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Bel Aire

Bel Aire

Suburban Neighborhood in Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Jefferson County 80033

$688,000 Average Value
$340 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 Homes For Sale

A historic farming town and modern suburb

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.

Bel Aire's Tower of Memories is a historic mausoleum that is nearly a century old.
Bel Aire's Tower of Memories is a historic mausoleum that is nearly a century old.
Relax at the large fishing lake in Crown Hill Park, located in Bel Aire.
Relax at the large fishing lake in Crown Hill Park, located in Bel Aire.
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Ranch-styles, split levels and condo communities

“Bel Aire is a perfectly classic Wheat Ridge neighborhood,” says Ryan Shaw, a Colorado native and Broker Associate at Brokers Guild. In other words, it has a lot in common with other Denver-area suburbs; most homes were built in the decade following World War II. Brick ranch styles and split levels are predominant, and prices generally fall between $600,000 and $800,000 for single-family homes. Streets are wide, and most front yards are accented by decades-old trees. Some Bel Aire residents have chosen to fully renovate their 70-year-old properties, adding multi-story additions. These expanded homes are valued at upwards of $900,000. Bel Aire is also home to condo options; at Valencia Condominiums, a 55-plus community, one-bedroom units hover around $250,00.

Townhomes provide another option for housing in Bel Aire.
Townhomes provide another option for housing in Bel Aire.
Bel Aire's ranch style homes were built in the late '50s.
Bel Aire's ranch style homes were built in the late '50s.
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Career and technical education at Wheat Ridge High School

Neighborhood students attend public schools like Stevens Elementary, Everitt Middle and Wheat Ridge High, all of which received a C or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Wheat Ridge High School is known for its gifted and talented center, which is based on an autonomous learning model, but students can also pursue career and technical education (CTE). There are work-based learning opportunities in technical theater, visual arts, computer science, agriculture and more. Because Colorado is an open-enrollment state, kids can also apply to attend schools outside their zoned district.

Stevens Elementary School's mission is to cultivate caring leaders of tomorrow.
Stevens Elementary School's mission is to cultivate caring leaders of tomorrow.
Wheat Ridge High School is an above average, public school located in Wheat Ridge, CO.
Wheat Ridge High School is an above average, public school located in Wheat Ridge, CO.
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“Ridge at 38” and Kipling Street retail

Between Wadsworth and Sheridan Boulevard along West 38th Avenue is a retail and dining district known as “Ridge at 38,” where residents can find everything from pierogies to pupusas. Knight recommends heading to Vinnola’s Italian Market for lunch, which has been a neighborhood staple for over 50. Here, locals can pick up deli sandwiches, imported olive oils and fresh pasta. A half mile down the street is Colorado’s oldest Irish Pub, Clancy’s. Order fish and chips or bangers and mash and listen to live Celtic music on Tuesday nights. Residents check items off their grocery lists at Safeway in Wheat Ridge Market Place or, on the other side of the neighborhood near Discovery Park, do their shopping at Sprouts Farmers Market. Nearby on Kipling Street is Appleridge Cafe, which serves up classic diner fare like chicken fried steak and fresh-made cinnamon rolls covered in frosting.

Vinnola's sells Italian goods in Bel Aire.
Vinnola's sells Italian goods in Bel Aire.
Clancy's Bar in Bel Aire has an atmospheric feel along with
Clancy's Bar in Bel Aire has an atmospheric feel along with
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Antique malls, old town centers and annual festivals

It’s easy to spend hours hunting for treasure in the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall, which is less than 10 minutes — approximately three and a half miles — from Bel Aire off Interstate 70. Here, over 600 vendors sell decades-old furniture and knick-knacks, everything from salt and pepper shakers to (presumably) haunted dolls. Others prefer trying their luck at 44th Ave Antiques. And in August, head to Anderson Park for the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival. The three-day event involves a circus, live music and a car show. Or 3 miles north of the neighborhood along Colorado State Highway 121 is Olde Town Arvada, preserved to resemble something akin to a “Main Street America” movie set. It’s home to dozens of breweries, galleries and boutiques. In March, bagpipers gather outside Cheapskates Action Sports Bar as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and dozens of local artisans set up shop.

