Denver’s Park Hill is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, having begun as a 32-acre development more than 120 years ago.

Today, the community is home to nearly 20,000 people and is noted for its charm, incredible diversity and way of life that brings people together.

As a whole, Park Hill is bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Quebec St., Colfax Ave. and Colorado Blvd. However, the area is commonly split into North Park Hill and South Park Hill by 23^rd Ave., which runs through its center from east to west. Both sections boast a multiplicity of homes ranging from mansions to modest bungalows.

It’s a classic Denver neighborhood with beautifully built and crafted vintage and newly constructed homes.

But the architecture is just a small part of Park Hill’s attraction. High marks for its schools, friendliness, safe environment, outdoor activities, night life and more led Niche.com to name North Park Hill No. 3 and South Park Hill No. 16 in its 2024 Best Neighborhoods to Live in the Denver Area.

Part of the Denver Public Schools, Park Hill has three high schools rated B+ by Niche based on academics, college prep, diversity, teachers and other factors: East High School, DSST Stapleton High School and the Denver School of the Arts. In addition, there are 26 DPS K-12 schools that earned a grade of “B” or better. Several private schools serve the Park Hill community as well.

Along with its top-notch schools, another benefit to living in Park Hill is its proximity to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo.

The museum, zoo and a public golf course are within the boundaries of City Park. You can play everything from tennis to horseshoes to soccer, fish in Ferril or Duck Lakes, or just enjoy a picnic.

Another option for fun activity is the Art Garage, a community-based, not-for profit art education program at 6100 E. 23^rd Ave.

If you enjoy eating out now and then, there are a lot of neighborhood restaurants from which to choose.

For instance, Spinelli’s Market, 4621 E 23^rd Ave., is a great neighborhood market with sandwiches and pizza as well as basic supplies to make your own meals at home.

Another delightful bakery is Cake Crumbs Bakery and Café, 2216 Kearney St. It’s a wonderful little spot to have lunch or breakfast, catch up with friends or do a little work from. And the desserts and pastries are amazing.

For dining on the finer side, be sure to check out Neighbors Wine Bar, 2202 Kearney St.

Community really is an important element to living in Park Hill, as evidenced by the work of the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., an almost 70-year-old volunteer neighborhood organization whose mission is to preserve the quality of life and history of Park Hill through resources, information and advocacy. GPHC publishes the Greater Park Hill News, holds monthly meetings, offers forums on topics such as climate change and sponsors events, including its Park Hill Community Yard Sale that happens each May.

GPHC members are totally into sustainability. The organization joined Denver’s Sustainable Neighborhood program in 2017 and reached Outstanding Sustainable Neighborhood status less than one year later with programs such as its Free Farm Stand and its pledge to reduce dangerous runoff from pesticides and fertilizers.

Park Hill truly is a lovely community, in so many different ways,. The folks who live there cherish their homes and neighbors and want to preserve everything that makes it so special.