Are there cool enclaves in Denver? (Craig: apartments, rental market, closing)

[LisaBoulder]

Originally Posted by joel stanley

I would question anyone's motives who only lists areas west of Denver in a very tight grouping. Personally, I would never choose to live in any of those areas because they are inconveniently located if you want to actually make use of what Denver has, which is all east of I-25.

In your other post, you mention that you're a landlord. Any chance that your rental is east of i-25?

[denver_hacker]

Originally Posted by joel stanley

I would question anyone's motives who only lists areas west of Denver in a very tight grouping. Personally, I would never choose to live in any of those areas because they are inconveniently located if you want to actually make use of what Denver has, which is all east of I-25.

Hi, welcome to this forum. Please make an attempt to be civil by not insinuating malfeasance on the part of a long term member and disparaging roughly half of the metro area.

[MoveYourMind]

Lived in big cities before like Berlin, Germany, Brooklyn, Boston - now Denver apparently.
I live in the Foothills with a great view of Denver but I'm "outside" but few minutes I'm in town.
Well of course I can't tell you where to go, but I was thinking Golden, Morrsion or bit smaller but place to check out like Boulder.

Sure $$ is the issue but you both have to match it - location and maybe something more unique ?!
Just a thought...

[Mort_canard]

Have you considered Edgewater? I has a somewhat "small town" feel, is close to a really nice park, shops, cafes, a good bar or three, and public transit access to highlands, downtown, or light rail to anywhere else.

[anyam22]

After my earlier post "any cool enclaves in Denver", I was directed towards the nice looking neighborhoods of Sunny Side, Berkeley, Highlands, etc. That area. I've researched extensively since that post and I am liking those areas. I love the older houses. Maybe that's my "white picket fence" fantasy. And some of these areas offer houses in my price range: $375k thereabouts. I'm going down from Frisco in two weeks to look at the various areas, and do a reality check regarding the culture shock of moving to a big city after being in the mountains for decades. At the same time it's exciting to think of doing something new and very different. For me change is growth. And just fun.

Perhaps you guys could elaborate a bit on one aspect of that part of Denver. I'm a 65 year old, single woman with a little dog. I consider myself to be fairly hip. By that I mean that I appreciate new trends; don't think every thing in the past was better; still enjoy a bit of partying now and then; am not judgmental (unless someone's just plain mean); like lively younger people as well as my own age group (as long as they aren't too attached to their rocking chairs already). I would enjoy meeting friends at the cozy corner bar and love concerts at Red Rocks. I want to walk my dog, bike the trails, meet new friends and try out all the wonderful things the city has to offer. I'd love to move into an area that IS diverse. I wouldn't particularly want to settle into an area that feels like it's ALL young families with kids, not that I don't like them too, but I want to feel like I can fit in. Reasonable safety is important also.

Do any of those neighborhoods fit my personal demographic better than others? I SO appreciate your help and this forum. I wish I had time to go to the area and rent awhile, but I have felt in limbo since divorcing five years ago, and I am ready, ready, ready to stop floating around. Moving is so costly and exhausting!

Thank you for your time and thoughts!

[2bindenver]

I would say Sloan's Lake is also up your alley.

[anyam22]

Yes. I've had people mention that area too, but it slipped my mind when researching. I'll search the site for info about that area. Thanks!

[ComfortablyNumb]

Denver is not a great city for enclaves. Capitol Hill is pretty dumpy and I'm not especially fond of Cheesman Park. I'd say look at Wash Park or the City Park area. Personally I really like the City Park area; it's my favorite part of the city. I also don't mind Glendale. It's not an enclave at all but there is no better place to live in Denver if you want to be close to good shopping.

[2bindenver]

In this market it pays to expand your search net, not make it smaller. You will drive yourself nuts if you are too limiting. There is not that much on the market.

Be broad and approved for your loan, if any before you commit to house shopping.

[anyam22]

2bindenver, that's good advice. I am hoping to get a mortgage for a half or a third of the price. And I won't begin to look until I have that or my other option in place.

I've studied Trulia and other sites and there seems to be a fair amount of inventory in Berkeley. Are those sites realistic? I don't wish to waste anyone's time, so I'm not talking to a realtor yet. When the financial approach is in place, I am coming down to stay a few nights. I know. Not much time for a sampling. But I'm definitely between a rock and a hard place with my lease here ending May 31. And I don't have a small household to move or store. I'm going to have to be thoughtful but decisive I guess and trust my instincts once I begin to physically look. I'm hoping research and suggestions at least help me get headed in the right direction.