Denver Neighborhood Guide: Park Hill Embraces the Past While Being Fully Rooted in the Present

Park Hill Embraces Denver's Past While Being Fully Rooted in the Present

Lush avenues, preserved architecture, and a forward thinking culture sustain this Denver suburb

January 4, 2024 - By Rankin, Goulder, Kissinger

Settled within the core of Denver, the historic Park Hill neighborhood stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage and vibrant past. Approximately 3 miles east of downtown Denver, Park Hill offers lovely views of downtown with the Front Range as a backdrop. The Historic District covers a total of 32 blocks, stretching from Colorado to the East side of Dahlia and from the North side of Montview to 26th Ave. Each building tells a unique story, reflecting a bygone era while seamlessly blending with the modern pulse of the city. Park Hill is not just a collection of homes; it is a living narrative of Denver's enduring charm and timeless appeal. This appeal continues to bring residents from around Colorado and the country - not to mention why it is one of our favorite Denver neighborhoods!

Within Park Hill you'll discover a myriad of restaurants, local businesses, and activities catering to the diverse tastes of the residents.

Here are a few of our top picks below, all of which are locally owned and operated. We love supporting our local Denver neighborhoods!

Dining & Shopping

Park Hill Neighborhood Eatery

Above: Lucina Eatery & Bar's Pozole is not only delicious, but also meaningful. It is a dish that celebrates life, love, and community. (Photo courtesy of Lucina Eatery & Bar Facebook Page)

Lucina Eatery & Bar - A fusion of extraordinary Latin American, Latin Caribbean, and coastal Spanish cuisine, their culinary offerings create a sensory experience. Crafted dishes using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, paying homage to the rich cultures of the Americas make them a Park Hill must. Each creation is a testament to their profound respect for tradition, infused with a delightful burst of inspired flavors.  
Allison's pick! Located at 2245 Kearney Street

Bistro Vendome - A cherished local gem steeped in history, providing an outstanding dining experience in a delightful neighborhood ambiance. Presenting a modern take on the classic French bistro cuisine, incorporating local, seasonal ingredients for a fresh and enticing culinary journey.
Allison's pick! Located at 2267 Kearney Street

Honey Hill Cafe - Takes great pride in offering a selection of local, fresh foods, and coffees. Whether you're craving espresso drinks, freshly brewed coffees, daily baked pastries, or wholesome sandwiches and salads, Honey Hill's commitment is to serve sustainably produced and consistently fresh fare. 
Allison's pick! Located at 4628 E. 23rd Avenue

Park Hill Denver Coffee
Above: Honey Hill Cafe is the perfect Park Hill gathering spot, not to mention a fabulous cup of coffee. (Photo courtesy of Honey Hill Cafe Facebook Page)

Neighbors - Locally owned and operated by Park Hill residents Neighbors provides the ambiance of a cocktail party without the hassle of hosting. This intimate eatery offers a diverse selection of tapas and appetizers, creating a cozy setting that guarantees delightful conversations over a glass of wine or a cocktail. 
Natalie's pick! Located at 2202 Kearney Street

Benzina - Situated along the historic Colfax Avenue, Benzina, housed in a meticulously renovated former muffler shop, exudes a mid-century modern ambiance. Translating from Italian to 'gasoline,' the restaurant provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. This summer, the experience will be further elevated with the introduction of twin bocce courts and urban planters lining the outdoor dining patio. 
Located at 4839 East Colfax Avenue

Spinelli's Market - For nearly 30 years, the specialty market has been a go-to for house-made pasta sauces, ready-made entrées, and a deli with a stacked menu of classic sandwiches made behind the counter while you wait. In 2023, New owners purchased this iconic location in addition to the 12th Avenue Market in Congress Park. They are Denver raised and live in the Park Hill Neighborhood. Since taking over Spinelli's, they have made great changes to both places and our team loves having them as part of the community!
Allison & Natalie's pick! Located at 4621 E 23rd Avenue

Park Hill Denver Shopping

Above: Little Bird Denver takes pride in connecting parents in and around Park Hill (photo courtesy of Little Bird Facebook Page).

