Montbello’s History

Posted February 24, 2026

🏞️ Early land (before the 1960s)

Before Montbello existed, the area in far northeast Denver was largely open farmland and ranch land populated by cattle and cowboys.
Much of the land was purchased in the 1950s in preparation for suburban development.

🏗️ Creation of Montbello (1960s)

Montbello is considered a relatively young Denver neighborhood.

  • Founded: 1965
  • It was Denver’s first major annexation of privately owned land, adding more than 2,600 acres to the city.
  • Developer: Perl-Mack Construction built many of the first homes.
  • Goal: create a self-sufficient suburban community with housing, schools, and services.

The name “Montbello” is often said to come from Italian words meaning “beautiful mountain,” referencing views of the Continental Divide.

🏘️ Growth and suburban era (1970s–1990s)

During the 1970s and 1980s:

  • Thousands of single-family homes were built.
  • The area developed as a working- and middle-class suburban community.
  • Montbello High School opened in 1980, becoming a major community anchor.

Over time, Montbello became one of Denver’s most populous neighborhoods, though with relatively low density due to large residential lots.

🌎 Demographic and cultural evolution

Montbello has long been known for its diversity.

  • Historically had a large Black/African American population.
  • By 2020, the population was about:
    • 65% Hispanic/Latino
    • 21% Black
    • Smaller percentages of other groups
  • More than half of residents over age 5 speak Spanish at home.

Today it is widely described as a multicultural, multilingual community.

🏫 Key community milestones (2000s–2020s)

School changes

  • Montbello High School was closed in 2014, which many residents opposed.
  • After strong community advocacy, it reopened in 2022.

Community development

  • Grassroots organizations like the Montbello Organizing Committee formed to address housing, jobs, and education issues.
  • The FreshLo community hub project broke ground in 2023, bringing affordable housing, a grocery store, and community services.

⭐ Montbello today

Montbello (including ZIP code 80239) is now:

  • One of the largest neighborhoods in Denver
  • Known for strong community identity and resilience
  • Continuing to evolve with new investment and development

Many residents describe it as a “city within a city” because of its size and tight-knit community networks.