Affordable Neighborhoods In Denver, Part II

Where can the Millennials find a place to live in Denver now? I get this question a lot. Back in February I wrote a blog on Affordable Neighborhoods Near Denver, http://lindseyfriedmanhomes.com/2016/02/29/affordable-neighborhoods-part-i/. Before I wrote that post, I actually had to look up the definition of a Millennial- and sadly, I found out I wasn’t one. In October 2004, researchers Neil Howe and William Strauss defined the group as “those born in 1982 and approximately 20 years thereafter,” putting the range at 34 years of age to 14 years of age. That range encompasses a vast array of stages in one’s life- a 23-year old’s life and priorities typically look very different from a 34- year old’s needs and goals in owning a home. That’s what make this post a bit challenging, but, I’ve decided to give it a go anyway. Here are some neighborhoods that could be worth exploring, depending upon what’s important to you. And, there are still some rare finds in the more pricey neighborhoods such as Belcaro, Cory-Merrill, but they usually need some work and/or the location within the neighborhood is not prime.

Southwest

Athmar Park

Boundaries: Federal Blvd, Alameda Ave, Mississippi Ave, and Santa Fe Drive
Characterized by wide residential streets and basic homes, this neighborhood is undergoing a redevelopment.  There are some mid-century homes that surround Hutson Lake Park.

Harvey Park

Boundaries: Sheridan Blvd, Hampden, Lowell and Jewell. I recently was snooping around in Harvey Park and fell in love with some of its affordable, mid-century modern homes. There is a migration happening to this area, so home prices will probably increase. The neighborhood features two lakes, sports facilities, a playground and community center.

Northwest

Berkeley

Boundaries: 38^th Ave, I-70, Federal Blvd, and Sheridan. This neighborhood provides one of a kind, locally owned shops and restaurants along Tennyson Street. I-70 is easily accessed to go west to the mountains or to downtown. There has been much re-development with new builds- it seems everywhere you look there’s a huge hole in the ground. There’s also an eclectic mix of bungalows and other older homes. Check out Parisi on Tennyson, http://www.parisidenver.com/parisi/. A bit more affordable than its neighboring hood, Highlands. There is green space as well with two large parks and lakes: Rocky Mountain Lake Park and Berkeley Lake.

Chaffee Park

Boundaries: 38^th Ave, 50^th Ave, Inca Street and Tejon Street. Interesting distinction: Chafffee Park is not the same as the neighborhood around Chaffee Park, which is actually in Sunnyside. However, this up and coming neighborhood does have Zuni Street Park, and offers more affordable alternatives with larger lots to Sunnyside, Highlands or Berkeley.  

Regis

Boundaries: 52^nd, I 70, Federal, and Tennyson. This neighborhood provides quick access to I 70 to go east or west as well as the popular Highlands and Berkeley neighborhoods. It is named after the private University in the neighborhood. Most of the homes are older and some are being updated by their owners, who are an eclectic mix of students, families, and younger residents. If you want to see some unique architecture browse the homes that border the east side of the Willis Case Golf Course.

Sunnyside

Boundaries: 38^th, I 70, Tejon, and Federal. Just east of Berkeley, this neighborhood is riding the coattails of the Highlands. Many folks who are drawn to Northwest Denver are now choosing Sunnyside for its proximity to some great local restaurants, convenient commute, and unique mix of affordable homes.

Southeast

Hampden (and adjacent Hampden South and Southmoor Park)

Boundaries: Yale, Havana, I 225 and I 25. There are many nooks and crannies within this area. I used to live in two of them. Built in the 60’s and 70’s these homes are larger for the dime and often sprawling ranches with large lots. Hampden has a variety of retail, restaurants and groceries. Bible Park is a must- walk/run.

Krisana Park

Boundaries: Louisiana, Dahlia, Florida and Holly. This is a cute little pocket of mid-century homes built in the 50’s- many of them have been given a lift and are darling. Very central too- just off Colorado Blvd, this neighborhood is close to Cherry Creek, and a quick ride on I 25 to the Tech Center.

Montclair/Hale/Mayfair

Boundaries: 6^th Ave, Quebec, Colorado Blvd and Colfax (Montclair) and Mayfair extends west to Ash Street. These were once Denver’s original suburbs, if you can believe it. There is an eclectic mix of bungalows, Tudors, ranches, larger Victorian homes- a variety that makes this neighborhood worthy of note. Not to mention there’s plenty of restaurants, groceries, and amenities.

Platt Park

Boundaries: Downing, Broadway, Evans and I 25. Sprinkled with remodels (yes, developers have found this one), Platt Park is filling with more and more young families. Named after Platt Park which is central to the neighborhood, it is a great alternative to Wash Park prices. South Pearl Street is a draw with locally owned eateries, restaurants, and shops.

University Hills

Boundaries: Hampden, Colorado, I 25, Yale-ish. A mix of 1950 ranches waiting to be brought up to date as well as scrapes and remodels. Many of the homes are in close proximity to the Highline Canal Trail, as well as Colorado and Hampden’s amenities- shopping, groceries, and restaurants, along with the libraries and parks.

Two hot neighborhoods that were dubbed so by Denver's Business Journal** Something for investors

Barnum West

Boundaries: Alameda, Sheridan, Perry and 6^th Ave.
1950’s era homes, in need of updating, close to downtown. Go drive it, you may not see the vision quite yet.

Wash Park West

Boundaries: I 25, Broadway, Downing, Alameda. Be careful here- some realtors mistakenly say that the listing is in Wash Park when it’s really Wash Park West. Two different hoods, but Wash Park provides good value, just a bit farther from Wash Park itself, and you’ve got the spice of Broadway.