When searching for the ideal college neighborhood in Colorado, students and parents need to consider multiple factors that contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Our comprehensive analysis examines six key criteria that determine the quality of college life: Overall College Friendly Score, Hip & Trendy Index, Vibrancy Score, Walkability, Cycling-Friendly rating, and Transit-Friendly score. These metrics collectively paint a complete picture of what makes a neighborhood conducive to academic success and personal growth.
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 most college-friendly neighborhoods. The Overall College Friendly Score incorporates numerous factors including proximity to educational institutions, student resources, safety, and affordability, providing a holistic measure of a neighborhood’s suitability for college life.
Here’s the list.
25. University of Denver
- Overall College Friendly Score: 90.99
- Hip & Trendy: 90.30
- Vibrancy Score: 96.11
- Walkability: 86.92
- Cycling-Friendly: 49.56
- Transit-Friendly: 80.09
The University of Denver neighborhood provides an outstanding college experience with a score of 90.99. This area excels in vibrancy (96.11), hip & trendy atmosphere (90.30), walkability (86.92), and transit options (80.09), with moderate cycling infrastructure (49.56). The combination of academic excellence and lifestyle amenities creates an ideal environment for students, balancing educational opportunities with cultural experiences and urban convenience.
24. Weber West / Kelly Farm
- Overall College Friendly Score: 91.03
- Hip & Trendy: 19.09
- Vibrancy Score: 18.37
- Walkability: 62.86
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 6.79
Weber West / Kelly Farm achieves a high college-friendly score of 91.03, with decent walkability (62.86). However, the neighborhood scores lower on hip & trendy atmosphere (19.09), vibrancy (18.37), and transit options (6.79), with no cycling data available. This area likely offers specific advantages for students such as affordability, safety, or proximity to certain educational resources that contribute to its high overall rating.
23. Thornton Meadows / Eastlake Lifestyle Community
- Overall College Friendly Score: 91.13
- Hip & Trendy: 21.13
- Vibrancy Score: 38.25
- Walkability: 54.92
- Cycling-Friendly: 8.89
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Thornton Meadows / Eastlake Lifestyle Community scores very well for college-friendliness at 91.13 despite lower ratings in other categories. The neighborhood offers moderate walkability (54.92) but scores lower on hip & trendy atmosphere (21.13), vibrancy (38.25), and cycling infrastructure (8.89), with no transit data available. This area likely offers specific advantages such as quality housing options or proximity to certain educational facilities.
22. Berkley South
- Overall College Friendly Score: 91.85
- Hip & Trendy: 58.16
- Vibrancy Score: 51.01
- Walkability: 70.92
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 72.88
Berkley South scores very well for college-friendliness at 91.85, with good walkability (70.92) and transit options (72.88). The neighborhood offers moderate ratings for hip & trendy atmosphere (58.16) and vibrancy (51.01), with no cycling data available. This area provides a solid balance of accessibility and amenities, making it attractive to students seeking convenience without the highest density urban environment.
21. City Center / Colorado School of Mines
- Overall College Friendly Score: 92.11
- Hip & Trendy: 90.60
- Vibrancy Score: 89.95
- Walkability: 70.85
- Cycling-Friendly: 48.30
- Transit-Friendly: 78.07
The City Center / Colorado School of Mines area offers an excellent college environment with a score of 92.11. This neighborhood excels in hip & trendy atmosphere (90.60), vibrancy (89.95), and transit options (78.07), with good walkability (70.85) and moderate cycling infrastructure (48.30). The combination of urban amenities and academic resources creates a well-balanced experience for students, particularly those at the Colorado School of Mines.
20. Old Town West
- Overall College Friendly Score: 92.85
- Hip & Trendy: 99.93
- Vibrancy Score: 75.17
- Walkability: 89.76
- Cycling-Friendly: 99.89
- Transit-Friendly: 55.13
Old Town West offers an excellent college experience with a score of 92.85. This neighborhood stands out with nearly perfect ratings for hip & trendy atmosphere (99.93) and cycling-friendliness (99.89), complemented by excellent walkability (89.76) and good vibrancy (75.17). Transit options are moderate (55.13). The combination creates an ideal environment for students seeking an active, culturally rich college experience with multiple transportation options.
