# 22

2025 rank: 46

There is perhaps no other neighborhood that the city (and, at times, the state) has invested more time, attention, and money into than Union Station, also known as LoDo. In 2014, the historic train station that anchors this area completed a $500 million renovation to transform it into a community hub filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and a hotel. In 2024, the station and hotel received another facelift, to the tune of $11 million. This past fall, Denver debuted its $175 million revamp of 16th Street, an artery that connects Union Station to Civic Center Plaza, in the hopes of drawing more people to the heart of Mile High.

And in some ways, it seems to be working. Union Station reemerged on our top 25 list for the first time in four years. The average home price jumped nearly 8 percent year-over-year and buyers closed on 142 properties (22 more than 2024). Although LoDo doesn’t have any schools within its boundaries, parents have solid options in adjacent neighborhoods, Highland and Five Points.

But despite its glow-up, Union Station is still working through some familiar pain points. Business owners and residents have long complained about crime in the area—anecdotes supported by our data. Union Station ranked as the 7th most crime-ridden neighborhood in Denver. Mayor Mike Johnston is making efforts to rewrite this reputation by creating a 10-officer designated downtown police unit, deploying a new mounted horse patrol, and adding 10 extra foot patrols per day.

If you’re willing to stomach Union Station’s occasional unsavory side, this neighborhood is the epitome of urban living. Michelin-starred restaurants, music venues, art museums, Coors Field, and even a sizable park are all walking distance from your front door. And given the city’s commitment to investing in the ’hood, you can likely expect more improvements and additions in the future.

Population 10,271
2024 Average Sale Price $816,768

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 10
Schools Score 3.6
Safety Rank 71
X Factor Score 9

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

It would be impossible to highlight every eatery in Union Station, but these are the ones you shouldn’t miss. Brutø was one of the first restaurants in the city to receive a Michelin star for its thoughtful, omakase-style Latin American cuisine. Head to Tavernetta, a Bib Gourmand recipient, for a memorable Italian meal or A5 Steakhouse to find the best burger in town (we suggest doing so during happy hour when said wagyu beef burger is only $16).

Larimer Square is home to several stellar restaurants, including new omakase concept Sushi by Scratch, chef Richard Sandoval’s Tamayo, and Italian tavern Osteria Marco. If you have picky tourists in tow, take them to Denver Milk Market, where they can choose from Ethiopian, Italian, Asian, and more—all under one roof.

Coffee meetings are best enjoyed in the Maven hotel’s lobby at Huckleberry Roasters or on the patio at the Wild, which transitions into a cocktail bar later in the day. Speaking of: Boozy options are in high supply in this part of town. Among our go-tos are Poka Lola Social Club, Emerald Eye, Run for the Roses, and Lincoln’s (a subterranean speakeasy where all drinks are $5, cash only). A nightcap at the Cooper Lounge, which overlooks Union Station’s always bustling Great Hall, is highly recommended.

Shop

In addition to its top-tier restaurants, Larimer Square is also the heart of downtown shopping, with a focus on higher end boutiques. We like perusing shoes at Scarpaletto, women’s apparel at Coco and Grace, the newest releases at Little Blue Pigeon Bookstore, and the funky options at Garage Sale Vintage (which also has its own bar).

For more thrifted finds, visit Show Pony Vintage, which has an impressive collection of retro sports apparel, and if that has you feeling nostalgic, swing by Rocket Fizz for a box of Bottle Caps and Goo Goo Clusters.

Over at McGregor Square, make a custom piece of jewelry or hop on the permanent bracelet trend at Chained Up. Rockies fans can snag their favorite player’s jersey at the Rally Store before heading across 20th Street to Coors Field for the game.

Entertainment Aplenty

Boredom is nonexistent in this neighborhood where there’s something to keep you busy on every corner. Challenge your friends to a game of darts over drinks at Flight Club, put your putting skills to the test at Holey Moley Golf Club, or play pinball and Pac-Man at 1Up Arcade Bar.

Art lovers have plenty to admire in this ’hood. Catch world-class rotating exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and K Contemporary gallery. For more immersive installations, check out what’s on display at Union Hall.

If you prefer to unwind solo at the spa, Sway should be your Union Station respite. Located in Larimer Square, this spa has all the traditional treatments (facials, red-light therapy, saunas, etc.) and a few unorthodox ones (the state’s first robot massage).

Spots to Eat

Urban Farmer

Jackson’s

Oskar Blues Brew & Grill

Ultreia

View All Restaurants in Union Station

About This Neighborhood