Curious about Wheatridge (Denver, Lakewood, Arvada: condo, income, rental)

[chupiechow]

Hello I have an interview in Wheat Ridge next week. I was hoping I could get some advice on areas to live. I want to try an avoid a long commute. I am single in my thrities, no children and prefer not to live in a community with lots of kids. But at the same rate I would like it to be safe. I have a few dogs and would like a park close by to take them to. I will probably rent for a few months until I find a home to buy.
Also any info you can tell me about Wheat Ridge would be appreciated.
Thanks much

[xxman777]

I never lived in the area so I can't give you specific information about neighborhoods to look at. I can tell you that anything west of Kipling in Lakewood or Wheat Ridge is going to be safe and have a decent number of kids around. Golden is also a nice area but I don't think there are as many parks (although you are in the foothills so there is a lot of undeveloped land or mountain parks if that would work for you.) If you go farther south (south of Hampden) or farther north (northeast Arvada, western Westminister, or Broomfield) you will find more kids, but the crime rate will stay the same and the commute will be a lot longer. I would suggest moving to western Lakewood or Wheat Ridge, rent for a while and see if you like it. If so buy a house.

[2bindenver]

Can you give a major intersection where you'll be commuting to, what is a tolerable commute & roughly what you are looking to spend.

Personally, I find the Applewood area is lovely.

[xxman777]

Applewood is a great area. I strongly recommend this area as well.

[chupiechow]

The job I am looking at is a Western Suburb of Denver, CO within a few blocks of Exempla Lutheran Medical Center. They are within blocks of I-70. I wish I could tell you more but I have never been to that specific area. I know that the cost of living there is higher than where I currently live, so I don't know how much 250,000 would buy. If I had to go higher for a safe area, I would make that work. We love the older homes, built in the early 1900s. Also, I would be willing to drive 45 minutes to work each day. Thanks in advance for your time. Renee

[2bindenver]

Most houses in Lakewood have been there since the 1960's You need to go into Denver for turn of the century places. Historic Disctricts like Baker would be older and affordable. 20 miutes for a commute.

Average house in Denver is $250,000. There are 160 3 bed, 2 bath homes on the market within 15 minutes of LMC, none younger than 1950.

[karenbataglia]

Wheatridge is a very pretty suburb of Denver. There aren't many jobs there, and most people that live there drive to Denver or the Denver Tech Center to work. But if you have a job there that won't be a problem. I don't know much more other than it is a really pretty area. Probably to socialize you will need to come to Denver. That's no biggie. Denver metro is a big spread out area, and that's just part of living area. Friends and activities can be spread out.

[moving outta Bella Vista]

Wheatridge is pretty much older homes and the crime has gotten pretty bad around there. lots of lower-rent areas. If you are single, and want to live in a smaller safer place, you ought to check out Golden. It's so quaint and small, yet still close for commuting.

[Gina23]

two words for you: highlands square (32nd and Lowell). before moving here everyone said the same thing "stay west of wadsworth or you'll be sorry!" whatever. i listened to my gut and ended up in the neighborhood that i'll never leave.

[Bluesky]

I grew up in Wheatridge and can tell you lots and lots! I currently live in Belmar in Lakewood (about 5 miles South of WR). I am also single/30's and highly recommend Belmar. www.belmarcolorado.com. Zip 80226. It is a 10 minute drive to the area you are interviewing in and is mostly young/childless professionals and retired folk. It is a re-developed area that is unusually dog friendly and there is an "open-space" type park with duckponds and walking docks/walking paths right across the street. There are single family homes in established neighborhoods all around the loft-over-retail and new Belmar condo/apts. You could find something easily in that area if you take the time.

You can find fantastic places in Wheatridge, just stay West of Wadsworth...period. The low income rental mentioned above is East of Wadsworth and is the border of Wheatridge and Denver.

There is a greenbelt with a running/bike path that runs through Wheatridge and goes up to Golden and down to LODO along Clear Creek (river that turns into The South Platte). There are tons and tons of parks...which you will find when you get familiar with the area. The surrounding suburbs...Arvada/Golden/Lakewood are all reasonably to very safe and have various income levels of housing (below average to rediculously wealthy). Just look for a house off the major roads (Wadsworth, Kipling, Colfax).

When you are here...take a drive west on 32nd Ave into Golden and up and down Wadsworth & Kipling...you will get an idea of what the areas are like. Do go to Belmar for Dinner or drinks if you get a chance...it's great! There is also a small lake with a walking path called Crown Hill on the East side of Kipling between 32nd & 26th that you would enjoy (as would your dogs).

The closest major intersection to where you are interviewing is either 38th & Wadsworth or 38th & Kipling most likely. Exempla Lutheran is between 32nd & 38th (S to N) and Wadsworth & Kipling (W to E). I have family that still lives there and they love it. It is a nice area that you may be able to find a house in your price range. However...you should look in Golden for turn-of-the-century houses...they have quite a few...although I'm not sure of the price range. Golden would be a 15 minute drive to Exempla Lutheran.
Hope this helps.