Familiar with Academy subdivision in Bear Valley? (Sheridan: apartment complexes, new house)

[icky2000]

I'm looking at a house in the Academy subdivision of Bear Valley. Basically this little neighborhood is the eastern part of 80235, south of Hampden, around Kendall Park. It is a tad awkward getting into that area but its decent once you are there. I read a fair amount here about Bear Valley in general but this little area seems to have its own culture that I can't quite put my finger on. Thoughts?

[davidv]

I looked at houses there about 12 years ago when I was buying a new house. We passed because many of the houses were a little small and not updated, and because of it proximity to the apartment complexes on the Frontage Road. These apartments are not in great shape and as a result bring a run down feeling to the area. I would rather live in Bear Valley itself, or even Harvey Park South.

[icky2000]

I have the same reservations about the Frontage Road and the apartments in the area. Feels like you're passing through a not so great part to get to this nicer little enclave. I think mostly I got excited about finding a brick ranch with some updating that was 10-20% cheaper than the places I've been looking at in Southmoor Park/Hampden/Hampden South/Goldsmith/etc but perhaps you do get what you pay for. Its a nice little area but I suspect I'll end up passing for the same reasons.

[davidv]

Originally Posted by icky2000

I have the same reservations about the Frontage Road and the apartments in the area. Feels like you're passing through a not so great part to get to this nicer little enclave. I think mostly I got excited about finding a brick ranch with some updating that was 10-20% cheaper than the places I've been looking at in Southmoor Park/Hampden/Hampden South/Goldsmith/etc but perhaps you do get what you pay for. Its a nice little area but I suspect I'll end up passing for the same reasons.

The ranch houses in Harvey Park South (Between Yale and Hampden and Sheridan and Lowell) are the exact same houses (down to the crack in the ceiling by the dining area that all of these houses have) as you find in those areas, especially the area around Thomas Jefferson. It is a pretty good neighborhood, but the schools are suspect (not dangerous, just not that good). Search zip code 80236. There are also ranches in Bear Valley.