Congress Park - Denver, CO

As Denver’s population boomed in the 1880s and 90s, a need arose for more housing. Planners divided the area east of Capitol Hill, then known as Capitol Heights, into subdivisions, incorporating it into the city of Denver in 1889.

The area originally included a piece of land known as Cemetery Hill, atop which the city built a reservoir in 1890 to supply water to a growing population. The cemetery itself, near but not directly on the site of the reservoir, had fallen into disuse, and city planners began to fear it would reduce the neighborhood’s desirability. Thus, in the last decade of the 1800s Congress passed a bill allowing them to relocate the graves and convert the cemetery into Congress Park. The original park included what is now Cheesman Park and the Denver Botanic Gardens, and it quickly drew more residents to the neighborhood.

In the early decades of the 20th century, horse-drawn streetcars transported residents to and from downtown Denver, solidifying the area’s reputation as a commuter suburb. Another surge in interest came in 1970, when real estate agents rebranded Capitol Heights as Congress Park, the name still used today. It proved successful as a marketing tool, and the neighborhood has maintained its status as a desirable residential community ever since.

Though not a well-known culinary destination, Congress Park provides a range of dining options suitable for various budgets. Residents enjoy access to a variety of cuisines as well, from down-home American fare at family-owned sandwich counters and delis to Thai that introduces you to Southeast Asia. Chains such as Starbucks and Chipotle do exist here, but independently owned businesses represent the real draw of the area.

Fit for a casual night out or a special occasion, Barolo Grill on Sixth Avenue at the south end of the neighborhood supplies northern Italian cuisine at a great value. Even the most service-conscious customers find the waitstaff here impeccable, and the menu features local ingredients transformed into hearty Italian fare; everything from caramelized brussels sprouts to braised duck breast finds a place at the table. The star of the show, however, is the chef's tasting menu; Diners enjoy a five-course extravaganza best ordered with Italian wine pairings.

Farther north, on East 12th Avenue, Under the Umbrella Cafe and Bakery satisfies the hunger pangs of the neighborhood's early risers (and not-so-early risers, with breakfast available all day). With decor featuring exposed brick walls and cushy chairs and couches, you could spend hours here snacking on muffins and blueberry bars while sipping on some of the best coffee in the neighborhood. Diners swoon over the breakfast sandwiches in particular, which provides sustenance sorely needed after a celebratory night out.

Transportation options abound in Denver, though mass transit will not get you everywhere in the city. Most Congress Park residents walk or bike to and from daily activities, and those who work outside the neighborhood often rely on the extensive bus system of the Regional Transportation District. Several bus routes run east-west straight through the area, including numbers 6, 10 and 15. Bikers enjoy easier riding by following routes through Cheesman Park and along East 12th Avenue and the Seventh Avenue Parkway.

Residents who drive usually find on-street parking without too much trouble, though several garages provide an off-street option for a price. When all else fails, call a cab or request an Uber, both of which should not set you back much more than $15 if traveling to or from downtown.

Congress Park, the namesake park of the neighborhood, may no longer encompass the area it once did, but it still holds an impressive list of amenities in a small package. Situated in the southwest corner of the neighborhood, the park features tennis courts, picnic areas, a playground and a public outdoor pool. Numerous paths run through the park, offering walkers and runners a scenic place to exercise and a reprieve from the busyness of urban life.

Mere steps to the west, just outside the official border of Congress Park, lies the 23-acre Denver Botanic Gardens. Visitors walk through theme gardens such as Dryland Mesa and the Dwarf Conifer Collection, and an outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts during the summer months.

Housing costs in Congress Park come in a bit higher than the Denver average overall, but the variety of options available means homebuyers encounter a wide range of prices. Renters find one-bedroom apartments starting at about $750 per month, with prices increasing steeply from there. Residents also save on transportation costs due to the high walkability ratings and accessible amenities of the neighborhood.

Though primarily residential, Congress Park provides residents a surprisingly eclectic mix of shopping destinations. Shoppers will find chains here, including Ace Hardware for household needs, but people in the know flock to independent stores, particularly along East Sixth Avenue.

Wild Flowers, located on Madison Street in the northeast corner of the neighborhood, sells home and garden merchandise and distinctive gifts. Customers love the selection of greeting cards, which come in handy for the impossible task of marking a loved one’s birthday in a memorable way. The customer service wins high praise as well, with all staff receiving extensive training on houseplants and their proper care.

At the far northern edge of the neighborhood, Tattered Cover Book Store provides an independent place to get your literary fix. Readers of all ages converge on Tattered Cover, which also features a café with WiFi and a cozy fireplace. The store also holds regular book signings and other events.

Residents seeking groceries and everyday items find options for a range of budgets, from Trader Joe’s to the 12th Avenue Market and Deli. Food lovers in search of farm-fresh fare can head south to the neighborhood of Cherry Creek, where the Cherry Creek Fresh Market features farm-fresh fare on Wednesdays and Saturdays in warmer months.