The Highlands
Denver's most walkable neighborhood — dining, character, urban roots
Why People Move Here
The Highlands — encompassing Highlands, LoHi, and Sunnyside — is Denver's highest-density, most walkable neighborhood where 1890s bungalows share blocks with Michelin-starred restaurants and the city's densest concentration of food and drink (55+ bars/restaurants in LoHi alone, up from 22 six years ago). Walk Score 85–96 and a short walk to Union Station make car-light living genuinely feasible. Prices (-5% YoY to ~$710K median) have softened from pandemic peaks, opening a window for buyers in Denver's most in-demand neighborhood.
Key Statistics
Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.
Commute Times
School Districts
Denver Public Schools
B+- North High School — B (Niche), serves Sunnyside area
- Brown International Academy — B (Pre-K–5)
- Denver Language School — K–8, bilingual focus, ranked #65 CO middle schools
- Sandoval Elementary — highly regarded
FAQ — The Highlands
What are the school ratings in The Highlands?
The Highlands is served by Denver Public Schools, rated B+ by Niche. North High School is rated B and serves the Sunnyside area. Denver Language School is a K–8 bilingual-focus school ranked #65 among Colorado middle schools. Brown International Academy is rated B for Pre-K through 5th grade. DPS uses district-wide enrollment—school performance varies, so verify eligibility by address.
What is the commute from The Highlands to downtown Denver?
The Highlands sits approximately 1 mile west of downtown, across I-25, and is walkable or bikeable via the Highland Bridge. Off-peak trips take 5–10 minutes by car, 10–20 minutes during rush hour. LoHi residents can walk to Union Station in 10–30 minutes depending on location. Cherry Creek and Platte River trails serve as bike commute corridors.
What is the median home price in The Highlands?
The median home price in The Highlands ranges from $710K to $752K, with Redfin at ~$710K (−5.3% YoY) and Zillow at ~$752K (−4.6% YoY) as of November 2025. LoHi townhomes run $950K–$985K, and Victorian homes can exceed $1.5M. Price per square foot averages ~$441, and homes average 39 days on market.
What parks and outdoor recreation are available in The Highlands?
Confluence Park features a 2.5-mile loop at the Cherry Creek and South Platte convergence, with a dog park and playing fields. Commons Park offers native prairie restoration adjacent to the South Platte River. The Cherry Creek Trail is accessible within a 10–30 minute bike ride, and the Platte River Greenway provides a continuous riverside trail system.
What are the crime statistics in The Highlands?
The Highlands’ violent crime rate is 3.0 per 1,000 residents (a 1-in-77 chance). The property crime rate is 48.7 per 1,000 (8th percentile for safety). West Highlands is the lowest-crime sub-area; south portions of the neighborhood see more activity.
What is the cost of living in The Highlands?
Denver’s cost of living index is 128, or 28% above the national average per BestPlaces. Property taxes run ~0.50% effective (~79.2 mills), combined sales tax is 9.15%, and Colorado’s flat state income tax is 4.4%. Median household income in The Highlands ranges from $114K to $120K.
What are the top restaurants and dining options in The Highlands?
The Highlands and LoHi form Denver’s densest dining corridor with 55+ bars and restaurants: • Alma Fonda Fina — Michelin-starred Mexican in LoHi • AshKara — Mediterranean/North African, Michelin Bib Gourmand • Wildflower — Italian-Mexican, 2025 Michelin Young Chef Award • Root Down — farm-to-table in a converted gas station • My Brother’s Bar — Denver’s oldest bar, 151 years • Little Man Ice Cream — Salted Oreo and Lemonade Cookie flavors
What healthcare facilities are near The Highlands?
Denver Health and HCA HealthONE network hospitals are 10–15 minutes away. AfterOurs Denver Highlands at 4500 W 38th Ave and AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands provide walk-in urgent care. Children’s Hospital Colorado South Campus offers urgent and 24/7 ER services for pediatric needs.
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