/ Neighborhood Guide2021 rank: 38
Making its first appearance on this list is Denver’s largest neighborhood (by population), and the farthest east. Keep going past Gateway/Green Valley Ranch and you’ll find yourself at Denver International Airport. Families, in particular, are attracted to the neighborhood’s suburbia-lite vibes, safe streets, and the 21—count ’em—schools within its boundaries. Homes are primarily new(ish) builds, and they remain among the most affordable in town—certainly, on this list—averaging below $475,000. Another perk to living here: easy access to plenty of green space, including a public golf course, skate park, and, nearby, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Demographics—Get to Know Your Neighbors
Gateway/Green Valley Ranch skews young, with a median age of 31.9 years old; more than one-quarter of residents are younger than 18. Around 30 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holds bachelor’s degrees or higher. When it comes to housing, 73 percent of all filled units are owner-occupied, and families comprise 72 percent of neighborhood households. The average household income is $79, 613.
Neighborhood Rankings
How we got these numbers: We utilized the city’s official list of 78 neighborhoods (only 73 had enough data to be included), and ranked them using four variables: home prices, crime dataschool rankings, and an X factor score that accounts for things like access to open space, proximity to public transportation, and restaurant and shopping options. For more on our methodology, return to the main page.
Your Itinerary
Eat & Drink
You’re most likely to come upon a chain eatery where you’re on the hunt for food, but GVR is starting to come into its own with restaurants like Pupusas Paradise, a laid-back Salvadoran joint, Coriander (Indian), and Pho Kitchen 88. On the sweet side, don’t miss Happy Bakeshop and La Michoacana Premium.
Kick back with a drink at GVR Beer Garden, which also serves brats, pretzels, and salads.
Get Outside
East typically isn’t the direction you head when you want to enjoy Colorado’s vast outdoor expanses. But GVR has a lot that appeals to nature lovers, including a number of parks, tennis courts, and even a disc golf course. Green Valley Ranch Golf Club is widely considered one of the city’s top public courses and also hosts the annual Colorado Open tournament. For those looking to stay active, there’s Montbello Recreation Center and its indoor pool.
Coming Soon
Anchored by a Costco (bonus points for added convenience), the Flyway retail center should be a boon for the neighborhood when it opens in fall 2022. It’s expected to encompass a variety of shops and restaurants, and be accessible by bike path.
