Cherry Creek is a neighborhood in transition, moving from modest smaller homes on typical city lots into one of Denver's most varied residential architectural potpourri. Many of the smaller homes are being removed and replaced with luxury homes and townhomes. This trend gives Cherry Creek some of the most varied housing choices, with many blocks containing a combination of small homes, now infill houses and older duplex and triplexes. The neighborhoods of Hilltop, Belcaro, Polo Club, Congress Park and Country Club surround Cherry Creek and provide a beautiful counterpoint to its new development.

The Cherry Creek Shopping Center serves as the commercial center of the area with Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor as the three major anchors. It also boasts around 200 specialty shops and restaurants. Immediately north of the shopping center is the Cherry Creek North Shopping District. This area has been unified by a special improvements taxing district that matches all the signage, corner treatments and landscaping. A large pedestrian mall and park benches on each corner provide places for weary shoppers or sun lovers. Overall, Cherry Creek provides an eclectic mix of specialty retail shops, commercial office space, small and large restaurants and bistros. This variety offers Denver's only neighborhood, outside of Downtown, where one can live, work and play within a ten block area.

The Cherry Creek Neighborhood Plan was adopted by the Denver City Council in March, 1986 as part of Denver's Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee which developed the plan continues to meet on a regular basis to monitor and review progress and new developments. A number of other special interest groups also work to maintain the livability of the neighborhood.

There are many things to do in the neighborhood. The wonderful variety of shops and restaurants, interspersed with small pedestrian malls and fountains, makes this a perfect place for an afternoon stroll. In this district the over 40 restaurants provide something for everyone, and several small clubs have nightly entertainment. There are sidewalk days where merchants offer special values and the whole retail area makes an effort during the holiday shopping time with lovely window displays and entertainment. In the summer, there is music provided free to the public on the pedestrian mall, First Avenue to Second Avenue on Fillmore Street.