2020 rank: 34

Why the 20-spot jump for this central neighborhood? Well, it saw a nearly 19 percent increase in average home sale prices—it’ll now cost you well over $600,000 to live just across York Street from the area’s namesake 314-acre park (and the adorable residents at the Denver Zoo). Houses, from slightly weathered, early 20th-century Victorians to newer condos, are peppered throughout this connecting ’hood that sees people commuting—by bike and car—between the city’s west side and downtown. A large portion of City Park West’s north end is taken up by hospitals and medical centers; to the south, East 17th and East Colfax avenues are busy commercial corridors that draw people of all ages to their buzzing blocks.

Demographics—Get to know your neighbors

The median age of City Park West residents is 33.45 years old. It’s an educated community, with 61 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Sixty-nine percent of neighborhood commuters report the trip takes 30 minutes or less. When it comes to housing, rentals reign: 63 percent of units are renter-occupied. Singles comprise the majority (73 percent) of neighborhood households. The average household income is $60,514.

Population 5,339
2023 Average Sale Price $633,822

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 5
Schools Score 3
Safety Rank 65
X Factor Score 8

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 Where to start? Weathervane Cafe, Onefold, or Syrup would be good, since they all open early. At lunchtime, check out Dos Santos, Illegal Pete’s, or Atelier by Radex. Not full yet? Pho & Bar or Mile High Hamburger Mary’s should do the trick. For a pick-me-up, swing by Doppio Coffee or St. Mark’s Coffeehouse, which has a fabulous back patio. Warning: It’s easy to throw back a few too many in this neighborhood. Vine Street Pub & Brewery (which is temporarily closed due to the pandemic) serves Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery pints. Irish Snug is stocked with more than 70 whiskeys. Thin Man Tavern is known for its house-infused vodkas. And Kinga’s Lounge is an unexpected headquarters for karaoke. Get Creative Shop for crafting supplies or sign your kiddo—or yourself—up for a class at the Craftsman & Apprentice. Find inspiration beforehand by taking in the work of expert level creatives at Leon Gallery, a nonprofit space focused on emerging artists. Want someone else to do the making for you? Talulah Jones is a whimsical stop for gifts, whether you’re heading to a dinner party or need something to mark your nephew’s birthday. If You Do One Thing… …Neighborhood hop into City Park itself for City Park Jazz, a summertime ritual. The free Sunday concerts start in June, and the music doesn’t stop for 10 weeks. Pack your own picnic (no open booze containers), spread out a blanket, and fend off the Sunday Scaries for a little longer.

Spots to Eat

Waffle Brothers

Sushi Bay 17

Olive & Finch

Patxi’s (City Park West)

View All Restaurants in City Park West

About This Neighborhood