Little Bird Denver - A local children's boutique—a welcoming destination for discovering adorable clothing, selecting the perfect gift for birthdays or baby showers, and connecting with fellow parents in the community. Get your little one a new 'do that will go with their new outfit right next door. 
Jane's pick! Located at 2200 Kearney Street

Modlivin’ - A favorite among Denver’s interior designers, Modlivin’ provides budget-friendly classics, contemporary lighting, stylish chairs and sofas, streamlined storage solutions, and modern accessories. They carry some of the top brands of modern home furnishings like Blu Dot and Gus, as well as a large selection of vintage mid century modern.
Natalie's pick! Located at 5327 E Colfax Avenue

Park Hill Community Bookstore - As the longest-running nonprofit bookstore in the Denver metro area, their commitment to community literacy remains unwavering. Proudly presenting an extensive collection of affordably priced used books, with proceeds dedicated to enhancing the libraries of local schools. Moreover, any unsold books are regularly donated to local charities and schools, embodying our dedication to fostering literacy within the community.
Located at 4620 E 23rd Avenue

Things To Do

Things to do in Park Hill Denver

Above: Located at 23rd & Oneida, Oneida Park offers something for everyone. (photo courtesy of Oneida Park Facebook page).

Oneida Park - Boasting seven local restaurants, seven convenient service-based retailers, and a spacious outdoor courtyard for children to play and adults to relax, Oneida Park invites you to walk, bike, or drive to the vibrant yet family-friendly neighborhood hub. Join for live music on Saturday evenings during the summertime and partake in various seasonal activities throughout the year.
Located at 23rd & Oneida

Park Hill Arts Festival - A beloved annual event with up to 90 artists presented on the grounds of the Park Hill Masonic lodge located on Montview Blvd between Dahlia and Eudora street.  
Located at 4819 Montview Blvd

Park Hill Parade - The annual Park Hill Parade is Denver’s largest Independence Day march and runs through the heart of Park Hill, the parade includes floats, marching bands, costumed performers and tons of red, white and blue fun.

The Park Hill Home Tour & Street Fair - This significant community fundraiser and tradition encompass a ticketed tour of neighborhood homes, complemented by a street fair featuring local vendors, live entertainment, kids' activities, a sustainability zone, food trucks, and a wine & beer tent.

Park Hill Treasures - Offering daily classes to inspire artists and residents alike. Check the website calendar for the class schedule and join a class to find your inner artist! After a class, explore a diverse collection from over 85 local Colorado artisans and antique dealers, offering unique finds for every taste. From vintage items and artwork to apothecary goods, pottery, handmade creations, jewelry, clothing, sculpture, plants, and home decor, our marketplace is a treasure trove of distinctive offerings.
Located at 6035 E Colfax

Homes

The evolution of Park Hill over multiple decades has resulted in a remarkable diversity in its residential architecture. It is a living example of popular architectural styles from the 1890s to 1945 when the area was 95% completed. Boasting 10,000 households, Park Hill stands out as one of the most culturally and economically diverse communities in the Denver Metropolitan Area.

The Historic District encompasses around 700 homes, predominantly brick dwellings, varying widely in size from 750-square-foot alley houses to sprawling 6,000-square-foot mansions. However, the majority of residences fall within the range of 1,000 to 2,800 square feet. This notable diversity in housing sizes within a compact 32-block area draws residents from a broad spectrum of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.

Homes in Park Hill Denver

Above: The gorgeous brick home synonymous with Park Hill - 2831 Forest Street Sold by Rankin, Goulder and Kissinger (photo: Rankin, Goulder & Kissinger)

The neighborhood's appeal extends to both new families embarking on homeownership and older couples seeking to downsize, thanks to the abundance of smaller and mid-sized homes. Our team's expertise goes beyond Park Hill itself; we specialize in the design, staging, and marketing processes, aiming to maximize the inherent strengths of each home. It's our deep understanding and appreciation of the Park Hill way of life that empowers us to make homes truly stand out in this resonant neighborhood. Historic districts such as Park Hill, not only offer a glimpse into the city's past but also contribute to its lively present which sets Denver apart as a distinctive place to call home.

For more information on the rich history of Park Hill, as well as to stay connected with community events, explore the Greater Park Hill Community at greaterparkhill.org

Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, Amy Kissinger - Top Colorado Real Estate Agents of Compass Denver

Whether you're considering buying or selling anywhere in the Denver area, reach out to Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, or Amy Kissinger today! Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or an experienced buyer looking to upsize or downsize, we possess the experience, resources, and relationships to assist you. Let us help you embark on your next chapter in the Denver area!

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