Finding the right neighborhood for your family involves considering multiple factors that contribute to overall quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis looks at six key criteria: Overall Family Friendly Score, First Time Home Buyers Index, Quiet Index, Walkability, Car Friendliness, and Transit-Friendliness. The Overall Family Friendly Score encompasses numerous elements including school quality, safety statistics, proximity to parks and recreation, and community engagement opportunities.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Colorado’s least family-friendly communities. Here’s the list.
25. W 16th Ave / Wolff St
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.59
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 28.11
- Walkability: 86.23
- Car Friendly: 42.73
- Transit-Friendly: 66.79
Coming in at number 25 on our list with a family-friendly score of 3.59, this neighborhood still falls below acceptable levels for family living. The area offers good walkability (86.23) and decent transit options (66.79), but lacks quietness (28.11) and has moderate car access (42.73). It has no measurable options for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $485,000.
24. Baker
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.51
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 39.35
- Walkability: 75.20
- Car Friendly: 40.22
- Transit-Friendly: 92.15
Baker offers excellent transit options (92.15) and good walkability (75.20), but scores poorly for families at 3.51. The neighborhood lacks quietness with a score of 39.35 and has average car access at 40.22. It has no measurable options for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $525,000, with a mix of historic homes and new developments.
23. Fourmile Ln / Castle Rock Rd
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.40
- First Time Home Buyers: 2.91
- Quiet Index: 98.32
- Walkability: 8.06
- Car Friendly: 7.55
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
This area scores poorly for families at 3.40 despite being very quiet (98.32). The neighborhood has serious accessibility issues with extremely poor walkability (8.06), limited car access (7.55), and no measurable transit options. First-time homebuyers will struggle with a score of just 2.91. The median home price is approximately $400,000.
22. Palmer Park North
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.40
- First Time Home Buyers: 11.04
- Quiet Index: 16.76
- Walkability: 59.46
- Car Friendly: 80.49
- Transit-Friendly: 43.29
Palmer Park North scores poorly for families at 3.40, with a low quiet index of 16.76. While it offers good car access (80.49), walkability is average (59.46) and transit options are limited (43.29). First-time homebuyers will find few opportunities with a score of just 11.04. The median home price is approximately $435,000.
21. Stone City
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 3.06
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 100
- Walkability: N/A
- Car Friendly: 12.45
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Stone City scores poorly for families at 3.06 despite a perfect quiet index of 100. The neighborhood has serious accessibility issues with poor car access (12.45) and no measurable walkability or transit options. It has no data for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $375,000, with limited housing inventory.
20. Dayton Triangle
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.66
- First Time Home Buyers: 10.17
- Quiet Index: 32.99
- Walkability: 62.43
- Car Friendly: 74.09
- Transit-Friendly: 27.60
Dayton Triangle scores poorly for families at 2.66, with a low quiet index of 32.99. While it offers decent car access (74.09) and moderate walkability (62.43), transit options are limited (27.60). First-time homebuyers will find few opportunities with a score of just 10.17. The median home price is approximately $450,000.
19. Washington St / E 17th Ave
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.56
- First Time Home Buyers: 20.62
- Quiet Index: 26.17
- Walkability: 94.02
- Car Friendly: 52.18
- Transit-Friendly: 84.20
This neighborhood offers excellent walkability (94.02) and transit options (84.20), but scores just 2.56 for family friendliness. The area lacks quietness with a score of 26.17 and has average car access at 52.18. First-time homebuyers will find some opportunities with a score of 20.62. The median home price is approximately $495,000, with a mix of historic buildings converted to condos and apartments.
18. Dayton Triangle North
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.24
- First Time Home Buyers: 6.55
- Quiet Index: 3.84
- Walkability: 79.78
- Car Friendly: 76.49
- Transit-Friendly: 81.24
Dayton Triangle North scores poorly for families at 2.24, with an extremely low quiet index of 3.84. While it offers good walkability (79.78), car access (76.49), and transit options (81.24), the noise levels are problematic for families. First-time homebuyers will find few opportunities with a score of just 6.55. The median home price is approximately $465,000.
17. Four Square Mile East
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.09
- First Time Home Buyers: 2.61
- Quiet Index: 5.85
- Walkability: 79.48
- Car Friendly: 77.78
- Transit-Friendly: 75.97
Four Square Mile East scores poorly for families at 2.09, with an extremely low quiet index of 5.85. While it offers good walkability (79.48), car access (77.78), and transit options (75.97), the noise levels make it challenging for family living. First-time homebuyers will struggle with a score of just 2.61. The median home price is approximately $450,000.
