Craving a neighborhood where you can grab coffee, stroll to dinner, and be downtown in minutes? In Denver’s Highlands and Lower Highlands (LoHi), that is everyday life. You get tree-lined streets, historic charm, and modern conveniences without giving up access to parks and trails. In this guide, you will discover what daily life feels like, how you will get around, what homes you will find, and who tends to thrive here. Let’s dive in.
Where Highlands and LoHi sit
Highlands is a cluster of connected neighborhoods northwest of downtown. It commonly includes West Highland, the Highland neighborhood, and LoHi. LoHi sits closest to the downtown skyline and the South Platte River, while West Highland stretches farther west and touches Sloan’s Lake on its northwest edge.
The area is known for an urban-but-residential vibe. You will see narrow commercial corridors with local storefronts, smaller lots, and sidewalks that invite walking. Daily errands often happen on foot, and it is easy to meet friends for a quick coffee or a rooftop view.
Street scenes and architecture
Much of the charm comes from the mix of old and new. You will see turn-of-the-20th-century Victorians and Queen Anne homes, classic bungalows, brick rowhouses, and historic storefronts. In recent years, modern townhomes, loft conversions, and condos have filled in along the main corridors. Many properties have renovated interiors, smaller yards, and creative outdoor spaces like rooftop decks.
Daily rhythm and amenities
Morning coffee and daytime flow
Expect a lively café culture. Mornings bring dog-walkers, bike commuters, and remote workers with laptops. By midday, people run errands and meet for lunch. Afternoons often shift to second-coffee energy and casual coworking.
Dining and nightlife
You will find a broad mix of neighborhood favorites, from farm-to-table spots and pizza to gastropubs and craft breweries. LoHi sees the most evening foot traffic and rooftop bars, thanks to those skyline views. West Highland tends to be calmer and more residential at night, though you can still walk to dinner or a low-key happy hour.
Retail and services
Boutique clothing shops, home goods, small groceries, and fitness studios dot the main streets. Daily needs like dry cleaning, salons, and bike shops are close by. You can live most of your week within a small radius and still feel connected to the larger city.
Parks, green space, and trails
Sloan’s Lake is a major draw on the west side. The multi-use path around the lake is popular for walking, running, and cycling, with water and skyline views throughout. You will also find smaller pocket parks, community gardens, and dog areas scattered across the neighborhoods.
The South Platte River corridor adds more bike and pedestrian routes that link to downtown and other riverfront paths. To explore park options, check the city’s listings through Denver Parks & Recreation.
Getting around: walk, bike, transit
Highlands and LoHi are known for walkability, especially near the commercial strips. Many residents do errands on foot and use rideshare or bikes for longer trips. Neighborhood streets and protected bike lanes support a strong cycling culture.
Transit options include several RTD bus lines and light rail access via nearby Union Station, depending on where you live. You can view routes and schedules through the Regional Transportation District. Car commutes to downtown are usually short for LoHi, often under 10 minutes, with a few more minutes from West Highland. From parts of LoHi, walking to downtown is feasible.
For a general sense of neighborhood walkability, you can reference area pages on WalkScore.
Homes you will see
Classic single-family
Victorians, Queen Anne homes, and bungalows line many streets. Many have been renovated, with preserved facades and updated systems. Yards are typically smaller than in suburban areas.
Infill townhomes, condos, and lofts
Newer multi-story townhomes and condos are common, often with rooftop decks to capture skyline views. You will also see loft conversions and mixed-use buildings with ground-floor retail. HOA structures vary widely across buildings, so it helps to review fees, rules, and parking details.
Practical considerations
- Parking: On-street parking is common. Some homes and newer buildings include a garage or assigned space.
- Outdoor space: Many urban lots are compact. Rooftop decks and shared courtyards often stand in for large backyards.
- Noise: LoHi’s core can be lively at night. If you are sensitive to noise, focus on blocks set back from busy corridors or look toward quieter pockets in West Highland.
Who thrives here
- Urban seekers: You want to walk to coffee, dinner, and errands. You value a short commute and easy access to downtown.
