Golden

Sweeping views of the Front Range beckon Ashwood residents from their homes and towards their natural surroundings. Ashwood’s principal borders of West Colfax Avenue and West Sixth Avenue have been major thoroughfares since Lakewood’s early days as farmland. The community is also just a stone’s throw away from the popular Colorado Mills shopping center. “The outdoor lifestyle is a major attraction in Ashwood,” shares Kelly Stasney, broker and owner of The Realty Group. She serves future homeowners interested in the communities along the Front Range. “If you want to go to the Rockies to bike or ski, you’re cutting 45 minutes to an hour off your commute time by living anywhere near Golden.” Hiking and biking trails abound on nearby North Table Mountain, and dedicated bikers can take the extensive trail along Clear Creek River to Union Station in Lower Downtown Denver. A large grove of historic ash trees that earn this community its namesake flourish in Welchester Tree Grant Park. This green space's idyllic 1-mile trail is frequently hiked, biked or ridden on horseback. Meanwhile, kids run wild at the Daniels Park playground. A drive to the Rocky Mountains isn’t always necessary to play some winter sports. Newcomers to the Denver Curling Center take advantage of the club’s lessons, while more seasoned players can rent lanes for competitions. “Ashwood is an older neighborhood that’s quite established,” Stasney says. “Historically there’s not been a lot of turnovers, but in the past five to seven years more long-time folks have been downsizing so more properties are on the market. New construction is mostly infill on smaller plots of land turned into attached duplexes.” Each street looks slightly different in Ashwood. Depending on availability, residents might enjoy the spacious, tree-filled lots on Orchard Road, the square suburban lots on streets like Yank and Youngfield, or the sweeping backyard vistas on Xenon Court. Some of these lots are large enough for residents to keep horses and hobby farms, and nature takes center stage regardless of the street name. A short drive – or even a glance out the window – will reveal picturesque views of the Front Range. Post-war ranches and split levels are spread out through these pockets and sell for anywhere from $415,000 to $1.45 million for properties closer to the mountains. Brand-new duplex communities feature offerings priced between $575,000 and $950,000. The event calendar is always packed in nearby Golden. Buffalo Bill Days and other Western heritage events encourage locals to dress the part, while the Olde Golden Christmas candle walk and light shows bring holiday magic each year. Ashwood residents are also within a reasonable distance of the museums, parks, and coveted food scene in downtown Denver. Ashwood residents have two paths to choose from for shopping, depending on their needs. Colorado Mills is one of the Denver Metro Area’s premier outlet malls. Here, they can head to chain restaurants or eclectic favorites – a cafe by day and a yoga studio by evening – before picking up groceries from Whole Foods Market. Locals make their way to Golden's mountain-bound downtown for a historic feel with more independent shops and restaurants. Welchester Elementary School sits at the center of the Ashwood neighborhood and earns a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Students advance to Bell Middle School, which is located in Golden proper and earns a B-plus. They finish strong at the much-loved Golden High School, which earns an A-minus. This community institution was inaugurated as South School in 1873 and has since seen continuous growth and improvements. Commuters make the 9-mile journey to work in Denver or the 26.5-mile trip to Boulder. Those using the Light Rail system take off from the Red Rocks Community College Station along West 6th Avenue for a long haul clocking in at just under 2 hours. CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital sits just 2 miles away, and drivers and bikers head into Downtown Golden in just 5.5 miles. Out-of-town guests arrive at Denver International Airport, 34 miles across the city. “Keep in mind there are premiums on properties closer to the mountains, and anything on the Front Range is high,” Stasney remarks. “That’s why so many buyers are interested in attached properties in Ashwood.”

