Neighborhood Guide: Five Points, Denver

Five Points Denver is a thriving neighborhood with a rich history, culture, and restaurant scene. The community attracts locals looking for fun things to do in Denver and relocating to the area. But before you start exploring Five Points in Denver as a potential new home, here's your guide on everything you need to know.

Five Points History

As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, Five Points boasts a diverse history that attracts ardent music lovers. You can trace Five Points' roots back to the pre-Capitol Hill era, as it continued growing into a multicultural neighborhood. Five Points Denver was once known as the "Harlem of the West." Many famous African-American jazz musicians have called the neighborhood home.

Five Points Denver is also home to attractions like Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and Curtis Park. The neighborhood was even featured in Jack Kerouac's On The Road.

What’s Five Points Like Today?

Five Points is now one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Denver with a combination of old-school cafes, businesses, new pubs, and restaurants. Like many cities in the country, Denver is struggling with an affordable housing problem. Five Points neighborhood Denver is looking at projects to bring mAreore affordable apartment and condo complexes to the area by eliminating some parking options and repurposing them for housing.

Five Points Location

The Five Points Denver neighborhood is situated on the northeast side of Downtown Denver and its central business district. It's close to local employers, shopping, and attractions. True to its name, Five Points represents the five-point intersection at Washington Street, 27th Street, 26th Avenue, and Welton Street.

A Great Place to Raise a Family

Five Points, Denver, hasn't traditionally been a family-friendly neighborhood, though the young population is growing. If you have kids, the Five Points neighborhood offers a selection of high-quality schools. The area is home to Montessori schools, the well-regarded East High School, charter schools, and public schools for K-12.

There are also plenty of places to find family-friendly fun in Five Points, Denver. Start by exploring Denver's first public park, Curtis Park, where families come for the outdoor pool, walking paths, playground, and horseshoe pits.

Five Points' Demographics

Over 8,200 people call Five Points home, with a slightly higher male ratio at 52.72% compared to the 47.29% female. The median age in the neighborhood is 33, making it a welcoming space for young professionals. There are also nearly 1,500 family households with children. Senior citizens are the least represented demographic, though they still take advantage of the convenience of living in Five Points Denver with nearby senior centers, parks, and amenities.

Average Rent in Five Points

When you compare rental prices and expenses to San Francisco and Seattle, the cost of living in Denver is still relatively low. However, Denver's growing economy means rental prices are steadily rising. Prices took a hit during the pandemic but are rebounding quickly. Finding a Five Points apartment won't be the cheapest option, but it does offer access to a vibrant cultural and food scene.

Denver's average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,852, while a two-bedroom is $2,462. Depending on the apartment complex you choose, Five Points can reflect the city's average rent or start to skyrocket for the best amenities and location. It may be worth the trade-off for the lifestyle you're looking for. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Five Points, Denver, is $1,829. Rents and cost of living prices have been rising in Denver since the summer of 2021, and you shouldn't expect Five Points prices to stay on the average end for long.

Five Points Walk Score

A significant draw to Five Points is its walkability to pubs, restaurants, and cafes. The neighborhood is a walker's paradise with a walk score of 90. College students also love hanging out in the trendy Five Points area in between classes at one of the 11 colleges and universities in the Denver region.

Although you could get by without a car and rely on biking and rideshares around Denver, the metro area is still entrenched in car culture. Vehicles are the norm and make life easier to make the most of the city. Public transportation is also an option to reduce expenses and the need to hop in the car every time you want to get across town.

Five Points' Transportation

Although driving is pretty entrenched in Denver living, you can get around Five Points without one. There's reliable public transportation, as well as car-sharing options. Public transit in Five Points is run by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). And because Denver is so outdoorsy and fitness-friendly, cyclists are allowed to bring their bikes onto public transit and switch to the RTD when convenient.

If you're looking for an urban neighborhood with plenty of amenities and culture, check out Five Points. Its proximity to everything you need, from shops to access to downtown Denver makes it a popular choice.

Is Five Points Safe?

A decade or two ago, moving to Five Points in Denver would've elicited warnings to stay safe and choose an apartment carefully. Although safety should always be a priority no matter where you live, Five Points is considered primarily safe as long as you exercise caution. Its crime rate is still higher than many nearby neighborhoods and the national average.

Five Points' Major Employers

Denver's growing metropolis is attractive to residents and businesses alike. Ten Fortune 500 top companies in the country call the Mile High City home, including Dish Network, Newmont, Liberty, Liberty Global, Western Union, CH2M HILL, Ball, and Qest Communications Headquarters. The neighborhood's proximity to Downtown's business district makes it a convenient place to live, work, and play.

Five Points, Denver, is also home to dozens of small businesses to support or look for new job opportunities. Retail, food services, spas, professional services, and culture and entertainment, like the Roxy Theatre, contribute to the fabric of the neighborhood's independent spirit.

Like the rest of the country, Denver struggled with unemployment during the pandemic. The city is quickly rebounding, and compared to similar-sized cities, Denver has a healthier job market with an index score of 7.6 out of 10. The unemployment rate of 7.5% in Denver is also 0.6% lower than the national average. Residents are optimistic as the city regains speed and continuously adds new job opportunities.

Things to Do in Five Points

You'll find plenty of breweries, dining, jazz clubs, and yoga studios welcoming locals and visitors to Denver Five Points. The neighborhood secured a reputation as one of the hottest places to live in the city, attracting tons of new Denver residents.

Join a Festival

With its fascinating jazz history, it's no wonder that Five Points, Denver, is home to popular festivals and events. Locals spend the day enjoying the neighborhood at the Five Points Jazz Festival and celebrate the district's history. Denver Five Points was once home to famous jazz clubs where Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and others entertained the crowd. Five Points Jazz Festival also features Latin, blues, funk, and other styles of jazz.

The neighborhood's Juneteenth Music Festival celebrates African American culture with a popular parade and live music. Locals also come to see the car show, survey the food stands, and enjoy an annual pageant.

Soak up the Culture

Five Points was once considered the "Harlem of the West" and was frequented by greats like Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. As the city continues to change, it still retains its creative spirit with cultural outlets. Watch a performance from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and explore African American heritage and expression. The Black American West Museum focuses on stories of African Americans in the Western United States, including the first black female doctor in the city.

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & The Other Side entertains crowds looking for electronic and hip hop music. Before it was a local music staple, the venue was once a former jazz haunt hosting greats like Duke Ellington. Hip hop and the occasional eclectic artist play at the Roxy Theatre. Its reputation as a gritty, no-nonsense, venue attracts crowds looking to enjoy the music and skip the hipster ambiance.

Place to Eat & Drink in Five Points Denver

One of the biggest perks of living in a thriving, urban neighborhood is its convenience and accessibility to everything you need. Five Points, Denver, is close to Safeway, Natural Grocers, and Max Market Delicatessen.

New restaurants seem to open up daily with delicious barbeque, Caribbean, soul food, catfish, and more. Some favorite local options include Snooze, Work & Class, and Ophelia's Electric Soapbox. You’re never far from great food or a boozy brunch when you live in Five Points. Pub crawlers can head to 54thirty and Union Lodge No. 1 to kick off the night.

Breweries and craft brews flow freely in Denver Five Points with options like the Great Divide Brewing Co., Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, and Woods Boss Brewing. Of course, tailgating is always on demand on game day at Coors Field.

Is Five Points Right For You?

The spirited Five Points is known for its galleries, restaurants, live music, pubs, and a vibrant urban backdrop. Its unbeatable location practically puts the rest of Denver at your doorstep and ready to explore.

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