Immersion. That’s the term used to describe being deeply engaged or involved in the moment or in your surroundings. The goal of campus housing is to help you experience firsthand what student life is all about -- immersed in the possibilities that the university has to offer. So whether you’re an undergraduate or a graduate, campus housing may be just what you’re looking for. If campus housing isn't your thing, Denver has many vibrant neighborhoods to check out. With your student transit pass and extensive bike routes, you can get to campus easily.
ON CAMPUS HOUSING
Since the Auraria Campus and Campus Village are located in the heart of downtown Denver, you are literally within walking distance of all the attractions that make Denver a great place to be: three major sports arenas, parks, museums, theaters and performing arts centers, and an eclectic assortment of restaurants, coffeehouses, and shops. At the same time, the campus is less than an hour away from some of the best skiing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, whitewater rafting, and rock-climbing in the world.
Here’s just a short list of some of the benefits to living in the Campus Village…
- Apartment style living with kitchenettes or full kitchens for all students
- Lease rates that include heating, cooling, electricity, water, cable and high speed internet service
- Individual lease agreements for shared units
- Fully furnished apartments
- Various affordable meal plans
Find out more about CU Denver student housing.
OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
In general, the best way to find a place is to walk, bike, or drive around the various neighborhoods to decide which you like best. Sometimes landlords post “for rent” signs in front of available units. Websites such as HousingHelpers.com can also be useful in your search for housing. Some of our student have had success finding privately owned rentals using Craigslist but caution should always be used to avoid scams. Craigslist can also involve a more lengthy process so you should plan for extra time when visiting. Overall, you’ll find that when compared with other metropolitan areas in the United States, Denver is a calm, clean, and safe city. Below is a list of popular Denver neighborhoods:
Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park and Congress Park neighborhoods are residential areas with proximity to cafes, shops, parks, and bars/ music venues along Colfax Ave. Considered a young neighborhood, the demographic is primarily made up of students and young professionals.
- Located 1 to 3 miles east of CU Denver. Housing options include studios, apartment complexes, converted houses, and houses for rent.
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,850 (Cheesman Park & Congress Park tend to have higher rent prices)
- Transportation: Bike or bus
- Bus Routes: 6, 10, 12, 15, 15L
- Good access to a variety of food markets
- Multiple parking options: street and (typically) reserved spots available
Downtown Denver includes Lower Downtown (LoDo) and the Central Business District. This area of the city is very walkable with proximity to restaurants, shops, museums, bars, sports and entertainment.
- Located close to campus, rent prices tend to be the highest. Housing options include lofts, apartment complexes & condominiums
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,500
- Transportation: Walk, bike, or bus
- Bus Routes: 1, 38, 52, 16th street Mallride
- Limited access to food markets
- Limited parking: typically (paid) reserved parking)
The Golden Triangle neighborhood is located near the Capital Hill neighborhood in central Denver. It encompasses Civic Center Park and is home to many cultural institutions. It is a walkable neighborhood with proximity to downtown.
- Close to campus (Less than 1 mile). Housing is primarily loft spaces and apartments
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,950
- Transportation: Walk, bike, or bus
- Bus Routes: 9, 10, 15, 52
- Easy access to a major food market
- Limited parking
Not to be confused with Highlands Ranch, the Highlands is a popular neighborhood about 5 miles from CU Denver. The neighborhood is walkable with access to shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- Housing options include converted houses, houses for rent, and apartment complexes.
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment or house: $2,200
- Transportation: bike or bus
- Bus Routes: 10, 28, 32, 44
- Good access to food markets
- Multiple parking options: (paid) reserved and street parking
The Five Points neighborhood is a blend of residential and industrial. Coffeehouses, restaurants, galleries, and bars have recently sprung up in this part of Denver but large pockets of Five Points are still industrial and for this reason, it is not as walkable as other Denver neighborhoods.
- Located 1.5 miles away from UCD. Housing options include lofts, apartment complexes, duplexes, converted warehouses
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,200
- Transportation: Walk, bike, bus, or light rail
- Bus Routes: 38, 44, 48
- Light Rail: D Line
- Limited access to food markets
- Multiple parking options: street and reserved
The Baker/South Broadway is a residential area with proximity to shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, and galleries on South Broadway Blvd. It is located 2 to 3 miles away from CU Denver.
- Housing options include houses and apartment complexes.
- Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,650
- Transportation: Bike, bus, or light rail
- Bus Route: 0, 1, 9, 52
- Light Rail: H Line, D Line
- Good access to food markets
- Multiple parking options
The City Park/Uptown neighborhood is a residential area with proximity to restaurants, coffee shops, City Park, and bars/ music venues along Colfax Ave. This neighborhood is located 3 miles northeast of CU Denver.
- Housing options include studios, townhomes, apartments, and houses.
- Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,300
- Transportation: Bike or bus
- Bus Routes: 15, 15L, 20, 32
- Good access to food markets
- Multiple parking options
Washington Park, also called Wash Park, is a residential area surrounding Washington Park. A bit further away from the heart of downtown, this area tends to be quieter and more family-oriented.
- Proximity to restaurants and shops in South Pearl area.
- Located 3.5 miles southeast of CU Denver
- Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1750
- Transportation: Bike, bus, or light rail
- Bus Routes: 15, 24
- Light Rail: E Line, F Line, H Line
- Good access to food markets
- Good parking options
Cherry Creek is a residential area with proximity to plenty of restaurants and shops.
- Located 4 miles southeast of CU Denver.
- Housing options include townhouses, apartment complexes, and houses. In general, rent prices tend to be high.
- Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,700
- Transportation: Bike or bus
- Bus Routes: 1, 6, 10, 83L
- Good access to food markets
- Good parking options
Located 6 to 8 miles southeast of CU Denver, the University of Denver (DU) area is generally populated by students. There are casual restaurants and bars in the area.
- Housing options include houses and apartments – apartments geared towards students (with roommate matching) can be found.
- Average rent for a two- bedroom: $1,400
- Transportation: Bus or light rail
- Bus Routes: 1, 24, 83L
- Light Rail: F Line, H Line
- Good access to food markets
- Good parking options
Denver has many surrounding suburban neighborhoods. This includes cities such as Centennial, Thornton, Littleton, Westminster, Aurora, Englewood, and Lakewood.
- Rent prices tend be lower but the housing options are located further away from CU Denver
- Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,000 +
- Transportation: Car, light rail, bus
- Good access to food markets, high safety factor
