Highlands Denver Neighborhood Guide: Homes, Vibe, And Lifestyle

Thinking about making Highlands or LoHi home? You are not alone. This corner of northwest Denver blends historic charm, modern homes, and a lively day-to-day rhythm that attracts many renters and first-time buyers. In this guide, you will see what living here looks like, from housing styles and budgets to walkability, transit, parks, and practical tips to help you decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Highlands and LoHi at a glance

Highlands is a collection of closely connected neighborhoods just northwest of downtown Denver. You will hear people talk about Lower Highlands, also called LoHi, Highland Square, and West Highland. The address 1745 Boulder St sits in the LoHi corridor near the Highland Bridge and Platte Street, close to downtown energy.

LoHi feels denser and more restaurant-forward with an active evening scene. Highland Square and West Highland lean a bit more residential with small commercial corridors and a calmer pace, while still keeping you close to the action. Many residents are young professionals, couples, and some families, with a mix of renters and homeowners. The overall feel is urban, walkable, coffee-friendly, and outdoorsy.

Homes and architecture

You will find a wide range of homes across Highlands and LoHi. That mix is part of the appeal. Here is what often shows up when you tour:

Historic charm

Many streets feature late 1800s and early 1900s homes. Think Victorian details, Denver Squares, and early bungalows. These homes offer character and original craftsmanship. Rooms and yards can be smaller than newer construction, and some properties have seen thoughtful renovations.

Townhomes and mid-rise condos

LoHi and the Platte corridor have grown with infill townhomes and mid-rise condos where older lots or light industrial spaces once stood. Newer builds tend to include open layouts, large windows, rooftop decks, and attached garages. You often trade more modern finishes for a higher price point.

Rowhouses and unique conversions

Scattered rowhouses, brownstones, and converted carriage houses add variety. If you value something unique with a smaller footprint, these can be interesting options.

HOAs, parking, and the fine print

Many condo and townhome communities include HOAs. It is smart to budget for dues and review rules that may apply to pets or short-term rentals. Parking on older streets can be tight, especially in LoHi near dining and nightlife. Newer developments may include garage or off-street parking, which can be a key search filter if you own a car.

Market character to expect

This area typically trades at a premium compared with the Denver city median. Proximity to downtown, strong amenities, and the historic streetscape all play a role. Inside LoHi proper, inventory tends to skew toward condos, townhomes, and smaller-lot homes rather than large single-family lots.

Getting around

Daily life here is built for moving without much hassle. That is a big reason people choose Highlands and LoHi.

Walkability and biking

Commercial corridors cluster along LoHi and Platte Street, 32nd Avenue near Highland Square, and nearby stretches like Tennyson Street. You can often walk from your block to coffee, a quick bite, or a workout. Bike lanes and protected routes on key streets make riding to downtown a real option for many commuters. For specific walk, transit, and bike scores by address, check the searchable tools at the official Walk Score site.

Transit and commuting

Downtown and Union Station are close, which helps if you work in the core. Multiple bus routes serve the area, and regional rail and light rail connections run through Union Station. To plan your trip or check current routes, use RTD routes and the trip planner. If you drive, I-25 and major arterials are nearby. Peak traffic can slow things, so you may mix in transit or biking depending on your schedule.

Parks and outdoor time

Highlands and LoHi put you near both neighborhood green spaces and larger recreation spots.

• Sloan’s Lake Park sits just west of Highlands with a large lake, walking and jogging loops, and sports fields.
• The South Platte River corridor offers connected paths that lead toward downtown and beyond.
• Pocket parks and small plazas are sprinkled through the area, sometimes integrated into newer developments.

For park maps and amenities near your specific block, use official resources from Denver Parks & Recreation. You can also browse city open space and trails maps to plan runs and rides.

Dining, coffee, and local retail

If you like to explore food and coffee, the Highlands and LoHi corridor will keep you busy. Independent restaurants, gastropubs, bakeries, and cafes line LoHi and Platte Street, plus 32nd Avenue around Highland Square. Food hall and multi-tenant concepts have opened in and near the area in recent years, giving you a one-roof option for casual meetups. Personal services like salons, dry cleaners, fitness studios, and small grocers are part of the mix, so most everyday needs are within a short walk or ride.

Renters and first-time buyers: key tips

If you are weighing a rental today and a purchase later, or you are aiming to buy your first home now, a plan will help you move faster when the right place shows up.