19. Fort Carson West
- Overall College Friendly Score: 93.23
- Hip & Trendy: 53.71
- Vibrancy Score: 44.95
- Walkability: 54.73
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Carson West achieves a high college-friendly score of 93.23, with moderate ratings for hip & trendy atmosphere (53.71), vibrancy (44.95), and walkability (54.73). No data is available for cycling or transit options. This area, connected to the military installation, likely offers specific educational advantages and structured community resources that contribute to its high overall rating despite more modest lifestyle scores.
18. Smoky Hill
- Overall College Friendly Score: 93.29
- Hip & Trendy: 42.35
- Vibrancy Score: 62.99
- Walkability: 74.27
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 21.56
Smoky Hill offers a very good college environment with a score of 93.29. The neighborhood features good walkability (74.27) and moderate vibrancy (62.99), though it scores lower on hip & trendy atmosphere (42.35) and transit options (21.56). With no cycling data available, this suburban area likely appeals to students seeking a balance of residential comfort and accessibility to educational resources.
17. Fountain Northeast
- Overall College Friendly Score: 93.51
- Hip & Trendy: 46.77
- Vibrancy Score: 48.44
- Walkability: 69.88
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 7.11
Fountain Northeast scores very well for college-friendliness at 93.51, with decent walkability (69.88). The neighborhood offers moderate ratings for hip & trendy atmosphere (46.77) and vibrancy (48.44), with very limited transit options (7.11). No cycling data is available. This area likely offers specific advantages for students such as affordability or proximity to certain educational facilities, compensating for its more moderate lifestyle scores.
16. South Park Hill / Johnson & Wales University Denver
- Overall College Friendly Score: 93.65
- Hip & Trendy: 90.65
- Vibrancy Score: 88.39
- Walkability: 89.63
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.19
- Transit-Friendly: 80.90
South Park Hill / Johnson & Wales University Denver provides an excellent college environment with a score of 93.65. This neighborhood excels in hip & trendy atmosphere (90.65), vibrancy (88.39), walkability (89.63), and transit options (80.90), though cycling infrastructure is limited (7.19). The combination of urban amenities, accessibility, and academic resources creates a well-rounded experience for students seeking a dynamic college environment.
15. Villas at Aspen Reserve / Rangeview at Wright Farms
- Overall College Friendly Score: 93.76
- Hip & Trendy: 23.48
- Vibrancy Score: 40.35
- Walkability: 67.37
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 75.45
The Villas at Aspen Reserve / Rangeview at Wright Farms area scores very well for college-friendliness at 93.76. The neighborhood offers good transit options (75.45) and decent walkability (67.37), though it rates lower for hip & trendy atmosphere (23.48) and vibrancy (40.35). With no cycling data available, this area likely appeals to students who prioritize housing quality and transit connectivity over lifestyle amenities.
14. Jackson Field / University of Northern Colorado
- Overall College Friendly Score: 94.32
- Hip & Trendy: 90.21
- Vibrancy Score: 90.42
- Walkability: 89.68
- Cycling-Friendly: 46.37
- Transit-Friendly: 47.15
Jackson Field / University of Northern Colorado offers an excellent college environment with a score of 94.32. The neighborhood shines with outstanding ratings for hip & trendy atmosphere (90.21), vibrancy (90.42), and walkability (89.68). While cycling (46.37) and transit options (47.15) are moderate, the overall combination creates a well-balanced student experience with good accessibility to both academic resources and lifestyle amenities.
13. Downtown Colorado Springs / Colorado College
- Overall College Friendly Score: 94.67
- Hip & Trendy: 99.00
- Vibrancy Score: 93.87
- Walkability: 90.76
- Cycling-Friendly: 42.44
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Downtown Colorado Springs / Colorado College provides an outstanding college experience with a score of 94.67. This neighborhood excels in hip & trendy atmosphere (99.00), vibrancy (93.87), and walkability (90.76). While cycling infrastructure is moderate (42.44) and transit data is unavailable, the excellent walkability and vibrant community life create an ideal environment for students. The combination of academic resources and urban amenities makes this area particularly attractive.
