/ Neighborhood Guide2019 rank: 44
Barnum West is oft-overlooked as an outlying neighborhood without a ton of curb appeal. But it has a lot going for it—namely, affordable 1950s-era housing inventory (averaging below $350,000), safer streets than its neighbors, and a well-performing elementary school. It’s 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.
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 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
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 eats.
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.” (Alas, the plan never came to fruition.)