Berkeley: Walkable neighborhood appeals to families, empty nesters

Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood gives residents an urban, walkable space combined with big parks that provide plenty of room to play.

“It’s a safe and walkable neighborhood,” says Kati Fitch, West+main real estate agent.

Tennyson Street providesamix of shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, art and culture. “There’s somuch to see and do here,” she says.

Berkeley Lake Park and Rocky Mountain Lake Park offer residents mountain views, walking paths, tennis courts, a community swimming pool and a dog park. “Both parks are busy every day,” Fitch says.

Bonus for kids of all ages, Lakeside Amusement Park sits adjacent to the neighborhood on the west side of Sheridan Boulevard.

Berekely is also conveniently located near Interstate 70, making it easier for residents to drive to the mountains. “It saves a lot of time for weekend warriors,” Fitch says.

What’s available?

The Berkeley neighborhood is evolving and modernizing, Fitch says. It offers everything from homes built in the 1920s, classic Denver styles, including bungalows, Victorians and Denver Squares, tomodern builds, including duplexes and rowhomes.

Fitch says business owners converted Victorian homes along Tennyson Street into shops and restaurants.

Like the rest of the Denver metro, prices skyrocketed in Berkeley in the past year.

“Prices are going wild,” Fitch says. “It changed from $500,000 to $600,000 for single family homes to $800,000,” she says. Some homes are even selling for $1million or more.

Condos and rowhomes sell for $600,000 to $800,000, too.

“Two or three years ago, first-time homebuyers could get into the neighborhood, but now they’re priced out,” she says.

Despite the price increases, properties still sell quickly, with few staying on the market for more than four or five days. New construction opportunities have waitlists.

“People watch for available homes like a hawk and are ready to pounce when something pops up,” Fitch says.

Who’s moving in?

The neighborhood appeals to young families, many of whom purchase their second homes after selling a condo, townhome or smaller house.

Berkeley also is attractive to empty nesters who appreciate the ease of walking to shopping and dining.

And the neighborhood is home to longtime homeowners who have lived there for 40 years or more.

“It’s a nicemix,” Fitch says.

Sara B. Hansen has been an editor and writer for more than 20 years.

Her professional background includes editing positions at Thedenver Post, Thedes Moines Register, The Fort Collins Coloradoan, and At Home with Century 21. She’s also the founder and editor of Dogsbestlife.com and the author of “The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels.”