/ Neighborhood Guide2021 rank: 27
Whittier is another neighborhood marking its first appearance on this list since 2019. The centrally located neighborhood was once overlooked in favor of its trendier neighbors (Five Points, City Park West), but with home prices jumping from the mid-$550,000s to the low $700,000s, it’s clear that the message is out. The historic district has a residential feel that’s missing from some of its bordering ’hoods; many of the area’s beautifully crafted brick homes were originally built for blue-collar workers in the late 1800s. Its high walkability rating, plus the nearby 30th and Downing light rail station, means residents get the best of both worlds: a true community-oriented neighborhood (with the well-regarded Whittier ECE-8 School) that’s close enough to the city to benefit from all of the best urban conveniences.
Demographics—Get to Know Your Neighbors
The median of Whitter residents is 33.9 years old. Fifty-eight percent of the adult (25 and older) population holds bachelor’s degrees or higher. When it comes to housing, 58 percent of filled units are owner-occupied. Families comprise 55 percent of neighborhood households, and the average household income is $102,250.
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
Yes, Whittier is coming into its own, but your best bet for F&B still lies in adjacent neighborhoods. One beloved spot has been a mainstay within its boundaries, though: Whittier Cafe, one of the city’s best coffee shops (according to, well, us) is a neighborhood hub where all of the coffee—and beer and wine—comes from Africa.
It’s not quite a bar, but at the Beer Spa, guests can unwind with a brew while soaking in a tub infused with hops, barley, and herbs.
Go Fetch
Fuller Park is one of a handful of green spaces within the neighborhood. It also encompasses one of Denver’s 12 city-operated dog parks. Humans will enjoy the tree-lined venue’s playground and basketball court.
