good schools in urban area? (Denver, Westminster: rent, daycare, houses)

[AustinMama]

We are considering relocating to Denver with two young children. Good schools are a top priority.
We like:
an urban atmosphere with character
older homes (1940's and older)
public transit, pedestrian and bike friendly
kid-friendly parks

Is there an area in Denver that has both older homes/character and good schools?

Westminster has popped up several times. Any other spots we should seriously consider? Places to definitely avoid?

It is hard to plan around my husband's commute, as it changes. He often travels to client sites. We would not want to be in an area that guarantees a long commute. Since that is still broad, we would like to have several areas to research further.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[David Aguilar]

There are some neighborhoods in Central Denver that fit your criteria.

What is your price range?

[AustinMama]

~ $500 to $650K
We will likely rent at first while we figure out where we want to buy.
thanks for the response~

[David Aguilar]

Ooh wee, that opens up some possibilities for you.

Try Cory-Merrill, Washington Park, and neighborhoods around DU. Zips 80210, and 80209.

[Katiana]

I would also suggest searching this forum for info about schools.

[steveindenver]

Park Hill, parts of Country Club.

None of the earlier mentioned places are near real bike lanes, although there are dedicated routes in those areas. Park Hill and Country Club are also a bit closer to the urban part of the city; both are located next to large parks and both have good schools from K-12.

I'm not sure why Westminster would be on that list as it is in the "sticks" and lacks the urban requirement you mention.

You mention older homes, but you might do well in particular with young children to have a look around the new urban infill project just east of Park Hill named Stapleton. Ton's of kids. Ton's of bike lanes and paths, fantastic schools and in my view more importantly cheap utility bills when compared to the houses they built in Denver in the 40's which are by and large going to shock you with their utility bills year round.

[Tina Garbin]

You will find everything you are looking for in these three areas in Central Denver:

*Congress Park
*Park Hill
*South City Park

[Katiana]

Westminster is hardly "the sticks". It is, IMO, an older suburb, that, while not quite "inner-ring", is hardly semi-rural. It is surrounded by other suburbs.

[Bradburn1]

You might have a gander at my neighborhood, Bradburn Village in Westminster. It's a new urbanist, walkable neighborhood with great schools and homes in traditional, classic styles (farmhouse, Craftsman, Italiante, Victorian, Prairie, etc..) with character BUT new. We lack the old trees of the established Denver neighborhoods but we have 9 really excellent pocket parks and the neighborhood is filled to the brim with kids (most under 10). Westminster is not in the "the sticks", it's a 20 minute drive to downtown Denver and about the same to downtown Boulder, but it's not an urban Denver neighborhood, that is true. Bradburn is an urban style neighborhood (mixed use, houses closer together, walkable, garages in the back, porches) surrounded by suburbia. The homes have character but are built green with excellent insulation and won't require remodelling (unless of course, that is why you want an older home).

Neighborhood has a retail section in it with restaurants, services such a dentist, daycare and a community church and a pub with lots more to come in the next 5 or so years. Backs to Dry Creek Open space with direct access which has a running/bike trail that goes forever. Easy access to two great park n rides that go everywhere in Denver. Neighborhood is super social, so if you don't ever want to speak to your neighbors, it might not be the best fit.

I agree with the Stapleton suggestion (similar to Bradburn but MUCH larger and less bang for your buck house wise but closer to downtown). Also with the Park Hill and Country Club. Would also suggest you have a look at Bonnie Brae.

[2bindenver]

why urban?