# 14

2023 rank: 4

West Highland continues to be one of the darlings of Denver with relatively low crime and a slew of shops and restaurants to explore. And considering home sale prices fell roughly 1.5 percent in the area, it might not be a bad time to buy your own West Highland abode.

The residential enclave—defined by its Craftsman bungalows, Victorians, and modern scrapes—feels like a locals’ neighborhood. It’s not quite as trendy as Highland, its sister ’hood to the east, or Berkeley to the north, but it’s equally well outfitted, with two convenient bike lanes (on West 29th and 35th avenues), a large grocery store, and the bustling Highland Square.

Population 10,348
2023 Average Sale Price $979,582

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 34
Schools Score 3.5
Safety Rank 15
X Factor Score 8.5

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

Highland Square is the heart of this ’hood. It’s where you’ll find a number of bars and a diverse array of cuisines; among our favorites are El Camino Community Tavern (Mexican), Fire on the Mountain (chicken wings), Detroit-style Blue Pan Pizza, and Natuur for healthy smoothie bowls. There are plenty of ways to support artisan purveyors, from strolling the Sunday farmers’ market in the summer to browsing 50-year-old Seafood Landing for Chesapeake Bay oysters, clams, and mussels.

West 38th Avenue beckons with American Elm and Glo Noodle House. Sweet tooths can score a cone at Sweet Cow Ice Cream or channel their inner Willy Wonka at the Inventing Room Dessert Shop (be sure to reserve a spot in advance).

Thirsty? Highlands Cork and Café—and its perfect people-watching patio—is a favorite among the work-from-anywhere crowd, and the European-inspired Café Zuri boasts mean brews and mouthwatering slices of walnut cake. Three Dogs Tavern is a neighborhood sports bar staple and fresh-faced Hello Darling, which opened its second Denver location in Highland Square in July, can be your new go-to for both cappuccinos and Clover Clubs, depending on the hour.

Shop

Bring your wallet because West Highland is teeming with women’s clothing stores like RusticThread Boutique, Sol Shine, and Ruby Jane. For gifts, look no further than the Perfect Petal for bouquets, Wordshop for cheeky paper goods, or Kate Maller Jewelry for handcrafted pieces of wearable art. Bookworms won’t want to miss West Side Books, an inviting mishmash of new and used covers that’s been around for more than two decades.

While you’re out, refill your household cleaners, shower products, and more at Joy Fill, a sustainable shop that helps West Highland locals live a little more eco-friendly.

Break a Sweat

Sloan’s Lake Park is nearby, but there are plenty of fitness studios within walking distance, too. Choose between boot camp (Orangetheory Fitness, F45 Training), barre (Barre3, Pure Barre), and aerial fitness (Air). Nurture, a “wellcare marketplace,” hosts a variety of workout classes and is home to a number of wellness businesses, such as acupuncture and massage, plus a health-focused cafe. While you indulge in a little me-time, drop the kids off at Ta Da Gymnastic Studio, where they can tumble till your sauna sesh is over.

Spots to Eat

Blue Pan Pizza

Glo Noodle House

Fire on the Mountain

El Camino Community Tavern

View All Restaurants in West Highland

About This Neighborhood