Westminster neighborhoods appeal to buyers who put down roots

Westminster’s Westcliff and Cambridge Farm neighborhoods offer singlefamily homes an easy walk to the city’s revamped downtown. The neighborhoods also provide an easy commute to Denver or Boulder.

Both neighborhoods are popular with prospective buyers and feature houses built in the mid-90s that rarely turn over, says Chad Murphy, 8z real estate agent.

“You’d be hard-pressed to see more than a few homes available at a time,” Murphy says. He’s been working for four years with one buyer to find the perfect home in that area.

“People get in there and they don’t come out very often.”

What’s available?

The neighborhoods offeramix of 20-year-old, two-story, and ranch homes that range in size from1,600 to 5,000 square feet. Many have finished basements, and the most desirable homes have between 2,500 and 4,000 square feet.

Homes in Cambridge sell for $555,000 to $680,000, while houses in Westcliff sell for $515,000 to $815,000, Murphy says. With few homes available at any time, the homes typically sell quickly and only stay on the market for a few days.

Who’smoving in?

Both neighborhoods appeal to first-time homebuyers and also draw some residents relocating from out of state, Murphy says.

The neighborhoods also appeal to empty-nesters or grandparents who want to downsize to live closer to their grandchildren.

Murphy, who lives in neighboring Hyland Village, calls the neighborhoods attractive and convenient.

“It’s 20minutes to downtown Denver or Boulder. It’s easy to get to work, entertainment or activities.”

Neighborhood amenities

While neither neighborhood offers dining or shopping options, they sit near Big Dry Creek Trail, a 12mile trail that runs from Interstate 25 in Thornton to Standley Lake in

Westminster. It also connects with the High Line Canal Trail, Walnut Creek Trail, and the Mary Carter Greenway.

Commuters can easily bike to either Denver or Boulder, Murphy says.

The neighborhoods are five minutes from Hyland Hills Golf Course. They’re also an easy walk to downtown Westminster, a mixeduse area developing on the site of the former Westminster Mall.

Westminster’s revamped downtown includes housing, restaurants, shopping, an Alamo Drafhouse Theater, and a 6,500-square-foot Tattered Cover bookstore that features the independent chain’s first bar.

Murphy predicts the development will become similar to Lakewood’s Belmar area.

“I grew up spending time at the Westminster Mall,” Murphy says. “It’s been exciting to see the transformation.”

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.”