2022 rank: 65

Welcome to 25 Best, Cole. The primarily residential district—one of the oldest in Denver—has long been overshadowed by its neighbor to the west, Five Points. Not anymore. Cole claims four high-performing schools, a convenient location, and homes that are still averaging in the low-$700,000s—even with a 28 percent jump in year-over-year sale prices.

A sure sign that things are changing? A hip hotel opening and luxury apartments joining the area’s long-standing bungalows and Queen Annes. Commercial offerings have been slow to follow (Cole is technically considered a food desert), but restaurateurs are starting to plant their flags here. Also close by: the York Street Yards, where locs can find a bike shop, furniture showroom, fitness studio, hair salon, and Cohesion Brewing Company.

And if the Denver Rock Drill adaptive reuse project ever gets off the ground, it’ll add plenty of office and retail space. Until then, if you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of an urban neighborhood, Cole may not suit—but you can always pop over to Five Points to satisfy those cravings.

Population 4,888
2023 Average Sale Price $712,597

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 4
Schools Score 4
Safety Rank 43
X Factor Score 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

Cole has a small-but-mighty food scene. Hungry diners drive from all over the city to enjoy a bite at venues like Corner Ramen and Poke, NOLA Voodoo Tavern and Perks, Randall’s, and Brasserie Brixton.

Nowhere Coffee is a “wandering coffee shop” inside a bright-orange Airstream that’s currently braking in Cole. For adult drinks, check out Yacht Club for cocktails or RiNo Beer Garden for patio brews or catching a game. Mo’Betta Green operates a farm stand on some summer Saturdays.

Get Outside

Cole has its fair share of green space, including the 39th Avenue Greenway and the recently renovated Russell Square Park (hello, bigger playground).

Spots to Eat

RiNo Beer Garden

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Corner Ramen & Poke

Randall’s

Brasserie Brixton

View All Restaurants in Cole

About This Neighborhood