Affordable Housing in Denver: 2025 Guide

Denver Housing Authority (DHA)

What they offer: 3,900+ subsidized units including townhomes, high-rises, and single-family homes Who qualifies: Families meeting HUD's low-income requirements Application timeline: 6-12 months waiting period typical Learn more: DHA Website

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Rent-to-Own Programs

Tricon Residential (formerly Home Partners)

Important update: Home Partners program transferred to Tricon Residential in early 2025 Current status: Honoring existing agreements with same terms For new applicants: Contact Tricon directly for current availability Learn more: Tricon Website

Alternative Options

Divvy Homes: 25% of monthly payments go toward future down payment Local programs: Various other rent-to-own opportunities available

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Sunshine Homeshare

How it works: Matches seniors with extra rooms to people seeking affordable housing Typical arrangement: ~$650/month with 5 hours weekly help (yard work, errands, etc.) Who qualifies: Homeowners must be 55+, renters must be 18+ Process: Application → background check → matching → 2-week trial Learn more: Sunshine Homeshare Website

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University Neighborhood Sublets

Best times: Summer months when students leave campus Best locations: Areas near University of Denver (good Light Rail access) Where to look: Facebook groups like "University of Denver Housing, Sublets, & Roommates"

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Top Denver Rental Websites

• Apartment Guide
• HotPads
• Pad Mapper
• Renters Warehouse
• Trulia
• Zillow
• Zumper

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Need Immediate Housing Help?

Call 2-1-1 to connect with local resources for housing, food, and other assistance throughout Colorado.

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Last updated: April 2025

Landed Down Payment Assistance Program

A Home Ownership Opportunity for DPS Educators

Denver Public Schools is proud to continue our partnership with Landed, offering down payment assistance to help our educators purchase homes in the communities they serve.

Program Details

• Down Payment Support: Landed provides half of the 20% down payment on a home (up to $70,000 per household)
• Eligibility: Available to all full-time DPS employees who have worked in public education for at least two years
• No First-Time Buyer Requirement: You do not need to be a first-time home buyer
• Flexible Location: No explicit restrictions on home location
• Primary Residence: The purchased home must be your primary residence

How It Works

Landed functions as a co-investment partner, not a loan or grant:

1. You contribute half of a 20% down payment
2. Landed contributes the other half
3. When you sell or refinance your home, you repay Landed's original funding plus 25% of any increase in the home's value
4. If your home loses value, Landed shares in that loss as a true co-investment partner

Next Steps

Interested in exploring this opportunity? Here's how to get started:

1. Learn More: Visit Landed's website to explore program details
2. Get in Touch: Contact Landed directly at hi@landed.com with questions
3. Attend an Info Session: Watch for upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions
4. Schedule a Consultation: Speak with a Landed representative about your specific situation

Additional Resources

• Step-by-Step Guide to Landed
• Landed's Colorado Stories

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DPS is committed to supporting our educators in finding affordable housing solutions. The Landed program is one of several resources available to staff seeking homeownership opportunities.

Last updated: April 2025

DESCI Community Housing Fund

The Denver Educational Senior Citizens Incorporated (DESCI) Community Housing Program provides financial assistance to help make housing more affordable for eligible individuals.

Rent Assistance Benefits

Eligible participants receive:

• $300 per month in rent assistance
• If your rent is less than $300 per month, the assistance will match your actual rent amount

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this program, you must be:

• A low-income Denver Public Schools (DPS) employee, retiree, or a member of their immediate family
• Able to demonstrate financial need (meeting HUD "Very Low Income" limits)
• Not renting from a family member

Immediate family is defined as a DPS employee's or retiree's spouse/partner, grandparents, parents, siblings, grandchildren, mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law. Denver Foundation

Applicants must provide documentation to verify income, eligibility, DPS relationship, and need.

Questions?

For more information about the DESCI Community Housing Program:

• Visit DESCI's website at The Denver Foundation
• Call: 303-300-1790 ext. 126

Last updated: April 2025

Affordable Housing Programs in Denver: 2025 Update

Finding affordable housing in Denver's competitive market can be challenging, but several programs exist to help make homeownership more accessible. Here's what's currently available in 2025:

La Tela Condominiums

La Tela stands as Denver's first 100% permanently affordable for-sale condominium development. Located in the Santa Fe Arts District, this completed project offers:

• 92 affordable units (studios, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom homes)
• All priced under $200,000
• Designed for residents making 80-100% of the Area Median Income
• Innovative community land trust model where Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT) maintains ownership of the land under a 99-year renewable lease
• Energy-efficient features including on-site solar power

