Wheat Ridge

“I love this neighborhood, and I think anyone you talk to would say the same thing,” says Chelsea Villalba, a dedicated resident of Applewood Villages for six years and counting. She’s made sustainability her career and is a volunteer leader with the Wheat Ridge Sustainable Neighborhood Network. “We connect people through the sustainability program so the community feels safer and more like a family. We have a big email chain where we keep each other updated – people knowing people is important to us.” The Applewood Villages neighborhood entered into the Sustainable Neighborhoods Network in 2021. The community had the honor of being the first neighborhood in Wheat Ridge to make the jump, and its members make good on their commitment year after year. Besides successfully campaigning for sidewalks on two of the neighborhood’s major thoroughfares, they worked with Summit Waste and Recycling to create a new compost-give-back event. “It was important to the people in the neighborhood to cut down on our vehicle emissions and carbon footprint,” Villalba says. “We partnered with Summit to enroll into a single waste hauler and convinced them to take on a composting program. Now, it’s a major thing in multiple neighborhoods – so while we’re still working on converting the entire neighborhood to the program, we were successful in getting the program started. What we composted was what we got back to put in our own gardens.” The Applewood area was once a series of fruit orchards, and the Villages preserve their agricultural roots. Mature trees fill fenced-in backyards to the brim with natural shade. Rows of split-level homes with garage annexes and brick ranch-style homes maintain a traditional “neighborhood” feel, with sidewalks curving next to car-lined streets. These homes typically go for $400,000 to $800,000, with the occasional property stretching upwards of $1 million. Some homeowners can see grassy expanses or parks from their front porches, adding semi-rural notes to each subdivision. With limited homeowners association presence, most locals have free reign over their design choices and sustainability measures; fountain gardens bubble and solar panels reflect the Colorado sun. Kids in Applewood Villages attend the Jefferson County School District R-1 institutions in Wheat Ridge. Prospect Valley Elementary School earns an A-minus from Niche, while Everitt Middle School earns a B-minus. Wheat Ridge High School earns a B-plus and boasts a long list of state championship titles, from basketball and cheer to marching band. Generations of locals have been enjoying Lewis Meadows Park since the 1970s. A staple of Wheat Ridge, this expansive grassy space includes bike or walking trails and a nature area with goats to pet and feed. Meanwhile, Luise Turner Park provides an isolated space away from busy streets where neighbors can walk their dogs and kids can play on the small playground. A comfortable collection of grocery and department stores sits on the neighborhood's west end at the Applewood Village shopping center. “The area has changed so much just in the last three or so years after Covid,” Villalba shares. “All that was there was the King Soopers and the Applejacks. Now we have Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, a Sierra Trading Post, and local restaurants.” When they’re not sitting down at Thai Green & Sushi, grabbing a latte from Ziggi’s Coffee or picking up Taco Bell, locals can head 4 miles south to the extensive outlet shopping at Colorado Mills. Besides the compost give-back, Applewood Villages makes sustainability an opportunity for celebration year-round. “Our staple has been an annual electronic waste event in the spring," Villalba says. “We do our annual block party, which is a fall event that promotes all the other events in the year. The other thing we premiered this year is a sustainable easter egg hunt. We filled them with native grass seeds. As the kids found them, they spread the seeds in the open space and got candy in exchange. I think there were 150 people at just that event!” Applewood Villages is coveted for its 20-minute access to either downtown Denver or the Rockies. The former is 11 miles away, with RTD bus stops lining West 38th Avenue as an alternative to driving into the city. Locals welcome visitors at the Denver International Airport 30 miles east, and in case of an emergency, CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital sits just under 5 miles south of the neighborhood.

