Denver Real Estate

The vibrant city known as Denver was founded – as were many Western cities – as a result of an 1858 gold strike in the streams of Pikes Peak.

The city derived its name from the then territorial Governor of Kansas, James Denver, but the actual founder of the city was a General William H. Larimer, Jr., who with his son, staked out the area and built the first cabin. Others soon followed, erecting rows of buildings alongside the General's cabin – and Larimer Street was born.

Today, Larimer Street remains a historic district with a number of 19 th century buildings still remaining as a glimpse into Denver 's early beginnings. Denver is proud of its history and despite the trendy shops and eateries, shopping malls, upscale apartments and the like, the city jealously retains a number of districts that would be defined as historic.

Denver is the largest city in Colorado. It is both the state capital and county seat of Denver County. Known as the “ Mile High City ” due to its elevation of 5,280 feet (one statute mile), Denver is situated on the plains lying east of the Rocky Mountains. The fertile land of these plains have made this area one of the most important agricultural centers in the United States.

Denver is divided into a series of neighborhoods – more than eighty. Among the most prominent are:

• Capital Hill, the location of the State Capital Building
• Washington Park, a South Central neighborhood named for the large park situated in its midst
• Five Points, Denver 's first predominantly African-American neighborhood
• Lo Do, a historic district in Denver 's Downtown area, which is the city's original settlement.

Although many original buildings remain, Lo Do (meaning “Lower Downtown”) has evolved into a trendy district of clubs and restaurants.

Civic and cultural institutions are mainly located in the Civic Center, an area that has experienced considerable residential growth as well. Currently, the city continues to undergo many transformations, with luxury condominium developments leading the way. However, Denver still manages to maintain its respect for the past. Many Victorian buildings have been lovingly preserved and refurbished, and these buildings now house restaurants, art galleries, shops and offices.

And Denver is second to none in its cultivation of the arts. The Denver Performing Arts Center houses eight theatres offering 10,800 seats and is renown for its eye-catching architecture.

The Denver real estate picture is comparatively rosy when evaluated against other large cities in the United States. A vibrant economy has generated a fairly healthy real estate environment and affordable housing is not as yet a rarity.

The diverse range of housing options range from starter homes, condos and executive housing, to apartments and lavish estates.

Monthly rentals for apartments can range from the mid $500's to the mid $2,000's depending on area, size, amenities, etc. Condos generally sell in the low $100,000's to over two million dollars, again depending on a number of factors.

Single family homes can be found at a wide range of prices. Previously owned fixer-uppers may sell for under $200,000, depending on condition whereas pre-owned houses generally are marketed from the mid $200,000's on up. New construction currently ranges from the high $200,000's to the low $400,000's.

Denver 's school system is regarded as among the best in the country which should be a source of comfort to those families with school age children planning to relocate to the area.