Neighborhood Guide: The Highlands

Sloan's Lake near the Highlands

Nestled just northwest of Downtown Denver, the Highlands feel more like a collection of vibrant communities, each with its own distinct flavor. From the classic allure of Potter Highlands to the trendy energy of LoHi (Lower Highlands) and the bustling hub of West Highlands, this area truly offers something for everyone. But beyond its popular eateries and boutique shops, the Highlands stands out for its unique blend of architectural heritage, vibrant community, and exciting potential for thoughtful, modern design and proximity to Sloan's Lake.

 

The Different Spots in The Highlands 

The Highlands is a broad term encompassing several beloved areas, each contributing to its rich tapestry:

Walkability & Alternative Transportation: The neighborhood's inherent walkability, coupled with good public transit access, naturally reduces reliance on cars. RTD bus lines (like the 31, 32, 38) serve the area, and nearby light rail stations (Empower Field at Mile High and 41st / Fox Station) provide easy connections to downtown and beyond, making a car-optional lifestyle a possibility.

Family life: Beyond its stylish reputation, the Highlands is also a highly sought-after neighborhood for families. Its tree-lined streets, numerous parks (like Highland Park with its popular playground and the nearby expansive Sloan's Lake Park), and the excellent Highland Recreation Center provide abundant outdoor activities. Families benefit from a strong sense of community, with local schools like Edison Elementary and various highly-rated private options, contributing to a supportive environment for children. The neighborhood's walkability also means easy access to kid-friendly spots, from ice cream parlors to local libraries, fostering an active and connected family lifestyle."

 

The Highlands: A Day in the Life

Beyond its stunning homes, the Highlands boasts a vibrant, engaged community spirit. Here’s what it would be like living in the Highlands:

8am | Caffeinated Start: 

Start your Highlands adventure at Hearth (3617 W 32nd Ave), an elegant coffee roastery that is a hidden gem of Denver’s coffee scene. The warm and intimate space features exposed brick, small tables, and the constant hum of people coming and going. Order one of their signature seasonal lattes (the house-made raspberry scones are also tempting to order) while people-watching. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere captures the neighborhood's vibrance. 

9am | Brunch : Casually walk a few blocks east to O’Dell’s Bagel, quickly becoming the place to get bagels in Denver. They serve New York-style bagels with a creative twist. I would recommend giving the strawberry-rhubarb cream cheese bagel a try, the candied ginger adds the perfect twist. The space can fill up at times and feels right out of New York City.  

10am | Recreation :  Enjoy the outdoors at local gems like Highland Park, or take a short trip to Sloan's Lake Park for expansive views, paddleboarding, and a walking path. These green spaces are integral to the Highland lifestyle.

1pm | Lunch with Local Flavor : Blackbelly (1606 Conejo St.) serves locally sourced ingredients with house-cured meat. Chef Hosea Rosenberg creates exceptional dishes that celebrate Colorado's agricultural bounty – try one of their sandwiches, the Mushroom Swiss Wagyu is always a winner! The industrial-chic space feels both sophisticated and approachable.

2pm | Art and Culture : Stroll through the Highlands neighborhood proper, admiring the mix of restored Victorian homes and modern infill developments. Stop by Miller Lane Mercantile (4234 Tennyson St) to browse handmade gifts and cute artwork, then continue north on Tennyson Street, the neighborhood's main commercial strip. Duck into Earnest Paper (4315 W 44th Ave.) to enjoy flipping through a well-curated selection of books, paper, and pens.

7pm | Dinner Destination : From Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina to popular spots like Linger and Root Down, the Highlands offers an amazing array of dining options. Kawa Ni (1600 W. 33rd Ave.) brings elevated Japanese cuisine to the Highlands. Chef-owner Bill Taibe creates seasonal menus featuring pristine fish flown in from Japan alongside Colorado ingredients. The minimalist space with blonde wood and clean lines provides the perfect backdrop for the delicious food. Try the crab fried rice and the lamb dan dan noodles. Reservations are essential for this spot but are generally easy to get a week in advance.

10pm | Night Cap : End the night at Mezceleria Alma (3365 Tejon St.), a mezcal-focused bar that brings authentic Mexican spirits culture to the Highlands. The intimate space features an impressive selection of mezcals and tequilas, expertly crafted cocktails, and knowledgeable bartenders. Try the Beet Spritz made with a unique vegan mezcal, or explore a tasting the insane array of bottles you won't find anywhere. The warm atmosphere and local crowd create the perfect nightcap experience.