Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood is one of the most revered and sought-after communities in the metro area and has been for decades. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Denver and having easy access to I-25, residents of this enclave place a high value on the signature park, walkable neighborhood and proximity to the historic Gaylord Street shops.
Situated in south-central Denver, Washington Park (known as Wash Park) is a microcosm of what makes Denver appealing. Houses located near the 165-acre park boast both contemporary and Victorian architecture, and the majority of homes have been renovated. Furthermore, you’ll not only find single-family homes but cute duplexes and condos. Located on a beautiful green space in the heart of the city, the Washington Park neighborhood is close to shops, restaurants, and family fun activities.
New Construction
One thing you will always find in Wash Park is new construction. Instead of renovating homes that were built 70-80 years ago, many buyers choose to scrape and start anew. Others choose extensive renovations to bring homes into the 21st century.
As a result, you can’t miss dumpsters, construction vehicles and other tradesmen in this neighborhood. And most of these projects are occurring on lots that are between 5,000-7,000 square feet so finding a parking spot can be challenging. A garage is a must and some houses even have off-street driveways that allow for extra cars.
Home Appreciation
The diversity of homes and the neighborhood’s proximity to the park and downtown Denver has enabled homeowners to see the value of their homes continually increase over time.
While you can find a few bungalows that list for under $1 million, they go under contract quickly. Most single-family homes are priced well north of $1 million and according to REcolorado, Washington Park’s medium home sale price in June 2021 was $887,500, up from June 2020’s $720,000.
Homes in Wash Park are always a hot commodity and don’t stay on the market long, especially those priced near the $1 million mark.
Existing Homes for Sale
There isn’t much inventory in Wash Park due to its popularity. Despite the high price tag of homes here, the median days on market stands at just 6, year to date. The neighborhood is made up of predominantly single-family homes and duplexes, and they typically fetch $532/square foot.
However, there are several condominium developments on the north end of Wash Park where affordable homes can be found. These developments are within a few blocks of the park and provide an affordable alternative to purchasing a single-family home.
Park Lane, Marion Park and Park Lafayette condominium buildings are all a block or less from the park, and House of Rothschild is located about ½ mile away on University Blvd. You’ll find predominantly one- and two-bedroom homes with a variety of amenities.
For people who want to experience the area first before committing to buying, there are a variety of apartments in the West Wash Park and Speer neighborhoods.
Things to Do/Benefits of Living Here
Wash Park is both a neighborhood and a public park in Denver. The park was designed in the late 1800s and is considered one of the most beautiful public grounds in Denver. It is also one of the largest. With biking trails, a state-of-the-art recreation center, grass volleyball courts, flower gardens, a 2.6-mile jogging path, soccer fields, tennis courts, and Smith and Grasmere Lakes, the park is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.
The flower gardens are particularly notable. Created in the 1930s, this display is an exact replica of one of Martha Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon and this “replica” can be enjoyed here in Denver.
In 2012, the American Planning Association designated Washington Park as one of the “Great Public Spaces in America.” Washington Park is on the U.S. National Register of historic places as well as the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Getting to this neighborhood is a breeze with easy access to I-25 and a light-rail station that connects the community to the rest of the city.
Plenty of shops and restaurants are found to the east along Old South Gaylord Street, and to the west along South Pearl Street. Washington Park is encircled by wonderful running paths, and the Cherry Creek bike trail is located just north of the park.
The park is a hotbed of activity year-round. From organized volleyball league games to 5k running races to people walking their dogs, there are people enjoying Denver’s premier park from sunup to sundown.
In 2012, the Washington Park Boathouse was completely renovated and is available for private parties and events. Designed by Jacques Benedict in 1913, the boathouse is the cornerstone of Washington Park and offers lovely views of the spectacular flowerbeds and Smith Lake.