in the Bel Aire neighborhood.
in the Bel Aire neighborhood.
Denver Beer Company in Olde Town has a huge patio, fire pits, brewery, and frequent live music.
Denver Beer Company in Olde Town has a huge patio, fire pits, brewery, and frequent live music.
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A towering mausoleum, riding trails and playgrounds in local parks

Crown Hill Park, which spans over 240 acres and includes a wildlife sanctuary, sits at Bel Aire’s southernmost border. Residents make use of the walking paths and horseriding trails; Rocky Mountain peaks are visible in the distance, but perhaps the park’s most distinctive feature is the Tower of Memories, a mausoleum that stands at approximately 160 feet. Although Discovery Park, located at the neighborhood’s western border, doesn’t have a seven-story Gothic tower, it does have a skate park, playground and a splash pad popular during the summer months.

There is a fun slide and larger than life butterfly structure at Discovery Park.
There is a fun slide and larger than life butterfly structure at Discovery Park.
in the Bel Aire neighborhood.
in the Bel Aire neighborhood.
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Denver public buses, light rail and an international airport

Denver’s public transit system, RTD, stops along Bel Aire’s major thoroughfares like West 38th and Wadsworth Boulevard. Or hop onboard the city’s light rail in Olde Town Arvada or Lakewood-Wadsworth station to the south — the G or W lines head straight into the Mile High City for $2.75 one-way. Amtrak’s California Zephyr train passes through Denver’s Union Station on the way from Chicago to California, and just under 30 miles from Bel Aire, the Denver International Airport offers nonstop flights to over 200 destinations.

in the Bel Aire neighborhood.
in the Bel Aire neighborhood.
Bel Aire is a quick 20 minute drive to downtown Denver.
Bel Aire is a quick 20 minute drive to downtown Denver.
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to LaDawn Sperling, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Denver International

38 min drive

Bus

W 44th Ave & Cody St

Bus

W 38th Ave & Kipling St (Fs)

Bus

W 44th Ave & Everett Dr

Bus

Kipling St & W 32nd Ave

Bus

W 38th Ave & Wadsworth Blvd

Bus

W 38th Ave & Independence Ct

Bus

W 38th Ave & Dudley St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bel Aire US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$645,000
Median Single Family Price
$659,000
Median Townhouse Price
$589,950
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$265,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$203,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$340
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Last 12 months Home Sales
137
Months of Supply
1.80
Median List Price
$650,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,771
Median Year Built
1956
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,975
On par with the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,667
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,009
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
689
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    11am - 2pm

    3665 Estes St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

    $1,350,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,729 Sq Ft
    • 3665 Estes St
    • New 1 day ago

    A rare blend of architectural creativity and thoughtful craftsmanship, this modernist reimagination of a mid-century ranch offers unmatched versatility, light, and livability on a beautifully landscaped lot. Set on a quiet street, the home offers close proximity to Crown Hil, one of the Denver area's largest natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as convenient access to the Clear Creek

    Elizabeth Richards LIV Sotheby's International Realty

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  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 3pm

    3285 Balsam St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

    $650,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,811 Sq Ft
    • 3285 Balsam St
    • New 2 days ago

    Nestled in the heart of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, this is a charming single-family home that seamlessly blends classic character with modern comfort. This home offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat at the very end of the cul de sac.The home features two spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and privacy.

    Catherine Deschamps Potter EXIT Mosaic Realty

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  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 3pm

    4550 Zephyr St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

    $564,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,774 Sq Ft
    • 4550 Zephyr St
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to your new home that's nestled in the heart of Wheat Ridge. This 2 owner home has been well cared for and has been in the family for over 50 years. Featuring 3 bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms and space for an office, this 1 level home has lots of natural light and a converted carport that now is a family room with a wood burning fireplace and electric heat. Don't miss the West facing bay

    Jason McGovern Corcoran Perry & Co.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to LaDawn Sperling, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,666
Median Age
45
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$95,024
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$112,625

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
50.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.6%
% Population in Labor Force
67.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
66''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

23 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

33 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bel Aire