2020 rank: 52

Rounding out our top 20, Montclair—which last made an appearance on this list in 2016—is one of the city’s historic districts (it was originally incorporated in 1888 as a suburb). Its leafy streets are defined by stately Victorian and Queen Anne–style homes, plus mid-century ranches and Tudor Revivals, on larger than usual lots. Commerce is concentrated around the neighborhood’s edges, and there’s a true families-will-like-it-here vibe, with a community garden, three pocket parks, and decent bike lanes for exploring or commuting to the central city. Clearly people are heeding Montclair’s call: Home prices were up 19 percent year-over-year—the fourth-biggest jump in the city.

Demographics—Get to know your neighbors

The median age of Montclair residents is 38.5 years old. It’s a highly educated community, with 72 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Forty-nine percent of neighborhood commuters report the trip takes 15 to 30 minutes. When it comes to housing, ownership prevails, with 71 percent of all units owner-occupied. Single households outnumber families, comprising about 59 percent of the neighborhood. The average household income is $93,661.

Population 5,739
2023 Median Sale Price $657,482

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 4
Schools Score 3
Crime Rank 46
X Factor Score 5.5

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 & Drink

Tessa Delicatessen keeps things simple but precisely executed—which is what you want in a sandwich shop… that also serves full supper plates and beer, wine, and cocktails (which can be purchased to-go, too). Moon Gate Asian Grill serves a mix of Asian favorites. Red Sea Restaurant is well-known for its Ethiopian dishes. And Denver Pizza Company slings thin-crust pies from its second location; they also sell kits so you can toss your own pizzas at home.

Find trendy bubble tea at BeauTea Bubbles. Schedule a delivery of or pick up Bubby Goober’s Baked Goods’ mouthwatering hand pies (also available vegan). Sweet tooths will also want to hop across the border to East Colfax for scoops of creative, small-batch ice cream at Walia Creamery.

The surrounding neighborhoods of Hilltop, Hale, and South Park Hill—all on this year’s list—offer a plethora of additional venues sure to satiate.

Get Creative

At Art Gym, artists find community and collaboration through a shared workspace; the on-site gallery and cafe are open to the public. Culinary arts more your thing? The Seasoned Chef has been teaching budding toques for more than two decades and has classes designed specifically for kids.

Spruce up your new-to-you home with the wide array of plants, vegetables, and lawn decorations at City Floral, the oldest garden center in Denver.

Royal Touch

Baron Walter von Richthofen was a co-founder of Montclair. Fun fact: He was also the uncle of the Red Baron, the ace World War I fighter pilot. Why do you need to know who he is? Richthofen built Richthofen Castle in the late 1880s and modeled it after his ancestral home in Germany. It’s now a private home—and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—but you can still drive by the historic site.

Spots to Eat

Padoca Bakery & Market

La Fillette Bakery

Moongate Asia Grill

Kassai Sushi

View All Restaurants in Montclair

About This Neighborhood