Greenwood Village

The Denver Tech Center, known as the DTC by locals, is much more than a commercial business hub—it’s a thriving epicenter of recreation and entertainment that boasts the ultimate live-work-play experience. “There are higher density buildings with condos, and the restaurants in them are fun and unique,” says Realtor Chris Kiker with Keller Williams DTC, who has over 25 years of experience. Only 11 miles south of Denver, this urban neighborhood has every city amenity a homeowner might need or want, from upscale eateries to performance theaters and city parks. Condo communities sit next to corporate headquarters and data centers, making it easy to follow a well-balanced lifestyle. Woven between the neighborhood’s many business buildings are pockets of commercial centers for shopping and dining. Belleview Promenade is central to the area and has several high-end local restaurants. Bird Bakery has sweets and sandwiches with gluten-free options to keep meals light, while Ocean Prime specializes in special occasions with its steak and seafood menu. Shanahan’s is another steakhouse in DTC, named after former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, that serves elevated dishes of beef, local poultry and fresh produce. To the east, Belleview Square shopping mall has a plethora of local and national chain restaurants like Bonefish Grill and Morning Story. Most people will get their groceries from the King Soopers. Further south along Orchard Road, Arapahoe Marketplace Shopping Center has a Sprouts Farmers Market and various fast-food chains. The other side of Boston Street sports retailers like Lowes, Home Depot and REI for necessity shopping. Art and culture come alive within the DTC, thanks to its multiple entertainment options and attractions. The Museum of Outdoor Arts has a sculpture garden wrapping around a terraced stone theater that holds art installations and hosts performances. Additionally, the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater is an outdoor concert venue nearby that puts on live music performances of big-name artists. For indoor entertainment, the Landmark at Greenwood Village has a movie theater that screens new releases and independent or foreign films. Comedy Works South is around the corner with shows put on by local and touring comedians. Several residential areas are interspersed throughout the Denver Tech Center with various housing options available, from condos to Victorian mansions. High-rise condominiums are more centralized in the area, sitting alongside office parks. The Landmark can be found at the heart of DTC with condos that range from $600,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit, to $1.35 million for a space with two beds and two baths. Further out are subdivisions like Huntington Acres that are lined with midcentury modern ranch-style homes and Craftsmen with stone features. These properties come with driveways, range from 2,000 to 5,500 square feet and cost anywhere between $700,000 and $1.8 million. Tree-lined sidewalks help pedestrians get around, avoiding DTC’s busier streets. At the edges of the neighborhood, custom estates sit on multi-acre lots and can get up to $2.6 million. “There’s an area called the Preserve, and that’s where you’re going to find the two-to-three-million-dollar houses. They have big lots over there with a lot of trees,” Kiker explains. Anyone looking for a break from the busy streets can find nearby parks and open spaces dotting the area. Tommy Davis Park has everything from a small pond to a private pool and sand volleyball court. Close by, Orchard Hills Park is a natural open space that’s home to plenty of wildlife and can be accessed through multiple trails, like the Goldsmith Gulch Trail. There’s a pond for fishing, a rock-climbing garden for exploring and a playground for young children. Goldsmith Gulch is a water stream that flows through the greenspace, connecting to Wallace Park in the north and Silo Park in the south. In the northwestern edge of the neighborhood, Village Greens Park boasts six baseball and softball fields, a soccer field and a disc golf course, along with miles of walking and mountain biking trails. Just next door is the west entrance for Cherry Creek State Park. The 4,000-acre natural land surrounds a sparkling reservoir and contains campgrounds, a dog park and a sandy beach with water recreation. Traveling in and around Denver Tech Center comes with many options. Pedestrians staying local can easily walk from work to dinner and back home if they live close enough. “People can ride scooters around, but most people drive. Unless you’re in a high-density area, it’s not as walkable,” Kiker says. Those heading into downtown Denver can hop on Interstate 25, which cuts diagonally through the area. I-25 can connect commuters to Interstate 225 in the north and Colorado State Highway 88 in the south. While main roads and entrances to office parks see a lot of traffic, the highways avoid congestion. People who use public transportation can head to either Belleview Station or Arapahoe at Village Center Station to access the RTD light rail. Lines E and R travel through the metro area. There are also multiple local buses servicing the neighborhood. Families living around Denver Tech Center have multiple options for their children’s education. Among them, the Cherry Creek High School campus along Union Avenue contains all three grade-level schools that students need to attend. Belleview Elementary School and Campus Middle School both maintain an A grade on Niche. Campus Middle offers extensive STEM electives like robotics and 3D modeling software. From there, students head to Cherry Creek High School. Ranked No. 2 in Best Public High Schools in Colorado by Niche, Cherry Creek has an A-plus grade, a stellar athletics program and a robust fine arts department. Students can perform for the community at the Cherry Creek High School Fine Arts Theatre, which sits on the north end of the campus. “I personally went to those three schools, and it was a great experience. What I liked about the high school was that there was an activity for everybody. Whatever you liked to do, there was something for you,” Kiker says.