- Social and active types: You like a local brewery scene, rooftop views, and regular runs or rides around the lake and river paths.
- Hybrid and remote workers: You rely on cafés, coworking spots, and flexible transit and bike options.
- Small families and downsizers: You prioritize parks and neighborhood amenities over large yards, and you want a calm block within reach of lively main streets.
A day in Highlands and LoHi
Young professional in LoHi
You grab a latte on your block, then bike 10 to 20 minutes into downtown for meetings. Lunch is a quick walk from home, and you squeeze in a run on the river path in the afternoon. After work, you meet friends on a rooftop to watch the sunset over the skyline.
Small family near West Highland
Mornings start with a stroller loop to a pocket park, then a mid-morning grocery run on foot. Weekends are for Sloan’s Lake laps and playground time. Evenings are relaxed backyard dinners or an easy pizza night a short walk away.
Downsizer with a view
You traded yard work for a modern townhome with a rooftop deck. Mornings are quiet coffee on the terrace. Midday errands happen on foot, and a quick rideshare gets you to arts and sports downtown. You end the day with friends, a neighborhood bistro, and a low-stress commute home.
Commute and car-free loops
Here is a simple walkable loop for a sunny day:
- Start with coffee on a neighborhood corridor.
- Walk 10 to 15 minutes to a pocket park or community garden.
- Head to lunch nearby, then browse a boutique or home store.
- Finish with an early-evening rooftop or patio to catch city views.
If you prefer biking, connect to the South Platte River trail for an easy ride into downtown or to other Denver neighborhoods. Combine it with transit using RTD bus lines for longer hops.
Buying and selling tips
For buyers
- Expect competition for well-priced listings, especially detached homes with yards. Condos and townhomes can be more accessible.
- Tour at different times of day to get a feel for parking, ambient noise, and evening foot traffic.
- Review HOA documents carefully. Fees, parking, and rooftop deck rules vary.
For sellers
- Highlight walkability, outdoor spaces, and any skyline views. Buyers here value these features.
- Prepare for quick interest with strong listing photos, floor plans, and clear parking details.
- Price positioning matters. Demand is strong but varies by housing type and proximity to active corridors.
Renovation and zoning notes
Some parts of the Highlands include historic properties or conservation overlays that can affect exterior changes. Before buying or remodeling, review city resources on planning, zoning, and preservation through Denver’s official site. If you plan additions or accessory units, verify setbacks, lot coverage, and permit timelines.
Is Highlands or LoHi right for you?
If you want a walkable neighborhood with character, close to parks and downtown, Highlands and LoHi check a lot of boxes. You will find a mix of historic charm and modern living, with daily conveniences and a connected lifestyle. Whether you are buying your first condo, moving up to a single-family home, or downsizing to a low-maintenance townhome, the right fit is likely here if you prioritize location and amenities.
Ready to explore homes or talk strategy? Reach out to Dianne Goldsmith for local guidance and a personalized plan.
FAQs
What is the typical commute from LoHi to downtown Denver?
- Many LoHi residents reach downtown in under 10 minutes by car. By bike, plan on 10 to 20 minutes depending on your exact starting point and route.
How walkable are Highlands and LoHi for daily errands?
- Commercial corridors are highly walkable, with coffee, dining, and small groceries nearby. Walkability varies by block, so tour on foot and reference neighborhood pages on WalkScore.
What should I know about parking in Highlands and LoHi?
- On-street parking is common. Some streets use permit zones or have street-sweeping schedules. Many newer homes include a garage or assigned space, so review each property’s details.
Are there parks and trails within easy reach?
- Yes. Sloan’s Lake is a major recreation hub, and the South Platte River corridor connects to broader trail networks. To browse park options, visit Denver Parks & Recreation.
How lively is LoHi at night compared with West Highland?
- LoHi typically has more evening foot traffic near its main corridors and rooftop venues, while West Highland tends to be quieter and more residential at night.
Are there schools near Highlands and LoHi?
- Yes, you will find district, charter, and private options nearby. School boundaries and offerings can change, so check current Denver Public Schools information and individual school availability before deciding.
