Ruby Hill

Ruby Hill has long been synonymous with crime. This area of southwest Denver, and many other areas located just off of Federal Blvd. have had problems with crime for many years. In just this year alone there have been multiple car thefts, drug/alcohol related arrests, burglary and armed robbery. The thing about Ruby Hill is that you can tell some of the homeowners are trying their best to improve the neighborhood by tending to their landscaping, making sure the walks are clean, etc. Unfortunately, this location just seems to be plagued.

Godsman Elementary is the only school in this neighborhood although there are several more very close by. Godsman Elementary has the lowest rating possible for state standardized tests. On a scale of 1-10 it has scored a 1, the very worst you can score. Although it's not surprising, it is sad that these children aren't given more options or that there isn't more involvement from the families and administration to get things back on track.

Ruby Hill has Federal Blvd. on the west side as a border. There are numerous businesses here and Federal has always been a very busy street. In parts is can look dirty and run down.

Ruby Hill does have one special gem though: the park. Ruby Hill Park has been known for years as the place to go when you want to go sledding. After a big snow storm you can find tons of people out in the park sledding, learning to snowboard, and just having fun. People come from all around the city to enjoy the great slopes in this park.

I mostly am personally familiar with Ruby Hill simply as a spot on the other side of Aqua Golf, which I visited a few times. I also know it by reputation because of the sloped hill in Ruby Hill park, which is very popular in winter. It's tailor-made for sleds, and sometimes there are even beginning skiers trying out planks or boards as they take lessons in the park.

So far, so good. The downside is that this is--well--Southwest Denver. I don't think I'll ever be tempted to spend much time here. It's just got a rather flat feel to it, without much spirit or interest. And that's not even addressing the problem of persistent areas of crime.

However, this area seems to hold a lasting appeal for people who clearly have very different tastes and priorities than I do. Actually, that probably covers the majority of people, so there's every reason for these neighborhoods to be popular. Families find some neighborhoods in this part of town appealing for the lower costs, good views and many park spaces. On the other hand, those looking for a safe, suburban-style family neighborhood should probably look elsewhere.

Overall, Ruby Hill is a sort of patchwork of good and bad. Street-smarts will help you locate the safer areas here, but I would advise house-hunters to use caution. On the right block, you could find a low-cost and safe family area. In other spots, this can be a worrying part of town.