Washington Park’s combination of natural scenery, outdoor recreation, luxury lifestyle, and community spirit make it one of the coveted neighborhoods in the Denver area. In 2022, Money.com hailed Denver as one of the best places to live due to its quiet streets, tree-lined sidewalks, high-ranking schools, trendy eateries, and historic architecture. Its namesake park is a popular gathering place among residents, who colloquially call their neighborhood “Wash Park” for short.
While the housing market may have cooled off in other areas, Washington Park real estate has retained its strong property values. Its central location just south of downtown Denver makes it the ideal location for those who want easy access to the city’s amenities, including a vibrant arts and culture scene, award-winning restaurants, and world-class entertainment. Here are five reasons to move to Washington Park.
The mix of classic architecture and modern homes
Washington Park real estate showcases historic homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries featuring a range of classic architecture, including Victorian, Queen Anne, and Tudor Revival. Elegantly designed Craftsman bungalows and Arts and Crafts homes are also popular and are characterized by open floor plans, low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and their use of natural materials.
Recently, newer homes featuring Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary architecture have seen an emergence in the city. Clean lines, large windows, open floor plans, modern fixtures, such as smart appliances and solar panels, and surrounding greenery are popular features of this ultramodern design. Washington Park’s resort-style condominiums are a great option for those seeking community living and offer common areas, clubhouses, fitness centers, pools, and cosmopolitan upgrades.
Abundant green space
Residents have access to the city’s namesake, Washington Park, a massive greenspace covering over 165 acres. As the neighborhood's centerpiece, the park is a popular gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Here, you’ll find a smorgasbord of amenities, including basketball and tennis courts, a recreation center, and a playground.
There are two lakes at the park, one at each end. Paddleboards and boat rentals are available at Smith Lake. The park’s Grasmere Lake offers fishing opportunities and scenic walks around the lake on the Grasmere Lake Loop. In total, Washington Park has 2.6 miles of paved trails for walking and biking and two gardens, the Grasmere Garden and the Mount Vernon Garden, which were designed to replicate George Washington's gardens in Mount Vernon.
On the south end of the Washington Park neighborhood is Veterans Park, a beloved community space complete with hiking and biking paths, a playground, and expansive sports fields for soccer, baseball, and softball. It’s easily accessible, with trailheads and bike paths close by.
Prime location and easily accessible world-class amenities
Washington Park is centrally located within Denver and has quick access to the city’s amenities, including a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several world-class museums, fine art galleries, and public art spaces at residents’ fingertips. Cultural highlights include the Denver Art Museum, which houses over 70,000 art pieces; the Denver Performing Arts Complex and its multiple venues for ballet, opera, symphonies, and live theater; and the Denver Botanic Gardens, a horticultural library with international gardens and themed exhibits.
High-end shopping and dining can be found in downtown Denver and nearby neighborhoods. Larimer Square has several fine-dining options, including Bistro Vendôme, Ocean Prime, and Corridor 44. Boutique shops, such as John Fluevog Shoes Denver and Hailee Grace, are located nearby and offer high-end apparel for residents. Many shoppers flock to Cherry Creek Shopping Center, a premier shopping destination with a wide variety of retailers, including Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Peloton, Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany and Co. The space also hosts the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, a farmers’ market featuring local producers and vendors.
Adventure and recreation
Washington Park offers a wealth of adventure and recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Falcon Park and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge are popular hiking and mountain biking areas nearby. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park offer opportunities for rock climbing at all skill levels.
Colorado’s rivers are world-famous for whitewater rafting. Guided tours on the Arkansas River and Poudre River are available for beginners and novices and offer some of the most spectacular views of the canyons. For winter recreation, Denver provides an ideal home base near cities such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Keystone, home to world-class ski resorts.
A tight-knit community
Washington Park is a welcoming and laid-back neighborhood. Its peaceful and quiet streets make it feel like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area’s tight-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and a strong community spirit, and its namesake park works as a central hub for a range of gatherings, from concerts and sports leagues to festivals and beyond.
In the summer, the Art Students League of Denver organizes Art in the Park, an annual event showcasing local artists and vendors from all over Colorado. Residents organize a full calendar of events and activities throughout the year, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with newcomers.
Find your new home in Washington Park
As a certified Luxury Marketing Specialist, Alex Rice can provide local insights into Denver’s most affluent and highly-sought after neighborhoods. His passion and extensive knowledge of the real estate industry make him a top Washington Park realtor you’ll want at your side. Alex can help narrow your home search to properties that meet your criteria, ensuring the process moves quickly and smoothly. Clients enjoy a competitive edge over other sellers, investors, and buyers entering the market with Alex’s top-rated management skills, close attention to detail, data-backed marketing methods, and proven negotiation tactics, making him the perfect partner for all of your real estate needs. If you’re ready to find your next dream home in Washington Park or have additional questions about the area before you make your move, call Alex for a consultation today.
