what's the deal with lakewood

[Katiana]

I think the old parts of Lakewood would probably be less expensive than Highlands, which is very chi-chi right now. While Highlands Gal has a point, it's also important to live within your means (not that I know what you can afford, LOL).

[steveindenver]

There are some nice areas in Lakewood, well established affordable neighborhoods.

There are also some rather sketchy areas in Lakewood which earn it the nickname Lakehood.

[movin' on up]

Great stuff guys (and girls) - thanks!

I'll still keep lakewood on the list but lower than - highlands / berkley / sloans lake / sunnyside.

we would like to keep our purchase price between 275 - 325k. hopefully we can find what we're after in highlands when the time comes.

[2bindenver]

I think you should keep your options open. Explore different neighborhoods. Cast a wide net at first, then narrow down your choices until you find your match.

No house and no neighborhood are completely perfect. See the possibilities.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by movin' on up

Great stuff guys (and girls) - thanks!

I'll still keep lakewood on the list but lower than - highlands / berkley / sloans lake / sunnyside.

we would like to keep our purchase price between 275 - 325k. hopefully we can find what we're after in highlands when the time comes.

You can find a place in that price range in North Denver, particularly if you're happy with something in the 1500-1800 s.f. range (North Denver homes are on the small side compared to some other neighborhoods). You're not the only one who wants to move to North Denver, so you're best off moving quickly if you find something you like, because despite the down market things sell pretty quickly over there, and the more affordable properties that are in good condition can sell *really* fast.

[HighlandsGal]

Originally Posted by Katiana

I think the old parts of Lakewood would probably be less expensive than Highlands, which is very chi-chi right now. While Highlands Gal has a point, it's also important to live within your means (not that I know what you can afford, LOL).

Did I miss something? What was my point??

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by HighlandsGal

Did I miss something? What was my point??

My mistake. It was kristenfromdenver who said "You also should keep in mind that in a few years you may no longer be able to afford this area as it will likely continue to appreciate! The house we bought we would not be able to buy today as the neighborhood continues to appreciate!"

My apologies.

I do agree with the above, I emphasize, but I don't think you should ever buy a house you really can't afford. The OP said many Highlands houses were at the upper end of his/her budget. That's what I meant.

[ColoradoLion]

One thing for sure is that Highlands is not an "up and coming" area...it's here and has been for a bit. I haven't had a client yet that hasn't been really happy that they bought in that area.

Having said that, what's called Highlands isn't actually all Highlands. What I consider to be the Highlands area is west of Federal, East of Tennyson, north of about 25th and south of 38th. That area started the resurgeance in NW Denver and has the highest values.

But the other areas in NW Denver are cool too and they've seen alot of appreciation as well. Sloan Lake, Berkeley, Potter Highlands, Sunnyside, even Jefferson Park is starting to see some new development.

It used to be that the people I've worked with would only consider west of Federal and east of Tennyson. Now people have expanded their horizons a bit. A funky area to watch is Edgewater, which is just west of Sheridan around 25th. There are some things happening there retail/commercial development-wise, and there already is a cool and funky little corridor along 25th, but that's still a block by block thing.

It used to be that everybody wanted to be close to the shops on 32nd and Lowell. As that got more expensive, the area around 44th and Tennyson has gotten more popular. There are some cool resaurants and shops there, and the Sunflower Market at around 38th and Vrain(?) is a draw as well.

[esya]

A lot of the housing stock in Lakewood is not "new". However, I always have preferred Jefferson county living. It's notably more convenient to the mountains, to Boulder, and to most of the places you want to go. If you are not totally west, like Genesee, it's also close to the NW highlands restaurants and to the city amenities. Sixth ave isn't nearly as nasty as I-25 in my opinion.