Overview
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How many neighborhoods border a state recreation area? Bear Creek is one of the few--and you'll see smaller versions of open-space parks within the 'hood itself. The area has an open, rural feel with some nice hilly landscapes--it might be the place for sprawling, luxury subdivisions. You'll get a bit of that closest to the foothills, around Kipling Street, but the rest of the area is practically frozen in time. Residences and retail venues look virtually the same as they did two decades ago. There are some new storefronts and homes that have been added to the area, but much of the eastern portion of the neighborhood is made up of modest older homes that have retained their original exteriors. Here, outdoor recreation rules--you'll see lots of RVs and campers in driveways. The area is also full of apartments, condo complexes and townhomes...a mecca for low- to medium-priced rentals. If you're looking for something more luxe--it does exist here, but you may have to look a bit harder to find it. Overall, Bear Creek is an old-school, comfortable area with easy access to the mountains as well as downtown.
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You might say this is a place that embodies "a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll"...except they're both the 1980s versions. A lot of the area has retained its long-ago exteriors. On a budget? If you're looking for modest rentals, you can save some bucks and be comfortable here. You can also find some new development on the west side if you want something more updated and luxe. But if you're really into trendy, upscale "designer" communities, this might not be the first place you'll look...until, of course, the time that scrapeoffs and house-flipping projects take over.
Lots of hardworking folks make this home--twice as many married couples as singletons, a little more than half have at least attended college. Kids of all ages dot the landscape, retirees too--this is a place for families. Some people make the work commute to downtown Denver, a lot stay may stay on the west side of town. Drive around the area and you're struck by the number of RVs sitting in driveways--these guys like to camp and fish and spend time outdoors.
Be prepared to drive to other parts of the city--there aren't a lot of destination venues here. However, if you like truly the idea of a truly local, comfortable "Cheers"-type neighborhood bar or restaurant, venture out on Wadsworth Boulevard or within the east-west exterior streets of the 'hood. Ecks Saloon has been a blue-collar, live-music staple since the 1980s. It's since expanded with poker nights and karaoke--we're talking down-home atmosphere here. Non-chain restaurant icons not in the 'hood but close by include family-friendly White Fence Farm and seafood/great-view Simms Landing. Want something a littlle more contemporary? 240 Union is both the restaurant name and its address.
Rentals that have resisted updating amenities for baths and kitchens will retain prices that are below most metro-Denver places. You'll also find a few condo and townhome communities that have added features and a little more luxury--again, they're priced accordingly. Overall, this is a place for the budget-minded. If you like an older, more settled feel to your 'hood, you'll appreciate the value.
Here you get bus transporation routes galore, but you're out of the light-rail loop. Driving the hills around Wadsworth and the southern portion of the 'hood can be dicey during major snowstorms--pray for the plows to come through. Other than that, most streets aren't the narrow nightmares of some other metro areas, and they don't have a lot of congestion except during rush hours. The exceptions to that rule are permiter streets Wadsworth, Kipling and Hampden Avenue, which can remain busy, but not impossible. Parking isn't a big issue here--and virtually all of it is free.
Take time to explore the whole area--you can go from settled-in, old-style areas to updated and upscale in relatively few blocks. There are lots of opportunities if you're in the market for condos and townhouses.
Heaven for dogs: trees and neighborhood open-space parks and greenbelts, plus Bear Creek State Park just a short drive away...buy a parks pass if you plan to drive there a lot. All your other pets will be happy at home.
Bear Creek recreation area is full of trails for hiking and fishing opportunities as well. Fox Hollow Golf Club is a west-side staple and exec course Homestead a fun and easier version. You're just a short drive from Red Rocks for summer concerts and Hampden Avenue is a quick and easy way to head out to the mountains any time of year. Or else you're going east to downtown Denver for a spectrum of fun and games and nightlife opp's.
Morrison Road intersects the 'hood for a bit--great route west to get you to the hills...and east if you want to avoid busy Hampden Avenue.
Safeway in the northwest area and King Soopers on the southeast edge rule for grocery shopping. There's a Ladies Workout Express on Wadsworth...for co-ed workouts, head for 24 Fitness Express, near Kipling and Morrison Road. Full a full-service health club, try Tje Point Athletic Club a short drive away. Banking needs are met by Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo--all over the west side of town, as well as a US Bank just outside the immediate 'hood.
Jefferson County district schools include Bear Creek High School and Bear Creek Elementary, both with decent reputations. In fact, Jeffco schools are among some of the best in metro Denver.
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