Neighborhoods that are NOT pop-ups in Denver or surrounding areas (Arvada: for sale, real estate)

[hooverphonics]

Hi all,

Which n'hoods are not pop ups, ie houses that match, cheaply made, etc -- we are moving there in the next few months from godawful Socal and I am so sick of this type of soulless anodyne development (being from New England where structures are old, generally well built, and definitely never match) -- so I am trying to narrow down which n'hoods I research. We're also looking at Boulder area but I think this is less an issue there so I am only asking about Denver. Looking for older areas to live that aren't too pricey and are also safe and have some charm, goods for pets and kids, old trees too would be nice.

Also a random question - is there anyone on here who has grown up in the desert or anywhere very warm year round - how did you adjust to Co? Was it tough? I ask for my DH who is from the desert, never lived outside CA. Me, I love the snow so I cant wait!

Thanks!

[MissTerri]

What is your price range? Are schools a concern? What about commute? Do you need to be near as specific location? There are a ton of neighborhoods that could fit the bill.

[hooverphonics]

Thanks for your reply, MissTerri! School will be a concern but not right away (and we are looking initially for a rental). I work from home but my dh doesn't have a job yet so we don't know about the commute (when he does have one I don't want him to have a long commute as he doesn't know how to drive in the snow). Maybe I should have waited to ask but just trying to get a feel. Price up to 2k a month give or take, pref lower if possible, 2 - bedroom, doesn't need to be big or fancy. Safety is a big concern. Rather pay more and be in a safe n'hood where you can take the dogs out at night or run after dark. I like a kind of boho mixed feel -- too many years in nyc -- but not sure if that is there in Denver, so as long as it is safe and not all matchey/claptrap and sort of pretty that's fine.

[2bindenver]

There are old Victorian styles in central Denver. Denver is not old like the east coast. So most the housing stock in last century. Try this one 463 Corona Street, Denver, CO 80218 | MLS 6629197 | Listing Information

[MissTerri]

Platte Park is family friendly with unique architecture. Washington Park as well (pricier then Platte). Also Park Hill, Congress Park, Highlands, Berkeley, Baker. Some of these areas are more family friendly then others but they are all pretty safe as long as you exercise some basic street smarts. Old Littleton, Old Englewood, Old Arvada also are good inner ring suburb choices with character and less expensive options. A lot of homes in Denver were built in the 50's, so lots of brick ranches all over the place but there are older neighborhoods with unique architecture all over the place.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by hooverphonics

Which n'hoods are not pop ups, ie houses that match, cheaply made,

All Denver neighborhoods have this.
If you look closely, you can see (even in fancy Wash Park) where 10 houses in a row were all built in the same day in 1920.
That said, there are only a few places in the City & County of Denver where there are 100s of lookalike houses clumped together: Lowery, Stapleton, Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, Barnum.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

All Denver neighborhoods have this.
If you look closely, you can see (even in fancy Wash Park) where 10 houses in a row were all built in the same day in 1920.
That said, there are only a few places in the City & County of Denver where there are 100s of lookalike houses clumped together: Lowery, Stapleton, Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, Barnum.

Absolutely! When I was a visiting nurse, I always knew where the bathroom was in those old bungalows; didn't have to ask.

[hooverphonics]

Thanks, everyone, I appreciate your responses! I should have said older homes, not old, as I know everything out here in the west is newer than the NE. I just don't like the developments I see in SD, entire n'hoods where you only know where you live because of the number -- they are creepy to me, assembly line houses, too much of the stepford wife thing going on, so I am happier with the annoying quirks of an older home. Looking forward to Denver (or Boulder)!

[hooverphonics]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

There are old Victorian styles in central Denver. Denver is not old like the east coast. So most the housing stock in last century. Try this one 463 Corona Street, Denver, CO 80218 | MLS 6629197 | Listing Information

Beautiful home, minus the wall to wall carpeting, but too huge & expensive & neighbors way too close for our tastes -- I have already done the cramped living in ny and here in sd and want space -- but it really is lovely am I am sure it'll sell in no time.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by hooverphonics

neighbors way too close

You just ruled out the entire City & County of Denver unless you have a ton of money.
This has the land you seek Denver Colorado Homes For Sale & Denver Real Estate - Zillow

You should be looking at houses in the inner-ring suburbs if you want "space".