Englewood, Colorado sits in an interesting position. It's a small, independent city (population ~35,000) surrounded by Denver to the north and other suburbs on all sides. When people ask "Is Englewood safe?" they're often conflating it with nearby areas or making assumptions based on outdated information.
As someone who helps people find temporary housing in Englewood, I talk to a lot of newcomers— travel nurses, corporate relocations, families in transition. Here's an honest assessment of what Englewood is really like in 2026.
Englewood Crime Statistics: The Real Numbers
Let's look at the actual data. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report and local police statistics:
Englewood vs. National Average (per 1,000 residents)
| Crime Type | Englewood | National Avg | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 3.2 | 4.0 | 20% lower |
| Property Crime | 38.5 | 35.4 | 9% higher |
| Overall | Safer than 42% of U.S. cities | ||
What this means: Englewood has lower violent crime than average, but slightly higher property crime. This is common for urban areas with commercial districts—car break-ins and package theft happen, but violent incidents are rare. The property crime numbers are also influenced by retail theft at shopping centers, which doesn't directly affect residential areas.
Safest Areas in Englewood
Not all parts of Englewood are equal. The safest neighborhoods include:
- • Medical District (near Swedish Medical Center): Well-lit, heavy foot traffic from hospital staff, low crime
- • Downtown Englewood / CityCenter area: Recently revitalized, good lighting, police presence
- • Southern Englewood (near Littleton border): Residential, quiet streets, family-oriented
- • Areas along S. Broadway south of Hampden: Mix of residential and local businesses, active community
What is Englewood, Colorado Known For?
Englewood has several defining characteristics that shape daily life here:
Healthcare Hub
Swedish Medical Center is one of Colorado's largest hospitals. Craig Hospital (world-renowned for spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation) is also in Englewood. This brings thousands of healthcare workers to the area.
Central Location
Englewood is equidistant from downtown Denver (15 min) and Denver Tech Center (10 min). Light rail access makes car-free commuting possible. DIA is 25-30 minutes away.
Affordable (Relatively)
Compared to Denver, Cherry Creek, or Wash Park, Englewood offers more housing for your money. A 3-bedroom home that costs $650,000 in Wash Park might be $475,000 in Englewood.
Local Character
Despite being a suburb, Englewood has its own identity—local restaurants, a walkable downtown, community events, and a mix of long-time residents and newcomers.
What's It Really Like Living in Englewood?
Here's an honest breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- • More affordable than Denver proper
- • Excellent medical facilities nearby
- • Light rail to downtown & DTC
- • Lower crime than perception suggests
- • Walkable downtown area
- • Easy access to I-25 and Santa Fe
- • Parks and recreation options
- • Mix of housing types and ages
Cons
- • Older housing stock in some areas
- • Broadway corridor can feel commercial
- • Schools are mixed (varies by address)
- • Less "trendy" than Denver neighborhoods
- • Some areas need revitalization
- • Property crime is a concern
- • Limited nightlife/entertainment
- • Traffic on Santa Fe Drive
Schools in Englewood
School quality is one of the most common questions from families. Englewood is served by two main school districts:
Englewood Schools
Small district serving central Englewood. Generally average ratings. Englewood High School has been improving but still rates below state average. Some families opt for charter or private schools.
Cherry Creek School District
Parts of southern Englewood fall within Cherry Creek Schools, one of Colorado's top-rated districts. If schools are a priority, verify which district your address falls in before committing to a home.
Pro tip: Use GreatSchools.org to check specific school ratings for any address you're considering.
Things to Do in Englewood
While Englewood isn't a destination city, it has enough amenities for daily life plus easy access to everything Denver offers:
- Dining: Mix of local restaurants along Broadway and South Pearl Street. Sushi Den (one of Denver's best) is technically in Englewood.
- Shopping: CityCenter Englewood, various shopping centers along Broadway, close to Cherry Creek and Park Meadows malls.
- Parks: Jason Park, Belleview Park, Pirates Cove water park (summer), Broken Tee Golf Course.
- Arts & Culture: Museum of Outdoor Arts, Gothic Theatre (music venue), proximity to Denver's arts scene.
- Outdoors: South Platte River Trail, easy access to Cherry Creek State Park, 30 min to mountain trails.
Cost of Living in Englewood vs. Denver
One of Englewood's biggest draws is relative affordability compared to central Denver neighborhoods:
Housing Cost Comparison (2026)
| Housing Type | Englewood | Denver (Wash Park) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $485,000 | $725,000 | $240,000 |
| 1BR Apartment Rent | $1,500-1,900 | $2,000-2,500 | $400-600/mo |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,400-3,200 | $3,500-4,500 | $1,000-1,300/mo |
Who is Englewood Best For?
Based on what we've covered, Englewood is a particularly good fit for:
- Healthcare workers at Swedish, Craig, or Porter hospitals
- DTC commuters who want to live in a real neighborhood (not apartment complex)
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting more space for less money
- Remote workers who don't need to commute but want access to Denver amenities
- People relocating temporarily who need flexible furnished housing
- Families relocating who want space and a safe neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions About Englewood
Is Englewood Colorado safe?
Yes, Englewood is generally considered safe. The city's violent crime rate is below the national average, and property crime rates are comparable to similar Denver-area suburbs. Like any urban area, safety varies by neighborhood. The areas near Swedish Medical Center and the downtown Englewood district are particularly well-maintained and safe. Normal urban precautions apply.
Is Englewood a suburb of Denver?
Yes, Englewood is an independent city and first-ring suburb located directly south of Denver. It has its own city government, police department, and services, but is part of the Denver metropolitan area. Englewood is about 6 miles south of downtown Denver and is well-connected via I-25 and the RTD light rail.
What is Englewood Colorado known for?
Englewood is known for Swedish Medical Center (one of Colorado's top hospitals), its historic downtown district, the Museum of Outdoor Arts, CityCenter Englewood shopping, and being a healthcare hub. It's also known for its central location with easy access to both downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center.
Is Englewood a good place to raise a family?
Englewood can be a good place for families, though it depends on your specific needs. Pros include more affordable housing than central Denver, proximity to excellent medical facilities, parks and recreation options, and good access to schools in both Englewood Schools and Cherry Creek School District (varies by address). Some families prefer nearby Littleton or Centennial for larger lots and newer schools.
What is the cost of living in Englewood Colorado?
The cost of living in Englewood is approximately 5-10% lower than Denver proper, primarily due to more affordable housing. The median home price is around $475,000-525,000 (vs. $575,000 in Denver). Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,800-2,400/month. Other costs like groceries, utilities, and transportation are similar to the greater Denver area.
How far is Englewood from downtown Denver?
Englewood is approximately 6 miles (10-20 minutes by car) from downtown Denver, depending on traffic. The RTD light rail E and H lines connect Englewood to downtown in about 20-25 minutes. The city is also 10 minutes from the Denver Tech Center and 25 minutes from Denver International Airport.
Final Verdict: Should You Move to Englewood?
Englewood won't win any "hippest neighborhood" awards, but that's not what it's trying to be. It's a practical, affordable, centrally-located suburb that works well for professionals, healthcare workers, and families who prioritize value and convenience over trendiness.
Is it safe? Yes, with normal urban precautions. Is it exciting? Not particularly. Is it a solid choice for someone relocating to Denver who wants to live well without breaking the bank? Absolutely.
If you're considering Englewood, I'd recommend spending a few days here to get a feel for the area before committing to a lease. Walk the neighborhoods, grab coffee on Broadway, and see if it feels like home.