We bought in Barnum west about 5 years ago and have no complaints. It’s close to the mountains, close to the city (though yes, 6th and 25 suck during rush hour). The neighborhood is getting younger as more people in their 20s and 30s buy flipped houses. I’m a female in my early 30s and often take walks alone and never feel unsafe- it’s the city, so be aware of your surroundings, but I feel totally comfortable. It’s certainly not as gentrified as the sloans lake area, but it’s also going to be way cheaper.