LoHi is part of the Denver Highland neighborhood. The name refers to the lower area of the Highland neighborhood. It is just across I-25, on the west side of downtown Denver. Borders include West 38th Avenue, I-25, Zuni Street and Speer Boulevard.
The white foot bridge that you have either seen in pictures, or probably drive under a few times a week, takes you from LoHi, over I-25 and directly into the heart of LoDo. This isn’t the first connection from Highland to downtown though, in the early 1900’s, this neighborhood was connected to downtown by the Denver Tramway Corporation streetcar line, as a streetcar suburb. It lasted until the 1950’s and the Highland Bridge was built in 2006.
Forbes has recognized LoHi as one of the 17th “Best Hipster Neighborhood” in the country. “The Lower Highlands — LoHi for short– peddles rooftop bars, festivals like the LoHi Music Festival, street fairs, and the third highest number of coffee shops per capita in our round up. Navajo Street Art District, Denver’s officially designated arts district.” Not sure we fully agree with Forbes in their designation as there are other neighborhoods like the Santa Fe Arts District and RiNo that some may argue deserve that title. But, we do agree that LoHi is a neighborhood filled with artistic energy, especially if you love music.
Take a look at the pictures in our photo album! You will see homes built in the 1900’s, with newer trendy homes squeezed between. Rooftop bars and patios with views of the mountains and downtown Denver are the THING. Parking may not be easy, but once you are parked, it is a neighborhood you will want to explore by foot, walkability is one of the things that attracts most residents and visitors to LoHi. Remember, you can even continue your day or night into downtown Denver without moving your car, by continuing your journey over the Highland bridge discussed above.
Originally referred to “Highland Park”, this Denver suburb attracted large numbers of Italian immigrants in the early 1900’s. Developers from that time went with a Scottish Highlands theme to distinguish the area, which is the reason for the many Scottish street names.
LoHi is probably considered the most family-friendly neighborhood closest to downtown Denver. You will find some beautiful parks for both kids and pets, again, all within walking distance. Originally home to our Italian and Latino homeowners (those beautiful old homes that you will still find here and there), LoHi has become a sought out neighborhood for renters and homeowners, almost equally in numbers.