2022 rank: 31
Lowry Field is getting the recognition it deserves, making its first appearance in these rankings since 2015. The laid-back neighborhood—once an Air Force base—has a lot going for it, starting with more than 800 acres of parks and open space. Mixed-income housing, from modern builds to duplexes and condos, and a well-regarded elementary school hold particular appeal for young families and single professionals. Businesses have started to take notice, too, and although the eastern community’s retail offerings are still nominal, they are growing. We predict Lowry’s city-adjacent allure will only continue to grow.
Neighborhood Rankings
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 redeveloped Hangar 2—originally built in 1939 to hold planes for the Air Force base—is a neighborhood hot spot. Here, you’ll find San Diego–inspired tacos at North County, Café Mercato’s Southern Italian dishes, Montreal-style rounds at Woodgrain Bagels, and classic American eats alongside proper cocktails at Officers Club. Leave room for Rocket Ice Cream’s out-of-this-world indulgences.
Lowry Beer Garden, and its 16 taps, is a popular hangout, especially when the weather warms. Caffeinate at Copper Door Coffee Roasters or Logan House Coffee Company.
Lowry Town Center is a nucleus of commercial activity, though it’s occupied primarily by chains. Still: We’re fans of Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery and locally grown Smashburger.
Take Flight
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is a must-visit—and not just because it has a replica of a Star Wars X-wing fighter. Housed in a former aircraft hangar, the venue is chock-full of iconic aircraft (including one of only five WWII-era bombers still in existence) and artifacts from the neighborhood’s previous life.
Get Outside
Lowry Field as a whole could be considered a park because of how many green spaces lie within its boundaries (close to 20, if you’re wondering). Be sure to check out the Lowry Sports Complex Park, which has plenty of ballfields, and is adjacent to the dog park; the art-filled Lowry Reading Garden; and the natural trails at Great Lawn Park.
The public CommonGround Golf Course is partially contained within the neighborhood, so it’s easy to squeeze in nine after work.
Spots to Eat
- Washington Park
- Berkeley
- South Park Hill
- Congress Park
- Country Club
- University
- Platt Park
- Wellshire
- Washington Park West
- Sloan’s Lake
- Hale
- Cherry Creek
- University Park
- West Highland
- Fort Logan
- Indian Creek
- Cheesman Park
- University Hills
- Highland
- Gateway - Green Valley Ranch
- Hampden South
- Hilltop
- Montclair
- Marston
- Central Park