/ Neighborhood Guide2021 rank: 13
There’s something to be said for consistency. Hale is a mostly residential, eastern neighborhood centered around Rose Medical Center (earplugs may be a good investment). But a rising tide of newer businesses and apartments, including the bustling 9th and Colorado development, have drawn increased interest in recent years. Prices for its broad array of house styles—bungalows, Tudors, and brick ranches—remain relatively affordable even with a 20-percent year-over-year increase. Hale’s Palmer Elementary School has a moderate rating, and Henry S. Lindsley Park is great for families with its playground, tennis and basketball courts, and softball field. Residents can easily access downtown via East Colfax Avenue or spin down the bike lane on East 12th Avenue. Retail is situated along Colfax and Colorado Boulevard, so you don’t have to travel far to tackle your errands.
Demographics—Get to Know Your Neighbors
The median age of Hale residents is 35 years old. It’s an educated community, with 61 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. When it comes to housing, there’s a fairly even split between renters and owners, though slightly more units are renter-occupied. Non-families comprise the majority (59 percent) of neighborhood households. The average household income is $68,525.
Neighborhood Rankings
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 & Drink
With new apartment and condominium buildings settling into the area, chefs are finding a growing audience in Hale. Among the venues feeding hungry neighbors: all-day cafeFrank & Roze,Street Feud, and9Thai. Sweets are particularly good in the area, includingLa Fillette Bakery,Gelato Boy, andCity Donuts.Clean Juice offers a different kind of treat (organic smoothies).
While there is a Trader Joe’s within the area’s boundaries, locals know to visitMarczyk Fine Foods, a long-standing neighborhood market that’s always well-stocked.
Me Time
In March 2021, AMC opened its newest Denver movie theater at 9th and Colorado. Next door, you can also prep for a night on the town with a stop atAlchemy Face Bar orM. Vince’ Nail Spa.
Cowboy Style
Not all boots are made for riding. AtGhost Rider Custom Cowboy Boots,Mickey Mussett crafts stylish, custom boots that reflect the wearer’s personal sense of style. (In 2015, the Denver native made a set for then-Governor John Hickenlooper.) A pair will set you back a couple thousand bucks—but they’ll be one-of-a-kind.