12. Hidden River
- Overall College Friendly Score: 94.91
- Hip & Trendy: 40.28
- Vibrancy Score: 39.51
- Walkability: 62.26
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 4.83
Hidden River offers an excellent college-friendly environment with a score of 94.91, despite moderate ratings in other categories. The neighborhood provides decent walkability (62.26) but scores lower on hip & trendy atmosphere (40.28) and vibrancy (39.51). Transit options are very limited (4.83), and cycling data is unavailable. This area likely appeals to students seeking a quieter academic environment with some basic amenities within walking distance.
11. Fort Carson Northwest
- Overall College Friendly Score: 95.26
- Hip & Trendy: 1.78
- Vibrancy Score: 25.84
- Walkability: 40.47
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Fort Carson Northwest achieves a high college-friendly score of 95.26 despite lower ratings in other categories. The neighborhood scores particularly low for hip & trendy atmosphere (1.78), with limited vibrancy (25.84) and walkability (40.47). No data is available for cycling or transit options. This area likely serves specific educational needs connected to the military installation, offering structured academic resources rather than lifestyle amenities.
10. Palos Verdes
- Overall College Friendly Score: 95.35
- Hip & Trendy: 55.74
- Vibrancy Score: 81.74
- Walkability: 71.59
- Cycling-Friendly: 10.70
- Transit-Friendly: 47.30
Palos Verdes scores highly at 95.35 for college-friendliness, with particularly strong vibrancy (81.74) and good walkability (71.59). The neighborhood offers moderate hip & trendy atmosphere (55.74) and transit options (47.30), though cycling infrastructure is limited (10.70). This area likely balances a vibrant community life with accessibility to academic resources, making it attractive to students seeking a lively but manageable college environment.
9. Frasier Meadows
- Overall College Friendly Score: 95.80
- Hip & Trendy: 87.15
- Vibrancy Score: 96.88
- Walkability: 77.75
- Cycling-Friendly: 99.95
- Transit-Friendly: 70.98
Frasier Meadows offers an excellent college experience with a score of 95.80. This neighborhood excels across all metrics, particularly in cycling-friendliness (99.95) and vibrancy (96.88). With strong hip & trendy rating (87.15), good walkability (77.75), and solid transit options (70.98), students enjoy a well-rounded environment. The area provides both academic convenience and lifestyle amenities that support a balanced college experience.
8. Security Widefield
- Overall College Friendly Score: 97.54
- Hip & Trendy: 66.06
- Vibrancy Score: 58.46
- Walkability: 81.42
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Security Widefield offers an excellent college-friendly environment with a score of 97.54. The neighborhood features strong walkability (81.42), good hip & trendy atmosphere (66.06), and moderate vibrancy (58.46). While data for cycling and transit options is unavailable, the area’s high walkability suggests good accessibility to necessary amenities and likely proximity to educational facilities.
7. Leadville North / Leadville Junction
- Overall College Friendly Score: 97.93
- Hip & Trendy: 75.60
- Vibrancy Score: 34.44
- Walkability: 49.79
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Leadville North / Leadville Junction scores highly at 97.93 for college-friendliness, with a strong hip & trendy rating (75.60). However, the area shows lower scores for vibrancy (34.44) and walkability (49.79), with no data available for cycling or transit options. This neighborhood likely offers specific academic advantages despite more limited infrastructure, possibly appealing to students seeking a unique mountain town college experience.
6. Auraria
- Overall College Friendly Score: 99.00
- Hip & Trendy: 28.03
- Vibrancy Score: 90.22
- Walkability: 55.99
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 85.67
Auraria, home to a major educational campus in Denver, scores excellently at 99.00 for college-friendliness. The neighborhood offers outstanding vibrancy (90.22) and transit accessibility (85.67), though it rates lower for hip & trendy atmosphere (28.03). With moderate walkability (55.99) and no cycling data available, this area primarily serves students through its academic facilities and excellent public transportation options.
