# 6

2022 rank: 37

A lot has changed since this energetic, tree-covered neighborhood last made an appearance on this list—way back in 2016. For one: Average home sale prices have nearly doubled in the area, though the neighborhood is the only one in our top 10 that’s holding steadily below $800,000. And two: There’s very low crime.

But even with those things in play, living in University still feels a bit like settling down in a small college town. That’s because its boundaries encompass the University of Denver campus. As a result, area residents benefit from all of the coffeeshops, bars, and fast-casual eateries that college students require. Housing stock ranges from apartments to townhomes to bungalows and Craftsman-style homes. Other positives: a highly rated elementary school (Asbury), easy access to public transportation, and ample cultural happenings.

Population 10,007
2023 Median Sale Price $795,681

Neighborhood Rankings

Real Estate Rank 29
Schools Score 4
Crime Rank 14
X Factor Score 7.5

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

The neighborhood’s F&B offerings are clustered along South University Boulevard and East Evans Avenue. The Pioneer may have started as a hangout for college students, but its stellar tacos and a rooftop patio appeal to everyone. Yum Yum Spice is a go-to for Szechuan-style hot pots, and Jerusalem Restaurant is a Middle Eastern stalwart. Next Level Burger is totally plant-based.

For breakfast (or to put a dent in that hangover), head to Pete’s University Park Cafe or Jelly Cafe. Kaladi Coffee Roasters is a long-standing java spot. Insomnia Cookies satisfies sugar cravings until well after midnight.

As for bars: DU students hang out at the Stadium Inn and Illegal Pete’s. Find a slightly more mature crowd at La Belle Rosette espresso and wine bar. For your sports fix, Spanky’s Roadhouse is the spot: Highlights include an expansive tap list, great wings, and an all-star roster of juicy burgers.

Get Cultured

On campus, the striking Newman Center for the Performing Arts hosts a packed calendar of multidisciplinary events, from modern dance to opera to speaker series, and student productions.

Get Outside

The DU campus is actually a 125-acre arboretum, lined with more than 2,000 trees and 427 species of plants. Another option to commune with Ma’ Nature: DeBoer Park, which has a playground and sits on the five-mile-long East Harvard Gulch Trail.

The university’s outdoor Stapleton Tennis Pavilion is also open to drop-ins.

Spots to Eat

View All Restaurants in University

About This Neighborhood