Looking for that dream starter home but not able to spend upwards of half a million? Don't fret! Believe it or not, there are still some affordable places in Denver where you can live, shop, eat, play, and purchase a home for under (or around) $300,000. When it comes to house hunting, we certainly have wildly different values and priorities, including low crime rates, strong schools, RTD accessibility, and nightlife options. But no matter what you're searching for, these Mile High neighborhoods offer history, diversity, and most of all affordability. In no particular order, here are 10 of the cheapest places to live in Denver, each offering their own unique personality and charm.

1. Ruby Hill

Roughly 5 miles south of Downtown Denver lies an up-and-coming, urban enclave with a uniquely diverse population. Its namesake park affords fantastic views of the city's skyline, and its homes come in at an average $225k.

2. Barnum

The homes in this working class neighborhood near Federal Boulevard average about $211k and provide easy access to the shops and eateries on Federal, as well as Barnum Park's Recreation Center and sprawling open space. (Also check out neighboring Barnum West with homes averaging $215k and a slightly lower crime rate.)

3. Windsor

One of the city's safest communities is the charming Windsor neighborhood with its lovely namesake lake. With a solid school system and easy access to Alameda Avenue and Leetsdale Drive, Windsor is a prime place for first-time homeowners, especially if you're looking to start a family.

4. Elyria-Swansea

Near the South Platte River just east of Globeville (another stellar affordable community) is the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood, which has a rich history as a mining settlement in the late 1800s and is currently undergoing massive transformations in a positive direction. Don't let the industrial feel and chain link fences deter you...focus on the average home price of $214k. You never know which neighborhood will become the new, hip part of town. (I mean, look at RiNo!?)

6. North Park Hill

Another Denver neighborhood which has been up-and-coming for years and prides itself on diversity is North Park Hill, with a quiet suburban charm, relatively low crime rate, and best of all, just a stone's throw away from all that City Park and Colorado Boulevard have to offer. (Home sales average about $328k.)

7. Hale

If you're not averse to urban noise (namely the traffic swirling around the Rose Medical Center), you should seriously consider the underrated Hale community. It boasts a relatively low crime rate, close proximity to Colfax and Colorado, and is adjacent to Montclair and Congress Park without the high price tag. You can buy a classic Denver bungalow or a high-rise condo for an average $254k.

8. Virginia Village

As you can see from the Virginia Village skyline, the neighborhood is home to high rise apartment complexes, office buildings, and strip malls, but it's also got mid-modern and charming ranch-style homes, strong schools, and a low crime rate. With an average price of about $340k, it's one of the highest on our list but is still $100k less than nearby University Park and $500k less than its neighbor, Belcaro.

8. Hampden South

If you're looking to live in a bustling part of town which also has access to a handful of parks and open spaces, Hampden South just may be the ticket. The price of homes in this lively community adjacent to the Denver Tech Center has certainly risen but still averages below $300k. And you may even snag prime real estate with a view of the foothills.

9. Indian Creek

The Indian Creek community lies west of Cherry Creek and is bisected by the Cherry Creek bike path, making it a super convenient and livable little nook just 20 minutes from Downtown Denver. You can find a small charming home, perhaps in a cul-de-sac, for an average of just $250k.

10. Harvey Park

Mere minutes from the urban hub of southwest Denver, lies this serene suburban space with a neighborhood feel and homes below $300k. The highlight of the community is undoubtedly Harvey Park with trails, lakes, and plenty of open green space.

With 78 official neighborhoods in the metro area, there are certainly MANY other lovely (sometimes affordable) places to live. For more Mile High neighborhood facts, check out our four previous lists: 10 Best Places To Live In Denver, 11 Most Beautiful, Charming Neighborhoods In Denver, 5 Historic Neighborhoods In Denver, and 7 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods/Suburbs In Denver.