Top zip codes in Denver, CO, for new rental options

Denver’s rental market has evolved significantly, with almost 59,000 new apartments built in the past decade. This reflects the city’s sustained growth as a hybrid tech hub and outdoor lifestyle center.

For renters exploring Denver‘s mountain access, craft beer scene, and expanding job market, knowing which areas have added the most new builds can streamline their search and help identify neighborhoods with abundant options.

But where exactly are these new apartments located?

With its 300 days of sunshine, world-class skiing a drive away, and a booming tech sector, Denver attracts outdoor enthusiasts, young professionals, and remote workers alike. Although the cost of living in Denver, CO, is 9% higher than the national average, the pros outweigh the cons for many renters.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the five areas where rental development has concentrated most to give you an idea of where they fit in terms of employment hubs, transportation, and more.

Zip code 80204 leads Denver with 8,397 newly completed apartments

Zip code 80204, which includes the Golden Triangle, Lincoln Park, and parts of the Highlands, leads Denver in new apartment construction, adding 8,397 new apartments.

Downtown Denver is accessible within 5 to 10 minutes on foot or via the light rail. Meanwhile, major employers like Denver Health, the Denver Art Museum, various downtown corporate offices, and tech startups in the Golden Triangle are also easy to get to.

Zip code 80216 welcomes 6,168 new apartments

Home to 6,168 newly completed apartments, zip code 80216 covers the River North Art District (RiNo), Cole, and Five Points neighborhoods. This area presents strong walkability in the RiNo core, with downtown about 10 to 15 minutes away via light rail or bike.

Employers such as Great Divide Brewing, numerous creative agencies and tech companies in RiNo, National Western Center developments, and manufacturing facilities are just a short commute away.

6,066 new apartments added to zip code 80202’s inventory

Zip code 80202, covering downtown Denver, LoDo (Lower Downtown), and Union Station areas, has welcomed 6,066 new apartments. Here, renters can rely on the city’s transit access, including RTD rail and bus service centered at Union Station and direct airport access via the A Line.

Major employers include the 16th Street Mall businesses, Union Station area offices, numerous financial services firms, and government offices.

Zip code 80205 includes 5,577 recently completed apartments

With 5,577 new apartments added, zip code 80205 spans City Park, Congress Park, Cheesman Park, and parts of Capitol Hill.

Residents benefit from light rail access and a 10- to 15-minute commute downtown. Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Campus connections, and various healthcare facilities provide substantial employment opportunities.

Zip code 80249 has added 4,667 new rentals

Welcoming 4,667 new apartments, zip code 80249 includes Gateway, Green Valley Ranch, and areas near Denver International Airport.

Renters can reach downtown Denver within 25 to 30 minutes via light rail on the A Line. And when it comes to major employers, Denver International Airport, Gaylord Rockies Resort, various distribution and logistics centers, and healthcare facilities along the I-70 corridor are all a quick commute away.

Top 5 zip codes for new apartments in Denver, CO

* Total new apartments completed between 2015 and 2025.

Source:
RentCafe analysis of Yardi data as of July 2025

Over the past decade, Denver has experienced explosive growth in its rental landscape, driven by population migration from coastal cities, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and technology sector expansion. However, in recent years, development has cooled due to rising interest rates, construction cost increases, and concerns about market saturation in certain submarkets.

In response, developers are targeting transit-oriented developments and focusing on amenity-rich buildings as Denver balances urban growth with infrastructure capacity. These patterns may signal shifting supply distribution as the city addresses affordability challenges and transportation needs across different neighborhoods.

Methodology

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.

This study uses data from 2015–2025, with the ‘past decade’ referring to this period.