Majestic homes may be the central focus of Greenwood Hills, but newcomers find themselves looking upwards in awe at the natural set dressing. “All of the land here used to be apple orchards, so you’ve got all these mature, deciduous trees,” Jennifer Markus, Kentwood Real Estate broker, says. She’s worked with Greenwood Hills and the other coveted communities in Greenwood Village, Colorado for 25 years. “It’s one of the best things about the place. You really can’t find mature lots like that anywhere else in the Denver area.” The trees provide a Secret Garden-esque canopy for some contemporary estates, but brick finishes and a miniature sculpture garden are still visible from the street. Other homes are sprawling stucco-and-tile and bordered by foliage, with room enough to still see the mountains through large bay windows. Everyone invests in professional landscaping, and everyone has their own spin on what looks best, whether that means a gazebo overlooking a koi pond or a paved roundabout. Greenwood Hills is HOA-free, and while the community may not have the sport courts or pool that often come with a membership, residents certainly have enough space (and creative license) to build their own. Regardless of their individual choices, they all pay between $2.5 and $3.5 million before putting down roots. The foliage also provides plenty of shade for passersby on the Greenwood Village trail system, which meanders through Greenwood Hills and creates a walkable path to the neighborhood’s public parks. Smaller patches like Monaco-Crestline are great for walking the dog or bringing some sandwiches for a picnic, and there’s a reason Westlands Park has won several awards and recognitions. Interactive features like musical instruments and water play, three different playgrounds designated by age group, and rock climbing facilities for pros and children alike are all reasons for neighbors to congregate under shady pavilions. And true nature lovers are just a short drive from several nature reserves, including Cherry Creek Reservoir. When children in Greenwood Hills aren’t out on their bikes or at the Westland playgrounds, they’re getting an education that’s frequently hailed as one of the best in Colorado. After starting at Greenwood Elementary (which earns an A from Niche), they move through the Cherry Creek School District to West Middle School, which also earns an A. Some skip the transition and spend their fundamental years at Cherry Creek Charter Academy, yet another A. Cherry Creek High School earns an A-plus and is bested only by Stargate Charter School in Niche’s rankings for the best public high school in the entire state of Colorado. And of course, there are plentiful private school options as well. Fully-fledged greenery has one more, perhaps unintended effect on life in Greenwood Hills: it acts as a sound cushion from Interstate 25 and commuters arriving at work just a mile to the east. “The neighborhood is right in the heart of the Denver Tech Center area – literally right next to the buildings – but it’s so quiet that you’d never guess,” Jeff Eheart, distinguished Re/MAX Leader and father of four children raised in nearby Centennial, says. “It’s like you're living in the country.” Unlike the countryside, however, shopping and dining are almost as close to home as the parks. Cherry Hills Marketplace is central to all Greenwood Village communities. Locals pick up essentials from Trader Joe’s and stop by TJ Maxx or Nektar Juice Bar, groceries still cold when pulling into the driveway soon after. And they have their druthers when it comes to the gourmet restaurants bordering the DTC, or they hit up The Original Pancake House for a German style Dutch Baby Pancake or biscuits and homemade gravy. “Greenwood Village is already convenient, and Greenwood Hills is smack dab in the center of everything,” Markus affirms. “People will seek out this community all the way from Chicago because it's so desirable.” One trail walk under the foliage come Autumn, and it’s clear to see why.

