University Hills

University Hills (often referred to by locals as U-Hills) is an established residential neighborhood in southeast Denver, Colorado, situated approximately seven miles southeast of Downtown Denver. The neighborhood is bounded by East Yale Avenue to the north, East Hampden Avenue (US 285) to the south, South Colorado Boulevard to the west, and Interstate 25 and South Dahlia Street to the east. Valued for its quintessential mid-century appeal, generous lot sizes, and remarkable urban connectivity, University Hills provides a quiet suburban atmosphere without compromising proximity to Denver's city center.

The neighborhood is primarily characterized by mid-century brick ranch homes, traditional split-levels, and 1950s bungalows, alongside an increasing number of contemporary modern infill properties. Anchored by the expansive Eisenhower Park and the busy South Colorado Boulevard commercial corridor, University Hills offers residents a balanced mix of green open spaces, convenient everyday retail, and convenient regional transit options.

What to Love About University Hills

University Hills earns consistent loyalty from residents and strong demand from buyers seeking a quiet mid-century neighborhood aesthetic, spacious lot profiles, and excellent transit accessibility.

• A classic mid-century neighborhood feel featuring generous lot sizes and mature tree canopies
• Eisenhower Park and Recreation Center, featuring athletic fields, tennis courts, playground facilities, and a public pool
• Bradley International School, an acclaimed Denver Public Schools elementary and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
• Convenient retail and dining hubs along South Colorado Boulevard, including University Hills Plaza and U-Hills Shopping Center
• Excellent regional transit access via I-25 and RTD Light Rail stations at Yale and Colorado Stations
• Direct access to the High Line Canal Trail for biking, running, and outdoor recreation
• Proximity to the University of Denver (DU) campus, Wellshire Golf Course, and Washington Park
• A resilient real estate market offering expansive lot profiles for custom renovations and modern infill builds

Local Lifestyle

University Hills operates with the comfortable, unhurried rhythm of an established mid-century community. Mornings often start with local coffee or a jog through quiet residential streets connecting to Eisenhower Park. On weekends, families and neighbors gather for outdoor recreation, youth sports leagues, or quick shopping trips along South Colorado Boulevard.

The community attracts a diverse mix of residents: growing families drawn by the strong local public schools, professionals who commute to Downtown Denver or the Denver Tech Center (DTC), and long-time Denverites who cherish the neighborhood's quiet streets and generous yards. The suburban scale of the lots combined with rapid access to urban centers makes U-Hills a compelling alternative to higher-density central Denver enclaves.

Outdoor recreation is an integral part of the daily lifestyle. With the High Line Canal Trail weaving nearby and Eisenhower Park providing a full-service recreation center, pool, and sports facilities, active living is seamless for residents of all ages.

University Hills Real Estate Market Snapshot

University Hills is one of southeast Denver's most steady and attractive residential real estate markets. The combination of larger lot footprints, solid mid-century home construction, and location convenience drives consistent buyer demand and long-term property appreciation.

Market data is updated quarterly and sourced from REColorado. Contact The David Bell Group for current pricing, active listings, and off-market opportunities in University Hills.

Dining, Entertainment and Shopping

The commercial heart of University Hills stretches along South Colorado Boulevard, anchored by University Hills Plaza and the University Hills Shopping Center. This retail corridor provides immediate access to everyday essentials including Target, King Soopers, Trader Joe's, specialty toy stores, and hardware shops.

The dining scene features a relaxed blend of longtime neighborhood institutions and quick casual spots. Poppies Restaurant has served classic comfort dishes in a warm neighborhood setting for decades, while Crown Burgers is a beloved local staple famous for its pastrami burgers and classic diner fare. For fresh Japanese dishes, Kokoro Denver offers quick-service sushi and rice bowls, while local taverns along Colorado Boulevard provide casual gathering spots for evening drinks.

For additional entertainment, residents are minutes away from independent cinema at the Chez Artiste movie theater, the dining offerings around University Park, and the upscale shopping district of Cherry Creek North located a short drive north.

Things to Do in University Hills

University Hills centers its outdoor activities around Mamie D. Eisenhower Park. Spanning over 12 acres, this flagship neighborhood park features athletic fields, tennis courts, a children's playground, picnic pavilions, and the Eisenhower Recreation Center—complete with a heated pool, fitness equipment, and community programs.

The nearby High Line Canal Trail provides miles of continuous paths for cyclists, runners, and walkers looking to enjoy tree-shaded trails through southeast Denver.

Community athletic events, youth sports games at Eisenhower Park, and seasonal neighborhood gatherings take place throughout the year. Additionally, the public Wellshire Golf Course sits just west across South Colorado Boulevard, offering historic public golfing and clubhouse dining.

Schools in University Hills

University Hills is served by Denver Public Schools (DPS), offering well-regarded public boundary options alongside accessible private academies.

School boundaries are subject to change. Verify current assignments at dpsk12.org or contact The David Bell Group for a University Hills school boundary map.

Why Buyers Choose University Hills

University Hills offers an ideal balance of suburban space and central urban convenience. Buyers are drawn to the neighborhood's larger lot sizes—often ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet—which provide spacious backyards, private outdoor living space, and room for home expansions or modern rebuilds.

The neighborhood's strategic position between Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center, combined with immediate RTD Light Rail access, offers one of the most efficient commutes in the metro area. Coupled with top-tier schools like Bradley International, U-Hills provides a strong long-term foundation for homeowners.

Navigating the University Hills real estate market requires an understanding of both original mid-century homes and new construction infill trends. The David Bell Group brings deep local expertise in southeast Denver real estate to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About University Hills, Denver

What is University Hills known for in Denver?

University Hills is known for its quiet mid-century residential character, spacious lot sizes, classic ranch-style homes, and exceptional accessibility via South Colorado Boulevard and I-25. It is also well-regarded for Eisenhower Park and Bradley International School.

Where exactly is University Hills located?

University Hills is located in southeast Denver, roughly seven miles from Downtown Denver. It is bounded by East Yale Avenue to the north, East Hampden Avenue to the south, South Colorado Boulevard to the west, and I-25 and South Dahlia Street to the east.

What are home prices like in University Hills?

As of Q1 2026, the median sale price in University Hills is approximately $750,000, with a price per square foot ranging from $390 to $440. Housing options include original mid-century ranch homes, updated split-levels, and high-end new construction infill properties.

What schools serve University Hills?

University Hills is served by Denver Public Schools (DPS). Assigned boundary schools include Bradley International School (a highly regarded IB elementary), Hamilton Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School. Private options nearby include Most Precious Blood Catholic School.

Is University Hills a good neighborhood for families?

Yes. University Hills is a top choice for families due to its quiet, tree-lined streets, large yards, direct park access at Eisenhower Park, and access to highly rated DPS schools like Bradley International School.

How does University Hills compare to University Park?

University Hills sits just south of University Park across Yale Avenue. U-Hills generally offers slightly more generous lot sizes and a distinct mid-century architectural flavor at a somewhat more accessible price point than University Park, while sharing similar proximity to DU, light rail, and central Denver.

Does The David Bell Group specialize in University Hills real estate?

Yes. The David Bell Group at Milehimodern has extensive experience buying and selling homes in University Hills and surrounding southeast Denver neighborhoods, offering client guidance on home valuations, remodels, and market strategies.