Teacher Next Door Program

This national program continues to help educators and public service professionals achieve homeownership through:

• Grants up to $8,000 for closing costs and expenses
• Additional down payment assistance up to $15,000
• Free services to help find and purchase homes
• Support with paperwork and financing
• Available to teachers, school administrators, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, military and government employees

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program

This federal program offers significant incentives for community service professionals:

• 50% discount off list price on eligible HUD-owned homes in revitalization areas
• Available to law enforcement officers, pre-K through 12th grade teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians
• Option to purchase with an FHA-insured mortgage requiring only $100 down payment
• Second mortgage for the discount amount (no repayment needed if you live in the home for 36 months)
• Properties are listed for only 7 days before being offered through lottery system

Denver's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

This local initiative helps ensure affordable options in new developments:

• Requires 10% affordability in new, for-sale developments of 30+ units
• Income, credit, and other requirements vary by property
• Interested buyers must complete a homeownership counseling course
• Private financing required to purchase affordable units

Finding Available Housing

• Search for affordable housing options at ColoradoHousingSearch.com
• Sort by zip code and availability to find homes in your desired location
• Check HUD's website regularly for Good Neighbor Next Door listings

Housing Market Context

As of April 2025, the median home price in metro Denver is $599,000, highlighting the continued importance of these affordable housing initiatives for many residents.

Note: Program details may change. Contact program administrators directly for the most current information and to confirm your eligibility.

Please visit: Comprehensive DPS Map for information

Explore Denver's Diverse Communities

Denver features 78 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, amenities, and lifestyle opportunities. Whether you're relocating to the Mile High City, looking to change neighborhoods, or simply exploring what Denver has to offer, this guide connects you with the best resources for understanding Denver's diverse communities.

Interactive Maps & Data Resources

The Piton Foundation's Community Facts

Community Facts provides comprehensive data about Denver's 77 neighborhoods and the 7-County Denver Metro Region, including:

• Demographics and population statistics
• Housing information and trends
• Economic characteristics
• Education statistics and school performance
• Health and safety metrics

This interactive resource has been providing neighborhood-level data since 2004 and now covers the entire seven-county Denver Metro Region through the Shift Research Lab.

City of Denver Official Resources

The City of Denver maintains an official neighborhood map where you can:

• Find neighborhoods by name or location
• Access Piton Foundation's Neighborhood Summaries
• Download Denver Neighborhoods Map in PDF format
• View Statistical Neighborhood data

Top Denver Neighborhoods to Explore

Denver's neighborhoods offer something for every lifestyle. Here are some of the city's most notable areas:

Washington Park

Known for its stunning 155-acre park featuring two lakes, flower gardens, and tree-lined paths. The neighborhood offers historic homes, excellent schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Cherry Creek

Upscale shopping district with luxury residences, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining. Cherry Creek North and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center anchor this affluent neighborhood.

Five Points

Historic district with rich cultural heritage, once known as the "Harlem of the West." Today it features diverse entertainment options, art galleries, and a vibrant music scene.

Highland/LoHi

Trendy area with excellent dining options, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and spectacular downtown views. Features a mix of Victorian-era homes and modern developments.

Capitol Hill

Eclectic mix of historic mansions, apartments, and vibrant nightlife. Home to the Colorado State Capitol Building, numerous museums, and Cheesman Park.

RiNo (River North Art District)

Former warehouse district transformed into an arts and cultural hub featuring colorful murals, galleries, innovative restaurants, breweries, and creative workspaces.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Historic district with restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife. Home to Union Station, Larimer Square, and Coors Field.

Neighborhood Rankings and Guides

5280 Magazine Rankings

5280 Magazine publishes an annual "Best Neighborhoods in Denver" ranking based on:

• Real estate trends
• Crime statistics
• School quality
• Intangible qualities that "numbers can't quantify"

They also offer a Google Maps overlay displaying Denver's 78 statistical neighborhoods, with their "Best Neighborhoods" selections highlighted in red.

Additional Resources

Real Estate Guides

Redfin's Denver Neighborhoods Guide provides comprehensive information on 19 popular neighborhoods including housing types, prices, amenities, and lifestyle factors.

Tourism Resources

VISIT DENVER Neighborhood Guide offers information about activities, dining, attractions, and events in each area. This resource is particularly useful for visitors or newcomers wanting to explore the character of different parts of the city.

