Tech focused neighborhoods?

Question

Hi BP,

First post here, but glad for it to be in the Denver community! Currently living in Oakland, but i'm considering some tech positions in the Denver area. Being an outsider looking in, I have no real clue as to which burrows to even consider.

I'd love to know what sort of neighborhoods are the most up and coming for those millennial out of towner types like myself. Even if it's just your speculation and a why you think the area is growing would greatly help my research!

Thanks so much in advance for all of the help

Scott Trench · Answer

As a buyer, I am interested in the areas that @Dan Mackin suggested. If I were moving here from San Francisco/Oakland, however, I would not be looking to move into Cole neighborhood. I lived in Cole, and I made a large amount of money buying there in 2014. I'd do it again. But, the "trendy" areas that you are looking for will be in the Highlands, LoDo, Capitol Hill, Speer, Wash Park, Cheesman Park, Cherry Creek, and City Park West. RiNo is transitioning, but you'll notice a significant difference in what's walkable at the north end of RiNo vs the parts closer to LoDo. There is a drastic difference in walkability and the things that you prioritize between the areas just listed and the areas that Dan suggested, and that I invest in. Cole/Clayton, Globeville, Villa Park, Barnum, etc are not places that offer the same walkability and lifestyle options that you listed as important.

The price of property in those neighborhoods reflects what I stated. You are unlikely to find a cash flowing investment property without significant effort, a great connection, or a bit of luck in any of the trendy areas unless you have several hundred thousand dollars to put down. Of course, if you live here for a bit and do your homework, as @Matt M.  suggests, you will discover gems and specific locations in the up and coming neighborhoods that offer great walkability today at an affordable price point and the potential for appreciation tomorrow!

Matt M. · Answer

What I always tell my clients that relocate to the area is to rent first. Renting helps you get used to the areas while allowing you to explore. You wouldn't be tied down with a home just in case you didn't like the neighborhood.

The areas Dan mentioned would work, but what if your job turns out to be in the tech center? Then you'll want something on that side of downtown. Also, your price point will really dictate what areas you'll be able to purchase in, so I'd start there to help narrow your search.

Dan Mackin · Answer

One of the big areas is RiNo. It's already hot there, but the surrounding areas are starting to pick up. To the east there is the Cole neighborhood which has been picking up as well, but decent deals can be found. There are some market areas mixed within, but generally the area is walkable to RiNo. To the northwest of RiNo there is Globeville. It is admittedly a bit of an odd area in terms of layout since it has the highways and train tracks breaking it up, but it's still very affordable. Supposedly the artists that started down in RiNo before it was hot have now been forced out by price and a lot are moving up to the Globeville area.

There is another neighborhood to the east that is making some movement too, but it's much more recent. It is in Northwest Aurora. The hub of the area is a place called the Stanley Marketplace. It has taken years to come to fruition, but now that it is open there are lots of plans in place for the surrounding area. Train doesn't come right through the area, but it is just a 5-10 minute drive to the station which will either take you to the Airport, RiNo or downtown.

For relatively safe I have to say it's all about what you're comfort level is. By comparison to other cities it is pretty safe here.

Dan Mackin · Answer

It depends on what criteria you are looking for in the neighborhood. Do you want it to be walkable, or is public transit more important? There are quite a few potential options here, but each has their pros and cons.

Tech focused neighborhoods?

Most Popular Reply