16. Capitol Hill South
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 2.03
- First Time Home Buyers: 28.73
- Quiet Index: 22.43
- Walkability: 91.36
- Car Friendly: 39.86
- Transit-Friendly: 71.29
Capitol Hill South offers excellent walkability (91.36) and good transit options (71.29), but scores just 2.03 for family friendliness. The neighborhood lacks quietness (22.43) and has limited car access (39.86). It does provide some opportunities for first-time homebuyers with a score of 28.73. The median home price is approximately $480,000, with a mix of apartments, condos, and older homes.
15. E 18th Ave / Grant St
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 1.85
- First Time Home Buyers: 10.26
- Quiet Index: 22.71
- Walkability: 91.99
- Car Friendly: 27.84
- Transit-Friendly: 94.40
This neighborhood offers excellent walkability (91.99) and transit options (94.40), but scores poorly for families at 1.85. The area lacks quietness with a score of 22.71 and has limited car access at 27.84. First-time homebuyers will find few opportunities with a score of just 10.26. The median home price is approximately $510,000, primarily for condos and apartments.
14. Lincoln Park East
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 1.71
- First Time Home Buyers: 41.11
- Quiet Index: 26.72
- Walkability: 90.92
- Car Friendly: 49.74
- Transit-Friendly: 92.04
Lincoln Park East offers excellent walkability (90.92) and transit options (92.04), but scores just 1.71 for family friendliness. The neighborhood lacks quietness (26.72) and offers average car access (49.74). It does provide some opportunities for first-time homebuyers with a score of 41.11, a rare bright spot. The median home price is approximately $475,000.
13. Fitzsimons
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 1.58
- First Time Home Buyers: 4.17
- Quiet Index: 41.51
- Walkability: 14.84
- Car Friendly: 44.67
- Transit-Friendly: 88.66
Fitzsimons scores poorly for families at 1.58, with low walkability (14.84) and moderate car access (44.67). While it offers good transit options (88.66), the neighborhood lacks quietness (41.51) and provides few opportunities for first-time homebuyers (4.17). The median home price is approximately $425,000, with mixed housing types near the medical campus.
12. Union Station East
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 1.45
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 30.09
- Walkability: 92.43
- Car Friendly: 24.53
- Transit-Friendly: 94.94
Union Station East offers excellent walkability (92.43) and transit options (94.94), but scores just 1.45 for family friendliness. The neighborhood lacks quietness with a score of 30.09 and poor car access at 24.53. It has no measurable options for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $595,000, featuring mostly luxury condos and apartments.
11. North Capitol Hill
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 1.13
- First Time Home Buyers: 2.26
- Quiet Index: 26.81
- Walkability: 97.35
- Car Friendly: 48.05
- Transit-Friendly: 95.07
North Capitol Hill offers excellent walkability (97.35) and transit options (95.07), but scores poorly for families at just 1.13. The neighborhood lacks quietness (26.81) and offers average car access (48.05). First-time homebuyers will struggle with a score of just 2.26. The median home price is approximately $520,000, with most properties being apartments and condos.
10. Sanchez Park
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.89
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 31.40
- Walkability: 84.78
- Car Friendly: 50.91
- Transit-Friendly: 94.30
Sanchez Park scores just 0.89 for family friendliness despite good walkability (84.78) and excellent transit options (94.30). The neighborhood lacks quietness with a score of 31.40 but offers average car access at 50.91. It has no measurable options for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $425,000.
9. Denver International Airport
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.84
- First Time Home Buyers: 0.59
- Quiet Index: 100
- Walkability: N/A
- Car Friendly: 23.41
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The Denver International Airport area scores poorly for families at 0.84, despite a perfect quiet index of 100 (likely measured away from flight paths). The neighborhood has poor car access (23.41) and no measurable walkability or transit options. First-time homebuyers will find almost no opportunities with a score of just 0.59. The median home price is approximately $425,000, though residential options are extremely limited.
8. Montbello
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.79
- First Time Home Buyers: 0.85
- Quiet Index: 99.54
- Walkability: 0.56
- Car Friendly: 20.32
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Montbello scores very low for families at 0.79 despite being extremely quiet (99.54). The neighborhood has serious accessibility issues with almost no walkability (0.56), poor car access (20.32), and no reliable transit options. First-time homebuyers will struggle with a score of just 0.85. The median home price is approximately $385,000.
