2021 rank: 51

We’re going to call Mar Lee a newcomer here: The southwest Denver neighborhood hasn’t appeared on this list since 2016. What the area lacks in curb appeal, it makes up for in affordability. At $435,801, the average sale price is the lowest in our top 25. Relatively low crime, a charming green space in Garfield Lake Park, mostly high-performing schools, and some of the city’s best international eateries within walking or biking distance are clearly tempting first-time homebuyers and families (Mar Lee boasts the youngest median age of residents in the city) who are being priced out of more central, established ’hoods.

Demographics—Get to Know Your Neighbors

Mar Lee claims the youngest median age on this year’s list: 30.3 years old. Additionally, nearly 33 percent of the neighborhood is younger than 18. Fifteen percent of the adult (25 and older) population holds bachelor’s degrees or higher. When it comes to housing, ownership is slightly more common, accounting for 55 percent of filled units. Families comprise 70 percent of households. The average household income is $55,894.

Population 12,354
2023 Average Sale Price $356,719

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 14
Schools Score 3.1
Safety Rank 14
X Factor Score 4

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

Travel the globe with the variety of cuisines available in Mar Lee, which are primarily concentrated on the neighborhood’s east side, along South Federal Boulevard. Mexican eats are particularly prevalent at restaurants such as Tacos Junior,Torres Mexican Food, andPlaya Azul Mexican Restaurant.Pasteleria Las Delicias is a neighborhood favorite for custom cakes. Other top options includePho 95 Noodle House andKutea (for bubble tea).

Get Outside

The 4.8-mile-long, pavedSanderson Gulch Trail cuts across the neighborhood, providing access to more central Denver. Kids will want to spend all their warm-weather time at Garfield Lake Park, which encompasses an outdoor pool, playground, baseball and football fields, and the namesake lake, where fishing is permitted.

Spots to Eat

Pho 95

View All Restaurants in Mar Lee