Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities, Denver was recently recognized by Forbes.com as America´s best city to buy a home. The ranking is based on statistical data of property sales, and Denver´s even distribution of property sales showing proportionate activity (25 percent of its property sales occurred within 25 percent of the city´s zip codes). The latest data for Denver real estate reveal the average price for a condominium is $242,713 and the average price for a single-family home is $300,998.
The city of Denver features some of the best home values when compared to other major metropolitan areas with diverse housing in a thriving, historic downtown area with lofts and high-rises, as well as historic homes in tree-lined neighborhoods. With a moderate cost of living and focus on low taxes, Denver is poised for continued growth.
Metro Denver´s population of 2.7 million is spread out among 1.1 million households found in more than 70 neighborhoods. Some of the city´s most popular neighborhoods are also the ones with the highest increases in sale prices. In its May 2009 "Real Estate" issue, 5280 Magazine revealed the city´s "Elite Eight Neighborhoods" that saw the highest average sale price increases in 2008:
• Baker: $255,000 (up eight percent)
• Berkeley East: $314,000 (up seven percent)
• Cherry Creek: $1,161,000 (up 11 percent)
• East Highland: $296,000 (up 7 percent)
• Platt Park South: $402,000 (up 4 percent)
• Rosedale: $360,000 (up 17 percent)
• University Hills: $303,000 (up 6 percent)
• Wash Park East: $705,000 (up 8 percent)
According to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, six industries are driving job growth in the region: aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy, financial services, and information technology (software).
Major improvements to the transportation system have also made it easier for residents to commute between home and work. Transportation improvements include the completion of one of the country´s largest multi-modal transportation projects (including highway expansion and light rail), as well as plans to add miles of rapid transit and expansion of existing bus service via the Regional Transportation District´s FasTracks program.
Denver also made headlines recently with its ranking on a list of the cities with the most "walkable" neighborhoods according to a recent report from Walkscore.com. Denver ranked 10th and four neighborhoods were scored as "walkers´ paradise" neighborhoods: LoDo, Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill and Cherry Creek. The list is based on a mathematical formula that evaluates the ease of navigating a given neighborhood on foot, using such factors as distance to stores, restaurants, schools and parks from various points in each neighborhood.
It´s not uncommon for many commuters to also bike to work. Working and playing outdoors is one of the signature characteristics of living in Denver. It has the largest public parks system of any city in the nation, along with access to thousands of acres of open space for hiking, biking, walking and snowshoeing. Denver is located in proximity to 40 state parks and three national parks. There are more than 75 public and private golf courses in the region, and Denver is within 100 miles of Colorado´s 25 legendary ski resorts.
While the outdoors have always been synonymous with Colorado, Denver is also making a name for itself with its arts and cultural offerings with the (newly expanded) Denver Art Museum, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Larimer Square (historic district and home of award-winning restaurants and boutiques), and Lower Downtown (LoDo).
Denver is also home to professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Mammoth and Denver Outlaws.
There´s always something happening in Denver, and the best way to stay updated is via Denver 365, a comprehensive, year-round events guide that features annual and upcoming events.
