Where to Stay to Get a Feel for Denver Life

I'm coming to Denver next month with my boyfriend to tour an acupuncture school and want to stay in an area of the city that will give us a good feel of what it's like to live in Denver as young professionals. We've visited a couple times before but we love the mountains so we haven't spent a great deal of time in the city. He will be searching for a coworking space and the school I'm looking at is near City Park. We're hoping that if we relocate there, we will only need to travel 10 min or less to his work/my school by car. Would be great to be in a relatively quiet, safe neighborhood, but close to a walkable area of restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Looking to spend about $1200 or less on rent.

So, any idea of a good place to stay while there and which neighborhoods to check out???

Thanks!!!

Denver (Colorado)