The 145-year-old Cole Neighborhood may have a long history but it is the next up-and-coming neighborhood in Denver.

There aren’t many stones left unturned in Denver anymore, but some neighborhoods are showing more promise than others and Cole has definitely got a lot of promise.

Shaped like a square with one corner cut off, the neighborhood is bordered to the west and east by Downing and York Streets, the north and south by 40^th and 32^nd Avenues, with Walnut Street cutting off its northwest corner.

Mainly single-family homes, Cole has a population of about 4,500. Its B+ rating by Niche.com is driven mostly by its diversity, nightlife, commute, outdoor activities and health and fitness, a combination of attributes that have drawn many young professionals. Two parks within its boundaries ─ Russell Square and St. James ─ add to its attractiveness for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

This neighborhood has tons of potential as well as some urban grittiness that many of us still desire. Cole’s proximity to the super-hot RINO Neighborhood with its many new restaurants and art galleries is another reason people are moving there.  

At its center is a strong neighborhood association that sponsors events like community cookouts and clean-ups, block parties and even a community garden.

Change is happening quickly in Cole. For instance, Denver Rock Drill, a $250 million mixed-use project in Cole’s northwestern section, is underway. Named for the old manufacturing plant that used to operate there, Denver Rock Drill will have 180 residential units, 65,000 square feet of retail space, 150,000 square feet of office space and a 175-room hotel.

While many “old timers” may lament the loss of some of the area’s old watering holes, many people are enjoying new bars and eateries like Black Shirt Brewing Company (3719 Walnut St.), Jack Rabbit Slims (2222 Bruce Randolph Ave.) and Lou’s Italian Specialties (3357 Downing St.).

A tried-and-true favorite is The Plimoth (2335 E. 28th Ave). It’s been a local favorite since they opened in 2013. Another relatively new establishment is NOLA Voodoo Tavern and Perks (2231 E. Bruce Randolph Ave.), specializing in Cajun cuisine. 

After you catch a bite to eat, Brad recommends a trip to the Forney Museum of Transportation (4303 Brighton Blvd.) near the edge of the Cole Neighborhood. Particularly if you are a seasoned car enthusiast or have a toddler who loves trains!

There are six schools within Cole’s boundaries: Mile High Montessori Early Learning Center, Annunciation Catholic School (preschool through 8^th grade), Cole Arts and Sciences Academy and Wyatt Academy (both elementary schools), and Cole Middle and Cole High School (DSST STEM charter schools that are part of the Denver Public Schools system).

From its historic buildings to it new eateries, Cole is a great community.