Hilltop

One of Denver’s most scenic and sought-after neighborhoods, Hilltop is located four miles east of the Colorado Statehouse. It’s a small neighborhood — just one square mile — yet boasts more than 22 home styles. To see the stately English Tudors, colonials and custom-built homes on well-tended lawns and wide streets in Hilltop today, it's hard to believe that at one time, the nearest building was a simple log cabin built in 1859 as a stagecoach stop. That changed in 1883 when a new canal began diverting water from the South Platte River.

It was still considered the countryside when a wealthy entrepreneur named George Cranmer built a 10,000-square-foot Italian Villa on Cherry Street in 1917. Other homes followed. By the 1940s, Hilltop was recognized as Denver’s toniest neighborhood. “It’s a neighborhood with a lot of elegance,” says Mary Gerwin, a Realtor with Porchlight Real Estate Group, “It’s unique within Denver.”

It remains so today. Its handsome homes, tree-lined streets, and spacious open areas define the neighborhood. Bordered by large thoroughfares on three sides, Hilltop is an easy commute to downtown Denver. The community has several local bus stops and a light rail station three miles away. The Denver Airport is 19 miles from Hilltop.

Housing prices reflect not only the neighborhood’s popularity but its large lot sizes as well. “Most lots in Denver are about 6,250 square feet. Yards in Hilltop are closer to 9,000 square feet,” says Gerwin. A two-bedroom condominium in Hilltop sells for around $600,000, whereas a sizeable contemporary mansion with a swimming pool and terraced courtyards is listed at more than $5,900,000.

One of the neighborhood’s biggest draws is the quality of its public schools. Mary Carson Elementary School is located in the heart of the community. With less than 400 students and a 14-1 student-teacher ratio, the school has an enviable A-minus rating from Niche. The public middle school, Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences, has a student body of about 720 and holds a B-plus rating. George Washington High School has an A-minus rating.

The amount of parks and open spaces in the neighborhood is remarkable. Perhaps the area’s most popular, Cranmer Park, is one of the highest locations in Denver. Well over a mile above sea level, it is famous for its spectacular mountain views. The park is noted for its six-foot Chinese sundial that doubles as a climbing structure for area kids. Cranmer’s broad open fields and delightful gardens draw picnickers, joggers and cyclists. Robinson Park offers a slew of amenities for both summer and winter fun. Visitors enjoy the basketball courts, playground facilities, and expansive lawn in the summer. During the winter, the sledding hill becomes a popular destination on snowy days. The Denver Tennis Club opened in 1928. With 11 outdoor and eight indoor courts, the updated and modern club has been hosting the Denver City Open for decades. Summer or winter, it’s a popular place to play tennis and socialize. Four Mile Park, the home of the first cabin, sponsors a memorable Fourth of July festival complete with fireworks and face-painting.

Hilltop is primarily a residential neighborhood but has a handful of notable shops. Pete’s Fruits and Vegetables is one of them. It has been an area staple for five decades. Its shelves are stocked with local produce and Greek food items, including several types of imported feta cheese. The local Whole Foods offers a dizzying variety of cheeses, baked goods and wines.

The Cherry Creek North shopping district is only two miles from Hilltop. With more than 600 businesses in the 16-block area, the abundance of locally-owned stores will keep even the most ardent shopper busy. Freebird sells western-style boots, many with intricate hand-tooling and original designs. Garbini sells the latest styles in women’s clothing and accessories.

If you’re hungry, check out Park Burger in Hilltop. This casual neighborhood restaurant serves award-winning burgers using all-natural beef, buffalo, and turkey. They also offer a famous vegan burger. Locando del Borgo is a contemporary, casual restaurant offering authentic Italian dishes.

Written By

Robin Beres

Photography Contributed By

Evan Melgren

Video By

Dan Mack