While the city has officially dubbed this downtown-adjacent neighborhood North Capitol Hill, locals refer to it as Uptown. Whatever you call it, there’s no denying that the area is experiencing a boom. Thankfully, the single-family Queen Annes, brick row houses, and apartments and condos aren’t totally out of middle-class reach—yet. In this ‘hood, crime is low and walk- and bike-ability are high. Plus, there are plenty of places to fill your belly, including a Denver institution (Steuben’s), a healthy, gourmet convenience store (Choice Market), and chill cafes (we like Fluid Coffee Bar and the Vietnamese-style Penn Station Coffee).
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 & Drink
The best thing about D Bar—besides chefs Keegan Gerhard and Lisa Bailey’s pastry perfection—is that the restaurant and dessert bar is open almost all day, so you don’t have to wait until dinnertime to get your cake & shake fix.
Of course, there are dining options on the lower end of the sugar meter, too. Like Coperta (Italian bites from one of our 25 best restaurants); Watercourse Foods (among the best vegetarian restaurants in town); Shish Kabob Grill (wallet-friendly Middle Eastern eats); and Shanty Supper Club (Wisconsin-inspired comfort food).
When happy hour rolls around, pick up a paddle (for ping-pong) and a refreshing craft cocktail at Ace Eat Serve. Some other favorite watering holes in the neighborhood: Tap Fourteen, the Horseshoe Lounge, and Retrograde, a speakeasy hidden within an ice cream parlor.
Sing Along
Two of the Mile High City’s most popular live music venues sit mere blocks from one another—the Fillmore Auditorium and the Ogden Theatre. Both have ample space for general admission ticket holders with decent sight lines to the stage, and host all-ages shows, so even those younger than 21 can enjoy the city’s A+ music scene.
Unwind
Back feeling a little tight after exploring all of these neighborhoods? The master masseuses at Woodhouse Day Spa can work out any tension. Whether you opt for a therapeutic stone massage, a facial, or an organic seaweed leaf wrap, your experience at this tranquil, converted Victorian house begins with some “me time” in the Quiet Room—fluffy robe included.
Spots to Eat
About This Neighborhood
- 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