Denver Preschool Tuition Credits

Overview

Denver Public Schools offers tuition assistance credits through multiple programs including the Denver Preschool Program (DPP), Colorado Preschool Program, and Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK). Your child's tuition rate is determined based on your household size and income.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for tuition reductions:

• You must be a Denver resident (non-Denver residents pay full tuition)
• You must complete the preschool application with all required documentation
• Your child must be 4 years old or in their last year before kindergarten for DPP credits
• Many 3-year-olds now qualify for assistance through the "Preschool for 3s Program"

Program Updates

• The Denver Preschool Program now provides tuition credits to all Denver families with 4-year-olds and many with 3-year-olds
• Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) can be combined with DPP tuition credits to maximize savings
• For DPS preschool enrollment, the Denver Preschool Program forms are included in application materials
• Tuition credits are applied directly to your provider

Application Timeline

For the 2025-2026 school year:

• Denver Public Schools' SchoolChoice Round 1 application opens January 15, 2025 at 10 a.m.
• Round 1 application closes February 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Additional Resources

For more information about tuition support, visit:

• Denver Preschool Program
• DPS Early Education
• Colorado UPK

Last Updated: April 18, 2025

Half day kindergarten is free for all Colorado students. Parents are responsible for securing care for the other half of the day.

In 2019, Colorado passed legislation to provide full-day, free kindergarten throughout the state. This law bans districts from charging full-day kindergarten tuition, saving many parents between $300-500 per month. CBS News

The bill (HB19-1262) was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in 2019, marking one of the largest investments in early childhood education in Colorado's history. Colorado

While full-day kindergarten is now funded and free, the law clarifies that nothing requires a child to attend full-day kindergarten or prohibits a school district from offering half-day kindergarten. According to the Colorado Department of Education, roughly 20% of Colorado kindergartners were not enrolled in a full-day program when the law was implemented. https://www.kktv.com

Under Colorado's Compulsory School Attendance Law, full-day kindergarten pupils must attend for at least nine hundred hours during the school year, while half-day kindergarten pupils must attend for at least four hundred fifty hours. State

If parents choose the half-day option, they would indeed be responsible for securing care for the other half of the day, as the state only guarantees the educational portion. School districts are not required to provide additional childcare beyond the educational program. Colorado

The Colorado Department of Education notes that kindergarten programs must be part of the public school system, and school districts must pay for establishing and maintaining these programs from the general school fund. State

Extended Learning & Community Schools

The Department of Extended Learning and Community Schools (ELCS) oversees a wide range of after-school programs throughout Denver Public Schools. Our programs provide DPS students a safe, enriching place to continue their studies, explore new skills and make friends during out-of-school time. We serve over 70 schools across the district and infuse Social Emotional Academic Learning (SEAL) into all of our programs. 

Our Vision

To provide high-quality programming every day at every site. We support social, emotional, and academic learning, increase family participation and community engagement, and expand middle school programming. We also develop a foundation and provide structures for DPS Elementary School Athletics, known as ELCSports, through our after-school programming infrastructure. Extended Learning and Community Schools (ELCS)

Our Programs

Discovery Link

The only district-run before school, after school, and full-day camp program. Licensed by the state of Colorado, we offer Discovery Link at 70 DPS schools. Students participate in fun and engaging activities supporting relationship-building skills, movement, and creativity. With state-licensed programs at 72 Denver elementary schools, Discovery Link offers a safe, fun, and enriching environment for students to thrive. 

ELCS Enrichment

Unlicensed single subject offerings mainly provided by external organizations that are vetted DPS Community Partners. ELCS Supports Enrichment programming at over 50 schools across the district, providing DPS students with various electives. 

ELCSports

The mission of this program is to provide all DPS Elementary schools and students the opportunity to have an ELCSports program and participate in DPS Elementary School Athletics. This program will be primarily for 4th and 5th Graders during the school year. ELCSports will create a pipeline for DPS Elementary students to prepare them and enhance their skills for DPS Middle School Athletics. 

Additional Opportunities

If the above programs do not meet the needs of a school community, we will work with schools to create programs that support their needs. This is done on a case-by-case basis. 

Colorado Drug Card Program

Free Prescription Savings for Colorado Residents

The Colorado Drug Card program remains active in 2025, offering free prescription assistance to all Colorado residents. This valuable program helps both uninsured and underinsured individuals access affordable medications.

Program Benefits:

• No Cost to Join: Completely free for all Colorado residents
• Significant Savings: Up to 80% off medication costs (average savings around 30%)
• Wide Coverage: Includes discounts on both brand-name and generic medications
• No Restrictions: No income requirements, age limits, or application forms
• Widely Accepted: Valid at over 68,000 pharmacies nationwide, including all major chains

How to Get Your Card:

Visit ColoradoDrugCard.com to create and print your free discount card. Cards are also available at various health centers, hospitals, clinics, and other distribution sites throughout Colorado.

