The Mile High City is a lively, progressive metropolis with much to offer in the way of art, food, culture (and legal substances), and as a result, a flood of new residents continues washes in with every passing year. While it can be exhilarating to live and work in a city that remains in a constant state of flux, growth and change also come with unfortunate consequences, leading many to wonder, "Is Denver safe?" Although we live in a fairly safe city, the increase in population has also resulted in an increase in crime, which means there are some bad areas of Denver. Based on factors, such as the number of offenses and crime density per square mile, here are eight of the worst neighborhoods in Denver.

1. Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is not only one of Denver's oldest neighborhoods, but it also has a crime rate and poverty rate that exceeds city and national averages. In 2023, Lincoln Park ranked 10th in violent crime and 9th in property crime among all 78 neighborhoods in the Denver area. While it may not be the most dangerous city, it is still one of those Denver neighborhoods to avoid after dark. Lincoln Park has its perks, though, including some stunning pieces of graffiti.

2. Cheesman Park

The actual park is one of the safest locations in the neighborhood. (It's also one of the most unique parks in Denver, as it was built on top of a burial ground.) Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the surrounding area. due to the number of drug and alcohol-related crimes that occur around Colfax Avenue, Cheesman Park makes the list, albeit on the lower end. Over the course of one year, there were 1,006 offenses, resulting in a crime density of 1,909 per square mile. Learn the history of Cheesman Park:

3. Civic Center

Ironically, what began as part of Mayor Robert W. Speer's City Beautiful civic improvement campaign in the early 1900s, is now one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. While Civic Center remains a stunning cultural epicenter, it's also the widely known chosen location for the city's homeless population, drug and alcohol users, thieves, vagrants, and the like. There were a reported 1,444 offenses in one year alone and a crime density of 4,750 per square mile.

4. Lower Downtown

Another Mile High mecca for tourists, drifters, drinkers, and cool kids is the ever-hip area known as LoDo. Unfortunately, the large number of people roaming the streets of Denver's transportation hub also means an extensive number of crimes. Within one year, there were 1,575 offenses reported, with a crime density of 3,588 per square mile. Get a closer look at LoDo:

5. East Colfax

Rather than being known for being home to the longest continuous street in America, East Colfax has a reputation for being among the bad parts of Denver to avoid - something that hasn't gone unnoticed. In the past, Playboy magazine once called Colfax "the longest, wickedest street in America," and if you've ever passed through the East section at night, you know that statement to be true. East Colfax is regarded as one of the city's up-and-coming neighborhoods, but it's also known for drugs and prostitution. In 2023, East Colfax ranked 13th in violent crime and 14th in the number of burglaries. On the plus side, based on the number of property crimes it was more toward the middle of the pack at 39th place.

6. Capitol Hill

Not only one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, Cap Hill is also one of Denver's hippest, trendiest areas to live, and there are an infinite number of cool bars, shops, restaurants, and other places to see and be seen. But not surprisingly, that also makes it a hot spot for crime. In 2023, the city ranked 16th for violent crimes, a drop of two places from the previous year which keeps it among the most dangerous parts of Denver.

7. Five Points

Five Points is another of our city's newly revitalized, hippest parts of town to live and hang, and apparently, get into trouble. It's no longer among the worst neighborhoods in Denver, but with a crime density of 2,167 per square mile and 3,810 offenses over the course of one year, it's most definitely a place to exercise caution. Learn the history of Five Points:

8. Central Business District

With a crime density of 7,007 per square mile and 3,020 offenses in just one year, Denver's CBD sadly reigns supreme among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. And unless you live under a rock, you've heard about the shootings at 16th Street Mall, which like Civic Center, attracts hoards of both tourists and vagrants, which don't seem to mix. In the words of the honorable Edward Abbey, "When the biggest, richest, glassiest buildings in town are the banks, you know that town's in trouble." Interestingly enough, 16th Street has been named one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

So, did you know these were the worst neighborhoods in Denver? Where do you think the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver are? Have any opinions on the best neighborhoods near Denver? Tell us.

Now that we’ve focused on the bad parts of Denver, let’s shift the focus to something much happier – why not book a trip to see the best neighborhoods near Denver?