# 11

2023 rank: 48

Hale is one of our comeback kids. After falling out of the top 25 list for the last two years, this east-side neighborhood is back and ranked higher than ever. Hale is a mostly residential, quiet locale—save for the sirens you’ll hear coming to and from Rose Medical Center. But a rising tide of newer businesses and apartments, including the bustling 9&CO development, have propelled this ’hood up 37 spots from last year.

Even during a sluggish real estate year, prices for its broad array of house styles—bungalows, Tudors, and brick ranches—increased roughly 11 percent. That could be, at least in part, because Hale’s Palmer Elementary School received Grade A marks in 2023, and Henry S. Lindsley Park is great for families with its playground, tennis and basketball courts, and softball field. Residents can easily access downtown via East Colfax Avenue or spin down the bike lane on East 12th Avenue. Most of the retail is concentrated along Colfax and Colorado Boulevard, so you don’t have to travel far to tackle your errands.

Population 9,028
2023 Average Sale Price $687,019

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 7
Schools Score 4
Safety Rank 36
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 & Drink

With new apartment and condominium buildings settling into the area, chefs are finding a growing audience in Hale. Among the venues feeding hungry neighbors: all-day cafe Frank & Roze, fast-casual comfort food haven 9Thai, and tea-riffic hangout Kochi Cafe. Sweets—including bites from La Fillette Bakery, Gelato Boy, and City Donuts—are particularly good in the area.

While there is a Trader Joe’s within Hale’s boundaries, Marczyk Fine Foods is a treasured neighborhood market that locals love for its well-stocked shelves and summer burger nights.

Night Out

Catch a flick at 9&CO’s AMC or level up your (video) game at newcomer Immersive Gamebox, where you can dodge ghosts, fly to Mars, and even compete in Squid Game challenges alongside your friends.

Self-Care Spots

Hale has a thing for health and wellness, which means there’s no shortage of gyms, spas, and salons on these streets. Get a glow-up at Alchemy Face Bar, sit for a new set of acrylics at M. Vince’ Nail Spa, book a signature laser facial at Skin Laundry, or let the skilled hands of Squeeze Massage therapists melt away the day’s stressors.

If you really want to treat yourself, however, head to Ghost Rider Custom Cowboy Boots, where Denver native Mickey Mussett crafts bespoke kicks that are more Nancy Sinatra’s speed: made less for riding than for walking, nay, strutting. A pair will set you back a couple thousand bucks—but they’ll be one-of-a-kind.

Spots to Eat

Frank & Roze

9Thai

La Fillette Bakery

Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta

View All Restaurants in Hale

About This Neighborhood