Small but mighty. Preserve is part of the larger Greenwood Village community, offering a quintessential suburban lifestyle, with everything residents need within reach. Greenwood Village was once comprised of orchards and farmland. The roots of the community have stood the test of time, with a nature preserve and extensive trail system in the heart of the neighborhood. “The area provides an easygoing lifestyle with all the outdoor amenities, and the location is ideal,” says Anne Dresser-Kocur, Realtor with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, who has been serving the Denver area for more than 30 years. “Commuters can reach the businesses within the Denver Tech Center in less than 10 minutes, and the excitement of downtown Denver is roughly 30 minutes away.” Large, beautifully landscaped lawns create an oasis for homeowners. Small gardens and lush trees add to the curb appeal of the custom builds, ranch homes and modern estates. The houses sit on lots hovering around a half-acre, but buyers occasionally find one-to-two-acre properties. Average prices range from $1.75 to $2.5 million, which Dresser-Kocur says is more affordable than some surrounding neighborhoods. Preserve “is adjacent to Cherry Hills, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Denver,” Dresser-Kocer adds. “Prices there can climb to as much as $8 million. So, you have access to many of the same surrounding amenities, but at a lower price.” The market in Preserve is competitive, with houses rarely staying on the market for more than 3 weeks. Highly regarded schools are among Preserve’s biggest perks. The neighborhood is zoned for the Cherry Creek School District, which Niche rates as the 3rd best district in Colorado. Students attend Greenwood Elementary School and West Middle School, each earning an A from Niche. They later filter into Cherry Creek High School, the oldest of the seven high schools in the district. It was established in 1955 and has a sprawling 80-acre campus partially connected by tunnels. The school, which Niche gives an A-plus overall, also offers nearly 90 clubs and extracurricular organizations. “Not only do you have the great public school district, which is a big draw in and of itself, but you also have three highly regarded public schools nearby,” Dresser-Kocur says. St. Mary’s Academy, Aspen Academy and Kent Denver School boast A-plus ratings from Niche. Residents can take advantage of the private pool, tennis courts and playground within the neighborhood. Many also venture over to the 55-acre Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve to take in the scenery of estuaries and ponds. Wildlife also roams around the vast open space, including foxes, blue herons and eagles. Looping around the nature preserve is one of Colorado’s most prominent network of trails, the High Line Canal. The wide pathway is popular among hikers and bikers and stretches more than 70 miles from start to finish. For groceries, residents can stop by the King Soopers sitting adjacent to Preserve’s southwestern corner. In the opposite direction on East Orchard Road is a Trader Joe’s. The specialty grocery store, roughly 2 miles west of Preserve, is in a small shopping complex also housing a TJ Maxx. Preserve provides accessibility to Interstate 25, flanked by additional retail and restaurants. Dresser-Kocer recommends sitting down for a meal at Ocean Prime, Eddie V’s or Shanahan’s Steakhouse. Employees for one of the many companies within the Denver Tech Center, including Microsoft, Merrill Lynch and HP, can get to work by driving roughly 4 miles east. The business hub is situated near Interstate 25, which residents frequently travel to reach downtown Denver. The city center is approximately 14 miles away. When locals want to travel around the country or overseas, they’ll have to make the 35-mile drive to Denver International Airport. Preserve “gives residents the best of both worlds,” Dresser-Kocer says. “The homes have a secluded feel, but they are centrally located to work, hiking and biking trails, shopping and the interstate.”

One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Denver area, Rural Homestead’s name matches its surroundings. “Some of the homes sit on more than 2 acres, and there’s a lot of natural beauty in that area,” says Anne Dresser-Kocur, Realtor with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, who has more than 30 years of experience selling in the Denver area. “There is a good amount of tree cover, and the High Line Canal trail weaves through the neighborhood, which is a big plus.” Rural Homestead’s suburban tranquility and prime access to nearby Interstate 25 make for an ideal combination for potential buyers. Homes in Rural Homestead are upscale and provide plenty of privacy. Sweeping five-bedroom Colonial Revivals, neoclassical and custom-built houses are edged by a pleasant mix of oaks, conifers and pristine gardens. The homes, priced anywhere from $2 to $5 million, feature upscale finishes and sit at the end of long paved driveways flanked by stone or brick pillars. Compared to other subdivisions within the larger Greenwood Village community, Rural Homestead features few sidewalks. Instead, residents use their cars to get around the neighborhood and the surrounding Denver area. Once people move into Rural Homestead, they stay put, which is why Dresser-Kocur says inventory is limited. Residents will likely see bikers and hikers passing by along the portions of the High Line Canal winding through Rural Homestead. The neighborhood also features the Alexander Lane Equestrian Park, where horseback riders can take advantage of a trail course, cross-country course and riding arena. Less than 3 miles south, deKoevend Park spans 100 acres. Go for a walk along a 1.2-mile looping trail, play a match on the tennis court with friends or take the kids to the playground to burn off some energy. Locals can also relax under the shade of towering mature trees with a book from the park’s free little library. Though the outdoor hub can sometimes get crowded, there’s plenty of space and activities to go around. Students living in Rural Homestead are zoned for Littleton Public Schools. They’ll begin their education at Field Elementary School, which has earned a B-minus rating from Niche. The site gives Newton Middle School an A overall, while Littleton High School earned an A-minus rating. The high school has a longstanding history in the area, first established in 1907, and is known for its performing arts program. The Denver Center of Performing Arts awarded the theater group for its production of Into the Woods in 2022. Students participating in performing arts can also attend national or international music trips every three years. Past sites have included Germany, Amsterdam and Hawaii. While residents may feel secluded in their homes, commercial areas are still within reach. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the neighborhood is the Cherry Hills Marketplace, which houses a Trader Joe’s for groceries. There’s also a TJ Maxx next door to shop for discounts. Commuters who work within the Denver Tech Center may start their day with a stack of flapjacks at The Original Pancake House or grab a smoothie from Nekter Juice Bar. Making the trip to and from work at companies like Comcast, Sprint and PepsiCo is a breeze for locals living in Rural Homestead, less than 4 miles away. The neighborhood is also a short distance from Interstate 25. The major thoroughfare can connect you to downtown Denver, roughly 12 miles north, where you’ll find major hospitals, the Denver Zoo and Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies. For spacious and luxurious homes, scenic surroundings and connectivity to endless amenities, buyers will want to take a closer look at Rural Homestead.