Many people move to West Pleasant View in Golden because the housing market is significantly less expensive than the surrounding areas. “Home prices in West Pleasant View are typically more affordable than other parts of Golden,” says Realtor Mike Page with Compass, who has worked in the area since 2016. “The average price for all single-family homes sold in West Pleasant View in the past year is just $724,000.” Residents can visit one of many restaurants in the neighborhood, including the bar and grill Rock Rest Lodge and El Amigo Mexican Restaurant. Jefferson County Fairgrounds hosts a variety of events in the neighborhood that people from across the county attend. Students attend Jefferson County School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche and can play outside at Westblade Park after class. Interstate 70 is one of the major roads that run through West Pleasant View, which drivers can take to Denver, about 13 miles away. While only some residential streets feature sidewalks, homebuyers are likely to find wide driveways leading to two- or three-car garages. Trees fill the neighborhood, sitting between properties and decorating the grassy front lawns accented with bushes. Mid-20th century red brick ranch styles, split levels and bilevels are common, as are new traditional houses built after 2000. Prices typically fall between $525,000 and $750,000. Several townhouses are scattered throughout the neighborhood, which can cost between $250,000 and $650,000. Several restaurants sit along South Golden Road, including the Rock Rest Lodge, a bar and grill with a rich history dating back to 1907. Page says that El Amigo Mexican Restaurant and Tequila’s Family Mexican Restaurant are two of the best eateries in the area. “The two main watering holes are Barrels & Bottles Brewery and CODA Brewing,” he adds. Colorado Mills is within 1 mile of the neighborhood, and patrons can shop at Target or Burlington before visiting Panera Bread and Crumbl Cookies for a bite. Both downtown Golden and Denver West are within 3 miles of the neighborhood and feature several other shopping and dining options for residents to explore. Locals get groceries from King Soopers and find the rest of their essentials at Home Depot, less than a mile away, and Walmart, about 6 miles away. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds sits just south of U.S. Route 6. “With 11 different facilities and 700 events hosted annually, the Jefferson County Fairgrounds is a busy place!” Page says. “From roadshows to proms to job fairs and even open riding events, the fairgrounds have something for everyone.” One of their annual events is the JeffCo 4-H Fair, which includes animal shows, livestock auctions, and fun activities for all ages. West Pleasant View is served by Jefferson County School District, which locals call JeffCo. Students can start at Shelton Elementary School before attending Bell Middle School; both receive a B-plus from Niche. “Bell Middle School is technically the only one in the neighborhood,” Page says. At Golden High School, which earns an A-minus, all juniors can participate in the annual Junior Rafting trip, a three-to-four-day raft trip to learn about ecology, outdoor survival and local history. Westblade Park is the largest park in the neighborhood. “It has been described as a ‘quiet oasis’ and is a great place for people to relax, jog, walk their dogs and observe wildlife,” Page says. “Lena Gulch cuts right through the park, which adds to the wonderful scenery.” Locals can play a round of tennis or basketball at Southridge Park and enjoy a picnic and playground at Orchard Street Park. Just north of the area is South Mountain Table Park, which offers several hiking trails, although some close from February to July to protect raptor nesting territory. Three major thoroughfares, Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 6, run through the neighborhood, which residents can use to get to and from the city quickly. “Road noise from the highway is a factor in certain parts of West Pleasant View, but for the most part, the proximity to the interstate is a good thing,” Page says. While most people drive themselves, the Regional Transportation District offers several bus stops. Denver International Airport is about 33 miles away and has nonstop service to more than 20 states. The closest emergency room is at St. Anthony Hospital, about 4 miles away.

