Hampden area 25 & 225 (Denver, Aurora, Arvada: middle-class, apartment complex, rental)

[ajmac10]

Anybody have any opinions on this area?? It seems to have a ton of very nice, well built apartment buildings for a very cheap and affordable price.

Wondering what people familiar with the are thought about it, looks like a great location with the 2 major highways right there and Cherry Creek park to the south. Is there a reason why it is so cheap?? Does the low rental price attract a crowd that some would consider staying away from?? How are the surrounding neighborhoods around there?

Any opinions would be great, I'm looking for some great apartments around the Mississippi - Colorado + University area and keep coming up with apartments that are located in the Hampden neighborhood, I can't help but look at the price and be impressed, but I hope its not priced for a specific reason. Thanks

[Count David]

Originally Posted by ajmac10

Anybody have any opinions on this area?? It seems to have a ton of very nice, well built apartment buildings for a very cheap and affordable price.

Wondering what people familiar with the are thought about it, looks like a great location with the 2 major highways right there and Cherry Creek park to the south. Is there a reason why it is so cheap?? Does the low rental price attract a crowd that some would consider staying away from?? How are the surrounding neighborhoods around there?

Any opinions would be great, I'm looking for some great apartments around the Mississippi - Colorado + University area and keep coming up with apartments that are located in the Hampden neighborhood, I can't help but look at the price and be impressed, but I hope its not priced for a specific reason. Thanks

I live in the area, and it's nice.

[vegaspilgrim]

The overall area is nice, and it's a good choice for those working at the DTC. However, each particular apartment complex needs to be evaluated individually on its own. There can be problems with any apartment complex, anywhere.

[cowboyxjon]

I think it's a good area. Just look at each individual complex -- some of them probably aren't built well. I live in a complex that was built in the 80s, and while I like it overall and definitely would recommend it because of amenities, location, and the community, I also admit that it's probably not the best construction out there.

[ajmac10]

I lived in Denver in 2006, but only for a year. I lived in Arvada and Littleton, Bowles + Wads area, so this area is new to me, I'll be moving back this December. I understand the area might be decent with a few complexes to stay away from, but when I got to the grocery store I don't want to feel like I'm going to a poverty stricken flea market. I currently live in Salem, MA, and while everyone says how nice it is, I have to go outside of Salem to do my grocery shopping, etc., because of the crowds of people that utilize those stores I'm certainly not comfortable going there.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by ajmac10

I lived in Denver in 2006, but only for a year. I lived in Arvada and Littleton, Bowles + Wads area, so this area is new to me, I'll be moving back this December. I understand the area might be decent with a few complexes to stay away from, but when I got to the grocery store I don't want to feel like I'm going to a poverty stricken flea market. I currently live in Salem, MA, and while everyone says how nice it is, I have to go outside of Salem to do my grocery shopping, etc., because of the crowds of people that utilize those stores I'm certainly not comfortable going there.

The King Soopers at Hampden/Monaco is pretty solid middle to upper-middle class feeling. The Safeway at Hampden/Happy Canyon is waaay too snobby for my tastes, so uh pick your poison.

[ajmac10]

I guess I'd rather have snobby than a lower-class population surrounding the area, but I know what you mean. Looking at the map, there's also a Whole Foods nearby.

Cherry Creek State Park is South of the highway, where does the path run through?? That's a big consideration in my apt. search is the proximity to any of the bike path networks. When I was out there I fell in love with the bike paths, moving back to Boston was terrible because there is no such thing, the streets nor the drivers, are not conducive for bike riding, or running for that matter.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by ajmac10

I guess I'd rather have snobby than a lower-class population surrounding the area, but I know what you mean. Looking at the map, there's also a Whole Foods nearby.

Cherry Creek State Park is South of the highway, where does the path run through?? That's a big consideration in my apt. search is the proximity to any of the bike path networks. When I was out there I fell in love with the bike paths, moving back to Boston was terrible because there is no such thing, the streets nor the drivers, are not conducive for bike riding, or running for that matter.

Go to this website: BikeDenver.org » Bicycle Maps of Denver and view the "Urban Trails" map.

There's the Cherry Creek Trail which runs from Cherry Creek State Park to downtown, there's a Highland Canal Trail which zig zags from Chatfield to North Aurora, there's a trail parallel to I-225, and there's a bunch of trails in Cherry Creek State Park itself west, south, and east of the dam.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by ajmac10

I guess I'd rather have snobby than a lower-class population surrounding the area, but I know what you mean. Looking at the map, there's also a Whole Foods nearby.

Yeah, I forgot about the Whole Paycheck. So not my scene, but that should give you more of an idea about the people in the immediate area.

However, based on what you've said here, you might want to avoid the Wal-Mart at Hampden/Dayton. The clientele is very international and minority (and seems lower than middle-class), I knew some guys in the area who routinely made the trek south down Parker Rd so they could shop at a "whiter"/classier Wal-Mart.

When it comes to this neighborhood (Hampden/Hampden South), the more west and south you are, the better, generally. I live off Quincy/Quebec, and the area is very tranquil and nice for still being in Denver.

[cowboyxjon]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

However, based on what you've said here, you might want to avoid the Wal-Mart at Hampden/Dayton. The clientele is very international and minority (and seems lower than middle-class), I knew some guys in the area who routinely made the trek south down Parker Rd so they could shop at a "whiter"/classier Wal-Mart.

I actually avoid that Wal-Mart too, but not for those reasons. I don't like that specific location because it's ALWAYS crowded! I drive down to the one on Arapahoe Rd and Havana because I can get there, get in, and get out fairly quickly, even though it's like 10 miles away from where I live.