You really can't compare Denver to a city like Chicago, which is the third largest city in the US, and in addition to having a spectacular lakefront and many wonderful neighborhoods, is filled with lots of exciting things to do. While Denver is no Chicago, it is still a nice place to live - a vibrant downtown and nightclub area, many old Victorian neighborhoods, lots of parks, more brewpubs than you can shake a stick at, and just a short drive from the mountains. And, of course, although it can't compare with the Picasso in Chicago's Daley Plaza, the famous Blue Bear in front of the Colorado Convention Center, seen in the photograph on the left, is a local favorite.
When I first moved to Denver, the city's nighclub districts were located in the city of Glendale, a truly ugly city surrounded by Denver, and on East Hampden Avenue, on the outskirts of the city. The only entertainment in the downtown area was Larimer Square, a one block street of 1870s era commercial buildings that were saved from the wrecking ball by local preservationist Dana Crawford. Over the years, however, the Lower Downtown (LoDo), River North (RINO), and Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhoods, among others, have really come alive and become hipster havens, thanks to so many people moving to Colorado, especially all those Californians who demand a certain level of hipster happenings. Larimer Square, seen in the photo on the right, is still a popular gathering space, and is now traffic free.
As I have already mentioned, Denver has a lot of parks scattered throughout the city, and is a wonderful place for biking. A student from Europe I knew at the University of Denver was actually unhappy about having to move to Paris to pursue his studies and leave Denver's bike friendly environment. My favorite spot in the city is Washington Park, seen in the photograph on the left, just a short distance from my condo. In addition to Washington Park, Denver has City Park, Chessman Park, Commons Park, and Sloan's Lake, which truly elevate the quality of life here. Sadly, however, there is no lakefront, as in my old home town of Chicago. It is just something you have to deal with. I guess.
Chicago is famous for its architecture, and I personally believe that no other city in the country can come even close. Denver is not exactly famous for its architectural landmarks, and those that did exist did not garner much support from the city or its residents years ago. Back during the 1960s and 70s, when urban renewal was in vogue, the city tore down most of the historic buildings on Larimer Street, in hopes of eliminating the homeless problem on what was then skid row. Even just recently, the City of Denver started remodeling the 16th Street Mall, designed by world renowned architect I.M. Pei. The photograph on the right shows the reflection of a Denver high-rise designed by I.M. Pei, which as of today is not scheduled to be demolished. I think.
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