Question on Riverfront Park (Denver, Golden: real estate, for sale, apartment)

[jplagg]

I would first like to say thanks to all the people from the area that post here. It makes things a lot easier for those of us who look to move there.

I am moving from South Florida to Denver in the spring (around May) and had a question on Riverfront Park. I will be making a trip out there before then (have been to Colorado several times, but not in the past 5 years). I have been using Googles "Earth" to get real life looks of renting locations.

I have looked into places in/around Riverfront Park as well as Lodo. Riverfront Park when Googles images were taken, wasnt very green and looked to be under a lot of construction. I was just curious of the state of Riverfront Park right now.

I am one year out of school, 24yrs old and single. The area has everything that i am interested in wanted to be somewhere that is walking distance to most places.

Thanks again for your input, or if any other suggestions you may have.
Josh

[TinajaCo]

Google's images of the Denver area I think were for the most part taken about 4-5 years ago. A lot of the area around there has been developed since then, and what you'll find is a lot of newer, higher-priced lofts and condos. Part of the area, right behind Union Station, is undeveloped still and they recently revealed plans to develop that land into lofts/condos/office space. So when that starts up, there may be construction to deal with for the next several years until that piece of land is developed.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by jplagg

I would first like to say thanks to all the people from the area that post here. It makes things a lot easier for those of us who look to move there.

I am moving from South Florida to Denver in the spring (around May) and had a question on Riverfront Park. I will be making a trip out there before then (have been to Colorado several times, but not in the past 5 years). I have been using Googles "Earth" to get real life looks of renting locations.

I have looked into places in/around Riverfront Park as well as Lodo. Riverfront Park when Googles images were taken, wasnt very green and looked to be under a lot of construction. I was just curious of the state of Riverfront Park right now.

I am one year out of school, 24yrs old and single. The area has everything that i am interested in wanted to be somewhere that is walking distance to most places.

Thanks again for your input, or if any other suggestions you may have.
Josh

Riverfront Park is very nice. About the only bad thing I can say about Riverfront Park is that it's quite expensive. It is right on commons park and has a great view of downtown and the mountains. If you like Riverfront Park you may want to see if you can find a place in the Glass House when it opens. It's the most affordable building for sales and so the rent may be cheaper.

If you're looking to save some money but still be in the same area you might consider lodo (amazing that you could actually save money by going to lodo but in this case I'd believe that's true) -- there are lots of nice loft rentals around Coors Field that would be cheaper than Riverfront Park. You could check out the three high-rises along Larimer Street (Windsor, Barclay, and Larimer Place) -- but if you like the sleek modern Riverfront Park you may find those dated. There's an apartment building called Commons Park West across the Park from Riverfront Park which would be cheaper as well -- a lot of kayakers like that place because it's right on the water. You might also consider nearby Highland, over across I-25 -- this is an up-and-coming area and the "coolness factor" there is on the up and up.

Check out Craigslist and Westword for what you can find. If you can find a place in Riverfront Park for a reasonable price I say go for it!

[Denver Native]

We are moving from the Barclay, which we've lived in for 8 years to Riverfront. We love the views from the Barclay and the location is the most desirable. It borders exactly on the line between lodo and the business district. There seems to be a younger demographic moving in since it's a downtown value, compaired to the $400-$550 per sq. ft. properties in Riverfront.

At 16th & Larimer you are right in the middle of the action, but we want to have some quiet, therefore Riverfront is our destination.

Not just because I have a unit for sale, but to let people out ther know the three high-rise towers on Larimer are values. With the Ritz being built and projecting 700 psf, I believe Larimer is a real estate microcosm in that the market may be dragged down in some areas, but we will only continue to rise in value.

Riverfront has hundreds of properties that will come on the market in the next 8-10 months and I know from my current shopping experience they are not moving. Good luck to you if you bought a spec-condo in Glass House. They are crappy quality. Anyplace East West could cheep it, they did.

If you are a value shopper, check Craig's List and/or bank repos in Riverfront or Denver on Larimer street between 15th and 17th.
GOOD LUCK in the spring.....

[dj32]

Ditto the above poster- It is hard to believe that Lodo is cheaper than Riverfront! I always joke that Riverfront is the land of empty nesters and affluent gays! That isn't a bad thing, just that young 20 somethings that want to live there can't afford it. When we were building our house in Wash Park we were trying to rent down there, thinking when else would we do that since we have a young child. We couldn't afford to rent a 2 bedroom (and still build our house that is!), plus the parking situation. So, we rented a place over near City Park. There is lots going on over there- lots of great restaurants, good park to jog and still very close to downtown. Also, Golden Triangle area is an option as well- and I think there are a glut of properties that aren't selling so may be some rentals. There, you can also walk quickly to downtown. Highlands may also be area to look- if you are close to the new bridge to downtown. You'll have the amenities close, and great views, but I'm sure it is cheaper to rent.

[jplagg]

Thanks for more info!
EDIT:
Thought i would start a new post to help with more living questions!

[BigSprinter]

Hi,

I used to live in the Highlands (just past Riverfront heading west from Denver) and walked past that area daily.

If you can afford it, and are seeking a nice, quiet(er) place close to downtown, I think it's a great place. Lots of new shops, a Vitamin Cottage that just opened next door, and the proximity to the Platte and Cherry Creek trails for recreation. Plus Commons Park is right there too so you have a nice "greenway".

You likely could save some $$ by moving right downtown, and if you like the urban lifestyle, go for it, but for me, I like being close but still having a quiet park, some trees and grass, etc., and that's what I've always enjoyed about Riverfront Park.