# 19

2023 rank: 13

One of Denver’s OG neighborhoods—known to some generations as Northside—has long maintained its popularity. In recent years, a consistent influx of new residents and popular eateries, bars, and retailers has propelled downtown’s neighbor into one of the city’s hottest expanses. But for the first time since we started compiling data for this list in 2016, the average home price in this high-demand ’hood dropped—and so did its ranking. But don’t get it twisted—this lively locale in northwest Denver is still one of the trendiest spots to settle in the Mile High City. And now it’ll only cost you about $916,000—1.7 percent less than in 2022.

Though the powers that be consider Highland one big neighborhood, locals separate the eminently walkable area into three distinct sections: Highland, LoHi (Lower Highland), and Platte Street. Each has a slightly different feel, but wherever you go, expect to find a blend of young families (there are six schools within the boundaries), transplanted professionals, and long-timers taking up residence in classic Denver Squares and newer townhomes.

Population 11,309
2023 Average Sale Price $915,861

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 35
Schools Score 3.6
Safety Rank 44
X Factor Score 9.5

How we got these numbers: We utilized the city’s official list of 78 neighborhoods (only 73 had enough data to be included), and ranked them using four variables: home prices, crime data, school rankings, and an X factor score that accounts for things like access to open space, proximity to public transportation, and restaurant and shopping options. For more on our methodology, return to the main page.

Your Itinerary

Eat and Drink

If we had to bet, we’d guess that Highland has the most F&B offerings per capita of any neighborhood in Denver. Among them are some that we consider the best in the city: Fox and the Hen, Noisette Restaurant & Bakery, Daughter Thai Kitchen and Bar, Spuntino, Uncle, and Sunday Vinyl.

Plus, every time we turn around, it seems a new eatery has arrived. In the last year, Highlands welcomed Alma Fonda Fina (Mexican), Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings (Asian), Kawa Ni (Asian), and Hampton Social (new American)—each one worthy of a visit.

And while the fledglings add some pizzazz to the place, locals have a lot of love for the longtime staples. Two Italian eateries—Lechuga’s Italian Restaurant and Gaetano’s—have been around since the mid-1900s. And My Brother’s Bar (add a burger to your booze order) is the city’s oldest watering hole; it celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

Imbibers can stroll almost anywhere in the ’hood and find plenty of venues to enjoy beer (Zuni Street Brewing Company, Recess Beer Garden) or craft cocktails (Williams & Graham, Room for Milly) or locally made spirits (the Family Jones Spirit House, Spirit Hound Distillers Tasting Room) or coffee (Blue Sparrow Coffee, Pinwheel Coffee).

Catch a Show

The Bug Theatre—built in 1912 as a movie house—is a community gathering spot for oft-humorous theatrical performances. Not much for musicals? The storied venue also hosts trivia nights, burlesque shows, and film festivals.

In 2022, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver reanimated the almost-100-year-old Holiday Theater as a hub of creative expression. Here, you’ll find drag shows, panel discussions, experimental performances, and the city’s most promising up-and-coming artists.

History Lesson

Highland is not just one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods—it used to be its own city, incorporated in 1875. Its residents were so devoted to planting gardens and trees that the district was nicknamed the Garden City of the Plains. It was annexed to Denver in 1896.

Spots to Eat

Room for Milly

Fox and the Hen

Kawa Ni

Alma Fonda Fina

View All Restaurants in Highland

About This Neighborhood