Life in Denver: West Highland Neighborhood
West Highland, a tiny residential enclave just north of Sloan’s Lake, is perfect for singles and families alike. With its trendier sisters nearby—Highland to the east and Berkeley to the north—West Highland feels like a local’s spot fitted with all the amenities.
West Highland Boundaries: 38th Ave (North), Federal Blvd (East), 29th Ave (South), Sheridan Blvd (West)
A Quick History of West Highland
Only three miles northwest of downtown Denver, West Highland was established in the late 1850s. What started as a lush farm and single community dining room became a residential haven in the century to come.
The Town of Highlands, as it was once called, was promoted as a quieter, cleaner, and safer setting than downtown Denver. Today, West Highland maintains this reputation and more!
What the Locals Say About West Highland
Ask what West Highlanders love about their neighborhood, and they gush about everything from food to family.
Love West Highland, not as hustle and bustle as the city but close enough to be able to ride [my] bike downtown. – Trulia Review
The Highlands events on 32nd Street make this neighborhood very special! In the summer there’s a farmers market every Sunday, and they have holiday events as well. The restaurants in this area are also amazing! – Trulia Review
The neighborhood has made many drastic improvements over the last 4 years… There are so many fun, upbeat places to eat, drink, and spend time with friends and family. There is a great balance between night life and quiet family feel. – Niche Review
8 Reasons to Love West Highland
#1 Highland Square
Highland Square is the epicenter of the neighborhood. There’s tooooooons of food and drink—including Mexican, Japanese, and Indian cuisines - some of our faves include El Camino, Trattoria Stella, Sushi Hai and Blue Pan Pizza. If you’re a wine kind of person, you can stop at Mondo Vino for a bottle (or several). Or check out Novo Coffee for your caffeine fix!
There are also plenty of markets to peruse, like this seasonal farmers’ market or the Seafood Landing fish market. With all these options, Highlands Square is definitely a foodie highlight.
#2 Boutique Shopping
For the shop-until-you-drop crowd, West Highland delivers. On the clothing front, stop by Rustic Thread for bohemian, boho, and indie fashion. And for gifts and cards, look no further than Wordshop, where you’ll find some of the most creative and beautiful cards you’ve ever seen.
If you’re into clean and sustainable goods, try Joy Fill. Here you can get all the earth-and-you-friendly makeup, household cleaners, and other personal care products you need to live your best life. When you’re out and about, you’re unlikely to leave empty handed!
#3 Sloan’s Lake Park
This nearby park has everything you could want: serene mountain views, lush trees and gardens, playgrounds, athletic areas, and water activities like stand-up paddle boarding. Take the kids and the dogs and make a day of it.
#4 Ta Da Gymnastic Studio
Got kiddos? Ta Da Gymnastic Studio is the perfect place to let them expend all that energy. They offer open gym sessions, parties, and classes. Whether you’re looking to jump around for an afternoon or get your kids on the gymnast track, Ta Da is a great option for anyone looking for an energetic atmosphere that supports kids’ development while having fun!
#5 Dogs on Dogs on Dogs
A quick swipe through neighborhood reviews reveals an important neighborhood asset: West Highland is super-duper dog-friendly! With plenty of thoroughfares, small parks, and Simpawtico, an independent pet store, this neighborhood is a pooch’s (and owner’s) dream.
#6 The Historic Elitch Theatre
With renovations completed as recently as 2021, the Historic Elitch Theatre remains Denver’s oldest cultural venue. Beginning with its 1891 ribbon-cutting, the Elitch offered movie screenings and live performances. Grace Kelly even performed at this neighborhood treasure! Today, you can find movie nights, tours, and other community events. This Colorado staple is worth a visit.
#7 Walkability
West Highland is the perfect walkabout neighborhood. It boasts wide sidewalks, plenty of public transportation, and a pedestrian bridge connecting to downtown. If you’re looking to ditch the car a little more often, this neighborhood is your next big adventure.
#8 Seasonal Events
Thanks to its vibrant community, the Highland Merchants Association plays host to some of Denver’s favorite seasonal events. In addition to the summer farmers market, you can attend the Highlands Street Fair every June. Or, if you’re more into the holly and jolly, give Holiday in the Highlands a try!
Ready to join the West Highland community?
Most residents of West Highland are homeowners. You can make it your home, too! Book a Discovery Meeting today and tell us all about your real estate dreams.
Images courtesy of The Highlands and Workshop Facebook Pages