Denver’s Urban Revival: Post-Pandemic Real Estate Renaissance

By Jane Unhammer, Real Estate Broker, milehimodern

After the significant migration patterns we witnessed during the pandemic years, Denver’s urban landscape is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. As a real estate professional with a front-row seat to these shifting dynamics, I’m excited to share insights on our city’s growing appeal and what it means for homebuyers and sellers in our market.

The Return to Urban Living

The pandemic triggered an exodus from city centers as people sought more space for remote work and outdoor activities. However, that trend has dramatically reversed. According to recent National Association of Realtors data, urban migration increased to 16% in 2024—the most significant jump we’ve seen in a decade.

What’s driving this urban revival? My clients consistently mention three key factors:

1. The vibrant cultural experiences only available in metropolitan areas
2. The convenience of proximity to workplaces as hybrid and in-office models return
3. The accessibility to essential services, entertainment, and amenities

While many of my clients embraced suburban living during the height of the pandemic, seeking home offices and yards for newly adopted pets, I’m now seeing a strong preference for reduced commute times and less maintenance-heavy properties. This is particularly true among professionals returning to office settings and empty nesters looking for lock-and-leave lifestyles that support their travel aspirations.

Denver’s Growth Outpaces National Trends

The numbers tell a compelling story. Metropolitan areas across the U.S. gained approximately 3.2 million residents between 2023 and 2024, significantly outpacing the country’s overall population growth of just 1%.

Looking specifically at Denver, our six-county metro area has grown by 2.8% from 2020 to 2024, welcoming around 82,000 new residents. This growth stemmed primarily from international immigration (approximately 56,500 people) and natural population increases (about 46,000), despite losing roughly 14,000 residents to other parts of the country.

Why Denver Continues to Attract Homebuyers

As someone who helps clients find their dream homes every day, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for what makes Denver special. Our city offers a unique combination of:

• Outdoor accessibility: The proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides unparalleled recreational opportunities year-round
• Economic strength: Our robust job market spans technology, healthcare, finance, and other growing sectors
• Lifestyle balance: Denver’s famous 300+ days of sunshine complement our active community culture
• Cultural richness: From world-class museums and professional sports teams to our innovative culinary scene and craft breweries

These qualities continue to make Denver an exceptional place to put down roots. At Milehimodern, we understand that every home has a soul-filled story, and connecting our clients with properties that reflect their lifestyle aspirations is our specialty.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For prospective buyers, Denver’s urban revival presents exciting opportunities to embrace city living with all its conveniences while still enjoying our distinctive outdoor-oriented lifestyle. For those selling urban properties, this renewed interest means your home may command even more attention in today’s market.

As Denver continues to evolve post-pandemic, I’m here to help you navigate these dynamic market conditions with expertise and personalized attention. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in our vibrant metropolitan area, I’m committed to discovering the artistic sizzle and iconic value in every property.

Jane Unhammer is a broker with Milehimodern, a boutique real estate brokerage focused on the artistry of living. Connect with Jane to explore Denver’s evolving real estate landscape.