North Capitol Hill just wasn’t a charming, eclectic or trendy enough name to capture the essence of the neighborhood, so several years ago its 6,000 residents started calling it Uptown. The name has stuck.

Bordered by Broadway to the west, 20th Avenue to the north, Park Avenue and Downing Street to the east and Colfax Avenue to the south, Uptown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver. It boasts everything from Victorian houses, brick rowhouses and lots of condos to some of Denver’s best restaurants along several blocks of 17^th Avenue. Uptown even has a big-time neighbor: City Park with the Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo.

With a killer nightlife and, at the other end of the great-neighborhood spectrum, several above-average public schools nearby (East High School, DSST: Byers Middle School, Denver Center for International Studies, Girls Athletic Leadership School High School and Polaris at Elbert Elementary School), niche.com ranks Uptown No. 16 on its list of Best Neighborhoods in Denver (and No. 1 Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals!).

It’s kind of a perfect location for both young professionals and families alike.

Uptown is close to RTD light rail and about 1.5 miles to I-25. By why leave the neighborhood when you can find so much of what you need right here? It’s very walkable and bikeable to trendy restaurants, cafes and coffee shops as well as boutiques, services and markets.

There is much pretty much something for everyone, no matter your taste in restaurants — Dos Santos (1475 E. 17^th Ave.)  for a great twist on Mexican food and a lively atmosphere; Humboldt Kitchen + Bar (1700 Humboldt St.), whose name says it all, and next-door neighbor White Pie Pizzeria (1702 Humboldt St.);and Coperta (400 E. 20^th Ave.) for “exquisite” Italian fare.

If you’re planning to do your own cooking, Marczyk Fine Foods (770 E. 17^th Ave.) is one of the best market in town. Stop in for fresh seafood or a steak to grill or for any number of specialty fine foods. They have a huge cheese selection and deli, too.

Other merchants in the area include the Woodhouse Day Spa (treat yourself!) in an historic, three-story Victorian mansion at 941 E. 17^th Ave. and. if you just want to pick up a gift for your kid, someone special or you, check out Talulah Jones (1122 E. 11^th Ave.). It’s an awesome lifestyle boutique that has something for everybody.

If you’re looking for a workout, there are two great options: Orange Theory (450 E. 17^th Ave,) where you can run, row and lift, or try kick boxing at 9Round FitUptness (310 E. 17^th Ave.)