Walkable Family Neighborhood in Denver (Wash Park, Hilltop, Country Club, Congress Park) (house, safe area)

[xdenverrelocation]

We are a couple with young kids planning to relocate to Denver this fall. We currently live in a walkable neighborhood in Arlington, VA and would like to find a similar neighborhood in Denver. We are considering Washington Park, Hilltop (the western portion walkable to Cherry Creek and the new Trader Joes, etc), Congress Park (the part south of 8th Ave in Bromwell and Steck school districts), and Country Club North (although have some concerns about the portion in Dora Moore elementary district). Are these good neighborhoods for raising a family? I would like to be in a safe area where there would likely be some other playmates in our neighborhood. These all seem walkable on a map, but I am curious about the different character/vibe of each of these. Thanks!

[davebarnes]

1. You just named 4 of the MOST desirable neighborhoods in the City & County of Denver.
2. You should look at Belcaro and the western part of it: Bonnie Brae. The elementary school is Cory.
3. You should also consider Observatory Park. The elementary school is University.
4. You need to visit these places in person. Make your own "measurements" about walkability.

[xdenverrelocation]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I will look at those areas too.

I have found several homes that I like in the Country Club North area. Does anyone have any information on Dora Moore elementary? It doesn't seem to have high test scores. Is the school improving as more families choose to move to the city?

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by xdenverrelocation

...like in the Country Club North...Dora Moore elementary

Look east in the Bromwell school district. Pay attention to the school's boundaries as you must live inside.
Also consider Steck Elementary.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Look east in the Bromwell school district. Pay attention to the school's boundaries as you must live inside.
Also consider Steck Elementary.

Warning though, a house in those school boundaries will be very expensive...I've seen 450-600k fixer uppers...

Teller Elementary is also nice. Teller is much more class and racially diverse than Bromwell or Steck (which are basically upper class only schools).

[xdenverrelocation]

Thanks for the info. We would like to buy a house where we can stay. Steck gets good reviews, but how are Hill middle and George Washington high? Would Morey and East in the Bromwell district be much better? I was looking at Dora Moore because it is in the Morey and East district, but maybe I should limit my search to the Bromwell area.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by xdenverrelocation

Thanks for the info. We would like to buy a house where we can stay. Steck gets good reviews, but how are Hill middle and George Washington high? Would Morey and East in the Bromwell district be much better? I was looking at Dora Moore because it is in the Morey and East district, but maybe I should limit my search to the Bromwell area.

Middle schools are terrible here, but East High is good.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by xdenverrelocation

Would Morey and East in the Bromwell district be much better?

I personally know 2 kids who just finished their first year at Morey after 5+ years at Bromwell. Both children and the two sets of parents are quite happy.
One kid is in the smart kids track.

[JBPisgah]

All of Denver is walkable. Base your location on something else.

[evan arellano]

I agree with JBPisgah. Find other factors beside walkable.