7. Ballpark West
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.52
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 30.79
- Walkability: 75.44
- Car Friendly: 36.72
- Transit-Friendly: 98.19
Ballpark West offers excellent transit options (98.19) and good walkability (75.44), but scores just 0.52 for family friendliness. The neighborhood lacks quietness with a score of 30.79 and is only moderately car-friendly at 36.72. First-time homebuyers will find few opportunities here. The median home price is approximately $550,000, with most properties being condos near Coors Field that aren’t designed for families.
6. CBD South
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.47
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 12.61
- Walkability: 90.62
- Car Friendly: 26.92
- Transit-Friendly: 90.08
CBD South scores poorly for families at just 0.47, with a particularly low quiet index of 12.61. While it offers excellent walkability (90.62) and transit options (90.08), it remains car-unfriendly (26.92) and provides no viable options for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $520,000, with mostly high-rise condos and few family-suitable housing options.
5. Civic Center
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.46
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 29.12
- Walkability: 84.75
- Car Friendly: 35.70
- Transit-Friendly: 86.93
Civic Center scores just 0.46 for families despite good walkability (84.75) and transit options (86.93). The neighborhood lacks quietness with a score of 29.12 and offers moderate car access at 35.70. It has no measurable options for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is approximately $475,000, primarily for condos and apartments not ideally suited for families.
4. W 24th St / High St
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.42
- First Time Home Buyers: 4.65
- Quiet Index: 90.84
- Walkability: 38.89
- Car Friendly: 6.29
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
This neighborhood scores just 0.42 for family friendliness despite its good quiet index of 90.84. It’s particularly challenging for transportation with a car-friendly score of only 6.29, moderate walkability at 38.89, and no reliable transit options. First-time homebuyers will struggle here with a score of just 4.65. The median home price is approximately $425,000.
3. LoDo / Union Station
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.30
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 34.59
- Walkability: 87.87
- Car Friendly: 37.39
- Transit-Friendly: 97.91
LoDo/Union Station offers excellent transit options (97.91) and walkability (87.87), but ranks third worst for families with a mere 0.30 family-friendly score. The neighborhood lacks quiet (34.59) and is moderately car-friendly (37.39). The median home price is approximately $625,000, with most properties being condos and lofts that aren’t ideal for families with children.
2. CBD (Central Business District)
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.14
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 28.91
- Walkability: 92.69
- Car Friendly: 34.40
- Transit-Friendly: 97.88
Denver’s Central Business District (CBD) ranks as the second worst neighborhood for families with a score of just 0.14. While it offers excellent transit options (97.88) and walkability (92.69), it scores poorly on quietness (28.91) and has limited options for families. Car-friendliness is moderate at 34.40. The median home price is approximately $548,000, primarily for condos and lofts, with very few family-oriented housing options.
1. Victory Crossing North
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 0.05
- First Time Home Buyers: 1.28
- Quiet Index: 100
- Walkability: N/A
- Car Friendly: 12.10
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Victory Crossing North scores extremely low for family friendliness at just 0.05 out of 100, making it the worst neighborhood in Colorado for families. While it scores perfectly on the Quiet Index at 100, it has poor accessibility with a car-friendly score of only 12.10 and no measurable walkability or transit options. First-time homebuyers will find minimal opportunities with a score of just 1.28. The median home price in this area is approximately $350,000.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Family Friendly Score: A comprehensive measurement incorporating factors like school quality, safety statistics, proximity to parks and recreational facilities, community engagement opportunities, and family-oriented amenities. Higher scores indicate more family-friendly neighborhoods.
- First Time Home Buyers: This metric evaluates affordability, availability of starter homes, and financial accessibility for those entering the housing market for the first time. This criterion is included as many families are looking to purchase their first home.
- Quiet Index: Measures noise levels and overall peacefulness of an area, which is critical for family well-being, especially for households with young children or those working from home.
- Walkability: Assesses how easily residents can access amenities, schools, and services on foot. Walkable neighborhoods promote healthier lifestyles for families and reduce transportation costs.
- Car Friendly: Evaluates parking availability, road conditions, and overall ease of automobile transportation. This metric is important for families who rely on vehicles for school drop-offs, errands, and commuting.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures access to public transportation options like buses, light rail, and other mass transit. Good transit options provide families with transportation alternatives and can significantly reduce household expenses.
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