The Hills South offers a tranquil neighborhood marked by quiet streets and nearby green spaces that provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor relaxation. Its well-developed cycling infrastructure makes traveling by bicycle convenient and safe throughout the community. The area hosts a variety of businesses, including cafes and restaurants, creating pleasant spots for dining and social gatherings. A short distance from primary education options, residents benefit from access to both public and private elementary schools. Most housing consists of charming single detached homes, built primarily between the 1960s and 1990s, featuring a wide range of bedroom sizes to accommodate diverse preferences.
The Hills South is a "jack-of-all-trades" when it comes to the feel of this part of the community. The Hills South is excellent for those who enjoy a quiet atmosphere, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor. On the other hand, public green spaces are easy to reach since there are a few of them close by for residents to discover. Finally, although the atmosphere is not the liveliest in this part of the community with the bars in nearby neighborhoods, it is easy to find a place to grab a drink as they are generally located within a short distance.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Just east of The Hills South, Cherry Creek State Park provides an unusually expansive outdoor amenity for a suburban neighborhood. Residents can reach the park from nearby Orchard Road and enjoy a reservoir, swim beach, picnic areas, dog-friendly spaces, camping, and more than a dozen miles of trails. Its open landscape adds a recreational counterpoint to the neighborhood’s established residential streets.
The Hills South is associated with Cherry Creek School District 5, one of the area’s defining draws for families. Nearby public-school assignments commonly include Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Campus Middle School, and Cherry Creek High School, creating a recognizable educational pathway close to the neighborhood. The district connection also helps explain the area’s strong family-oriented appeal and long-term residential demand.
The commercial frontage along East Orchard Road gives The Hills South convenient access to everyday dining, coffee, personal services, and neighborhood errands without requiring a trip into central Denver. This corridor connects the residential streets with the broader southeast metro area, while nearby Havana Street and Arapahoe Road expand the selection of restaurants and practical services within a short drive.
The Streets at SouthGlenn, north of The Hills South near South University Boulevard and East Arapahoe Road, serves as a major nearby shopping and dining destination. The open-air center combines grocery shopping, restaurants, fitness businesses, entertainment, and local services in one walkable complex. Its proximity gives residents access to a broader retail district while the neighborhood itself remains primarily quiet and residential.
The Cherry Creek Regional Trail is a standout recreational connection near The Hills South, linking the neighborhood’s southeast metro setting with Cherry Creek State Park, adjoining communities, and longer regional routes. Access points around the Orchard Road and Parker Road area support walking, running, and cycling, making it possible to reach parks and open space without relying entirely on a car.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This watch-focused shopping event is especially convenient for Cherry Creek and The Hills South residents, taking place at the nearby Cherry Creek Shopping Center. It offers an easy local outing for enthusiasts or anyone interested in browsing luxury timepieces and meeting representatives without traveling downtown.
View event details →The market’s final 2026 Saturday is a highly walkable or short-drive option for local residents, with Colorado produce, flowers, baked goods, coffee, prepared food, artisan products and likely live music. It is a relaxed family-friendly way to shop locally and enjoy the Cherry Creek neighborhood.
View event details →Located just west of Cherry Creek, this nighttime fall experience is an easy nearby seasonal outing for families, couples and visiting guests. Visitors follow illuminated garden paths filled with real carved pumpkins, performers and autumn scenery, creating a festive Halloween activity without leaving central Denver.
View event details →Four Mile Historic Park is close to Cherry Creek and offers a full fall day with pumpkin patches, carving and painting, crafts, food trucks, historical demonstrations, a marketplace and live performances. The accessible pumpkin patch and sensory activities also make this a particularly useful family outing for nearby residents.
View event details →For residents wanting an arts-focused regional activity, Denver Film Festival offers screenings, filmmaker events, parties and special presentations across the city. The Sie FilmCenter is especially convenient from Cherry Creek, making it practical to attend one evening screening or build a larger film-focused weekend itinerary.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in The Hills South
Local characteristics and demographics for The Hills South
