Denver's Washington Park is magnetic. Through sheer charisma it beckons young professionals, mature couples, renown artists, growing families and outgoing singles without prejudice. No matter how you slice the demographic, there's a common thread woven through them all - the high quality of life everyone enjoys as a "Wash Park" resident. What was once an ignored, semi-urban cluster of brick built bungalows has been transformed into one of the most hip and sought-after communities in southeast Denver. One visit on a summery Sunday morning and you'll understand why.

Washington Park offers a central location for the community to come together and enjoy the essence of Colorado. Biking, cookouts, community events, festivals, friendships, family picnics, and a genuinely pet friendly atmosphere make this urban park a memorable experience.

"What is most appealing to you about Wash Park?"

That's the question we asked scores of locals through an open survey conducted on this website. Here are a few of the responses we got. Admittedly, they're exactly what we expected:

"The friendliness of the residents who live in the neighborhood. Also, great shops & restaurants within close walking/biking distance."

"The proximity of the park within the neighborhood and the community feel."

"The buzz of the Park and the people and community activities that make up the neighborhood. Such as active clubs in the park (volly ball, ultimate, bootcamps, tennis, mom groups, rec center, etc.)"

"Safe neighborhood, easy to run, dog friendly, keeps residential value up, close to Cherry Creek and Gaylord shops"

The Homes Of Wash Park

Most homes in Washington Park were originally built pre-1950s. Demand for the area brought as many changes as there are personalities. While some tried to maintain their home's original integrity and history, many still opt for certain modern conveniences (like a master bathroom that fits more than one person at a time). By the way, you'll be hard-pressed to have a conversation with these homeowners and not hear the words "character and charm" at least a dozen times. Indeed, most Wash Park homes are oozing with both. Still, others decided to scrape that old drafty box to the ground and start all over. You can imagine the outcry.

Home prices in Washington Park follow textbook supply and demand curves. As of this writing, home prices range from the mid-$100's (1 bed/1 bath/ 500ish square feet) to $2M. The average price will fall in the upper $500's to mid-$600's range. Expect to pay a premium for anything truly unique - from park proximity to brushes with greatness. (Although, I will require documented proof for those claims that "George Washington's great, great, great, grandson's best friend once slept here").

Wash Park architectural styles are similar to many of Denver's classic neighborhoods. As you drive through the streets you'll recognize the early 1900's Bungalows, vintage Tudors, the coveted Denver Square, 19th-century Victorians, and newer Contemporary Mountain.

General Wash Park Information

Wikipedia entry, "The Washington Park neighborhood, generally referred to as "Wash Park" is often broken down into eastern and western sides: not only do both have their own neighborhood organizations and quite-different historical trajectories, but since 1972 official city statistics have tracked Washington Park West as separate from the easterly "Washington Park." The (eastern) Washington Park neighborhood has borders defined by the city of Denver as Downing Street, Cherry Creek, I-25, and University Boulevard. The public park is located within the neighborhood.

Washington Park as a neighborhood started development soon after the founding of Denver though it was still fairly rural in nature. By 1886, there was enough population to create Denver's first suburb, South Denver, which by the silver bust of the 1890s was annexed into Denver due to financial difficulties. Development hastened with the creation of the park in 1899. Most of the houses were built of brick between 1900 and 1940.

Recently, Washington Park has become a very popular urban neighborhood because of its central location, its closeness to the park, and its access to several commercial business enclaves. This has led to a transformation of the neighborhood, which worries some residents because of an increased density, more traffic, and the propensity of some developers to scrape historic homes and replace them with denser luxury duplexes, town-homes, or other development.

The park includes several trails, including one that goes around the perimeter of the park, tennis courts, a lawn bowling/croquet field, and two playgrounds. A recreation center with an indoor pool, free weights, and other athletic facilities is also located in the park. Smith Lake has a boathouse that can be rented out for various events.

The park is also known for its flower gardens, which include 54 flower beds in an informal arrangement. One garden is an exact replica of Martha Washington's garden at Mt. Vernon.

The Washington Park neighborhood is one of the oldest in Denver and includes many early twentieth century brick houses. There are several commercial enclaves in the neighborhood such as South Gaylord Street and Alameda Avenue. The South Pearl Street area, in the neighboring Platt Park neighborhood, is frequently misidentified as being part of the Washington Park neighborhood."