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Bel Aire

Bel Aire

Suburban Neighborhood in Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Jefferson County 80033

$697,082 Average Value
$355 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 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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“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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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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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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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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Sara Caskey
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Sara Caskey
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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 Stephen Laporta, 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

Bel Aire Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$684,500
Median Sale Price
$645,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$720,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$519,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$267,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
73
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$355

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,772
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1956
Months of Supply
2.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,977
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,646
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,009
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
690
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

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 Stephen Laporta, 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®

34 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

15 / 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