History and Description of the Metropolitan Denver Regional Area

History and Description of the Metropolitan Denver Regional Area - Search Home and House Property Listings

Denver was first put on the map by the great “Pikes Peak or Bust” gold rush of 1859, when flakes of gold were found where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek. In the city’s first few years, it survived dilemmas including a flood, two major fires, and several Indian attacks. When more gold was discovered in the mountains, Denver became a western boomtown, attracting more residents (and money). The turn of the century saw a great influx of wealth, and parks, fountains, statues and elaborate mansions were built within the prosperous town.

The climate of Denver is mild, offering four distinct seasons, more than 300 days of sunshine a year and snow in the winter. The combination of the city’s spectacular natural setting and variable weather provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. Denver’s Mountain Parks Department maintains 20,000 acres of parklands, through which roams the city’s own private buffalo herd. The city also offers over 450 miles of paved, designated bike paths, including two beautiful stretches through downtown along Cherry Creek and along the South Platte River. The Mile High Trail is a series of six walking tours throughout the downtown area, including a mile-long pedestrian mall in the heart of city. There are more than 70 golf courses and 140 tennis courts throughout the city. Thanks to Denver’s proximity to the majestic Rocky Mountains, skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, sailing and mountain biking are just a short drive away. Half of Colorado’s land is preserved, public open space; the state is home to two national and 30 state parks, 11 national forests and three national recreational areas.

One of Denver’s proudest features is its highly educated populace. The city boasts a higher concentration of high school and college graduates than any other metropolitan area in the country. More than 115 public schools make up the Denver Public School system, serving the city and county of Denver. This district is widely acknowledged as one of the premier urban school systems in the country. For those seeking post-secondary education, there are several universities and colleges in and around Denver. Downtown is the home of Auraria Campus, where three colleges serve more than 30,000 students. Other campuses include the Metropolitan State College of Denver, the University of Colorado at Denver and the University of Denver.

This sophisticated city has plenty to offer as far as culture is concerned. Denver is filled with museums, theaters, galleries and other cultural attractions. The expansive Denver Performing Arts Complex hosts touring Broadway performances as well as world-renowned musical acts. The Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo are other highly regarded cultural options in the Mile High City. Just a short drive away, the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater hosts outstanding musical acts in a spectacular natural setting.

Denver continues to grow and the city’s population has more than doubled since 1960. With every coming year, the city continues to expand its horizons and provide an ideal setting for families and businesses alike.

In addition to being the capital of the state of Colorado, Denver has always been the shopping capital of the Rocky Mountain West.

The city is home to the Gart Brothers Sports Castle -- the largest sporting goods store in the world – as well as upscale shopping districts and an “Antique Alley” on Broadway. Other shopping areas include Cherry Creek North, the 16th Street pedestrian mall and the Shops at the Tabor Center downtown. The upscale Cherry Creek and Park Meadows malls provide diverse mixes of shops, including large anchor stores such as Nordstrom and Dillard’s. Located near the Cherry Creek Mall is the Tattered Cover, the largest independent bookstore in the country.

The Denver real estate market is incredibly diverse with everything from historic homes to ranch-style properties and from high-rise condominiums to hilltop estates, many properties taking full advantage of the scenic landscape and offering stunning views of the nearby Colorado Rockies. Condominiums and townhouses are available from just under $100,000 to $350,000 and more for unique uptown loft properties. Condominiums can reach up to $2 million and more for luxurious models with up to 7,000 square feet of living space. Single-family detached home prices start in the low $100,000s and can exceed $500,000 for ornate Tudor or Queen Anne-style homes in upscale neighborhoods such as Park Hill. Many properties are located on large treed lots and some feature luxury amenities. Prices for luxury executive homes with unimpeded views and impeccable amenities can exceed $500,000. A select few historical properties are available, as are land and lots for custom development.