University Park Neighborhood
Denver, Colorado

University Park is a desirable neighborhood near the DU campus that is full of high-ticket real estate.

Population: 8,066 | Average Home Value: $1,046,412
Median Age: 34.6 | Walk Score: 63/100
Transit Score: 49/100 | Bike Score: 71/100

Denver Neighborhoods > University Park

Bordered by: Cory-Merrill, University Hills, Wellshire, University

University Park Overview

Bordered by I-25, Colorado Boulevard, and the University of Denver campus, University Park is one of South Denver’s most coveted neighborhoods. Real estate doesn’t come cheap, so you’ll need to pay a premium to live here.

Jump to: 

Real Estate • Entertainment • Restaurants & Cafes • Groceries • Schools • Shopping • Fitness

Real Estate

University Park offers a mix of historic homes and modern condos, making it a safe and desirable neighborhood for families, students, and young professionals.

One-bedroom rentals start around $1,200 and run up to $2,000 per month, while houses for rent start average around $3,500 per month.

Those interested in buying a house in University Park can expect to spend $700,000 on the low end and up to $5 million for the more luxurious listings. Condos for sale are sparse but tend to sit comfortably in the mid-six figures.

Entertainment

Although University Park is predominantly residential, it’s within close range of plentiful entertainment options in adjacent neighborhoods.

Urban nature lovers will appreciate this neighborhood’s two parks, Observatory Park and Robert H. McWilliams Park. Though humble in size, these parks offer playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts, as well as plenty of grass to spread out and run around.

Those with a flair for the dramatic will appreciate the highly-reviewed Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus, which hosts frequent plays, concerts, and theater performances.

Dave & Busters and the Regal UA cinema await gamers and movie buffs on the east side of Colorado Boulevard. Those looking to grab a cold beer and catch a game can join DU’s students at the Crimson and Gold Tavern or The Pioneer Bar on University Boulevard.

Restaurants & Cafes

Thanks to its high concentration of college students, University Park has plentiful restaurants and cafés within striking distance.

For our money, there’s no better place in South Denver to grab a hot dog or burger than Mustard’s Last Stand, a Chicago-style eatery that Coloradans have enjoyed for the last 45 years.

Another Denver institution, Pete’s University Park Café, is just down the road. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Pete’s offers hot, greasy, and affordable brunch for anyone seeking Greek-inspired comfort food.

For even more delicious fare, cruise up and down Colorado Boulevard, where you’ll find food from all over the map. Craving Japanese? Check out Kiki’s. Want to try some top-notch shawarma? Check out Baghdad Restaurant. Dying for some dumplings? Check out Linglon.

Groceries

Seeing as University Park is full of hungry families, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of quality grocery stores nearby.

Natural Grocers, just north of Evans Ave, is a high-end Colorado grocery chain for health-conscious shoppers. (Yes, it’s true that they only sell organic produce.)

Those looking to spend a little less will appreciate Sprouts and King Soopers on Colorado Boulevard, which are just a couple of blocks apart from each other.

Schools

As you’ve probably gathered by now, University Park is adjacent to one of Colorado’s finest colleges, the University of Denver, where over 12,000 students pursue higher education.

Families with younger children have plenty of highly rated public schools nearby. University Park Elementary School, St. Vincent de Paul School, Merrill Middle School, and South High School are a few of the top options.

Parents who prefer to send their children to a private school also have plenty of choices. Denver Academy, Most Precious Blood School, and Accelerated Schools all receive excellent ratings.

Shopping

Those looking for shopping should head to Colorado Boulevard, where they’ll find a solid selection of retail options.

Within the University Hills Plaza complex, shoppers have access to Target, CVS, Ace Hardware, Party City (these still exist?), Bikesource University Hills, and Push Pedal Pull, an exercise equipment store.

On the other side of Yale Avenue, less exciting retail options like Michaels, Marshalls, Office Depot, and Grill Cleaning Denver County await. Riveting stuff.

Wine lovers and beer nerds within University Park enjoy easy access to Total Wine & More, an impressively stocked liquor store that offers free samples, delivery, and a small selection of cigars.

Fitness

Though University Park is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Denver, it doesn’t offer a high concentration of gyms and studios like other exercise-centric parts of the city.

The only fitness center directly within the neighborhood is the University Hills Schlessman YMCA, which offers weights, pools, and various classes for children, retirees, and everyone in between.

Coors Fitness Center on the University of Denver campus offers a broader range of activities than the YMCA (ice skating, anyone?), though private memberships for non-students run upwards of $100 a month.

Those searching for yoga should head north to the Cory-Merrill neighborhood and check out CorePower. Though this particular studio is in a congested strip mall and parking can be tricky, customers still love it and return glowing reviews.