5. Trail Ridge
- Overall College Friendly Score: 99.29
- Hip & Trendy: 30.97
- Vibrancy Score: 54.59
- Walkability: 75.36
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 19.30
Trail Ridge scores exceptionally well for college-friendliness at 99.29, with particularly strong walkability (75.36). The neighborhood offers moderate vibrancy (54.59) but scores lower on hip & trendy metrics (30.97) and transit access (19.30). While cycling data is unavailable, the area likely appeals to students seeking a quieter environment with good accessibility to academic resources.
4. Fort Carson
- Overall College Friendly Score: 99.45
- Hip & Trendy: 18.92
- Vibrancy Score: 39.34
- Walkability: 61.60
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 33.18
Fort Carson ranks highly with a college-friendly score of 99.45, despite its military installation setting. The neighborhood offers moderate walkability (61.60) but scores lower on hip & trendy (18.92) and vibrancy (39.34) metrics. Transit options are limited (33.18), and cycling data is unavailable. This area likely benefits from structured community resources and educational opportunities aligned with military personnel and their families.
3. University of Colorado Boulder
- Overall College Friendly Score: 99.46
- Hip & Trendy: 91.15
- Vibrancy Score: 90.04
- Walkability: 82.55
- Cycling-Friendly: 99.89
- Transit-Friendly: 72.03
The University of Colorado Boulder neighborhood offers an exceptional college experience with a near-perfect score of 99.46. This area excels across all metrics, with outstanding ratings for hip & trendy atmosphere (91.15), vibrant community life (90.04), and cycling-friendliness (99.89). With excellent walkability (82.55) and good transit options (72.03), students enjoy comprehensive mobility. The combination of academic resources and lifestyle amenities makes this a premier choice for college life.
2. Dorm Rd / Lawrenson Hall
- Overall College Friendly Score: 99.63
- Hip & Trendy: 1.54
- Vibrancy Score: 40.40
- Walkability: 60.81
- Cycling-Friendly: 14.88
- Transit-Friendly: 50.57
Dorm Rd / Lawrenson Hall scores exceptionally high for college-friendliness (99.63), largely due to its on-campus nature. While it rates low for hip & trendy atmosphere (1.54), it offers decent walkability (60.81) and transit options (50.57). The neighborhood provides moderate vibrancy (40.40) but lacks in cycling infrastructure (14.88). This area is primarily focused on academic convenience rather than lifestyle amenities.
1. Lake Street Homes / Colorado State University Fort Collins
- Overall College Friendly Score: 99.70
- Hip & Trendy: 83.23
- Vibrancy Score: 62.47
- Walkability: 82.65
- Cycling-Friendly: 99.78
- Transit-Friendly: 61.31
Lake Street Homes near CSU Fort Collins tops our list with an outstanding college-friendly score of 99.70. This neighborhood excels in almost all categories, particularly in cycling-friendliness (99.78) and walkability (82.65). It offers a hip atmosphere (83.23) with good vibrancy (62.47) and solid transit options (61.31). The combination of these factors creates an ideal environment for students, with excellent accessibility to campus and amenities.
Definition of terms:
- Overall College Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric evaluating a neighborhood’s suitability for college students, including proximity to educational institutions, student resources, safety, affordability, and community support for academic life.
- Hip & Trendy: Measures the cultural appeal of a neighborhood, including restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment venues, and social gathering spaces that contribute to a vibrant student life experience.
- Vibrancy Score: Assesses the energy and liveliness of a neighborhood, including diversity of activities, nightlife options, cultural events, and general community engagement that creates a stimulating environment for students.
- Walkability: Evaluates how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is, considering sidewalk quality, street design, proximity of amenities, and overall ease of navigating the area on foot, which is particularly important for car-free students.
- Cycling-Friendly: Measures the biking infrastructure quality, including dedicated lanes, bike-sharing programs, terrain considerations, and overall safety for cyclists, offering students an affordable and healthy transportation alternative.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses public transportation accessibility, frequency, reliability, and route coverage, enabling students to easily connect to campus and city amenities without needing a personal vehicle.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