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a lifetime in Applewood West is a recipe for a healthy life. From heart-pumping mountain biking trails to challenging golf courses, Applewood West offers homebuyers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities coupled with high-quality housing options. “Those of us that are lucky enough to live here know that sometimes it feels like we're in the fictional town of Mayfield from Leave It To Beaver,” says Mike Page, broker associate at Compass Colorado. “My wife and I chose to put roots down in Applewood West because of the location and good schools. Many of our neighbors have lived here for 30-plus years, and we plan on doing the same!” Daily walks can quickly turn into mountain hikes by following one of the South Table Mountain trailheads. South Table Mountain Park has almost 16 miles of trails with panoramic views of Downtown Golden. The park is also a wildlife protection area, so locals know spring trail closures are meant to safeguard cliff-nesting raptor habitats. Residents like to go for easy 1/2-mile jogs at Applewood Park, and kids enjoy playing together on the garden-themed playground at Maple Grove Park. Golf enthusiasts are more than catered to in Applewood West. Operating since the 1960s, Applewood Golf Course is a popular public course offering individual lessons and group beginner golf clinics. Other residents join The Club at Rolling Hills, which provides a more private golfing experience and access to other amenities. Tanglewood Sports Park is the community’s destination for tennis and baseball, and young golfers can practice their swing on the putting green. Following a day on the green, locals head down to Applewood Grove Shopping Center for something to eat. Mountain Tap Bar & Grill, a woodsy tavern, has become a neighborhood hangout for billiards and darts, and the menu is stacked with Greek-inspired bar food. When residents crave a refreshing drink, locally owned Ohm Brewing Company serves creative brews, like a prickly pear Kolsch or a ginger cream ale. Diners’ taste buds take a trip to Italy at Abrusci's Fire & Vine, which relies on generations of family recipes and uses only the freshest ingredients. If locals would rather make their own cuisine, Whole Foods is nearby in Denver West Village. For retail shopping, Colorado Mills is just south of the neighborhood and Denver’s only indoor outlet mall. Homes range from modest ranches to modern mountainside estates. Some homes feature farmhouse or Tudor-style elements, with half-timbered details or rustic brick and stone accents. Yards often have as much character as homes, with colorful patio furniture, flower-covered trellises and landscaped rock gardens. “It’s got Boulder charm for Golden prices,” says Jesse Lynch, owner of the Welcome To Denver real estate team and host of a popular YouTube channel. “You still get some of that upscale feel, and you’re right in the foothills.” Most homes cost between $550,000 and $800,000, but living beside the golf courses means that properties start at $1 million and rise from there. On the lower spectrum, town house listings typically cost between $300,000 and $460,000. According to Page, neighbors love to come together and get to know one another. He says, “During the warmer months, many Applewood West residents host barbeques, block parties and watch parties to cheer on all our local Denver sports teams.” During the week, students attend Maple Grove Elementary School, which has a B-plus rating on Niche. Right next door, The Manning School of Academics and Arts welcomes sixth through eighth graders and offers a robust performing arts department. The school earns an A-minus score, and students can gain international experience by joining the Roaming Mustangs Travel Club, which has facilitated trips to Japan and England in recent years. In ninth grade, students can choose to attend either Golden High School or Wheat Ridge High School as part of Jeffco Public Schools’ Choice Enrollment program. Golden High earns an A-minus, while Wheat Ridge has a B-plus. Applewood West is highly car-dependent. Public transportation isn't widely available through the neighborhood, although residents can access some Regional Transportation District bus stops. Commuters are in luck with Interstate 70 running right through the neighborhood; via the interstate, Downtown Denver is only 13 miles east. The neighborhood is also only 4 1/2 miles from Downtown Golden, making it a central but tranquil place for professionals to settle. For long-distance travel, Denver International Airport is 32 miles away.

With major retail centers on one side and Green Mountain on the other, Mesa View Estates accommodates both an outdoor lifestyle and commercial convenience. This foothills community sits about 5 miles away from downtown Golden and features a walkable residential landscape of custom homes, complete with an active homeowners association that plans annual events and contributes to neighborhood beautification efforts. “People are really tied into the community there. You don’t really have people hiding in their houses. People always know each other,” says Julie Leins, a former resident of the neighborhood and a Realtor with The Leins Group of Keller Williams Advantage Realty. Mesa View Estates keeps commuters connected to employers with nearby highways and light rail stations, and shoppers have plenty of options at the upscale Colorado Mills Mall. Enhanced by a strong community presence, Mesa View Estates maintains a balance between access to nature and city amenities. Covering more than 2,400 acres and rising to an elevation of about 6,800 feet, William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain is a destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Residents of Mesa View Estates have some of the easiest access to this lively habitat, with multiple trailheads at the neighborhood’s edges. Follow the trail across the highway to reach Dinosaur Ridge, where visitors can view fossils and tracks along designated paths. