/ Neighborhood Guide2024 rank: 26
In comparison to its sister ’hood (that’d be South Park Hill, which ranks eighth this year), North Park Hill is more affordable and has a slight edge in its crime rate. This rectangular cut of land is charmingly residential, defined by pre-1960s ranches and newer homes set on 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 three well-performing schools, including McAuliffe International.
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 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
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. If you’re in search of Italian, head south to the Cherry Tomato, a casual spot where kids can color on butcher-paper tablecloths. We recommend the pasta felese: chicken, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes in a white wine cream sauce.
Yuan Wonton has become a fast fan favorite since opening its brick-and-mortar location in September 2023. Chef Penelope Wong’s handmade dumplings are arguably the best in the city—and earned her eatery a spot on our top 25 restaurants of 2024 list. Sexy Pizza is a reliable carryout spot when you need ’za, now. Em’s Ice Cream scoops small-batch treats in unexpected flavors like roasted banana and burnt brown sugar; don’t miss the selection of vegan popsicles.
For drinks, turn to Long Table Brewhouse—in a restored 1920s building—or Trellis Wine Bar for a post-work pinot.
Shop
Retail is limited in North Park Hill, but Denverites from across the city trek to the neighborhood to stock up on specialties at Spinelli’s Market. For more than 30 years, the specialty market has been a go-to for house-made pasta sauces, ready-made entrées, and a stacked menu of classic Italian sandwiches—including what we deemed to be the city’s best muffuletta.
Spots to Eat
About This Neighborhood
- Berkeley
- Hilltop
- Country Club
- Wellshire
- Southmoor Park
- Congress Park
- University Park
- South Park Hill
- Belcaro
- West Highland
- North Park Hill
- Regis
- Cheesman Park
- Washington Park
- Capitol Hill
- Washington Park West
- Central Park
- University
- Rosedale
- Speer
- Sloan’s Lake
- Hampden South
- Platt Park
- Cory-Merrill
- Highland
