Moving to Denver With Kids: Schools, Neighborhoods, and What to Expect

Denver With Kids: The Honest Assessment

Denver is an excellent city for families — with important caveats. The outdoor lifestyle is genuinely superior to Chicago for active families: ski lessons start at age 3, the hiking trail system is accessible from the city, and kids grow up with a relationship to the natural world that urban Chicago simply can't replicate. The school situation requires more attention than the lifestyle situation.

School Districts to Know

Cherry Creek School District

The highest-rated major school district in the Denver metro. Serves Greenwood Village, Centennial, Aurora, and parts of Englewood. Consistently ranked among Colorado's top public school systems. If Cherry Creek District is a priority, your neighborhood choices are Greenwood Village, Centennial, or the DTC corridor.

Denver Public Schools (DPS)

A school choice district — families apply to schools rather than being automatically assigned. Top DPS options include DSST (Denver School of Science and Technology), East High School, and Denver Center for International Studies. Quality varies significantly by school, but the top DPS options are genuinely excellent.

Boulder Valley School District

If you're considering Boulder, BVSD is highly rated and serves a community where education is culturally prioritized.

Best Denver Neighborhoods for Families

Highlands / LoHi

Strong for families who want urban living with neighborhood feel. Good DPS access via school choice. Walkable to parks, playgrounds, and excellent restaurants. Housing: $700K–$1.2M single-family.

Greenwood Village / DTC

The suburban family choice. Cherry Creek School District, larger homes, corporate employment proximity. The Landmark for condo buyers who want full amenities with school district access.

Stapleton / Central Park

Denver's purpose-built family neighborhood. Walking distance to schools, extensive trail system, strong parent culture. Housing: $550K–$950K. Strong option for Chicago families from Naperville or Wilmette who want similar community feel.

Outdoor Life With Kids

Within an hour of Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park, multiple ski resorts, extensive hiking networks. Kids in Denver grow up skiing, hiking, and camping in ways logistically difficult for Chicago families to replicate even with planning.