If you are interested in buying a home or investment property in Denver, you’re in for a treat. The Denver real estate market is one of the most robust in the nation, with quality housing stock, limited development to support valuations, and a variety of captivating neighborhoods that range from the sophisticated to the funky. While areas like Cherry Creek and Washington Park are well-known and perpetually in demand, the subject of this post is those other parts of Denver that don’t get the press they deserve: Denver’s hidden gems.
About Life in Denver
While other cities on both coasts and in between have experienced declining populations in the past few years, Denver continues to buck the trend. Metro Denver's population has increased by approximately 1.25% per year over the past 5 years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing.
There are many reasons for that, including the incredible array of lifestyle options available within an hour's drive in any direction. The fact is, from world-class professional sports to breathtaking mountain trails, Denver has it all. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and a climate that enables both warm and cold weather activities, it's the place for outdoor lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
The Housing Market
As we mentioned in the opening, the housing stock here is also of extremely high quality, while the combination of controlled development and high demand means Denver home/residential sales in this area tend to attract lots of potential buyers. That said, let’s take a look at a few of those underappreciated neighborhoods in the Colorado capital.
Underappreciated Neighborhoods in Denver
The following are a few of the little-known but much-loved neighborhoods in Denver.
Hampden
Located on a rolling hillside just to the southeast of downtown Denver, Hampdem is a beautifully maintained, safe, and convenient neighborhood. Commuters can hop on 25 at E Yale Ave and be in the city center in 10 minutes or grab the Light Rail at Southmoor Station.
The median price for a one-family house in Hampden is just over $530,000, with the area's home price index just above regional and national averages. So it's not cheap to buy in Hampden, but nothing of real value ever is.
Things to do in Hampden
Hampden has loads of green space, including nearly a dozen well-maintained parks, with the much-lauded Cherry Creek State Park just a hop, skip, and jump away. The CCSP draws people from all over the region who are attracted by the Cherry Creek Reservoir, where you can launch your own boat or rent a sailboat or paddle craft for an enjoyable excursion.
Places to eat in Hampden
Hampden also plays host to a variety of restaurants, including Pupusas Y Tacos, a Mexican restaurant, India's Indian restaurant, Pho Real Saigon Vietnamese restaurant, Panda Express Chinese, Zane's Italian Bistro, 14ers Bar & Grill, and many more.
Other amenities in Hampden
There are also numerous health clubs in the immediate area, a variety of local markets and chain supermarkets, craft breweries, pharmacies, and no less than four golf courses within a 10-minute drive. As for schools, there is the Holly Hills Elementary School, the Hamilton Middle School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and others.
Highland
Highland is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a diverse population and a plethora of housing options. Highland draws new residents and investors from all over, from state-of-the-art condominiums to mid-market apartment rentals, historic homes from pioneer days, and spacious one-family homes on tree-lined lanes.
If you want to sell a home here, median home prices currently hover around $755,000, which, like Hampden, is above both the regional and national average. But this is more a function of the strength of the Denver market in general rather than an indication of the Highland market itself.
Things to do in Highland
Highland is close to a half dozen large parks where you can jog, exercise, relax, or have a picnic with friends and family. There's also Common's Park, City of Cuernavaca Park, and Coors Field, home of the Denver Rockies just to the east. Being just north of downtown Denver, Highland residents can easily take advantage of many shopping and entertainment options.
Places to eat in Highland
If you're a fan of eating out, you're in luck in Highland. There's Postino LoHi Wine Bar, The Highland Tap & Burger craft burger bar, Wildflower fine Italian and Mexican cuisine, American fare at the Duo Restaurant, The Bindery casual gourmet eatery, The Little India restaurant & Bar, and many, many others.
Other amenities in Highland
Nearby health clubs include LoHi Athletic Club, Orangetheory Fitness, Alchemy 365, Dryland Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and others. Schools include Sandoval Elementary, North High School, Highlands Academy, West Denver Prep, and many others.
Lowry
Consider Lowry if your tastes (and bank account) run more toward the upscale end of the market. Lowry is not a place to buy a home if you’re looking for a fixer-upper. But it has escaped almost all media attention, and that’s how residents here like it. Property investors are active here and are rarely left holding the bag.
The median price of a one-family house in Lowry is a tidy $870,000, rising steadily. People who move here tend to stay here, so when homes do come on the market, they don't last long. Needless to say, the median price is well above both the regional and national average.
Things to do in Lowry
Due to the network of narrow alleys that crisscross parts of the neighborhood, Lowry has a cozy, livable feel to it that no doubt helps keep property values high. There are also a ton of things to do in and around Lowry, including at the Lowry Sports Complex, where kids can play baseball, families can picnic, and Nuggets fans can live out their hoop fantasies on the court. The Lowry dog park and the Common Ground Golf course are also just minutes away on foot.
Places to eat in Lowry
Most restaurants in Lowry can be found at the western end of the neighborhood. These include The Officers Club American restaurant, The Chop Shop Casual Urban Eatery, Woodgrain Bagel & Deli, Cafe Mercato Italian, North Country Mexican, Walter's Pizza & Pub, The Delectable Egg breakfast joint, Torchy's Tacos, the Lowry Beer Garden and many more.
Other amenities in Lowry
If you like to stay fit, there's Club Pilates, Orangetheory Fitness, The Kickhouse Gym, Lowry Cross Fit, nearby Koko Fit Club, and more. If you like to go out for a beer now and then, you have a range of options, including the Highland Lounge, Inga's Alpine Tavern, The Bar Car, The Dirty Duck Bar, WT Shorty's Sports Grill, and others. Schools include Lowry Elementary School, Stanley Middle School, Montessori Casa International School, Bishop Machebeuf High School, and Graland Country Day School.
Contact Patrick Murray
I am a Denver real estate agent who leverages my extensive experience and knowledge of negotiation theory and tactics to get my clients the best possible deals. I am certified MCNE (Master Certified in Negotiations) and represent my clients with skill and determination. Call (303) 881-1333 to learn how I can help you.