A longtime Barths landmark, the Lutheran Medical Center campus, is moving as a part of a wave of changes coming to this Denver community. “It’s actually one of the more desirable areas for older homes that are in the process of being remodeled, updated and renovated,” says Nicki Thompson, broker and owner of Colorado Urban Living, who has sold real estate for over 20 years. Condo conversions join the new developments along 38th Avenue, bringing more modern designs to the neighborhood. “The area itself is a target area for most buyers that are looking for easy access along the I-70 corridor to the mountains and easy access to Denver.” Neighborhood parks are accessible by sidewalks, while additional entertainment, such as trips to nearby Lakeside Amusement Park or Sloan Lake Park, can be accessed within a short drive. The Safeway in Wheat Ridge Marketplace shopping center checks off all the items on grocery lists, from produce to recipe ingredients. Cyclers check out the latest bikes and equipment at Wheat Ridge Cyclery, an independent bike shop that has been open since 1973. “As the Lutheran Medical Center Campus is leaving, they’re redeveloping that whole area off of 38th Avenue and just east with new shops and restaurants, so the redevelopment of the roads and the area is really nice,” Thompson says. Clancy’s Irish Pub dishes shepherd’s pie on this 38th Avenue stretch. Potted plants decorate the interior of Get Right’s Bakery & Plant Nursery, a local pastry shop that uses seasonal ingredients. North on Harlan Street, Grammy’s Goodies’ pastries hit the spot when craving a sweet treat. This locally renowned Italian restaurant and bakery is also nationally known, having been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2020. Interstate 70 runs along the neighborhood’s northern edge and connects with the main north and south running thoroughfare, Wadsworth Boulevard. These two routes connect commuters with Denver’s downtown in under 6 miles. Shopping and dining options extend down Wadsworth, and with the redevelopment of 38th Avenue, they have begun to spread east toward the city. Since 1908, delighted screams have come from the tops of rollercoasters at Lakeside Amusement Park. “My mother-in-law, who’s from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, came to Denver to this amusement park, so it was a big deal for her to take her grandkids when we’d go,” Thompson says. “Because it is older, some of the park has shut down, but some of it’s still going; it’s definitely a nostalgic icon for the Denver metro area.” Wheat Ridge Lanes also evokes a retro vibe with the same 12-lane setup it had when opening in 1958. Curving paved paths connect Founders Park to the Active Adult Center, where instructors lead fitness and dance classes. Dogs and their owners follow the path through Founders Park, passing local artist Joshua Wiener’s public art piece, “What Has Stood, Shall Always Be,” which was created to honor the legacy of a fallen tree. Hopper Hollow Park fills with kids swinging and sliding on the insect-themed playground. Basketballs whish through the nets at Stites Park while children run across the mulch-covered playground on the other side of the fence. Sloan Lake Park is a 3-mile drive south where joggers and bikers share a paved trail circling the water. Children climb the park’s playground while rackets connect with tennis balls during friendly matches on the nearby tennis courts. Duplexes join ranch-style houses off Barths’ main avenues, creating a visual mix of housing styles. Brick and wood siding decorate the fronts of these homes, and paved driveways lead to attached single or double attached garages. These 1980s ranch-style homes include three to four bedrooms and list between $550,000 and $785,000. Duplexes built from the 1980s through today list between $500,000 for a two-bedroom unit and $1.3 million for a seven-bedroom unit. Homes with seven bedrooms are not the only houses to list over a million. Modern single-family homes constructed in 2023 within the Teller Lane subdivision list roughly between $1.5 million and $1.6 million for a five-bedroom home. Jeffco Schools District No. R-1 begins serving students at Stevens Elementary, which earns a grade of C from Niche. Everitt Middle School educates sixth through eighth graders and earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Wheat Ridge High School, which earns a grade of B-plus from Niche, lets students participate in seasonal sports such as cross country and ice hockey.

