Architecture 101: 10 Most Popular Home Styles in Denver

When you imagine your dream home, what do you see? Maybe it’s a modern LoHi townhome with sleek lines, a Tudor estate in Hilltop, or a cozy bungalow in the Highlands. Denver’s architecture reflects its diverse history and lifestyle — blending historic craftsmanship with modern innovation.

At Highlands Property Group, I help clients evaluate homes not only by design but by function, long-term value, and investment potential. Below are the 10 most popular home styles around Denver and what makes each of them desirable — whether you’re looking to live, invest, or both.

1. The Bungalow: Cozy and Classic

A timeless Denver staple, bungalows are often one story with low-pitched roofs, deep eaves, and charming front porches. These homes were built for connection — neighbors chatting on the porch, kids playing in tree-lined streets.

You’ll find excellent examples in Highlands, Berkeley, and West Highlands, where bungalows maintain consistent buyer demand and appreciate well due to walkability and neighborhood character.

📈 According to REcolorado data, renovated Highlands bungalows have appreciated nearly 6% annually since 2019, outperforming many newer builds.

2. Victorian Homes: Historic Elegance and Investment Appeal

Denver’s Victorian homes, built between 1880 and 1910, exude craftsmanship and history. Expect ornate trim, steep gables, and colorful facades.

Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Baker feature some of Denver’s finest restored Victorians. Investors love these homes for their uniqueness — fully renovated Victorians often command premium resale values and short-term rental interest due to their charm.

Pro Tip: Properties in designated historic districts tend to appreciate more consistently than non-historic counterparts because supply is limited and preservation standards maintain neighborhood integrity.

3. The Denver Square: Practical, Symmetrical, and Local

Also known as the American Foursquare, the Denver Square represents functionality and timeless simplicity. With two stories and a “four-room” floor plan, these homes were Denver’s response to the ornate Victorian era.

They’re easy to remodel thanks to their boxy shape and generous lot sizes. Look for them in Congress Park, Park Hill, and City Park West — all areas where families and investors compete for these historically stable assets.

4. Tudor Revival: Fairytale Charm Meets Durability

Tudor-style homes blend brick, stucco, and decorative half-timbering for a storybook look that’s also well-suited for Colorado’s climate.

Their steeply pitched roofs and tall chimneys shed snow efficiently, making them practical as well as beautiful. You’ll find Denver’s best Tudor pockets in Hilltop, Montclair, and Belcaro.

💡 Hilltop Tudors have increased in value by over 40% since 2020, driven by scarcity and buyer preference for architectural authenticity (Zillow, 2025).

5. Mid-Century Modern: Clean Lines and Architectural Freedom

Characterized by open layouts, low profiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows, mid-century modern homes offer simplicity and functionality.

Denver’s best examples can be found in Krisana Park, Harvey Park, and Arapahoe Acres — neighborhoods recognized for their architectural preservation. These homes appeal to design-forward buyers and investors looking for properties with unique resale value and minimal maintenance.

Pro Tip: Homes with original mid-century details often sell 10–15% higher than renovated copies (Redfin, 2024).

6. Colonial Revival: Grand and Timeless

Colonial Revival homes reflect balance and symmetry — often featuring columns, centered doors, and multi-paned windows. They communicate quiet sophistication without being overstated.

Common in Crestmoor Park and Observatory Park, these homes attract buyers seeking classic architecture and strong neighborhood identity. Many have undergone high-end remodels blending traditional facades with modern interiors.

7. Ranch Style: Easy Living, High Demand

Single-story ranch homes remain among the most popular for their simplicity and indoor-outdoor flow. Their layouts make them highly adaptable for additions or renovations — a huge plus for investors.

Ranch homes are found in Virginia Village, Harvey Park, and Greenwood Village. Buyers often target these for flips or long-term rentals because of predictable demand from downsizers and young families.

📊 According to the National Association of Realtors, ranch homes sold 22% faster on average in 2024 than two-story homes, due to accessibility and lifestyle appeal.

8. Cape Cod: Simple, Symmetrical, and Enduring

Modeled after 17th-century New England cottages, Cape Cod homes feature steep roofs, dormer windows, and central chimneys.

While less common than bungalows, you can find them scattered through Park Hill and University Hills, offering an approachable entry point for buyers seeking classic curb appeal with manageable footprints.

9. Craftsman Revival: Detail and Authenticity

Craftsman homes are known for their exposed beams, built-in woodwork, and quality materials. Their handcrafted feel resonates strongly with Denver buyers seeking warmth and authenticity.

Many original Craftsman homes are concentrated in Wash Park and Congress Park, while new construction takes inspiration from the style in emerging neighborhoods.

Pro Tip: Homes with authentic wood finishes and built-ins tend to generate higher emotional connection with buyers, increasing perceived value beyond measurable ROI.

10. Contemporary and Modern Row Homes: Urban Efficiency

Contemporary homes and rowhouses dominate Denver’s new-build landscape. Characterized by flat roofs, mixed materials, and energy-efficient systems, they cater to modern lifestyles.

Popular in LoHi, Sloan’s Lake, and Jefferson Park, these homes attract professionals seeking low-maintenance luxury close to downtown.

📈 In 2025, modern townhomes in LoHi averaged a price per square foot of $720, compared to $510 citywide (REcolorado).

Beyond their sleek design, newer builds often qualify for energy rebates and reduced maintenance costs — appealing to investors prioritizing efficiency and long-term rental appeal.

Finding the Right Fit: Lifestyle Meets Investment

Each architectural style tells a story — of craftsmanship, history, or modern innovation. For buyers and investors, understanding these differences helps you identify properties with both emotional appeal and financial upside.

At Highlands Property Group, I blend my background in commercial real estate with deep local expertise to help clients analyze properties for livability, appreciation, and investment potential.

Whether you’re drawn to a historic Denver Square in the Highlands or a sleek row home in LoHi, I’ll help you find a property that fits your lifestyle and strengthens your portfolio.

📩 Ready to explore Denver’s architectural landscape?Contact Highlands Property Group to schedule a consultation or request a custom property tour by style and neighborhood.