The Highlands neighborhood in Denver is a lively confluence of history, culture, and contemporary urban living. It is composed of three dynamic and unique districts: Potter Highlands, West Highlands (or Highlands Square), and the hip Berkeley. Each area offers distinct architectural styles, local recreation, and a strong sense of community, contributing to its character as one of Denver’s most sought-after locales.
Potter Highlands
Potter Highlands is a historic gem. Established in 1863 by Rev. Walter Potter, this district showcases a rich collection of Victorian, Craftsman, and cottage-style homes that beautifully illustrate Denver's architectural heritage. Originally conceived as a separate city to provide a refuge from Denver’s industrial smog, Potter Highlands was celebrated for its clean air and high moral standards. It retains its historical charm today as one of Colorado’s largest residential historic districts. This area is a walker's paradise, where each street corner tells a story, and architectural details whisper tales of a bygone era.
Through the years, Potter Highlands has been a melting pot of culture, each leaving a lasting impact on the community. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhood’s enduring churches, thriving businesses, galleries, and vibrant art cultural events. The neighborhood is not just a place to live but a place to explore, with unique boutiques, culinary treasures and enchanting nooks that make it one of a kind.
The district's emerging shopping and dining strip along 32nd Ave, extending from Clay Street to the LoHi district, features various eating establishments. Check out Duo, known for its innovative American dishes; Spuntino, offering Italian comfort food with a modern twist; and Bad Ass Coffee, perfect for a robust start to the morning. The neighborhood's boutique shops add another layer of charm. They feature everything from vintage clothing to artisanal crafts, reflecting the area's eclectic spirit. Meanwhile, community gardens and small, hidden parks provide lush, green sanctuaries where residents can enjoy a quiet retreat or engage in community events.
Just a short stroll away, Highland Park provides a serene escape with its expansive green spaces, making it a perfect spot for community gatherings and leisure activities. The well-maintained paths and recreational facilities enhance the overall area’s appeal.
West Highlands/Highland Square
Highlands Square pulses at the heart of the Highlands neighborhood, where historical ambiance melds with contemporary zest. Defined by Sheridan to the west, Federal to the east, 38th Avenue to the north, and 29th Avenue to the south, this area is steeped in Denver’s heritage yet vibrates with modern vitality.
The residential avenues of Highlands Square feature tree-lined streets and a diverse architectural palette—from cozy bungalows and grand Victorians to Denver Squares and sleek new constructions. Each style contributes a distinct flavor to the community’s visual character. The bustling hub of this district is located at 32nd and Lowell, known as Highland Square. This vibrant crossroads serves as a lively gathering place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy varied dining experiences, indulge in artisanal coffee, browse specialty shops, or visit boutique fitness centers.
As the historical heart of the Highlands, this district maintains its quaint charm while embracing progressive changes. Specialty shops like St. Killian’s Cheese and Provisions transform grocery shopping into an exploration of innovative cheese, cured meat, and pantry items. Mondo Vino, a neighborhood staple since 1999, offers an exquisite collection of wines, beers, and spirits. El Camino Community Tavern also enriches the area’s social scene by serving up mouthwatering Mexican fare paired with a lively bar scene. Highlands Square is more than just a neighborhood; it is a beloved community for those who appreciate Denver’s spirited lifestyle.
The Highlands neighborhood is a center of activity throughout the year, hosting numerous events that perfectly capture its welcoming community ethos. Highlands Square is at the heart of these festivities, uniting people with events that showcase the area's dynamic culture. The Highland Oktoberfest ushers in autumn with lively music and an array of craft beers, setting the stage for the family-friendly Harvest Festival. In June, the Highland Street Fair enlivens the streets, transforming them into a vibrant celebration with live music, a parade of classic cars, and a diverse array of arts and crafts stalls that draw a joyful crowd. The neighborhood's weekly Farmer’s Market further enhances the community feel, offering a Sunday tradition where residents can pick up local produce and homemade pastries, and bring home bouquets of fresh flowers June through August.
