Curious about Wheatridge

[trevecca]

I'm researching homes in Denver for a December move (from SF) & purchase. I'm drawn to Wheatridge for its 50's-60's architecture, reasonable prices, proximity to Highland,downtown and the large lots (6,000 sft+). I've lived in DC, LA and SF.

My wife and I work from home. Our goal is to find a home that we can remodel/expand to be environmentally friendly (green).

Much of the attention of the boards go to Denver's center, south and east. There is some talk about Highland and Berkeley but few specifics about Wheatridge.

Can someone tell me more about the Wheatidge area?

[esya]

That is a great choice. There is a major bus line on 38th, lots of shopping, the access to newer highlands restaurants, and the all-important access to the mountains, north suburbs, and downtown. I have a friend who just did her ranch and there was a very cool ranch for sale across the street.

[Katiana]

Certainly, if you're interested in mountain access, Wheat Ridge is one place to consider. It's a very old suburb, which seems to be what you want. You can search this forum for posts on Wheat Ridge, too. There is some info here.

[livecontent]

I strongly suggest you look at this thread I started about the Applewood Area of Wheat Ridge. It has the types of homes that you like. The main residences are long term Colorado Residents who know the value of the area.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/denve...applewood.html

As I said, in the my post, I was really taken by this area and wanted to discover some of the history. It sits in Wheat Ridge and Lakewood where they come together on Youngfield. It is a highly recommended area and not very well known to outsiders, so I am letting you in on this secret.

[onthamove]

i visited this little front range suburb you can see the begining of the rockies as the mtns are literally in wheat ridges backyard!

[trevecca]

Thanks for the great information. I have a few specific questions that I hope you can help me with.

Is the Wheatridge area elevated to see views of the Denver cityscape?

I see Wheatridge is an older established neihgborhood - can I assume the residents are generally older than 30s -40s?

What are main kinds of covenants for homes in Wheatridge?

With reasonable prices and large spaces - why do you think this area is overlooked by Denver newcomers?

[Katiana]

Last question first: because the houses are older and smaller than in newer areas of the metro area. I don't know the answers to the rest. I assume an older population; you can check those stats on City-Data.

[tfox]

Yes, lots of middle-aged and older people in Wheat Ridge. I heard city officials complaining that their population is dropping because kids are graduating from high school and moving away, leaving behind empty-nesters.

That being said, in the eastern part of Wheat Ridge and neighboring Edgewater, I'm seeing quite a few younger people moving into the neighborhood in the last year or so, probably to find affordable housing close to Highland. This is anecdotal, mind you, but I think if you check the area out you'll notice it too.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by trevecca

Thanks for the great information. I have a few specific questions that I hope you can help me with.

Is the Wheatridge area elevated to see views of the Denver cityscape?

I see Wheatridge is an older established neighborhood - can I assume the residents are generally older than 30s -40s?

What are main kinds of covenants for homes in Wheatridge?

With reasonable prices and large spaces - why do you think this area is overlooked by Denver newcomers?

Is Wheat Ridge elevated--yes, a little a there is a view of the cityscape in some areas because there are some hilly confirmations, vs. flatter plains.

I think Wheat Ridge has a mixture of young and old and maybe a little more older than some other newer areas but I do not know the statistics. I get that feeling by shopping and being around for many years.

I do not know what type of covenants but because these are older established areas, I would assume that there are less covenant controlled areas, as these become more in latter years.

Since, I brought up the issue of why this area is overlooked by Denver newcomers, I will attempt an answer--because I have noticed it for years.

The area that is mostly not noticed by newcomers are Wheat Ridge and Arvada. It does not have a plague of crime, bad neighborhoods minority conflict problems or bad political situations. In fact the crime in these areas are much less than others. People get along well; the neighborhoods are beautitful.

The reason is from what I can get from asking this question to many long term residents and officials responsible for development are:

1. Large Retail development did not occur in the area because the large highways were not developed in the area.

2. There was strong resistants from the residents who desired a quieter area and opposed large development of retail and business complexes.

3. The demographics where not of the type in income and spending patterns that attracting new businesses as the Denver metro starting to grow rapidly.

4. The area is home to most long term and native Denver Metro Residences because it was one of the first suburbs, closer to the mountains, other areas were not yet developed and the development farther out into the plains was not as desirable.

So there area was more conservative, quieter, less aggressive in seeking development. New areas that rapidly grew in the South, with wealthier newcomers, developed the highways to service them. The retail, shops, bars, chained restaurants followed the new rich.

Of course now many areas are older, older homes and people want newer homes near exciting retail and entertainment developments. However, many of these older areas have larger lots. Not to say all is old, there are many infilled developments. Also areas that have been acquired by Arvada to the West have newer and very large homes. Arvada has a clear path to the west and is taking in land to clear creek canyon. Wheat Ridge is locked in as it borders Golden to the West and Lakewood to the South and Southwest.

These are my impressions. I am sure that many smarter long term residences can give you a better reasons and be critical of my thoughts. I have been here almost 30 years and I have lived in Arvada over 25 years.

I like Wheat Ridge and Arvada--these are comfortable communities to live and raise a family. They do not have the dynamics and excitement of Boulder, the newness and richness of Highland Ranch and Lonetree. But these areas have less traffic, easily accessible businesses. The topography is different with more trees, more water hills, creeks and small valleys. Also there is a lingering, albeit diminishing, traditions of farming in these areas.