In Bel Aire, a neighborhood within the larger suburb of Wheat Ridge, winding streams originating from the Rocky Mountains cut through quiet residential streets. “Historically the Wheat Ridge area was farming country,” says Carla Knight, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker and Golden Local. In the 1850s, wealth seekers flocked to the region in search of gold, and, along with precious metals, they found fields of wheat (hence the name “Wheat Ridge”). In the early 1900s, a passenger train was constructed between the larger cities of Golden and Denver, bringing even more people to the area. However, it was in the decade following World War II that Jefferson County experienced its largest period of growth. Thousands of veterans and their families flocked west, putting down roots in brick ranch-styles that still stand today; in fact, “Brick is what Denver was built on,” says Knight. In the 1960s, Bel Aire welcomed what’s now known as the Lutheran Medical Center, a center of employment — and a reassuring resource — for locals. Along with the hospital’s sprawling campus, one of the neighborhood’s most distinctive landmarks is a seven-story mausoleum called “The Tower of Memories.” It stands in Crown Hill Park to the south, giving Bel Aire a distinctly Gothic flare.

Located about halfway between the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver, Fruitdale makes it easy to enjoy both the mountains and the city while retaining all the comforts of suburbia. “Once you spend some time here, it’s clear why people don’t leave,” says Sean Murphy, team leader of the Moxie Property Group Denver team, Realtor and host of the Somewhere in Colorado YouTube channel. “You’ve got great mountain views and easy access to Denver, not to mention all the parks and trails.” With Downtown Denver about 11 miles away, residents can have more land while still remaining close to a bigger city. Homes in Fruitdale are mostly ranch and ranch-style, with natural tones that stand out against the blue sky. Double front-gabled roofs and brick are both common here, although there are also facades in varying shades and washes. Lots are wide, accommodating spacious fenced-in backyards and front yard gardens, bordered by narrow sidewalks. But single-family homes aren’t the only option in Fruitdale. Some streets feature duplexes, multifamily homes and condos, although inventory is often sparse in Fruitdale. “There’s just not a lot of movement there right now,” says Murphy. “Wheat Ridge has always been popular for its affordability compared to Denver, but a lot of folks tend to stick around and settle in.” With a median price of $425,000, many ranch, ranch-style and a few split levels often start selling around $430,000 and can reach $900,000, while condos can begin around $250,000 and reach $550,000. Head west down 44th Avenue to pick up something fresh from Edwards Meats, a family-owned butcher shop or at Heinie’s Market, a seasonal market open since 1950, before finishing up grocery shopping at King Soopers in the Applewood Village Shopping Center a mile and a half to the south. For an evening out, dine on Vietnamese and American cuisine in Long Shots Bar and Grill, where multiple pool tables, live music and frequent open mic nights keep people dancing well into the night. The Wheat Ridge Historical Park, located on N Robb Street, has tours on Friday for homes and agricultural structures that are more than a century old. Or pick up a local history book from The Book Stop, a popular used bookstore that’s been a community fixture since 1987. Fruitdale is about fourteen miles from the Denver Zoo, where over 3,000 animals call home. Children can begin at Prospect Valley Elementary School, which scores an A-minus from Niche, for kindergarten through fifth grade. Many students will go through sixth through eighth grade at Everitt Middle, with a B-minus from Niche, and finish schooling at Wheat Ridge High, with a B-plus from Niche, although the district’s Choice Enrollment program makes it possible for parents to enroll their children in whatever district school they think is the best fit. If the traditional classroom setting isn’t a good fit, Alpine Valley School offers a private, self-directed educational experience that helps each child develop at their own pace. Meandering beside a cluster of small lakes, Clear Creek Trail offers more than 20 miles of paved paths. The trail is popular with cyclists but is open for everyone to use. Prospect Park is the neighborhood’s destination for tennis and baseball, and young climbers can test their strength on the playground’s climbing wall. A massive picnic shelter creates the perfect setting for a summer barbecue and has a collection of permanent cornhole boards. To the east is the neighborhood’s namesake park with an off-leash dog park, the only one of its kind in Wheat Ridge. Fruitdale Park also has a disc golf course beside the parking lot and the nearby picnic shelter offers space to set up a coordinated barbecue with neighbors. Interstate 70, one of the major east—west interstates, acts as the neighborhoods northern and western border. There are also two bus routes in the neighborhood, Route 44 on West 44th Avenue through the middle of the neighborhood and Route 38 on West 38th Avenue which touches part of the southern border. Routes usually come through every 30 minutes.

