You can walk the entire Golden Triangle in about half an hour, and only around 3,500 people call this neighborhood home. So, why is this small piece of Denver so popular?
One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, Civic Center (known locally as the Golden Triangle), is filled with museums, galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants.
If you’re considering moving to the Golden Triangle, Denver, this neighborhood guide will give you everything you need to know.
Don’t forget to grab our moving checklist for everything you need to remember for your move.
A short history of the Golden Triangle
In 1890, the State Capitol building was erected and created the civic anchor of Denver. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the City Beautiful movement started some major initiatives to build cultural facilities.
In June of 2016, the Golden Triangle got its official designation as a Colorado Creative District and is now an internationally celebrated destination.
Top things to do
Within the limits of the Golden Triangle, you’ll find dozens of institutions that have helped give the area its reputation:
- Civic Center Park
- Denver Art Museum
- The US Mint Museum
- The Clyfford Still Museum
- The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
- The Colorado State Capitol
- History Colorado
For $10, you can take a guided tour of the Golden Triangle and learn all about these cultural institutions from a local expert.
But this popular part of Colorado also has a lot more on offer. One of our personal favorites is the CO-Brew, where craft beer lovers can learn about the art of brewing and sample some of the best homebrew around.
For kids, Mago’s Magic Shoppe is a firm favorite. It’s filled with oddities and magic tricks that will keep them busy for hours.
And if you’re into retail, Wardrobe Works is a consignment studio filled with designer clothing at discount prices.
Real estate
The Golden Triangle is a great mix of modern design and old-school charm. Impressive townhouses and tree-lined streets sit among the museums, galleries, and shops, giving a close-knit, artsy atmosphere.
It’s a popular neighborhood, and houses don’t come on the market often. The average home price in Golden Triangle is around $420,500. However, around 74% of the Golden Triangle apartments are renter-occupied.
If you’re looking to rent, the average rent for a one-bed apartment in Golden Triangle, Denver, CO, is around $2,250 per month.
Favorite places
Rooster & Moon
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in the Golden Triangle area, you can’t beat Rooster & Moon Coffee Pub. It’s a spacious coffee house usually filled with people on laptops. At night, it transforms into a full bar, so you can also grab a beer if work runs late.
History Colorado
Whether you’re a history buff or a family looking for a fun day out, the History Colorado center is perfect. It’s filled with high-tech exhibits that teach you all about the rich past of the state.
Civic Center Park
When it’s time for some fresh air, this 2,500-square-foot park is the perfect place to unwind. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there’s a food truck parked up to grab some lunch and plenty of space for kids and pets to run around.
Top reasons to live here
There are a couple of key reasons why so many people want to call the Golden Triangle neighborhood home.
Location
If you like the excitement of the downtown lifestyle but want a quieter neighborhood, the Golden Triangle is the perfect spot. It’s close enough to Downtown Denver to take advantage of all it has to offer, but just far enough away to give a peaceful lifestyle.
Walkability
There are excellent walkable options throughout the Golden Triangle creative district, making it popular with young professionals and families looking for an outdoor lifestyle. No matter where you live, you’ll have prime access to Civic Center Park, the Cherry Creek Trail, and 16th Street Mall.
Culture
It’s called the Museum District for a reason! The Golden Triangle has eight different museums as well as dozens of art galleries, smaller museums, boutiques, and coffee houses. Not to mention nightclubs and a great mix of restaurants. If you’re looking for rich culture and a buzzing lifestyle, it’s the perfect place.
Cost of Living in the Golden Triangle, Denver
Since the Golden Triangle is a sought-after neighborhood, it does come with a high price tag. The cost of living is 35% higher than the national average and 22% higher than the Denver average.
Having said that, the median household income is almost $84,000, which is also higher than the average. This makes up for a lot of the cost of living in this neighborhood, but it is still an expensive place to call home.
Employment Opportunities in the Golden Triangle
There are only around 3,500 people living in the Golden Triangle, so the stats get a little skewed when it comes to employment opportunities. Remember, many people are employed outside of the neighborhood, but there are some decent transport links to help you get around the city.
Overall, the unemployment rate is 53% lower than the national average, and poverty is 100% lower. The lifestyle here is what makes the area so popular with people looking to move to Denver.
Conclusion
The Golden Triangle is one of the more unique neighborhoods in Denver and one many people research when they’re looking for the perfect place to call home.
If you’re thinking about moving and you’re researching the best neighborhoods in Denver, don’t forget to check out our neighborhood guide on Boulder, CO. This is one of the best places to live in the US, and we’ll show you why.