2022 rank: 51

Five Points—which encompasses the micro-’hoods Denverites know as Ballpark, River North (RiNo), and Curtis Park—is one of the most energetic areas of the city. This is where locals and visitors alike go to brunch or grab a drink before or after a Colorado Rockies game.

Years ago, the district was barely a blip on would-be homeowners’ radars, but more than 300 properties closed in the area in 2022. After a downswing, home prices are rising again, but they’re still considered relatively affordable in Denver’s hot market, holding below $735,000. Two of the neighborhood’s three schools have high marks, though Five Points remains one of highest crime areas in the city. Ongoing construction is bringing improved sidewalks, additional bike lanes, and a new art park to the district. Once a maze of warehouses, the one-time “Harlem of the West” is returning to its roots with a vibrant mix of galleries, restaurants, bars, live music venues, and more that invite you to stay a while.

Population 19,104
2023 Average Sale Price $733,647

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 14
Schools Score 3.3
Safety Rank 70
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

Five Points is home to some of Denver’s most enticing food. Many area restaurants are mainstays on our 25 Best Restaurants list, including the Greenwich, La Diabla (helmed by James Beard–nominated chef Jose Avila), and Redeemer Pizza. Of course, plenty of other eateries deserve attention, too, from the East Coast subs at Lou’s Italian Specialties to the Japanese–French fusion at Koko Ni to Comal Heritage Food Incubator, which serves family recipes crafted by immigrant and refugee women. Grab a friend to hit up Denver Central Market or the Source, two food halls where everyone in your crew can order what they want.

Cafes such as Stowaway Kitchen and DC/AM (inside the Ramble Hotel) are reliable favorites for meetings and catch-ups—or a to-go cup of caffeine. Pick up a loaf or a pastry at Reunion Bread.

As the sun goes down, tipple-seekers can choose their own adventures: Attimo for wine; the Marigold or Honey Elixir Bar for cocktails; British Bulldog Pub for a pint and football; or any of the myriad breweries—like sour beer specialists Goed Zuur—for another pint.

Play Time

There are plenty of ways to pass the time in Five Points that don’t involve multiplying calories. Coors Field, home of the Rockies, sits on the neighborhood’s southwestern edge, alongside the new McGregor Square for pre- or post-game fun. (Tip: Rockpile tickets, a special section above center field, retail for less than $10.) If you’d rather be part of the action, go for a swim at Mestizo-Curtis Park’s public pool, lace up for one of the regular roller skating parties at Exdo Event Center, or work on your swing any time of year at the Local Drive.

Live performance venues are also prevalent. Experience an array of genres at Mercury Cafe; jam to live music at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom or Larimer Lounge; laugh at the acts taking the stage at Rise Comedy; dance the night away at Beacon; or enjoy dinner and a show—and a game of volleyball—at Number 38.

If You Do One Thing…

…take a stroll. Five Points is the heart of Denver’s street art scene. New works pop up monthly thanks to the RiNo Mural Program. Mark your calendars for the Denver Walls mural festival to take over the are in late September 2023. As you walk, don’t overlook the galleries and studios that pepper the area’s blocks; the RiNo Art District is home to dozens upon dozens of creatives and art-focused events.

Spots to Eat

Carne

Corsica Wine Bar

Denver Ted’s

Curtis Park Delicatessen

View All Restaurants in Five Points

About This Neighborhood