Would you live near 18th & Arapahoe? (Denver, Center: apartment, lease)

[JD401]

Why or why not?

In town scouting places to live before our move. My wife loves the idea of living downtown, but my possible new job will have me out of town ~50% each month. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about it being just her and the dog for a couple of weeks every month.

Curious to get any current Denver residents' thoughts about the area, and downtown living in general.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by JD401

Why or why not?

In town scouting places to live before our move. My wife loves the idea of living downtown, but my possible new job will have me out of town ~50% each month. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about it being just her and the dog for a couple of weeks every month.

Curious to get any current Denver residents' thoughts about the area, and downtown living in general.

Why?
-because you like downtown
-because the CBD is very safe in comparison to most big cities

Why not?
-because it might be more boring than you think

Unless you get a sweet deal on a place and a great view, and like urban style living, I don't really see much of a reason to live there over anywhere else. I wouldn't avoid it for safety reasons, I'm down there every night during the week, and there is generally NOTHING going on down there that would cause concern.

I personally have no desire to live in the CBD. But, I'm a guy who's fairly easily entertained, a guy who likes value, and a lot of space.

[davebarnes]

Boring

I would look at Highland.

[robertgoodman]

Parts of downtown are fun. I live downtown am never bored and love every minute of it. However that particular location is predominately office buildings (17th/18th/19th between Market and Broadway). You are going to have to go a few blocks north, west or south just to see other people after the workers go home for the night.

Being in that location will put you within walking distance of Coors Field, the top notch restaurants in Larimer Square, other nice restaurants and bars scattered throughout downtown, and the Denver Center for the Performing arts. So it's not all bad as far as location goes just the immediate vicinity is low key.

[JD401]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

Why?
-because you like downtown
-because the CBD is very safe in comparison to most big cities

Why not?
-because it might be more boring than you think

Unless you get a sweet deal on a place and a great view, and like urban style living, I don't really see much of a reason to live there over anywhere else. I wouldn't avoid it for safety reasons, I'm down there every night during the week, and there is generally NOTHING going on down there that would cause concern.

I personally have no desire to live in the CBD. But, I'm a guy who's fairly easily entertained, a guy who likes value, and a lot of space.

You and I sound alike. I'm not against living downtown, but not a requirement for me. Happy wife, happy life and all that jazz. Not to say though that she's not open to other options.

We are getting a pretty decent deal, and very nice amenities and finishes, but the apartment is very small. It does have a balcony and a decent enough view though. Is also very pet friendly and has dog amenities on site which is important.

We also looked at a place in Cherry Creek across from Macy's and all of those shops. Similar price and amenities, about 100 sq ft larger though.

Wife is excited about the prospect of living downtown, wanting to do so before we start our family. See likes the idea of urban living and being within walking distance to so much. I'm leaning towards the Cherry Creek place, mainly because of the size. Still walkable and pedestrian friendly, but obviously not as high of a walk score.

[JD401]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Boring

I would look at Highland.

My limited experience wouldn't suggest boring, but yes, not quite as "happening" as other downtowns i've visited. We like the in-betweeness of Denver in general in that regard.

I've seen you and other mention Highland several other times. Wife flew back today, and I'm staying for my interview on Tuesday, so I need to kill some time. May go take a drive through there.

[JD401]

Originally Posted by robertgoodman

Parts of downtown are fun. I live downtown am never bored and love every minute of it. However that particular location is predominately office buildings (17th/18th/19th between Market and Broadway). You are going to have to go a few blocks north, west or south just to see other people after the workers go home for the night.

Being in that location will put you within walking distance of Coors Field, the top notch restaurants in Larimer Square, other nice restaurants and bars scattered throughout downtown, and the Denver Center for the Performing arts. So it's not all bad as far as location goes just the immediate vicinity is low key.

Low key is good actually, as long as it's still safe and livable. The area seems to be a good compromise of urban, and like you said low key. Being close to activities, restaurants, and daily needs is important, but "peace and quiet" of the downtown variety is a factor too i.e. not really interested in living right next to bars, etc. That being said though, because you say the area clears relatively out after work hours, would you still consider it safe in general?

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by JD401

would you still consider it safe in general?

Yes
Surf to Crime Statistics and Maps | Denver Police Department
you want CBD

55% of the crime is from:
Larceny
Theft from motor vehicle
Drugs

I doubt those will affect you at all.
The overall numbers are quite low.

[dude_reino]

The problem with CBD is the parking. Many properties don't come with deeded spaces and they can cost $50k to buy, or many hundreds per month to lease. Make sure you research this if you have a car.

Personally I wouldn't live in CBD, just as I wouldn't live in the Loop in Chicago. It's just not made for it.

[unbeliever]

I work exactly where you're thinking of living, and no I wouldn't live here. It's boring, and there are no services here. You'd have to walk down the Coors Field area to eat/drink/be merry, and there are a lot of vagrants around here due to the Bus Station. Parking here is NOT expensive at all. It's comically cheap compared to any big city in the U.S. but the cheaper lots are in sketchy areas.