2021 rank: 36
After a two-year hiatus, North Park Hill finds itself back in our top 25. In comparison to its sister ’hood (that’d be South Park Hill), it’s significantly more affordable and has a slightly better safety rating. This rectangular cut of land is charmingly residential, defined by pre-1960s ranches on average-size, tree-shaded lots. Bike lanes on three of its major thoroughfares (East 23rd and East 26th avenues and Martin Luther King Boulevard) make it easy to pedal west to City Park and downtown, or east toward Central Park. It’s also home to the stellar McAuliffe International School.
Demographics—Get to Know Your Neighbors
North Park Hill residents have a median age of 36.5 years old. Just over 60 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holds bachelor’s degrees or higher. When it comes to housing, 85 percent of all filled units are owner-occupied, and families comprise 66 percent of area households. The average household income is $126,600.
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
On the otherwise quiet East 28th Avenue, stumbling into Bistro Barbès feels like a (delectable) discovery. Chef Jon Robbins serves a concise dinner menu inspired by the flavors of France, North Africa, and the Middle East. Em’s Ice Cream scoops small-batch treats in unexpected flavors like honey-lavender and burnt brown sugar.
For drinks, turn to Long Table Brewhouse—in a restored 1920s building—or Trellis Wine Bar. Therizo Café and Tap is a locally owned coffeeshop, which also serves beer, wine, and has a small food menu.
Shop
Retail is limited in North Park Hill proper, but Denverites from across the city trek to the neighborhood to pick up goods from Spinelli’s Market. For nearly 30 years, the specialty market has been a go-to for house-made pasta sauces, ready-made and imported dry pastas, and a stacked menu of classic Italian sandwiches.