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is just a few miles away, offering opportunities for fitness adventures and concerts. Additional trails in the area include the 36-mile regional C-470 Bikeway. Within the neighborhood itself, kids can explore the playgrounds and fields at Estates Park and Golden Heights Park, the latter of which is also home to a spacious skate park. As part of Mesa View Estates, residents also receive complimentary access to the outdoor pool in the adjacent Sixth Avenue West community. And while the pool is popular in summer, it’s nearby ski resorts like Echo Mountain that attract visitors in winter. The Mesa View Estates HOA organizes a handful of events throughout the year, including the annual Spring Fling, Fall Fest and Holiday Sleigh Rides. But the biggest celebration is Turtle Fest, which draws about 500 attendees and features live music, games and bouncy castles for the kids. “During the summer, they’ll have the food trucks come in there, and it’s one of those just really great communities where people know and hangout with each other,” Leins says. At the base of Green Mountain, Mesa View Estates comprises 650 custom homes built primarily in the 1990s. The landscaped grounds feature manicured gardens that border a mix of Tudor Revival-influenced properties, some of which offer more than 6,000 square feet of living space. These luxury estates easily top the million-dollar mark, with most homes selling between $1.2 million and $1.6 million — significantly more expensive than Golden overall. Adding to the appeal is a network of paved sidewalks and paths that keep residents connected with neighborhood parks and mountainside trails. As part of Jeffco Public Schools, students can attend Kyffin Elementary and Bell Middle, which score grades of A-minus and B-plus on Niche, respectively. Many students will move on to Golden High, which scores an A-minus and is known for its high-tech STEM courses that focus on things like bike mechanics, 3D modeling and geometry in construction. Since 1969, the school has also offered Junior Rafting, an experiential learning program where junior-year students spend time bonding on rafting on some of the state’s best rivers. With both the mammoth Colorado Mills Mall and Denver West Village within 2 miles, residents can find nearly everything they need close to home. Target, Whole Foods, World Market and Marshalls sit within blocks of each other, interspersed with casual chains such as Chipotle and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. At the corner of West Sixth Avenue and Indiana Street, a small shopping center hosts local restaurants Coriander and Bono’s Italian, which Leins says has been there “forever.” Leins also says that one of the most popular spots is 240 Union. “If they have an event at their home, they will hire 240 Union to do the catering,” Leins says. For even more options, downtown Golden puts a modern twist on the Wild West vibe and is filled with upscale and rustic shops, restaurants and breweries. For drivers, Mesa View Estates' proximity to Interstate 70 and State Route 470 makes it convenient for exploring the entire Denver metro area or heading into the mountains. West Sixth Avenue, often called the Sixth Avenue Freeway, provides a direct route for commuters heading to the heart of either Denver or Golden, although locals say that traffic near Denver’s Interstate 25 interchange can sometimes get dicey. Commuters can also hop on the RTD light rail at the nearby Red Rocks Community College station to reach the city or the Denver International Airport.

Sixth Avenue West, a neighborhood in Golden, Colorado, offers suburban living tucked right by Green Mountain. This quiet, outdoorsy community is a walkable distance from the massive William F. Hayden Park and its many multiuse trails. Large traditional properties on sizeable lots fill the area; many were built throughout the 1970s. Unique to this community is its many townhouses, which can offer more affordable housing than single-family properties here. With mountain views and spacious properties, one might expect this area to be disconnected from city life and its amenities, but locals will be just a few miles away from a mall, other shops and Jeffco Fairgrounds. This doesn’t change the calm nature of the area. “Golden has a reputation for a small-town feel, and Sixth Avenue West is no different,” says Mary Barela-Cordova, a Certified Residential Specialist and managing broker at BC Realty LCC, who has friends, family and clients living in the community. “Neighbors knock on the door and introduce themselves. This friendly environment and its great location make it a highly desirable place to live.” With easy access to Interstate 70, Sixth Avenue West locals can have a relaxed community close to the mountains while still being well connected to the surrounding conveniences. Along curving streets that often spread into cul-de-sacs are properties built primarily between the ‘70s and ‘90s. Spacious single-family homes are mainly traditional suburban-style constructions like sprawling brick ranch-style dwellings, but the community is also home to