/ Neighborhood Guide2020 rank: 21
There’s a lot to be said for consistency. Barnum West is oft-overlooked as an outlying neighborhood without a ton of curb appeal. But it maintains its spot at number 21 because it has a lot going for it—namely, affordable 1950s housing inventory (averaging below $390,000), safer streets than its neighbors, and a well-performing elementary school. Barnum West is also one of six neighborhoods included in the city’s in-process West Area Plan, an updated guide to help stave off gentrification, improve pedestrian safety, and add more amenities such as cultural offerings. In 2014, the city spent $3.6 million updating Weir Gulch Park; the adjacent, 7.8-mile Weir Gulch Trail is an ideal place to enjoy Denver’s plentiful sunshine.
Demographics—Get to know your neighbors
The median age of Barnum West residents is 34.1 years old, with nearly a quarter of the neighborhood younger than age 18. Around 21 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher; close to 31 percent graduated high school or earned the equivalent. Eighty-four percent of neighborhood commuters report the trip takes 15 to 45 minutes. When it comes to housing, 66 percent of all units are owner-occupied. Families are the primary occupants of area households. The average household income is $58,382.
Neighborhood Rankings
How we got these numbers: We utilized the city’s official list of 78 neighborhoods (only 74 had enough data to be included), and ranked them using four variables: home prices, crime dataschool 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
Your best bet for authentic, delectable eats is to head east to Federal Boulevard, where you can dine on foods from around the world. Within Barnum West’s boundaries, try Lookin’ Good Restaurant & Lounge for a combo of Mexican and Greek cuisine. Los Carboncitos is just north, in Villa Park.
History Lesson
Does the name Barnum sound familiar? It should. The neighborhood’s namesake is famed circus mogul P.T. Barnum, who, according to Shift Research Lab, “became interested in the area as a winter location for his show between performing seasons.” (It never came to fruition.)