Moving to Sloan Lake/Edgewater, CO (Lakewood, Lafayette: fit in, 2010, condo)

[WannaBeKiwi]

I will be moving back to Colorado in January and into a place just by Sloan Lake. This area is new to me but I can't wait to get to know it a bit better. I used to live in CO until 2004 and had a place in Lafayette. Anyone know Sloan Lake area well or live there currently and willing to share tips on great 'locals', coffee shops, eats, bike trails, community groups, things to do? I'm even open for cautions, things to watch out for, etc. Any new development planned for this area? Thanks!

[tfox]

Try US Thai in Edgewater -- one of the best Thai places in the metro area. Depending on where you are near Sloan's Lake, you'll be pretty close to 32nd and Lowell and it's overly trendy attractions as well.

As for new development, there's been quite a lot of teardowns and rebuilds there to the extent that some parts of the area were successfully able to downzone to prevent it. On the southern side of the lake, there are some run-down areas that some may actually welcome teardowns, but it seems like they happen less around there.

It's a nice area with a little bit for everyone. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[livecontent]

Ah, Sloan's Lake---a great area. I have spend much time there and the surrounding communities. It has to be the biggest lake or really two, Sloan's and Cooper, in the City. It is always has people around the lake, it is a very nice experience--I was just there last week to get some sun and take in the pleasures of the city. I live a few miles north.

The Southern Part of the Lake has St. Anthony's Hospital which will be moving to Lakewood, near Union and Alameda--it is under construction and will move in 2010. There are plans now being discussed to rebuilt that whole area for a great looking development. It will look nice on the Southern Part of the Lake. You can read about the development proposals from the Task Force
http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/78/...%20Compact.pdf

This southern part of the lake is also home to a orthodox Jewish Community. At one, time east of St. Anthony's there was a small Jewish Hospital but is now a Senior Residence.

North and Northeast of the Lake is some great looking expensive homes and neighborhoods that merges into the redeveloped neighborhood of West Highland. Parks extend off the Lake into these neighborhoods and are a great place to live. There are many senior citizen centers, churches. I just saw a new Charter School in one of the old city schools just northeast of the Lake, off of Mead. If you drive north and northwest you will find many newer homes that are infilled developments. They are interesting because they are built with the alleys in the back and all have front porches, so they fit into the established neighborhood.

West of the Lake is the City of Edgewater. This is an older enclave and has experienced new redevelopment along Sheridan. There is a Sisters Pizza and Mussel Restaurant Sister's Pizza and Mussels.com They are the same owners of Heidi's in West Highland. There is also a new Target, a large King Soopers. On of the places that is the Edgewater Inn on West 25th just west of Sheridan. It reminds me of old bar/restaurants in the east, like Archie Bunker's Place. It has been there for years. I think that the homes in Edgewater will see much gentrification because of the good location and the characteristics of the area. Also, in this area in the Main Office of the State Department of Motor Vehicles, on Pierce and 20th.

The area of West Colfax near Sloan's Lake is becoming redeveloped as it moves toward Wadsworth, partly as a result of the fairly new Walmart at 15th and Wadsworth, which again will have a new rail station just south at 13th.

Sloan's Lake area has improved much over the recent years. For a time, it was getting a little rough but now I think the neighborhood is again attracting more upscale residents. The east part of the lake, going toward federal, is probably the most problematic because it goes into the decay areas around Mile Hi Stadium. Also, when there is a game, west 17th just south of the lake is not a place to drive. I take many buses downtown and transfer from Sheridan to Colfax (15th) and I have not had any problems--the area of Colfax east is old but not especially dangerous--at least to me--an ugly, mean, looking man.

Public transit is good in this area, as Colfax is served frequently by route 16 and 16L which has been greatly expanded with more service slated for January 2009. There is also the 51 on Sheridan, Route 20 and 32 which runs from Applewood to Downtown and east.

I believe the area will improve over time because of the redevelopment of St. Anthony's and when the current west rail line, which is under construction, in the Gulch, is finished. The lines runs just south of Colfax on about West 13th and should have a impact near for development of stations, Knox, Perry, and with the Sheridan Station having the most effect on Sloan's Lake.

Livecontent

[WannaBeKiwi]

Thanks for the great info - I've bought a lovely condo at basically 17th/Sheridan just near the King Soopers. I know about the new light rail station and wonder when that will realistically be operating. Either way, will be great for that area to have light rail access especially when the full expansion is complete. Hopefully in my lifetime!

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by WannaBeKiwi

Thanks for the great info - I've bought a lovely condo at basically 17th/Sheridan just near the King Soopers. I know about the new light rail station and wonder when that will realistically be operating. Either way, will be great for that area to have light rail access especially when the full expansion is complete. Hopefully in my lifetime!

You made a great choice because it is a good walkable area, good transportation and you will see an appreciate in your homes value when this rail line is complete in 2012. I wish you well.

Livecontent

[HighlandsGal]

U.S. Thai is good! There is also a new Mediterrainean restaurant called Anise on Sheridan (by Target) that I heard was pretty good. I haven't had the pizza at Edgewater Inn yet either, but that is supposed to be good also.

I don't think 32nd and Lowell is overly trendy. There are a lot of neat little shops, a great wine store (Mondo Vino), Mead Street Station serves up good music, a relaxed atmosphere and good food. Highland Pacific is also a tasty place, and they have great live music too. Basil Doc's pizza is very good in my opinion too

[sunsprit]

You're also very close to the Alameda/Federal corridor, where South Alameda is the home to many asian restaurants, esp Vietnamese, as well as asian grocery stores. On Alameda, there's also ready access to several Mexican restaurants and grocery stores, as well as heading north on Federal or Sheridan ... and many of the numbered avenues between those two streets.

Having spent many pleasant hours on Sloan Lake, sailing ... it's a great resource. A small boat, such as a Laser, that can be hand launched and rigged very quickly makes for a lot of entertainment ... especially in the summer months with daylight lasting into the evening.