some unique asymmetrical properties, including some bi-levels. Townhouses make up a majority of the western edge of the area. Some townhouses and most homes here have attached garages. “It’s not a suburban area that feels congested. Houses are built with the terrain in mind. It’s important to people that they can see open green space or the mountains from their yard,” Barela-Cordova says. The median plot size is 11,300 square feet. While some residents keep grassy lawns, many take advantage of xeriscaping, a low-water option known for its rocky look. Because of the hilly nature of the area, yards are often slightly slanted. “Sixth Avenue West is covenant-controlled, and the voluntary HOA is strong. There’s a real commitment to the community,” Barela-Cordova says. Prices typically range from $425,000 for some townhouses to $1.4 million for larger properties. Homes here are rarely available, and they sell after an average of just 25 days on the market. Being right up against Green Mountain gives Sixth Avenue West residents direct access to the area’s many natural and gravel-studded trails. The community’s Sixth Avenue West Park, a mainly undeveloped green space, features a narrow dirt path that leads toward the North Access Trail, which is near the townhouses. This 3.3-mile journey will get hikers to the 2,400-acre William F. Hayden Park. Popular among bikers, equestrians and hikers, the park offers visitors everything from multiuse trails to views of both Denver and the mountain peaks. The park’s grasslands fill with wildflowers during the springtime, bringing color to the area. Visitors should watch out for rattlesnakes, as they are commonly spotted in the area. Those wanting a hiking opportunity a little closer to home can explore the community’s many undeveloped greenbelts. At Sixth Avenue West’s Dewey Haberman Memorial Park, kids have fun on the playground, and the basketball court is perfect for anyone wanting to practice their skills. In the summertime, locals can cool off at the pool. Less than 2 miles east of Sixth Avenue West is Jeffco Fairgrounds. Equestrians can practice their skills at both indoor and outdoor facilities, and the Rodeo Area serves as a venue for Westernaires’ horse shows. Barela-Cordova says, “It’s become so big that people from all areas come to train at Westernaires.” Locals can also head to the grounds for events like Whale of a Used Book, a spring and fall attraction where eventgoers check out the state’s largest preloved book sale. From car and dog shows to private gatherings, the fairgrounds offer something for everyone to enjoy. Also nearby is the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, which offers visitors sandstone-filled views throughout various hiking trails and at the popular event venue. Just 6 miles east via U.S. Route 6 is Lakewood’s Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, giving Sixth Avenue West locals easy access to fresh vegetables and produce. Those wanting to ski can head on I-70 to take the 55-mile-or-so drive to Arapahoe Basin. Sixth Avenue West residents enjoy their convenient location to nearby restaurants and shops. Along the Sixth Avenue Freeway — the community's northern border — is Coriander. Voted as the best Indian Restaurant in 2023 for the Best of Mile High award program, this establishment offers everything from happy hour specials to an expansive vegetarian menu. Next door is Bono’s Italian, perfect for those craving pizza, and just around 2 miles east of the neighborhood, along Union Boulevard, are Union Square’s many local establishments. Westrail Tap & Grill is a casual eatery serving American fare flavors and has become popular during game nights. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy their proximity to Colorado Mills, a mall just 2 miles north of the community. For grocery shopping, Sixth Avenue West residents can go to one of the nearby Whole Foods or King Soopers locations. Students can enroll in Jeffco Public Schools, which Niche ranks as the 6th-best school district in the Denver area. Many children in Sixth Avenue West will attend Kyffin Elementary School, which receives an A-minus rating on Niche. Kids can take advantage of after-school programs, including running and chess clubs. They can then attend B-plus-rated Bell Middle, which features humanities and science pathways, offering courses like creative writing and engineering. To finish their schooling, they can attend A-minus-rated Golden High School. Students can earn a STEM endorsement on their diplomas. The school features various classes, including mechanical engineering and 3D solid modeling. Students in Sixth Avenue West can also apply to enroll in other Jeffco schools they are not officially zoned for if those better fit their needs. For higher learning opportunities, the area is close to Red Rocks Community College, which boasts a student-teacher ratio of 19-to-1 and offers associate degrees. Sixth Avenue West is a car-dependent area, as public transportation is not readily available within the community. Locals can take Route 6 to downtown Golden, which is approximately 6 miles away. They can take the same route to downtown Denver, which is 12 miles away. With the rise of remote work, Barela-Cordova says many locals in the area work remotely, but nearby employers include Western Area Power Administration and CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital, both of which are less than 3 miles from the community. Those wanting to explore other areas can head to Denver International Airport, which is around 35 miles east via I-70 and Peña Boulevard.

