Neighborhood Guide: Highland, Denver

The Denver Highland neighborhood delightfully melds the old and the new. Stroll alongside hundred-year-old houses on your way to an award-winning meal in a shipping container. Or grab some ravioli at Denver's former mob hangout, followed by one of the city's best sustainably-sourced deconstructed lattes at a café down the block. Highland is the perfect place to call home with lovely architecture, fascinating history, and an upbeat vibe.

Highland History

Originally established as its own city in the late 1800s by General William Larrimer, the Highland Denver area was a retreat for the city's elite, high above the bustle of downtown. ​​In 1871, streetcars crossed the rail yards and South Platte River and opened the door for immigrants. The Highland, Denver neighborhood was ahead of its time and promoted clean water and pure air. As the area developed into an elite community, beautiful Victorian homes sprinkled across almost every street reflect the time period.

The area was eventually absorbed into neighboring Denver as a suburb. Over the 20th century, it became known as "North Denver" and was home to a majority of the city's Italian population. Nowadays, you’ll find a growing Hispanic community.

What's Highland Like Today?

With the construction of several pedestrian bridges spanning the South Platte River around 2000, Highland became accessible from Downtown Denver. Its proximity took the neighborhood from sleepy to booming with newcomers moving to Denver.

Highland’s homes are among the prettiest in the city. Colorfully-painted craftsman bungalows, Queen Anne mansions, and Victorians make walking around with a Little Man Ice Cream cone in hand to admire the views a perfect afternoon activity. These are also interspersed with ultra-modern apartment complexes and condos, upper-end townhomes, and commercial development sweeping through the area.

Highland's Location

The neighborhood boundaries of "The Highlands" are a bit nebulous. It includes the space east of Federal, south of 38th, west of the South Platte River, and north of Speer. However, many people also include the neighborhood directly west, calling it "West Highlands." An even smaller group embraces the areas north, including Berkley and Sunnyside, to form "North Highlands."

These areas make up the northern and westernmost parts of Denver, sharing characteristics of fabulous old Victorians and craftsman bungalows, imposing turn-of-the-century brick schools, excellent food, and easy access to I-70 - one of the best thoroughfares to get into the Rockies.

Three pedestrian bridges cross the South Platte River (passing by the summer place-to-be, Confluence Park) and drop you into LoDo. Within a short walk or easy bike ride, you can go from your quiet, peaceful neighborhood to a thumping downtown club with ease.

Highland's Demographics

Nearly 10,000 people live in Highland with a relatively even ratio of male to female residents. The majority of the population is between 25 and 34, closely followed by 35 to 44-year-olds. Families also make up nearly 1,500 households in the Highlands and seniors under 1,000.

Highland Walkscore

Walkers love living in Denver Highland with its impressive walk score of 85. The walkability makes it a win for families, seniors, and anyone who loves a car-free lifestyle. It's also common to see college students flooding the shops and pubs thanks to the 11 colleges and universities.

Despite how easy it is to get around by foot in Highland, car culture is still the norm. Beyond walking and biking, public transportation is also an option to connect to the rest of the city.

A Great Place to Raise a Family

Highland, Denver is a locale for young professionals but is increasingly evolving into a family-friendly neighborhood. Parents send their kids to Sandoval Elementary, Downtown Denver Expeditionary School, and Edison Elementary.

Families gather at Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet.

A recent multi-million dollar renovation improved local bike paths for an afternoon ride, and Kayaking and paddleboarding are available along the water on a hot summer day. Locals cool off at the wildly popular Little Man Ice Cream, a Denver Highland institution housed inside a giant milk can-shaped building.

Highland's Transportation

Highland is a convenient place to live, work, and play, with major roads like I-25 stretching across its eastern boundaries. The Highland Bridge spans across the South Platte River to Commons and Confluence parks. The layout and proximity to Downtown Denver make it a desirable neighborhood to walk, bike, drive, or grab rideshare from Lyft or Uber. Denver's public RTD (Regional Transportation District) connects to 15th Street at Highland Park, Stout St, and 18th Street.

Average Rent in Highland

Denver's average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,852, while a two-bedroom is $2,462. Like any trendy neighborhood in Denver, you should expect to pay more in the Highlands. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Highland, Denver, is $2,157. Rents and the cost of living have been rising in Denver since the summer of 2021, and Highland is no exception.

Is Highland Safe?

Highland overcame a reputation for high crime about a decade ago, where theft and violence were more common. Highland, Denver is an affluent area growing in popularity with rental prices and amenities to match. Locals feel safe walking and biking in Highland, although like any city, exercising caution at night is recommended. Young professionals, families, and seniors live in Highland, making it safe to call home.

Today, Highland takes a proactive approach to crime, with a regularly-updated community crime report. Locals check in for the latest crimes in the area and compare them to nearby Denver neighborhoods and monthly reports.

Highland's Major Employers

Denver's growing metropolis is home to 10 different Fortune 500 companies. Highland's proximity to Downtown Denver makes it a desirable location for a quick commute to the rest of the city. Beyond working in corporate for Fortune 500 companies, other employment options in the metro area include the University of Denver and the University of Colorado, Denver.

Like most cities, Denver experienced a lull in employment during the pandemic. Growth and development are holding steady and Denver boasts a healthier job market than most, with an index score of 7.6 out of 10. The city's unemployment rate is 7.5%, which is 0.6% lower than the national average. As conditions continue to ease, the job market is expected to bounce back. By the summer of 2021, Denver ranked as one of the hottest job markets in the country.

Where to Eat and Drink in the Highlands

It took less than two decades for Highland, Denver to firmly establish itself as one of the city's hottest food and drink areas. Are you feeling specialty cocktails and to-die-for fusion tacos in an old mortarium? Snag a balcony seat overlooking downtown at Linger. Want inventive nibbles and something to sip on for an incredible happy hour? Go to super-trendy Root Down. For ice cream, you can spend a warm summer night waiting in line at Little Man Ice Cream.

El Camino serves up tacos and happy hours using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients for Mexican food with an artistic slant. Fire on the Mountain is the place for fiery chicken wings and comfort fare.

Laid-back local bands and big-screen TVs are on-demand at Mead St. Station over brews and pub grub. Locals shop at St. Killian's Cheese + Provisions for specialty items and imported goods ranging from jams to cured meats and Sputino is the spot for seasonal, cozy Italian dining.

The Highlands wouldn't be a trend-setting neighborhood without pubs and craft brew options around every corner. Not only is Señor Bear a popular place to eat mole and mofongo, but it is also the spot for happy hours and margaritas. Avanti F&B serves up beer and wine with outdoor dining options, and locals sip whiskey cocktails at Denver's oldest watering hole, My Brother's Bar. For a lively cocktail scene with a trendy touch, Room for Milly captures the spirit of flapper-era fun.

Is Highland, Denver Right For You?

Highland, Denver's historic charm with a modern touch, walkable streets, epicurean delights, and incredible location makes it a desirable place to work, live and play.

Ready to find your next home in Denver and find out if life on the hill is for you? Take our quiz to start apartment hunting today!