/ Neighborhood Guide2025 rank: 20
Most Denverites think of Speer as the Cherry Creek–adjacent thoroughfare that carries them into and out of downtown. Named for the city’s 26th mayor, the neighborhood that has grown up to the boulevard’s north and south is an up-and-comer. Speer rose four spots from last year, its spike due in large part to a 2.63 percent increase in home prices, a burgeoning food-and-beverage scene, and strong performances by both of the schools within its borders.
Though Speer is populated mostly with renters, you’ll spot plenty of historical houses with character. Easy access to the Cherry Creek Trail is an obvious perk, and the Alamo Placita and Hungarian Freedom parks are both welcome respites. One of Trader Joe’s two Mile High City locations can be found here, as well as an eclectic collection of food offerings, which are clustered primarily along Broadway (on the ’hood’s western edge) and West Sixth Avenue to the north.
Neighborhood Rankings
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 & Drink
Speer is becoming a dining destination, thanks to venues like Uncle, the second location of chef Tommy Lee’s always-crowded ramen joint (the original is in Highland); brunch fave Lucile’s Creole Cafe; Latin American cocktails and tacos at Mister Oso; Angelo’s Taverna (don’t miss out on Mollusk Mondays); the Mexican family recipes at La Loteria; and French-food-focused La Forêt. The neighborhood saw a notable addition in late 2025 with the opening of Johnny Bechamel’s, a red-sauce Italian spot from the teams behind Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza, adding fresh energy to Speer’s growing food scene. Swing by Sweet Action Ice Cream’s flagship location on South Broadway for dessert.
Digital nomads will enjoy the sunlit Rosebud Cafe or back-room couches at the Bardo Coffee House. Happy hour is best enjoyed over a glass of vino at Carboy Winery or at long-standing dive bar Don’s Club Tavern. To sample local pours from Breckenridge Distillery, Storm Peak Brewing Company, and Broken Compass Brewing all under one roof, check out the new Après at Govnr’s Park. (Bring your pup: It has a 10,000-square-foot dog-friendly patio.)
Be Creative
Stretch the right side of your brain at 39-year-old Art Students League of Denver. It offers classes in a range of mediums for professional artists and those who simply dabble. Sign up your kids starting at age six.
If You Do One Thing…
Catch a flick at the historic Mayan Theatre. The nearly century-old, three-screen cinema’s ornate design was restored in 1986. It’s one of only a few Art Deco Mayan Revival–style theaters remaining in the country, and the venue is a favorite for independent and foreign-language films. And did we mention the in-house bar?
Spots to Eat
About This Neighborhood
- Washington Park
- Washington Park West
- South Park Hill
- Platt Park
- City Park
- Congress Park
- West Highland
- Wellshire
- Hilltop
- Skyland
- Baker
- Southmoor Park
- Cherry Creek
- City Park West
- Lowry Field
- Speer
- University
- Sunnyside
- Regis
- University Park
- Indian Creek
- Union Station
- North Park Hill
- Five Points
- Berkeley
