A recent study ranking the walkability of major metropolitan areas rated Denver #4 in the nation.  This may be confusing to people who still remember the striking National Geographic issue on sprawl featuring a depressing shot of Highlands Ranch on the cover (many other states feature sprawling subdivisions but they presumably chose us because we don’t have trees to hide it).

There are actually many areas, both city neighborhoods, and more suburban areas, that are walkable in and around Denver.  First though, what does “walkable” really mean?

It may seem obvious, but walkable areas and neighborhoods have sidewalks, preferably wide ones.  Believe it or not, there are neighborhoods that lack this feature.  Being walkable also means having things like shops, services, offices, parks, and restaurants within easy (10-15 minutes) walking distance.  The following is list of the top 10 walkable neighborhood and areas in/around Denver (in no particular order).

1. The Highlands. Roughly the area around 32nd and Federal.  Great little downtown area within walking distance of many homes. City neighborhood 10 minutes from downtown Denver.
2. Cherry Creek. Neighborhood bounded by Cherry Creek south, East 6th Ave north, Colorado Blvd. east, and University west. City neighborhood. 10 minutes to downtown.
3. Washington Park. Neighborhood around Washington Park (go figure) bounded by I-25 to Cherry Creek and University to Downing. City neighborhood. 10 minutes to downtown.
4. Stapleton, Denver. Quebec and 29th street. City neighborhood but new. 10 minutes to downtown.
5. Lowry. Denver. Bounded by Quebec east, Alameda south, 11th Ave North. 15 minute drive to downtown. City neighborhood but new.
6. Bonnie Brae. Bounded by University west, Exposition north, Mississippi south.  10-15 minutes to downtown. City neighborhood.
7. Downtown Littleton. Areas around the downtown.  Bounded by Santa Fe west, Berry Ave north, Church Ave. south. 20 minutes south of downtown Denver. Suburb of Denver. Has own light rail stop also.
8. Bradburn Village, Westminster. 120th between Sheridan and Federal. Suburb of Denver. 30 minute drive to downtown Denver.
9. Downtown Golden. 30-40 minute drive to downtown Denver (east).
10. Olde Town Arvada. Suburb of Denver. 20-30 minute drive to downtown Denver (east).