/ Neighborhood Guide2021 rank: 3
The city divides Greater Park Hill—a diverse neighborhood developed primarily in the early 1900s—into three sections: North, South, and Northeast. Of the trio, South Park Hill nabbed the highest ranking on our list, largely due to its high safety ratings, central location, and a steady, but not overwhelming, uptick in average home sale prices. With Grade A marks for all three of its schools, the City Park–adjacent neighborhood is an ideal area for young families to settle down. Residents value the area’s architectural diversity, relaxed, suburban feel, and easy access to downtown. There’s enough to enjoy close to home, too: Commercial corridors extend along both East Colfax and East 23rd avenues, as well as a flourishing pocket on Oneida Street.
Demographics—Get to Know Your Neighbors
The median age in South Park Hill is 41.5 years old, and kids younger than 18 make up more than 20 percent of residents. It’s an educated community, with about 72 percent of the adult (25 and older) population holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. When it comes to housing, 86 percent of filled units are owner-occupied, and most (65 percent) households are families. The average household income is $133,190.
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
There’s a surplus of dining options in South Park Hill. We’re fans of the eclectic offerings that have popped up on Oneida Street and East 22nd Avenue, including Dang Soft Serve Ice Cream (from the brains behind Little Man Ice Cream); Torpedo Coffee, which serves locally roasted beans; and the second location of Esters Neighborhood Pub. Of course, there are other longtime favorites to check out, such as Tables, Cake Crumbs Bakery & Café, and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant.
Honey Hill is a welcoming neighborhood cafe where you can caffeinate and fill up on fresh-baked bites. Fiction Beer Company hosts a regular rotation of food trucks to pair with its pints.
Want to handle the cooking yourself? The Local Butcher (which also has an outpost at Denver Central Market in Five Points) is ready with an array of cheese, charcuterie, and Colorado-raised beef.
Shop
Mod Livin’s showroom is a favorite among the city’s interior designers—as well as our very own 5280 Home editors. There’s also Park Hill Community Bookstore, which has been in operation since 1971. Update your tyke’s wardrobe, or find just the right baby gift, at Little Bird Denver.
Play Date
Folks of all ages call South Park Hill home, but kids here have it especially good. They can get messy during Art Garage’s creative classes or expend some extra energy at Dardano’s School of Gymnastics, Inc. While you’re in the ’hood, make an appointment for your kiddo to get a much-needed haircut—in an airplane seat—at Little B’s.
