West Denver is one of the most popular areas for Denver-area home buyers. It offers diverse and welcoming communities with easy access to everything the city has to offer. Plus, it comprises several unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality and charm.
Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as investing in the perfect home. West Denver realtor Dina Piterniece discusses some of the key factors to consider when choosing a West Denver neighborhood. Read on to learn how to make an informed decision about where to call home.
1. Research West Denver neighborhoods
Before buying West Denver real estate, it's important to research a neighborhood to ensure that it’s the right fit for you.
Start by looking at the city and county's website to gain information about each of the neighborhoods throughout West Denver. If there are any online forums or message boards relating to a particular neighborhood, find out what the residents have to say about the area.
Also, consider the location of each neighborhood. If you’re looking for a home where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, you may prefer Sloan Lake, Villa Park, or Athmar Park. Do you want to be close to all the amenities? Check out Barnum, Westwood, West Colfax, and Sun Valley.
2. Consider your lifestyle, interests, and needs
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to buy a house in, it’s not just about the house itself. You want to make sure that the neighborhood you choose has easy access to the activities and amenities that fit your lifestyle, interests, and needs.
Before you research West Denver real estate, think about what you want out of your neighborhood. Start by making a list of priorities. Do you want to be where the action is, or do you prefer something quieter?
Also, think about how a particular neighborhood accommodates your future plans. Do you plan on starting a family or retiring soon? Or are you still climbing the ladder in your career?
3. Consider the sense of community
The community that you live in can have a significant impact on the quality of your life since it provides a sense of support and belonging. A strong sense of community can also lead to increased social connections and satisfaction with the neighborhood you live in.
If you’re looking for tight-knit communities, you might want to consider Sloan Lake or Highland. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid-back community, then consider Lakewood or Wheat Ridge.
You can get a general sense of a neighborhood’s community by talking to neighbors and attending local events (e.g., farmer's markets, bike rides, etc.). This will help you find a neighborhood where you feel happy and connected.
4. Examine the quality of schools
If you have children or plan on having them, the quality of schools should be a major factor when choosing a neighborhood. Research the schools throughout West Denver and check their ratings, test scores, and overall reputation. Consider the types of extracurricular activities and programs the schools offer, such as sports teams and music programs.
Also, keep in mind that high-quality schools don’t just benefit your children’s academic success, but they also impact the value of your property. For example, many home buyers with families will pay more money to live in areas with high-quality schools.
5. Look into transportation options
Whether you prefer to drive, walk, take public transportation, or pedal your bicycle, it’s important to consider accessibility to transportation when choosing a neighborhood.
If you’re a cyclist looking for a way to ditch the car, consider a neighborhood with access to biking trails that lead to various parts of the city. Do you prefer public transportation? Consider choosing a neighborhood with access to any of Denver’s public transit stations.
Lastly, if you don’t mind driving, there are plenty of West Denver neighborhoods within proximity to Interstates 70 and 25.
6. Visit West Denver neighborhoods
Once you've researched West Denver neighborhoods you're interested in, get a feel for what they're like by visiting them. You can take a walk around the neighborhood, visit local parks, and even chat with the locals to get a sense of the community.
Visiting West Denver’s neighborhoods also allows you to check out the local amenities, such as nearby shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Plus, you can get an idea of what the housing density and traffic are like in a specific neighborhood.
If you find any homes for sale in a neighborhood you’re interested in, West Denver realtor Dina Piterniece can help you explore them further.
7. Look at property values in West Denver
When it comes to choosing the right neighborhood to live in, property values should be a major consideration. This is because the value of your home is not only an indicator of the quality of the neighborhood, but it also affects your financial well-being. By choosing a neighborhood with high property values, you're ensuring that your investment in your home will pay off in the long run.
You can find this information by looking up property records in the neighborhood. Check the Denver assessor's offices databases to find information on specific properties. You can often see what homes have sold for in the past and get an idea of how the market is doing in the area.
Also, an experienced realtor can give you an idea of what homes are selling for, how long they're staying on the market, and what the competition is like.
Consult with a West Denver Realtor and find the perfect place to call home
Whether you’ve decided on a West Denver neighborhood or are still shopping around, Dina Piterniece can help you explore your options. She knows the West Denver real estate market like the back of her hand. She would be glad to answer any questions you have and learn more about your home-buying goals. When you’re ready to find a West Denver neighborhood to call home, contact Dina for a consultation.