# 6

2023 rank: 6

This energetic, tree-covered neighborhood maintains its rank on our list thanks to a modest increase in home sale prices, low crime, and a continuously high-performing school (Asbury Elementary). Although it’s the cheapest place to live among our top 10 ’hoods, it’ll still cost you north of $800,000 to put down roots here.

But don’t let the data deceive you; this is no sleepy suburb. With the University of Denver (DU) within the neighborhood boundaries, residents benefit from all of the coffeeshops, bars, and fast-casual eateries that college students require. Housing stock ranges from apartments and townhomes to bungalows and Craftsman-style homes.

Population 9,496
2023 Average Sale Price $812,840

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 19
Schools Score 4
Safety Rank 10
X Factor Score 7.5

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

The neighborhood’s F&B offerings are clustered along South University Boulevard and East Evans Avenue. The Pioneer may have started as a hangout for college students, but its stellar tacos and rooftop patio appeal to the masses. Newcomer Sawa Mediterranean Restaurant & Buffet brings the vibrant cuisine of Sudan to the streetscape, while Jerusalem Restaurant continues to sling reliably delicious Middle Eastern dishes. University vegans can lean on Next Level Burger for plant-based grub.

For breakfast (or to put a dent in that hangover), head to Greek diner Pete’s University Park Cafe or retro eatery Jelly Cafe. Kaladi Coffee Roasters is a long-standing java spot. Insomnia Cookies satisfies sugar cravings until well after midnight.

As for bars, DU students hang out at the Stadium Inn and Illegal Pete’s. Find a slightly more mature crowd at La Belle Rosette espresso and wine bar. For your sports fix, Spanky’s Roadhouse is the spot. Highlights include an expansive tap list, great wings, and an all-star roster of juicy burgers.

Get Cultured

On campus, the striking Newman Center for the Performing Arts hosts a packed calendar of multidisciplinary events, from modern dance performances and operas to keynote lectures and student productions.

Get Outside

The DU campus is actually a 125-acre arboretum, lined with more than 2,200 trees representing more than 250 species. Another option to commune with Mother Nature: DeBoer Park, which has a playground and sits on the five-mile-long East Harvard Gulch Trail.

The university’s outdoor Stapleton Tennis Pavilion is also open to drop-ins.

Spots to Eat

Jerusalem Restaurant

Spanky’s Roadhouse

John Holly’s Asian Bistro (University)

Jelly Cafe (University Hills)

View All Restaurants in University

About This Neighborhood