The West End of Greenwood Village in Arapahoe County, Denver, is a small, tony, suburban neighborhood just west of the Denver Technological Center. As Denver sprawls and the light rail extends, exterior suburbs with their own home rule, like Greenwood Village, become places where home buyers seek the convenience of the city and the good schools and lower crime of the suburbs. Streets without sidewalks built over old cow paths manifest the cattle ranching history of what was formerly called Greenwood Ranch. Today, these well-paved roads are shaded by cypress and pine trees as they run past large, peaceful residences. Postwar ranch-style homes with three bedrooms and three baths on large lots are selling for under $850,000. For under $2 million, there are postwar ranch-style homes made of brick renovated with new additions to house over $3,000 square feet of space on lush land up to an acre on private streets. At the top of the market, vast late-century Tudor-style estates with separate wings and five or more bedrooms on an acre are listed for under $4 million. West End is in the Littleton Public School District, which received an A from the school ranking website Niche and is considered one of the top five school districts in Colorado. Field Elementary School is within walking distance from most homes in West End. It received a B-minus from Niche and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11 to one. Littleton Prep Charter School educated elementary and middle school-aged students and received a B-plus on Niche. Littleton High School received an A-minus and is a member of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program. It's not uncommon for West End students to walk or bike to school along the scenic High Line Canal Trail. The High Line Canal Trail is a hard-packed dirt trail that loops through West End alongside a small waterway called the High Line Canal. The trail connects to Arapahoe County's extensive network of over 75 miles of paved and soft trails. In 2003, county residents voted for a 0.25% tax on personal property to fund 20 miles of new trails and several new parks. In West End, four parks and two other small green spaces are connected to the High Line Canal Trail. Rollin D. Barnard Equestrian Park has a series of obstacles and runs for horses and an area planted with native plants for human visitors. Curtis Park is a 6-acre space with fields and playgrounds connected to a small cultural center. Greenwood Pines Park is a long 6-acre greenbelt where visitors fly kites and picnic along the High Line Canal. Cherryville Park is a 3-acre respite from the commerce of next-door University Boulevard. Aside from the schools, proximity to the Denver Tech Center just 3 miles east is a selling point for many residents in West End. This 800-acre network of tech offices employs many across Denver, and the city expanded the light rail system to stop here. Most of the foodie excitement in Denver is further, but Eater Magazine lists nearby Carrera's Tacos on its list of 24 Essential Tacos in and Around Denver. Eater also recommends Romano's Italian Restaurant a mile west in Littleton in its 19 Places for Primo Pizza in Denver. The Cherry Hills Marketplace is a shopping center in the neighborhood's southeastern corner. Patrons will find a Trader Joe's and food from Thai to pancakes there. Across University, the South University Farmers Market sells local produce, meat and dairy on Fridays. University Boulevard runs north through the University of Denver and onto downtown, reaching the Denver Botanic Gardens 7 miles from West End. Interstate 25, which runs north/south across Greater Denver, is 3 miles east of the neighborhood and leads from West End to Coors Field in a 12-mile straight shot. The Orchard Station on the E/R lines of the Denver Lights Rail is 4 miles east of West End. Commuters can reach downtown from here in under 30 minutes. Locals say West End is mostly families and retirees, so it may not be the most exciting choice for young singles. However, others say now is the time to buy in this neighborhood, which is only becoming more populous and desirable.