Surrounded by verdant landscapes ranging from rocky mountain peaks and green open spaces with sparkling lakes, Kipling is a suburban neighborhood brimming with natural beauty and small-town charm. Situated about 10 miles northwest of Downtown Denver, residents enjoy access to a slew of restaurants, ample outdoor recreation and superb shopping options. “Wheat Ridge is continuously growing as people leave the city looking to settle down. What was once industrial space close to the highway has turned from less desirable areas into great residential opportunities,” says Sean Murphy, Realtor with the Moxie Denver team of Exp Realty, who has 12 years of experience in the industry. “You’ve got even better mountain views here, and you’re going to pay significantly less for it than you would in Denver,” Murphy says. Kipling is a cyclist-friendly community with designated bike lanes on major corridors like Garrison Street. However, the real treat lies at the neighborhood’s southern end, where walkers and bikers can cruise along the smooth concrete trails that meander along Clear Creek. To the west, the path leads to Wheat Ridge Recreation Center and eventually to the City of Golden. To the east, Anderson Park features a seasonal public pool, athletic fields and vast open green space for an afternoon picnic. In classic Colorado fashion, rocky hiking trails along North and South Table Mountain are just a short drive away, while waterfront strolls are scattered around, such as the paths at Crown Hill Lake. The Jefferson County Public Schools District serves the community, boasting above-average ratings on Niche. Pennington Elementary School, or Peak Expeditionary School at Pennington, is within walking distance and scores a B-minus on Niche. Here, education goes far beyond the classroom walls, emphasizing outdoor recreation and hands-on adventures – whether that’s hiking the nearby creek or snowboarding in the Rockies. Students then attend Everitt Middle School, scoring a B-minus, and Wheat Ridge High School, achieving a B-plus. Most of Kipling’s streets are stacked with traditional ranch-style homes, with facades ranging from classic brick to modern neutral tones. Median lot sizes hover just under a quarter acre, providing ample space for blooming gardens and backyard barbecues. Most residences boast driveways and garages along paved sidewalks. The median list price hovers around $450,000, ranging from the $300,000s to the $500,000s for a single-family home. Prospective homebuyers can also find a mix of condominiums starting in the $200,000s and modern townhouse communities ranging from the $400,000s to the upper $500,000s. Nearby shopping centers like Arvada Market Place make errands a breeze, featuring major retailers like Sam’s Club and Michael’s for craft supplies, while Costco Wholesale and The Home Depot are across the street. Sprouts Farmers Market sits along Kipling Street for groceries, while locals peruse the fresh produce, homemade jams and blooming flora at Young’s Market and Garden Center. After spending a day in the garden, residents can cool off with an ice-cold Guava Sour at New Image Brewing Company. Yak & Yeti is another popular spot serving authentic Indian and Nepalese dishes, while others can dive into a cheesy slice of pizza at Pietra’s Pizzeria & Italian. Wheat Ridge has a long history of agricultural production with its abundant sunshine, specifically the brightly colored hues of carnations. In its heyday, the city would send a bouquet to the White House every morning, signing off as Carnation City. Since 1969, the town has celebrated its roots at the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival. Every August, residents flock to the grounds of Anderson Park to enjoy a mix of carnival games, participate in the city’s parade, watch a circus performance, peruse the collection of fine art and antique cars on display, or relax in the beer garden with live music and fireworks. Kipling residents have the best of both worlds, where locals are just 8 miles from the quaint mountain town of Golden and expansive hiking areas and 10 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver. Nearby Interstate 70 makes for quick commutes around town, while West 44th Avenue offers bus service. Lutheran Medical Center is less than 2 miles away in case of emergencies, while Denver International Airport is 30 miles away for international and regional flights.

