Continuing with our series on areas around town, we profile towns West of Denver this month. Being close to the beautiful Rocky Mountains has always held appeal for Colorado residents.
Towns west of Denver can be more expensive than their northern and southern counterparts, but savvy buyers can find homes in a variety of price ranges. Many colleges make their homes in cities west of Denver such as Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado at Boulder so many of these areas offer young vibrancy and energy.
Towns west of Denver can be more expensive than their northern and southern counterparts, but savvy buyers can find homes in a variety of price ranges. Many colleges make their homes in cities west of Denver such as Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado at Boulder so many of these areas offer young vibrancy and energy.
Lakewood
| Population in 2012: 145,516 Males: 72,812 (50%) Median resident age: 38.7 years | Population change since 2000: +7.4% Females: 56,245 (51.3%) Median Home Cost: $243,200 |
The most populous city in Jefferson County, Lakewood is located just west of Denver, Lakewood is close to the foothills and offers easy access to the Rocky Mountains. Lakewood was incorporated in 1969 with a population of 90,000. Proximity to town and the mountains, annual events such as Cider Days at the Lakewood Heritage Center and new shopping centers such as Belmar are attracting new residents. Jefferson County Schools serve most of the Lakewood students.
Homes in Lakewood range from new developments in areas such as Belmar to older established neighborhoods. Buyers can expect to find homes starting in the $200s with condos and townhomes in the high $100s to low $200s.
Homes in Lakewood range from new developments in areas such as Belmar to older established neighborhoods. Buyers can expect to find homes starting in the $200s with condos and townhomes in the high $100s to low $200s.
Arvada
| Population in 2012: 109,745 Males: 53,500 (48.7%) Median resident age: 40.2 years | Population change since 2000: +7.4% Females: 56,245 (51.3%) Median Home Cost: $243,200 |
During the beginning of the gold rush, Lewis Ralston discovered gold in a local mountain stream. Other prospectors flocked to the area and by 1870 a railroad appeared and Arvada was formed. Arvada boasts over 3,000 acres of parks and trails, a quaint downtown, cultural experiences such as the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, and an outdoor lifestyle. The city is spilt between Adams and Jefferson County as are the schools.
Arvada buyers will find condos in the mid $100s all the way up to new builds in the $400s-$800s. Arvada can be a good choice for new buyers and for families looking to find a place to settle down and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle.
Arvada buyers will find condos in the mid $100s all the way up to new builds in the $400s-$800s. Arvada can be a good choice for new buyers and for families looking to find a place to settle down and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle.
Golden
| Population in 2012: 19,186 Males: 10,680 (55.7%) Median resident age: 33.9 years | Population change since 2000: +11.8% Females: 8,506 (44.3%) Median Home Cost: $336,563 |
Appropriately named for their place in the Colorado Gold Rush, Golden is a beautiful down at the base of the foothills. Famous for the Coors Brewery and the Colorado School of Mines, Golden is an attractive town for outdoorsman, families and students alike. Golden’s historic downtown is a fun destination as is Clear Creek which runs through the town. Golden students attend Jefferson County schools.
As a smaller town, the housing options in Golden are more limited. Buyers can expect to pay more than they would in a neighboring town such as Arvada. Newer homes range from the $300s to above $1 million with more established neighborhoods in the $300s.
As a smaller town, the housing options in Golden are more limited. Buyers can expect to pay more than they would in a neighboring town such as Arvada. Newer homes range from the $300s to above $1 million with more established neighborhoods in the $300s.
Boulder
| Population in 2012: 101,808 Males: 51,280 (50.4%) Median resident age: 28.4 years | Population change since 2000: +7.5% Females: 50,528 (40.6%) Median Home Cost: $477,200 |
Once a part of the Nebraska Territory, Boulder was incorporated as Boulder City in 1871. Five years later Colorado achieved its statehood and the University of Colorado at Boulder opened. Located northwest of Denver, Boulder residents enjoy the Colorado outdoors being at the base of the stunning Flatirons. Boulder has recently become a hot bed for tech startups and is gaining national interest from companies such as Google. The Boulder Valley School District serves the students of Boulder.
Buyers looking in Boulder will find higher prices than nearby suburbs such as Longmont and Broomfield. Homes can range from the high $200s all the way up to the millions. Most homes in Boulder fall in the high $300s to $700s.
Buyers looking in Boulder will find higher prices than nearby suburbs such as Longmont and Broomfield. Homes can range from the high $200s all the way up to the millions. Most homes in Boulder fall in the high $300s to $700s.
Evergreen
| Population in 2012: 9,038 Males: 4,463 (49.4%) Median resident age: 45.5 years | Population change since 2000: -1.9% Females: 4,575 (50.6%) Median Home Cost: $392,393 |
Founded as a stage coach stop back in 1859, Evergreen has come a long way. Located in the foothills with access from Highway 285 and I-70, Evergreen is a popular town for those who want the mountain lifestyle with the ability to commute to town for work. A quaint downtown, picturesque lake, open space for hiking and biking and easy access to the mountains are all things Evergreen residents love. Most Evergreen students attend Jefferson County Public Schools with some attending Clear Creek Schools.
Evergreen offers buyers everything from 1900s cabins to beautiful new builds with acreage. Buyers can find rustic residences in the high $100s and expect to pay $400,000 to over $1 million for more modern homes.
Evergreen offers buyers everything from 1900s cabins to beautiful new builds with acreage. Buyers can find rustic residences in the high $100s and expect to pay $400,000 to over $1 million for more modern homes.
The West suburbs proximity to the mountains make them attractive to those who love the Colorado outdoors. While they haven’t grown as rapidly as other areas around the Denver area, they are a great place to invest, experience the beauty of Colorado and settle down.