Torn between a sleek LoHi townhome and a charming Highlands bungalow? You are not alone. Your choice shapes your daily routine, monthly costs, and long‑term flexibility. In this guide, you will compare layout, outdoor space, parking, walkability, HOAs, and renovation paths so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick neighborhood snapshot
LoHi (Lower Highlands) sits just northwest of downtown and is known for newer infill, townhomes, condos, and a busy dining scene. The broader Highlands area (including West Highland, Potter Highlands, and Highlands Square) features historic single‑family streets with classic architecture and local shops. For a sense of each pocket’s character and connections to downtown, explore the city’s neighborhood guide to the Highlands and the Highland pedestrian bridge on Denver’s official guide.
Market context matters. In the Highland neighborhood, the median sold price was about $770,000 as of June 2025, and prices were trending lower year over year, according to Rocket’s market snapshot. Metro Denver also shifted toward a more buyer‑friendly landscape in 2025, with more inventory and softening pressure, as reported by Axios Denver. Always confirm current, block‑level comps before you write an offer.
Layout and living style
LoHi townhomes
Many LoHi homes are multi‑level townhomes or boutique condos built or renovated since the 1990s. Expect open‑plan living, tall ceilings, and intentional outdoor spaces like balconies and rooftop decks. Floor plans are vertical, commonly spreading 1,000 to 2,000+ square feet across two or three levels, often with attached or structured parking.
Highlands bungalows and Victorians
In the Highlands, you will find early‑1900s bungalows, Denver Squares, Craftsman homes, and Victorians. These often keep original details like porches and fireplaces, with tasteful renovations that add modern systems. Layouts favor main‑floor living in many bungalows, with basements or finished attics depending on the home.
Outdoor space and privacy
Townhomes in LoHi lean into rooftop decks and small patios. You get skyline views and low‑maintenance living, but larger private yards are uncommon. In the Highlands, front porches and fenced backyards are the norm, which suits gardening, pets, and relaxed outdoor hosting.
Micro‑location affects privacy. LoHi’s dining and nightlife cluster brings more evening activity on commercial blocks. For a feel of the local hot spots, see Eater’s LoHi dining map. If you prefer a quieter rhythm, interior blocks of West Highland and Highlands Square generally feel more residential.
Parking and storage
LoHi townhomes often include an attached garage or assigned parking in a small structure. Guest parking and permit rules vary by building and block. Street parking can feel tight near popular restaurants.
Highlands bungalows typically include a detached 1–2 car garage or off‑alley pad. Some older homes lack dedicated off‑street parking, and street availability shrinks near commercial corridors. Always verify garage access, alley condition, and curb rules before committing.
HOAs, maintenance, and monthly costs
Townhome ownership in LoHi commonly includes an HOA. Dues often sit in a mid‑range band and may cover master insurance, roof and exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, trash, and reserves. The exact scope changes your out‑of‑pocket costs, so study the HOA budget, reserve study, and rules closely.
Most Highlands single‑family homes are not in an HOA. You will handle exterior upkeep directly, which gives you control over timing and finish. If the home is on a landmarked block, exterior changes can require design review. Review Denver’s Landmark Preservation guidelines early if you plan visible updates.
Walkability, commute, and daily rhythm
Both areas are walkable, but LoHi’s core is closest to downtown and Union Station. The Highland pedestrian bridge and Platte River paths give you quick bike and foot access to the city’s center, which appeals if you want a car‑light lifestyle. See the city’s Highlands neighborhood guide for connections and local highlights.
Highlands Square and West Highland offer excellent coffee, dining, and boutiques, with a calmer feel on the interior streets. Your exact experience depends on your block and how close you are to commercial corridors.
Flexibility: ADUs and renovations
If added space or future rental income matters, single‑family lots in the Highlands now offer more potential. Colorado’s 2025 ADU law requires jurisdictions to allow an accessory dwelling unit on single‑unit lots under objective rules, with local implementation steps underway. Learn more from the state’s overview of ADU policy changes. In designated historic districts, exterior changes and new structures can require review under Denver’s Landmark guidelines. Plan timelines and budgets with those checkpoints in mind.
Street parking and permit rules to confirm
Denver rolled out permit and paid‑parking conversions across several neighborhoods between 2024 and 2026. Before you rely on street parking for daily use or guests, review current curbside plans and maps on the city’s Access Plans page.
On‑tour checklist
For LoHi townhomes
- Clarify rooftop deck ownership and who pays for railings, waterproofing, and future replacement.
- Read the full HOA package: monthly dues, coverage list, master insurance, most recent reserve study, and any special assessments.
- Confirm parking details: deeded or assigned spaces, guest parking rules, permit eligibility, and nearby paid‑parking zones.
- Test for noise transfer and ask about adjacent uses, especially if you are near busy dining corridors.
For Highlands bungalows
- Verify lot size, property lines, alley access, and the condition of any detached garage.
- Check landmark status and whether exterior work will require design review under Denver’s Landmark guidelines.
- Evaluate major systems: roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical, and confirm permits for visible renovations.
- Explore ADU potential given the state and local changes; start with the Colorado ADU overview and confirm site‑specific rules with the city.
For both property types
- Pull dated, block‑level comps and days‑on‑market trends. The Highland median was about $770,000 as of June 2025 per Rocket’s report, but micro‑location drives value.
- Review curbside and permit parking status on Denver’s Access Plans page for your exact block.
Which one fits you?
Choose a LoHi townhome if you want lock‑and‑leave convenience, newer construction, and quick access to downtown on foot or by bike. Look closely at HOA scope, parking arrangements, and micro‑location to balance energy and quiet.
Choose a Highlands bungalow if you want a private yard, porch culture, and more control over exterior choices. If long‑term flexibility is a goal, a single‑family lot may offer ADU potential, subject to historic‑district review where applicable.
If you are still deciding, tour both styles on the same day. Pay attention to the stairs, the feel of outdoor space, your parking routine, and noise at the times you live most. A short, focused visit can make the choice obvious.
Ready to compare live listings and run block‑level comps? Reach out to Lara Johnson‑Lara Property Group for a concierge tour plan and a clear, data‑backed path to your best fit.
FAQs
What are typical HOA fees for LoHi townhomes?
- Many LoHi townhome HOAs fall in a mid‑range monthly band and often include master insurance, exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, trash, and reserves; review the budget and reserve study for exact coverage.
How noisy is LoHi at night near restaurants?
- LoHi concentrates popular restaurants and rooftops, so blocks near those corridors can be lively in the evening; see the local scene on Eater’s LoHi map, and evaluate noise on your tour at peak hours.
Can I add an ADU to a Highlands bungalow in 2026?
- Colorado’s 2025 ADU law expands single‑family ADU options, but designs in historic districts need review; start with the state’s ADU overview and Denver’s Landmark guidelines.
What is the current median price in the Highlands area?
- As of June 2025, the Highland neighborhood’s median sold price was about $770,000 per Rocket’s market report; verify the latest comps for your block before offering.
Is street parking by permit in LoHi and the Highlands?
- Many blocks use permit or paid zones that expanded between 2024 and 2026; check your exact address on Denver’s Access Plans page before you rely on street parking.
