Hilltop Neighborhood: A view from above

Living with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver folks definitely know a mountain from a molehill. Many might think that the Hilltop neighborhood is perched high on a gigantic plateau, with spectacular views of the city and beyond. But while the area is indeed elevated with a nice Front Range vista from the sundial at Cranmer Park, the peak aspect of Hilltop might just be the overall environment.

Hilltop is a place with top-notch accoutrements. Graland Country Day School’s K-9 private campus incorporates both traditional and innovative teaching methods, as well as the value of community service. Directly across the street at Cranmer Park, the sundial sculpture remains a cherished Denver landmark. Acclaimed hospital Rose Medical Center was created in 1948 with the motto, “Our standards are simply higher.” The facility brought to Denver the region’s first coronary-care unit and is known for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, as well as its progressive programs in obstetrics, gynecology and newborn care.

The neighborhood is bordered by Colorado Boulevard on the west, 8th Avenue on the north, Holly Street to the east and Alameda Avenue on the south side. In the 1990s, as the pretty, tree-shaded area continued to gain in popularity, many comfortable 1950s ranch homes were converted with pop-top renovations and updates, and construction crews were everywhere. Today, the neighborhood is a mix of traditional housing, sleek updated residences and classic, sprawling homes. Cableland, located at the southwest corner of the area, encompasses seven lots and was home of cable-TV magnate Bill Daniels, who willed the property to the City of Denver as a mayoral residence in the late 1990s. While mayors didn’t reside in the plush mansion, it was used as a fundraising center to aid local nonprofits.

Hilltop may not have the highest per-capita income level in town, but it does reflect hefty salaries and home values. Education is another key component of those who live here...the ratio of those with college experience all the way to graduate degrees compared to residents with a high-school education is 6 to 1. There's a lot of tradition here, and longtime Hilltop homeowners support and take pride in their neighborhood services and businesses, such as Pete’s Fruits & Vegetables. The iconic family-run grocery was offering fresh produce and sundries long before farmers' markets came into vogue and continues to attract locals, as well as those from around the city. 

HelloDenver tip: Not all Hilltop home pop-tops and remodeling projects are aesthetically motivated. One neighborhood home was featured on local TV for its green-centric renovation, including a geothermal pump to handle its cooling and heating.

Hilltop Denver Graland Country Day School Cranmer Park sundial park Cableland residence Rose Medical Center Pete's Fruits & Vegetables