# 25

2022 rank: 53

Rounding out this year’s list is newcomer Jefferson Park. It’s a river-adjacent pocket nestled between downtown, Sloan’s Lake, Highland, and the Denver Broncos football stadium. It’s also a neighborhood in transition, with contemporary townhomes popping up next to turn-of-the-century dwellings.

Not surprisingly, Jefferson Park saw the second-highest growth in home sale prices last year. Even with I-25 cutting through it and two major thoroughfares marking its north and west boundaries, the area manages to feel tranquil and residential. Bike lanes on West 23rd and West 29th avenues make it easy to travel around. But there’s plenty to enjoy without skedaddling to the neighbors: The district has a decent array of F&B offerings, ample green space—including its five-acre namesake—and counts some of the city’s top entertainment venues among its residents.

Population 3,435
2023 Median Sale Price $787,204

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 2
Schools Score 3
Crime Rank 61
X Factor Score 7.5

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

Jefferson Park is small enough that you can walk or bike to the spot of your choosing. Among our go-tos: Ros Siam or My Thai Cafe for Thai food; Briar Common Brewery and Eatery for elevated pub bites on the rooftop patio; Taqueria Mi Pueblo to satisfy taco cravings; and burgers at Federal Bar and Grill. Dessert can be found at Sweet Action ice cream’s fourth—and newest—location.

In search of coffee? 2914 Coffee and Sapor Coffee and Concepts are waiting. Later in the day, cheers with friends at Jefferson Park Pub or award-winning Little Machine Beer.

Play Time

There’s a lot of fun to be had in Jefferson Park—for people of all ages. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is chock-full of interactive exhibits, plus an awesome outdoor park and Adventure Forest. Learn all about underwater life at the Downtown Aquarium. Or try to solve crimes at Adams Mystery Playhouse, a murder-mystery dinner theater.

Just across the South Platte River, in Auraria, lies Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station, and Ball Arena, home of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche (and a concert venue).

For a different kind of activity, take a stroll along the South Platte River Trail. It travels by REI’s flagship Denver store, which also houses a climbing wall.

Spots to Eat

Eliot St. Cafe

Federal Bar & Grill

Jefferson Park Pub

Briar Common Brewery & Eatery

View All Restaurants in Jefferson Park

About This Neighborhood