/ Neighborhood Guide2020 rank: 51
A double-digit percentage rise in housing prices—averaging just under $550,000—bumped this suburban-esque southeast Denver neighborhood back onto the list. Streets are quieter here, with many of the mid-century modern, single-family homes occupied by residents who’ve lived in the area for decades. Historically, retail has been pretty nonexistent, requiring a short drive to neighboring districts. That description is in the process of changing, albeit slowly: Development of walkable blocks, plans for which include 150 homes, as well as offices, restaurants, stores, and even a hotel, was approved by Denver City Council in December 2018.
Demographics—Get to know your neighbors
The median age of Virginia Village residents is 35.98 years old. Just over half of the adult (25 and older) population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. Sixty-four percent of neighborhood commuters report the trip takes 30 minutes or less. When it comes to housing, renters slightly outnumber owners, with 53 percent of all units renter-occupied. Singles account for 55 percent of area households. The average household income is $71,074.
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
The best way to kick off your day here is with a fresh-baked pastry or croissant from Detour Bakery (co-owner Florence Payne was born and raised in France). Virginia Village’s independent F&B offerings are generally limited, but that doesn’t mean residents are left wanting. To wit: Find richly flavored bites at Thai Pot Cafe, family-crafted classics at Bruno’s Italian Bistro, and exceptional south-of-our-border eats at Little Anita’s New Mexican Food.
Java snobs will quickly become return customers at Unravel Coffee and Sojourners Coffee & Tea.
Get Outside
Beyond the easy access to the Cherry Creek Trail, Virginia Village also contains two green spaces. Ash Grove Park is the smaller of the two, at 7.3 acres. To the east, Judge Joseph E Cook Park has an outdoor pool, basketball court, soccer field, and a large recreation center.
Shop
You’re going to need flowers to decorate your new home, and one of the best places in town to find a beautiful bouquet is at 80-year-old Bonnie Brae Flowers Inc. We’re also fans of the Bulgarian pastries at East Europe Market. Otherwise, your wallet-emptying is limited to DSW (and a Nordstrom Rack across Colorado Boulevard, in Cory-Merrill).
