Glendale is one of Colorado's most unique municipalities — a tiny, densely populated independent enclave city surrounded entirely by Denver. With a total area of just 365 acres and about 4,600 residents, Glendale is the most densely populated city in Colorado. Despite its small footprint, it functions as an independent city with its own municipal government, police department, and distinct civic identity.
Glendale's history dates to 1859, when the Cherokee Trail passed through the Cherry Creek Valley past the Four Mile House, which served as a stage stop for freight wagons. The community incorporated in 1952 specifically to avoid annexation by Denver, and adopted a home rule charter in 1972. The city has only one single-family home — the rest of its housing consists of apartment buildings.
Glendale's pro-business policies and entertainment-friendly regulations have attracted a unique commercial landscape. Infinity Park, a 16-acre entertainment hub, is home to the first rugby-specific stadium in the United States. Four Mile Historic Park preserves metropolitan Denver's oldest house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For DTC professionals, Glendale sits north of the Tech Center along Colorado Boulevard, offering a convenient midpoint between the DTC and downtown Denver.
