2024 rank: 38
Regis, a rectangular neighborhood anchoring the city’s northwesternmost corner, vaulted 26 spots to reclaim a place on this year’s list. Young professionals and families are flocking to the area, which borders our top-ranked neighborhood, Berkeley—but boasts average home prices roughly $300,000 lower.
While there are no Denver Public Schools within Regis’ borders, the area does share its name with Regis University, a private Jesuit institution with lovely grounds (and a craft beer certificate program for budding brewers). The area is perhaps best known for the beautiful, public 18-hole Willis Case Golf Course. It’s slim pickings when it comes to retail around these parts, but there are a handful of enjoyable neighborhood eateries, and Berkeley’s bustling Tennyson Street is just a quick bike ride away.
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
Dubbel Dutch has been slinging sandwiches, salads, coffee, and Dutch treats since 2003. Stop in for stroopwafels and a panini on your lunch break. Woman-owned Goldspot Brewing Company taps new beers every couple of weeks and frequently hosts community events like queer prom. Expect to find classic varieties as well as funky collabs and unique spins like a plum vanilla sour.
No college neighborhood is complete without a go-to pizza joint, and, in Regis, it’s Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza. Rocky Top Tavern is another popular spot for students, but locals also appreciate the wallet-friendly wings ($10 for six) and cheap beer ($4 Bud Light, always).
Get Outside
Willis Case is a favorite among golfers for its mountain views—particularly off the first tee—and the variability of each hole, making it more challenging than other city courses.
Catch sunset from a perch at Inspiration Point Park, which was founded in 1910 but got a facelift (including a new playground) in 2022. Or, if you like hitting the pedals, roll along Clear Creek Trail, which weaves across Regis’ northwest edge. The roughly 20-mile path stretches from Golden to Commerce City.
Spots to Eat
- 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