Budget and affordability

• Expect prices and rents that are higher than the overall Denver city average. The trade-off is proximity, walkability, and amenities.
• For condos and townhomes, factor HOA dues into your monthly payment. Review the rules and long-term reserves.
• For historic homes, consider maintenance and small updates in your budget. Even a fresh coat of paint or a small systems upgrade can help you settle in.
• Parking can be a cost if it is not included. Decide early how important a dedicated space or garage is to your daily routine.

A quick pre-approval and a realistic budget that includes HOA dues, property tax estimates, insurance, and a small renovation cushion will position you to act with confidence.

Schools and enrollment

School assignments are set by address within Denver Public Schools. If school access is part of your decision, review official boundary tools and enrollment policies. Start with the Denver Public Schools site to explore boundary maps and enrollment steps, then visit schools to learn about programs and schedules that meet your needs.

Noise and nightlife

LoHi’s dining and nightlife bring energy and foot traffic, especially on weekends. If your ideal evenings are quieter, look at residential blocks set back from main corridors or consider parts of West Highland or areas closer to Highland Square. Visit on different days and times so you can hear the street and see the parking patterns.

Zoning and development

This corridor has seen steady infill development and new mixed-use projects. If you want to understand what can be built near your target address, review parcel rules and design review areas with the City. Start with the City and County of Denver’s resources for planning and zoning at denvergov.org, or work with your agent to check parcel-level details.

Safety and data

Perceptions of safety vary block to block and by time of day. Review address-level data to inform your routine, such as lighting, foot traffic, and nearby businesses. The city’s Denver Open Data Portal and official police maps provide up-to-date statistics and mapping tools to help you evaluate routes and patterns.

A day in the life here

Picture this: You step out for coffee, grab a pastry a few doors down, then bike the path along the Platte into downtown for work. After, you meet friends for a casual dinner back in LoHi. Weekends bring a loop around Sloan’s Lake or a lazy brunch. Groceries and errands happen within a mile or two, and you can leave the car parked most days.

If this rhythm sounds right, Highlands and LoHi will feel natural. If you prefer more space and less bustle, aim for blocks that sit off the main corridors or look at parts of West Highland that keep you close but a touch calmer.

Is Highlands or LoHi a fit for you?

You may feel at home here if you want:

• A walkable, restaurant-forward lifestyle with quick access to downtown.
• A mix of historic charm and modern townhomes or condos.
• Bike and transit options that reduce daily driving.
• A variety of home sizes and types, including condos and smaller-lot single-family homes.

You may want to compare other neighborhoods if you prefer:

• Larger lots and more private outdoor space as a must-have.
• Very low evening activity on your block.
• A price point that matches more suburban or outer-neighborhood options.

How we can help

Buying or renting in Highlands and LoHi takes local knowledge, strong budgeting, and a feel for the blocks that match your lifestyle. Our team lives the neighborhood rhythms and can guide you from rental to first purchase to long-term home, with clear steps and friendly, professional support. If you are ready to tour or want a quick plan based on your budget, reach out to the Live.Laugh.Colorado. Real Estate Group to start a conversation.

FAQs

What is the difference between Highlands and LoHi?

• LoHi sits closest to downtown and the Platte River with a denser restaurant and nightlife scene, while Highland Square and West Highland feel more residential with small commercial corridors.

Are Highlands and LoHi walkable for daily errands?

• Yes. Many homes sit within walking distance of coffee, dining, and basic services along LoHi, Platte Street, and 32nd Avenue, with some errands requiring a short drive depending on your exact block.

How is transit access for commuting to downtown Denver?

• Downtown and Union Station are close, with bus routes through the area and regional rail at Union Station; plan routes with the official RTD site.

What housing types are most common in LoHi and Highlands?

• You will see historic single-family homes, early bungalows, townhomes, mid-rise condos, and some unique rowhouses or carriage house conversions.

What should first-time buyers budget for in condos or townhomes?

• Include HOA dues, property tax estimates, insurance, and a small reserve for repairs or updates; also factor parking costs if a space is not included.

Where can I verify school boundaries for an address in Highlands or LoHi?

• Use the official tools and enrollment information on the Denver Public Schools site to confirm schools by address and learn about enrollment policies.

How can I check crime and safety data by block?

• Review address-level statistics and maps on the city’s Denver Open Data Portal to see recent reports and trends around your target streets.