts, boutiques, galleries, and wine bars along South Pearl and South Gaylord Streets. The area is named for Washington Park, which has two lakes, tree-lined paths, flower gardens and vast stretches of green grass. Many people from all over Denver come to this park to enjoy some tranquility and outdoor recreation.

Residents of Washington Park can get to downtown Denver by bike or cab. The E Line also travels here from Union Station. Residents of Washington Park enjoy several annual events. Summer Music Festivals on South Pearl occur from June through August and everyone comes back for Winterfest in December. Over Memorial Day weekend, everyone gathers for South Gaylord Street Days Block Party, and the South Pear Street Farmers' Market goes strong from June to October. Residents love the local produce, crafts, artisan coffee roasters, and baked goods.

Whenever my family and I head to Denver, it feels like we always stumble across some kind of market or festival. Denver is a city that is very alive and inclusive. If you need a short-term place to live, Denver has many options. No matter your reason for needing one, many apartment complexes offer leases as short as one month. Shop around for the neighborhood and building that best suits your needs. I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect short-term rental to help you springboard into something longer term.