With the Denver skyline to its east and the Rocky Mountains to its west, East Wheat Ridge is a neighborhood that seems to straddle the border between worlds. “East Wheat Ridge is a pleasantly sleepy town,” says Nick Taylor, library manager of Jefferson County and area resident of 30 years. “It threads a nice needle between the amenities you want from a city and quiet suburban streets.” Despite being only 6 miles from downtown Denver, the neighborhood has a small-town atmosphere that is all its own. With an eclectic mix of housing styles, lot sizes and restaurant options, East Wheat Ridge writes its own story under the watchful eye of the mountains. Homes in East Wheat Ridge range from older brick bungalows, built in the first half of the 20th century, to sizeable contemporary builds that have been added over the past several years. Some homes have Saltbox elements, featuring sloping uneven roofs, while others favor more traditional styles. A three-bedroom bungalow built in 1926 starts at $715,000, while some four-bedroom Modern Traditional constructions begin around $1.8 million. Some lots sprawl out wider than others, but almost all are deep enough for backyards and paved walkways to the street. “There can be some funky lot sizes here,” says Sean Murphy, team leader of the Moxie Denver team and host of popular YouTube channel Somewhere in Colorado. “But that just means lots of options for buyers, and it’s more affordable than Denver.” Residents of East Wheat Ridge can head east on West 38th Street to Sprouts Farmers Market or west to Safeway to shop for groceries. The nearest Walmart is located on Fenton Street, which runs along the south bank of Lake Rhoda. Locals looking for a hearty meal can swing by Grammy’s Goodies, home of a massive stacked lasagna that was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2020. The Bardo Coffee House on West 38th street is a popular coffee house and restaurant that is 100 percent wind-powered and that stays open from early morning to midnight daily, and the Colorado Plus Brew Pub and Tap House serves burgers, fries and dozens of house-made and local beers. Since 1969, the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival has been an annual occurrence on 38th Avenue. While Wheat Ridge is no longer home to the booming carnation industry that gave the festival its name, the Carnation Festival continues to take over the town for three days in the throes of summer. Admission is free, so thousands of visitors and locals descend upon Wheat Ridge to enjoy the parade, a carnival, a circus, multiple concerts, a car show and a vendor fair, all taking place over one weekend in August. East Wheat Ridge sits in the Jefferson County School District, which offers choice enrollment to all students. Children here can begin at Stevens Elementary School, which Niche grades a C and which features an afterschool pottery club. They could then move to Everitt Middle School, which earns a B-minus. Everitt offers an extensive list of Before School activities, including floor hockey and jazz band. Students can finish at Wheat Ridge High School, rated B-plus. Wheat Ridge High has a range of athletic programs for enrolled teens, including winter sports like ice hockey and Nordic skiing. Panorama Park, the largest green space in East Wheat Ridge, is a popular spot to walk. This park is bordered by two of the widest residential streets in the area and features horseshoe pits, a playground, grills and a pavilion available for reservation. There are several smaller parks peppered around East Wheat Ridge, including Founders Park. Local artist Joshua Wiener’s public art piece, “What Has Stood Shall Always Be”, stands at the center of this park and honors the life of a fallen tree, inviting residents and visitors to ponder their connection with nature. East Wheat Ridge residents can pick up Interstate 70 just north of Lake Rhoda, allowing them to cut across Denver and reach Denver International Airport 30 miles to the east. I-70 is also the quickest route into downtown, looping around to 22nd Street just 5 miles from the neighborhood. In Wheat Ridge, weekends in May mean the start of Lakeside Amusement Park’s summer season. First opened in 1908, locals flock to this storied venue every summer to ride roller coasters, enjoy family picnics and play carnival games beneath electric lights. The park switches to daily operation beginning in June, switching back to weekends-only service from late August through September.