Who Can Benefit:

• Uninsured individuals
• Those with insurance but high deductibles or co-pays
• Anyone facing limitations in their prescription coverage
• People paying out-of-pocket for medications

Take advantage of this program today to reduce your prescription medication costs!

Through our Wageworks program, you can pay for RTD passes and parking expenses with pre-tax dollars. To learn more, please visit: https://www.wageworks.com/employers/benefits/commuter

Teachers save $10 on an individual membership - good for free admission for one year. The teacher discount is only available when a valid teacher ID is shown at the museum welcome desk and cannot be ordered online or over the phone.

STEM teachers are invited to enjoy a free 20-minute flight at our Air and Space Museum, most likely in the vintage 1940s Stearman biplane. Sign up or watch teacher flights here: Inspiring Educators and the Next Generation of Aerospace Professionals

TEACHER TICKET DISCOUNTS AT COLORADO SYMPHONY

Same-day tickets: Teachers can purchase $10 tickets in person at the Colorado Symphony Box Office on the day of the concert.

Advance tickets: For $12, teachers can secure seats ahead of time by purchasing online with promo code LISTEN. These tickets must be picked up with valid ID.

Note: All discount tickets are subject to availability, with limited quantities per performance.

For additional information, please visit Child Student Educator Discounts

Free Movies for Educators: Alamo Drafthouse Teacher Appreciation

Educators deserve a break from grading papers and classroom duties, and Alamo Drafthouse agrees! The popular cinema chain offers special Teacher Appreciation programs with complimentary movie tickets for education professionals throughout the year.

What's Available

• Free movie screenings at participating locations
• Typically runs during summer months
• Often scheduled on specific weekdays (historically Wednesdays)
• Available at multiple locations including Houston, Lubbock, El Paso, Austin, and more

How It Works

1. Check your local Alamo Drafthouse for current promotions
2. Bring valid school ID or proof of educator status
3. Enjoy a well-deserved cinematic escape

Find Current Offers

Teacher Appreciation Days vary by location and season. For the most up-to-date information:

• Visit drafthouse.com
• Check your local Alamo Drafthouse's events page
• Contact your nearest location directly

Experience Denver's Cultural Treasures for Free

SCFD Free Days: Your Gateway to Denver's Cultural Gems

The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) offers metro Denver residents incredible opportunities to experience world-class cultural attractions at no cost through their popular Free Days program. This voter-approved special district in the seven-county metro area provides stable supplemental funding to more than 300 scientific and cultural organizations through a one-tenth of 1 percent sales-and-use tax (one penny on every $10 spent).

What Are Free Days?

Free Days are scheduled times when participating cultural institutions open their doors to the public at no charge. The program covers the metro area's biggest nonprofit institutions, including the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, and many more. These special opportunities make arts, culture, and science accessible to everyone in our community.

2025 Free Days Calendar

The SCFD has released their calendar of Free Days for 2025. Thanks to this funding, arts and cultural facilities, both big and small, provide free days, events, and performances throughout the year. Here are some highlights:

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

• Various dates throughout the year
• Free admission does not include IMAX or the Planetarium
• Walk-up tickets available on Free Days

Denver Zoo

• Multiple dates throughout 2025
• Experience fan favorites like elephants, giraffes, and gorillas
• Perfect for family outings

Denver Botanic Gardens

• Several free days scheduled in 2025
• Explore stunning gardens and seasonal displays
• Both York Street and Chatfield locations offer free days

Denver Art Museum

• Free Days allow visitors to engage with art, explore onsite activities, and experience exhibitions while enjoying free general admission
• Special cultural celebrations like Día del Niño often coincide with Free Days

Always-Free Cultural Attractions

Many smaller institutions are always free to visit, including:

• Broomfield Veterans Museum
• City of Lakewood art exhibitions
• Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
• Foothills Art Center
• Colorado Music Hall of Fame
• Aurora History Museum
• Louisville History Museum

Important Tips

• Some venues require online reservations, even for Free Days
• Dates and times are subject to change
• Free admission may not include special exhibits or attractions
• Plan to arrive early as Free Days are typically busy

Find Your Next Cultural Adventure

For the complete, up-to-date calendar of Free Days and to plan your next cultural outing:

• Visit SCFD's Free Days
• Check individual institution websites for any special requirements

Take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to explore Denver's rich cultural landscape without spending a dime!

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This information is current as of April 2025. Always verify dates and details with the SCFD website or individual institutions before planning your visit.