# 7

2022 rank: 14

Urban gem Congress Park is a perennial favorite among homebuyers who seek out the well-appointed Denver Squares, Queen Annes, and bungalows that line its safe, leafy streets. Bike lanes along East Seventh Avenue Parkway and 12th Avenue, plus numerous bus stops, make commuting easy (Congress Park sits about three miles west of downtown). And the lone neighborhood school, Teller Elementary, earned top ratings. While the compact, namesake green space—and its recently renovated public pool—is the main gathering place, Congress Park also has plenty of local businesses to support.

Population 11,425
2023 Median Sale Price $841,272

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 40
Schools Score 4
Crime Rank 22
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 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 and Drink

The corner of 12th Avenue and Madison Street is an F&B hotbed, with breakfast sandwiches at Under the Umbrella, Detroit-style pies at Blue Pan Pizza, sushi at Ronin, and the endearing Sweet Cooie’s ice cream parlor. Other worthy area spots to satisfy growling tummies: Wellness Sushi, Erawan Thai Cafe, Fox Run Café, or Shells and Sauce.

Drinks are plentiful here, too, from dive bar classic PS Lounge to creative cocktails at Bar Max to the cozy vibes of Sienna Wine Bar and Small Plates to Cerebral Brewing’s enjoyably scientific approach to ale. For a caffeine boost, try the French Press, Downpours Coffee, or Lula Rose General Store.

Plan a Date

There’s plenty of fun to be had at Congress Park itself thanks to its multitude of tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and baseball and softball fields. For more greenery, head just beyond the neighborhood boundaries to Cheesman Park, City Park, or Denver Botanic Gardens. When the sun sets, catch a band at Lost Lake or a flick at Sie FilmCenter, home of the nonprofit Denver Film Society and hub for the terrific Denver Film Festival (held every November).

Shop

It’s easy to lose a couple of hours perusing two Congress Park institutions: Twist and Shout, with its rows upon rows of vinyl and CDs (plus kitschy toys), and, next door, Tattered Cover Book Store, which spreads its wares across two floors and hosts stellar literary events. Inspired by the neighborhood’s green spaces? Pop into Wild Flowers. The 3,000-square-foot gardening store carries everything you need to add some lushness to your everyday and also runs private terrarium classes.

Spots to Eat

Wellness Sushi

Tommy’s Thai Restaurant

Enzo’s End Pizzeria

Bar Car

View All Restaurants in Congress Park

About This Neighborhood