Berkeley
Berkeley, framed by Federal Boulevard, I-70, Sheridan Boulevard, and 38th Avenue, exudes a distinctively artsy atmosphere that sets it apart within The Highlands. This neighborhood is a cultural hotspot, celebrated for its walkable streets lined with unique boutiques, avant-garde galleries, and an eclectic mix of dining and nightlife options that cater to a trendy and creative crowd.
At the heart of Berkeley's lively culture is Tennyson Street, a dynamic thoroughfare that's become the neighborhood's commercial and artistic nucleus. Here, shops like Berkeley Supply Company and Overgrown Home offer everything from bespoke home decor to curated fashion, making it a haven for those seeking unique finds. Tennyson Street is also home to culinary gems like the award-winning Hello Kiddo and American Elm, alongside hip cocktail spots like The Tatarian and Top Tenn Lounge, each adding a unique flavor to the vibrant nightlife.
The neighborhood's artistic spirit comes alive during the First Friday Art Walks, where galleries and studios open their doors to showcase local and emerging artists. The Tennyson Street Fair further celebrates this creative energy, drawing visitors from across Denver with its blend of art, music, and community festivities.
Berkeley also boasts excellent recreational amenities. Berkeley Lake Park, with its William Scheitler Recreation Center, offers indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a bustling dog park. At the same time, Rocky Mountain Lake Park provides serene walking paths and lush green spaces ideal for leisurely strolls or family picnics.
Berkeley's architecture beautifully marries historical elements with modern aesthetics. Quaint 1940 bungalows and Tudors stand alongside contemporary townhomes and apartments, showcasing the neighborhood's rich historical tapestry and its evolution into a modern urban enclave. Furthermore, Berkeley's strategic location with easy access to I-70 allows for quick trips to the Colorado Foothills, downtown Denver, or Denver International Airport, making it as convenient as it is charming. Historical landmarks like the original Elitch Gardens site anchor the neighborhood's deep artistic roots and cultural heritage.
Berkeley offers a dynamic urban experience wrapped in a community-focused, arts-rich atmosphere. Whether it's sipping coffee at a local cat café, shopping at trendy stores, relaxing by the lakeside, or exploring the bustling Tennyson Street, Berkeley provides a unique slice of Denver life that's both eclectic and deeply connected.
The Highlands neighborhood is a vivid mosaic where history intertwines with modernity, nature merges with urban culture, and a rich cultural backdrop enhances daily life. Each district—from the architecturally diverse Potter Highlands to the active streets of West Highlands and the artistically hip Berkeley—adds a distinctive flavor, making this area a compelling urban canvas. Here, the ease of walkability, the diversity of architecture, and the strength of community spirit blend to create a truly integrated living experience. The Highlands is more than just a place to reside; it’s a space that invites you to live creatively, work purposefully, and play wholeheartedly.
- Catch up with friends at: Tennyson Street's array of breweries, like Tennyson's Tap and Call to Arms Brewing Company, or unwind at Berkeley Untapped. This unique spot not only offers a chance to sample some of Colorado's finest beverages but also supports various causes by donating a portion of their proceeds to charity
- Dive into Denver's cultural scene at: The Oriental Theater, a historic venue that transcends the typical concert or comedy show. This cherished locale regularly hosts diverse live performances and film screenings, establishing itself as a central hub for arts and entertainment.
- Explore nearby art galleries such as: Tennyson Street Warehouse, Next Gallery, Berkeley Street Warehouse, Lapis Gallery and Ryan Joseph Gallery
- Embark on a historic architecture tour through: Potter Highlands to marvel at the beautifully preserved Victorian homes and classic Denver Squares, an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts and architecture aficionados
- Gather your friends for some nighttime thrills at: Lakeside Amusement Park, the ideal spot to revel in vintage neon lights, classic rides, and a laid-back ambiance
