Situated in northwest Denver, this quickly changing neighborhood has long been a hot spot for fantastic restaurants, eccentric coffee shops, and Denver squares. Bounded to the north by I-70, this neighborhood is in a convenient location and close to other hip enclaves. Here’s what it’s like living in Berkeley.

The sign outside Berkeley Park in Berkeley Denver Colorado
Berkeley Park is a scenic spot for Denverites. / Photo by Jeffrey Beall / CC BY-ND 2.0

Neighborhood Vibes

The charming streets of this low-key locale provide respite for city dwellers. A far cry from sleepy suburbia, Berkeley’s quiet neighborhood streets surround bustling dive bars, coffee shops, and boutique retail stores. The diverse neighborhood attracts residents from all walks of life. Community is key in this welcoming Denver enclave, and transplants can easily make new friends.

Things to Do

Berkeley residents can spend a year dining and drinking out and never get tired of all the wonderful amenities this neighborhood has to offer. From florists to barbershops and everything in between, you don't need to travel far to take care of errands, splurge on a new outfit, or get a workout in. 

DriveTrain Fitness and Ohana Yoga + Barre are two new and popular exercise studios that offer innovative, effective workouts. Spruce barbershop and Evolution Salon receive glowing reviews from patrons and sell all-natural grooming products. Each summer, the Denver Berkeley Park Arts + Music Festival draws Denverites of all ages to its park for a lively festival. Mosey around Fish Den and check out colorful tropical fish or peruse the eclectic collection of books at For Heaven’s Sake.

Getting Around

Berkeley continuously scores high on walkability charts as residents can easily stroll from one end of the neighborhood to the other. Each block unveils stately Tudors and historic Denver squares. The area’s close proximity to I-70 makes getting into the mountains much easier than some of the city’s interior neighborhoods. I-25 is just east, so commuters to Denver Tech Center (DTC) or northern cities can easily commute via car. Pick up the Light Rail at West 44th and Tennyson or Federal Boulevard and West 44th Avenue.

Berkeley is also a great neighborhood for biking, and residents can rent B-cycles from a station just south in West Highland. Buying a bicycle to ride around the sleepy streets would be a solid investment for any Berkeley resident. 

Real Estate

Berkeley continues to land on “best of” lists, and it's one of Denver’s most desirable neighborhoods. Real estate prices reflect its popularity, but those looking to live in this happening enclave can find good deals. The median home sale price in Berkeley is in the low $600s, but residents get plenty of bang for their buck. Homes here are spacious and offer significantly more lot space than interior Denver neighborhoods.

Where to Eat and Drink

This area’s proximity to Federal Boulevard means there are plenty of authentic international food options including Vietnamese, Mexican, and Thai. Also, craft beer lovers can sample all sorts of carbonated varietals from places like De Steeg Brewing, Call to Arms, and The Emporium. Oasis Brewing Co. lies on the east side of the neighborhood and, if Berkeley visitors want to go on a complete brewery tour, there are even more spots in Sunnyside to the east and West Highland to the south.

Dining options are aplenty along Tennyson Street. Grab an interesting pizza at Hops & Pie or load up on fresh fish at Sushi Bay. The Way Back, Il Porcellino Salumi, and Revelry Kitchen serve up casual yet delicious fare that’s perfect for brunches, picnics in the park, and date-night dinners.

Sip craft cocktails at The Tatarian or grab a cheap beer at the Berkeley Inn. Listen to live music at Tennyson’s Tap or love on some adoptable cats while snacking on a tasty pastry and hot cup of coffee at Denver Cat Company. There’s no shortage of places to dine and drink in Berkeley.

Tennyson Street

This hot spot is akin to any small town’s main street, and it's lined with shops, restaurants, retailers, and art galleries. Spend a Sunday afternoon strolling along its bustling sidewalks or dress up for a date night on Tennyson. Pre-pandemic activities included First Friday art walks, beer releases, sidewalk sales, and more.

Residents throughout Denver flock to Tennyson Street on weekend nights to enjoy a bit of a reprieve from the nightlife in LoDo, South Broadway, and the Highlands. Tennyson’s down-home charm coupled with its locals-only vibe makes it the top spot to spend every Friday night.

Beautiful Parks

At the northeast and northwest corners of Berkley lie two fantastic parks with small lakes. Rocky Mountain Lake Park and Berkeley Lake Park offer running trails, grassy open space, tennis courts, and a recreation center. Visitors with dogs can choose from one of 12 dog parks located throughout Berkley and meet other dog-owners in the process.

The Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong living in Berkeley. From young families to empty nesters, this neighborhood is welcoming and inclusive. Transplants and natives have found homes here and thrived in the cultural, artistic enclave. Foodies, craft beer lovers, and socialites will never run out of things to do, while introverts can embrace the oasis that this northwest outpost has to offer.