/ Neighborhood Guide2022 rank: 36
Once lumped in with the rest of Denver’s Northside, Sunnyside has matured into its own identity—the likable and laidback sibling among the city’s original neighborhoods. An influx of new eateries and shops (and a light rail stop just across its eastern border) has brought more foot traffic—and driven ongoing conversations about gentrification. Home prices have subsequently increased 25 percent between 2021 and 2022; average single-family homes are now approaching $900,000 in the historically immigrant community.
Only one of its five schools received top marks, but the northern district—which has held on to its strong Italian and Hispanic influences—benefits from its convenient location, walkability, appealing blend of charming bungalows and Tudors with more recent townhome additions, and strong community (the neighborhood even hosts an annual music festival).
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 and Drink
You can satiate your hunger all day long in Sunnyside. In the a.m., choose between Sunny’s, Bacon Social House, and the Universal. At brunch and lunchtime, there’s El Jefe or Bodega Denver. The Wolf’s Tailor, one of our 25 Best Restaurants in 2022, is a great, if somewhat pricey, pick for date night. There’s also the more casual Ramen Star or Sunnyside Supper Club. Late-night, check out the Original Chubby’s, a neighborhood institution.
Where people move, booze follows. So it goes in Sunnyside, home to Crooked Stave, Diebolt Brewing, Swiss-inspired Waldschänke Ciders, and 16-year-old Bonacquisti Wine Company. The Monkey Barrel is the neighborhood spot for live music and games.
Coffeehouses have also found an eager audience in the neighborhood. Check out the Radiator (it’s dog-friendly), Huckleberry Roasters, and Cherry Bean.
Pick up cheese, charcuterie, and other perfect-for-hosting goodies at So Damn Gouda. Pochitos Tortilla Factory sells fresh-made tamales, tortillas, salsas, and other Mexican grocery items.
Shop
In the sweetly named Shops at Cobbler’s Square, peruse the artisan and personal products at Mojave and Tejon Dry Goods, florals at Honeycomb and Co., and sustainable fashion at Boutique Marguerite.
On West 38th Avenue, longstanding flower shop Diz’s Daisys sells fresh bouquets and hosts workshops.
History Lesson
La Raza Park has seen a lot. It’s been a community gathering space for decades. Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, a leader of the Chicano movement, gave speeches in the green space. It was renamed from Columbus Park at the end of 2020 to better reflect the history of the neighborhood, and this year, Denver City Council could make La Raza Park the city’s third historic cultural district.
Spots to Eat
About This Neighborhood
- Washington Park
- Hilltop
- Berkeley
- West Highland
- Cherry Creek
- University
- Congress Park
- Washington Park West
- Sloan’s Lake
- Rosedale
- Southmoor Park
- Platt Park
- Highland
- City Park
- Regis
- Lowry Field
- Gateway - Green Valley Ranch
- Sunnyside
- Indian Creek
- Five Points
- South Park Hill
- Cole
- North Park Hill
- Central Park
- Jefferson Park