Stroll the streets of Downtown Denver’s La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood and you’ll be taken in by colorful lights decorating many of the homes, the smell of Latino dishes wafting out of windows, and the charm of architecture that dates back to the turn of the century. This is a neighborhood teeming with a sense of family and one of the only places left where you’ll often find two and three generations still living in the same few blocks.
La Alma/Lincoln Park is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, and it lies just to the south of today’s Auraria Higher Education Center campus. This is where many a gold-seeker came to find fortune when Denver was settled in the 1850s. The homes still reflect the rich culture and beautiful attention to architectural detail from that period.
La Alma/Lincoln Park is often referred to as the “West Side.” This charming neighborhood is incredibly close to the heart of Downtown Denver, yet still attractively affordable. It’s a last oasis for those wanting to get into a historic neighborhood without the price tag that often accompanies such a venture.
In recent years, Santa Fe Drive, La Alma/Lincoln Park’s primary retail and commercial corridor, has come into its own. Revitalized and brimming with cafes, authentic Mexican bakeries, art galleries, photography studios, and a variety of offices, this area is alive both day and night. Nearly 20 buildings along this stretch have new facades, including two refurbished historic buildings, giving the entire area a fresh, vibrant feel.
