Hilltop: Denver’s Best Neighborhoods of 2026

# 9

2025 rank: 2

We hope you brought your Benjamins, because you’re going to need them to secure an estate in this exclusive area. Hilltop is the most expensive ’hood in Denver, and its pricey properties have made it a mainstay on our list since we began this franchise in 2015. Average home prices rose about three percent this year, breaking the $2 million mark for the first time. To lay claim to one of the remodeled Colonials or multistory new builds on this luxe locale’s wide, placid streets, you’ll need to shell out an average of $2,022,680—that’s about $129,000 more than Washington Park, the second most expensive neighborhood in the city.

Contrary to popular belief, Hilltop did not get its moniker from the wealthy Denverites looking down on the rest of us from their McMansions on a hill. The name is actually a nod to the fact that the elevation of this area is about 200 feet higher than the rest of Denver. This also means residents enjoy expansive mountain views you may not find elsewhere in the city. Even if your front lawn doesn’t offer sweeping views of the Front Range, nearby Cranmer Park does. (Kiddos can enjoy an even higher vantage point if they scurry to the top of the iconic sundial that stands in the center of the terrace.) In addition, Hilltop boasts the third-lowest crime rate in Denver and four above-average schools where you can send your little wunderkinds.

Population 9,475

2025 Average Sale Price $2,022,680

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 16

Schools Score 3.7

Safety Rank 3

X Factor Score 6

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 & Drink

This prosperous, peaceful neighborhood is almost entirely residential, so you won’t find blocks of dive bars or live music venues here. Instead, Hilltop is home to a handful of tried-and-true fixtures: Park Burger, for when you’re jonesin’ for a juicy patty; Kazumi Sushi, for a platter of sashimi; Call Your Mother Deli, for stuffed-to-the-brim bagel sandwiches; and High Point Creamery to help you ward off the Sunday scaries with a scoop of artisanal ice cream. It’s also adjacent to Cherry Creek, which brims with stellar restaurants and a sprawling shopping center.

For your grocery needs, check out Pete’s Fruits and Vegetables. Owner Pete Moutzouris has been stocking the shelves with fresh, local produce; prepared foods; and Greek specialties, including a variety of imported feta cheeses for more than 40 years.

Get Outside

There isn’t a shortage of green space here. Cranmer Park is the star of the neighborhood, thanks to its large, open meadow and mountain views, but you can stretch your legs in Robinson, Burns, or Crestmoor parks, too.

Those looking to refine their racquet skills can sign up for lessons at Denver Tennis Club or simply drop in for some hard-court fun. (Crestmoor Park also has courts.)