Denver has been recognized as an up-and-comer in the race of “cities to move to” in recent years. We've seen population growth in the Mile High City for the last 8 years and there is no expectation for it to slow down. With robust business opportunities, it seems to be the perfect place for young professionals, start-ups, and expansions. There's only one downside – the cost.

Payscale ranks the cost-of-living in the city of Denver as 11 percent higher than the national average with the housing index alone soaring to 32 percent above the national average. Making it in a city that's so expensive can be a challenge. Last year, our Denver movers took a look at the most affordable up-and-coming neighborhoods to buy in. As the population continues to increase and the median age of Denver transplants decreases, we've put together a list of the best affordable neighborhoods in Denver for renters.

The average rent in Denver sits at about $1,500 per month – and you're not buying much with that. You can expect apartment sizes to range anywhere from a 300 square foot studio to a 1,300 square foot multi-bed/bath option.

When compiling this list of the best affordable neighborhoods in Denver, we considered a number of factors including location, safety, community, and attractions.

Hampden

Walkability – High

Transit – Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $950/month

Hampden is a neighborhood on the Southeast side of Denver. More than half of the Hampden residents are married, college graduates, so you find a family-friendly community in this corner of the city. Recognized for low crime, excellent schools and everything from dance clubs to shopping centers to parks and trails, Hampden is well-established as an affordable neighborhood that you'd want to be a part of.

Washington-Virginia Vale

Walkability – Average

Transit - Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $975/month

Just to the North of Hampden, you'll find the lively neighborhood of Washington-Virginia Vale. This area is perfectly situated for tons of shopping, eating, and drinking. Washington-Virginia Vale is home to the Four Mile House, built in 1859. This unique attraction was once the last stop when traveling West on the Cherokee Trail.

Goldsmith

Walkability – Average

Transit – Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $930/month

Goldsmith sits immediately East of I-25 on the South side of the city. The neighborhood is just North of James A. Bible park, perfect for nature lovers, dog parents, and bikers. The median income here sits at about $30,000 annually, so the area lends itself to affordability. Home to the Comrade Brewing Company, the brewery tour is a great way to spend a Saturday. You can also hit up Sojourner's Coffee and Tea for the quintessential cafe experience. In Goldsmith, you get the ideal Colorado experience without the expensive Denver price tag.

University

Walkability – High

Transit – Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $1025/month

Situated Southeast of Denver metro, the Denver University neighborhood is fun and affordable. This neighborhood is home to a younger crowd with an abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, and more coffee shops that you can imagine. Here you get a good mix of commuters who travel by car, train, bus, bikes, and foot. There is something for everyone in University, especially if you love good barbecue. Roaming Buffalo is a staple here for the best BBQ in Denver.

Ruby Hill

Walkability – Average

Transit – High

Average Rent 1-bedroom $900/month

Ruby Hill is a historic Denver neighborhood that was transformed when trains started coming through the area, turning it into a bustling part of the city. With the best Mexican cuisine in Denver on Federal Boulevard to the West and Ruby Hill Park to the East, where the best sledding takes place every winter, you can't go wrong with this affordable Denver neighborhood.

Athmar Park

Walkability – High

Transit – Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $980/month

Athmar Park has one of the most active neighborhood groups in the Denver area. When you move into this neighborhood, you are welcomed with open arms and will have an abundance of community events to participate in and get to know your neighbors. Not only that, but Athmar Park represents the unofficial Chinatown of the Denver area with the best Chinese cuisine around.

Mar Lee

Walkability – High

Transit – Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $895/month

Mar Lee also provides a family-friendly, affordable neighborhood in Denver. The Sanderson Gulch Trail runs through this area and is just a short bike ride from Ruby Hill Park. Mar Lee is one of the most recognized up-and-coming neighborhoods in the area with the already low crime rate dropping more every year.

Westwood

Walkability – Average

Transit – Average

Average Rent 1-bedroom $950/month

Westwood has a younger group of residents with the median age being 24 years old. The neighborhood has seen a lot of changes over the last decade and you can anticipate even more improvements to come, including transportation developments like bike lanes and shuttle buses. Local artists have beautified the area with unique paintings both inside and out of local businesses, making it a standout among the affordable neighborhoods in Denver.

Villa Park

Walkability – Car-Dependent

Transit – Car-Dependent

Average Rent 1-bedroom $970/month

Villa Park gets you the closest to the downtown Denver area, however, it is not as compatible with alternative methods of transportation as some of the other more affordable neighborhoods. This area has a strong sense of community and gets you right next to downtown, Sloan's Lake, and a number of parks. A fun fact about Villa Park - this neighborhood has the most hills in Denver because of the geography of the Lakewood Dry Gulch, which borders the northern edge of the neighborhood.

East Colfax

Walkability – High

Transit – High

Average Rent 1-bedroom $900/month

East Colfax is another historic neighborhood in the Denver area that provides the Colorado lifestyle without the big city price tag. Colfax Avenue cuts through the middle bringing with it a ton of local eateries with classic, neon signage out front, perfect for the younger crowd of residents who live in the area.

If you're moving to Denver and want to stay within budget, these are the best affordable neighborhoods in town. Check them out so you can find your next home sweet home here in the Mile High City. If you are ready to make the move, contact Amazing Moves today.