# 24

2023 rank: 33

Denver’s southernmost and westernmost neighborhood has been close to cracking the top 25 for the last several years, and now, it’s finally done it. Marston’s affordable Craftsman-style and split-level homes attract families looking for room to grow (or simply spread out). The area is anchored by Marston Lake and—despite technically being part of the Mile High City— has strong suburb vibes, meaning you’ll find more parks and golf courses than nightclubs. All the creature comforts you might need (grocery stores, gas stations, chain restaurants, and more) are scattered along South Wadsworth Boulevard. Although this ’hood isn’t exactly in the heart of Denver, it’s got something much better: proximity to the mountains.

Population 11,859
2023 Average Sale Price $494,470

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 23
Schools Score 4
Safety Rank 5
X Factor Score 3

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

Marston’s beloved neighborhood eatery the 49th Food & Spirits may be south of downtown, but it looks north for culinary inspiration, specializing in fare from the Last Frontier. That means the menu is full of salmon, crab, elk, and mussels. Pro tip: If you order the Alaska Tea (a Long Island iced tea as big as its namesake), prepare to call an Uber. If south of the border is more your style, head next door to Bandido’s for bottomless chips and salsa and an entire menu dedicated to margaritas.

The intersection of Wadsworth and West Bowles Avenue also boasts an array of dining options, from tropical-themed Mesa Latin Kitchen to the waterfront Lake House Kitchen & Tavern to fast-casual Mediterranean joint Garbanzo.

Get Outside

Although you can’t swim, fish, or boat on Marston Lake (it’s a reservoir that provides drinking water for Denverites), it is an excellent spot for birding. Keep an eye out for loons, waterfowl, and even Barrow’s goldeneye in the fall and winter.

Aspiring Scottie Schefflers can book tee times at Raccoon Creek, an 18-hole public golf course with rolling mountain views. Take a dip in the Southwest Recreation Center’s outdoor pool during the dog days of summer.