As a former gold rush town, historic Downtown Golden is a window into the Wild West. The neighborhood sits bathed in the afternoon shade of North Table Mountain, south of beautiful Boulder and just west of Colorado’s capital city. “A lot of people who maybe dream about living in Boulder but can’t afford it will turn to Golden,” says Jesse Lynch. Owner of the Welcome to Denver real estate team with years of experience helping buyers find homes in Downtown Golden, Lynch recommends the neighborhood because “You’re right in the Rocky Mountain foothills, you’ve got a charming historic downtown area – plus it’s super walkable so it almost feels like a college town.” Outdoor retailers, vintage stores and legendary local restaurants occupy the historic Main Street buildings on either side of Washington Avenue. Residents gear up for their next hiking trip at Vital Outdoors and browse The Golden Curiosity Shop’s local treasures. King Soopers in Golden Town Center is the go-to grocery store for all the everyday essentials. While Starbucks is just a block over, residents prefer to fuel up at locally-owned coffee shops. For a truly historic dining experience, residents can visit Buffalo Rose, a local favorite serving western saloon fare for over 150 years. Golden is well-known as the home of Coors Brewery; but Lynch says, “that’s the tourist spot - true locals know where to find the best beer.” Family-owned and operated for 30 years, Golden City Brewery gained popularity for its crisp red ales brewed inside of an old machine shop. Downtown Golden hosts several annual events that have been bringing the community together for decades. The city’s largest event of the year is Buffalo Bill Days where residents can browse arts and crafts vendors and watch young cowboys ride sheep at the beloved Mutton Bustin’ event. Tall, snow-capped mountains peak over Downtown Golden’s flat-roof townhomes and one-of-a-kind single-family homes, providing panoramic views of the area’s unparalleled natural beauty. Sidewalk-lined residential streets feature a wide range of home styles. Around Washington Avenue, vernacular historic homes with charming Craftsman accents are packed on tree-covered city blocks. Luxury Spanish-style townhomes and recently built condos surround the Fossil Trace Golf Club and local high school. Throughout the neighborhood, ranch-style homes and contemporary custom builds sit on elevated lots in the Front Range foothills. Housing prices are an adequate reflection of Downtown Golden’s sought-after nature, with most homes listing between $600,000 and $900,000. Still, some one-bedroom townhomes cost as low as $450,000, while larger contemporary builds with sweeping views typically list between $1 million and $2 million. The Front Range of the Rocky Mountain foothills calls quietly to those seeking solace in nature. Hundreds of acres of open space welcome residents for daily walks, hikes and mountain biking circuits, while Clear Creek provides a challenging kayaking adventure course. For kids, Discovery Park brings history to life with huge dinosaur fossil climbing structures, while golfers can enjoy their own prehistoric playscape at Fossil Trace Golf Club. Near the heart of Downtown Golden, Parfet Park marks the city’s oldest parkland, inviting residents to come together for weekly summer movie nights and concerts. During the winter, locals grab their ski gear and head to award-winning ski slopes just west of Downtown Golden. Local students can attend Jeffco Public Schools, all of which score a B-plus or higher on Niche. Neighborhood children begin kindergarten at Mitchell Elementary, Many students will attend Bell Middle and Golden High, although Jeffco Public Schools’ Choice Enrollment program allows kids to enroll in any district school. Students who attend Golden High School can participate in STEM subjects such as mechanical engineering and 3D modeling while benefiting from tutoring sessions with students from the central, Colorado School of Mines. Locals can explore all Downtown Golden has to offer from neighborhood bike lanes. Drivers can follow US Route 6 to the western mountains or head 15 miles east to access Colorado’s capital city. Just outside the neighborhood, Interstate 70 intersects with Highway 58, bringing locals to the Denver International Airport. Commuters use the West Rail Line to avoid rush hour traffic on I-70. For more outdoor adventures, Federal Center Station’s express bus lines connect locals to the western ski slopes.