Though prices are skyrocketing in this area, Barnum and West Barnum remain popular spots for home buyers who want to stay in Denver but are looking for more affordable options. Located near Lakewood and about a 10-minute drive to Empower Field at Mile High, these neighborhoods offer easy access to U.S. 6 and Interstate 25, so residents can easily commute to the Denver Tech Center or the western suburbs.

Homes in Barnum that sell for $500,000 now sold for less than $200,000 a decade ago as the area is seeing an uptick in buyers who’ve been priced out of Sloan’s Lake, Baker, Washington Park, or Lincoln Park neighborhoods.

Despite the rising prices, the area is still one of the most affordable in Denver, appealing to younger buyers who are purchasing their first homes.

If you’re looking in the Barnum/West Barnum area, you can expect to find cheaper but smaller houses that tend to need a lot of love. Most of the homes were built in the 1950s. They’re typically ranch houses with either brick or siding finishes.

Move-in ready houses generally cost high $300s to low $400s for 700- to 800-square feet, while larger homes in the 1,000-square-foot range cost an average of $490,000. Homes that exceed 1,500 square feet sell for $525,000 to $628,000.

While homes may be more affordable to those coming in, rising home prices in Barnum are also bringing growing pains and fears that gentrification will price current residents out of the neighborhood.

To help ensure those who already live in Barnum can stay there, the West Denver Single Family Plus pilot program was launched in 2018. Additionally, in May 2019, Denver City Council approved forgivable loans of up to $25,000 for moderate-income homeowners who want to build an accessory dwelling unit or ADU in West Denver. ADUs are smaller, independent dwelling units like accessory apartments, secondary suites, or granny flats. An ADU can be a converted portion of an existing home or a new standalone structure.

Both Barnum and West Barnum are among six neighborhoods included in Denver’s West Area Plan, which will help stave off gentrification, improve pedestrian safety, and add more locally-owned businesses and amenities. The other neighborhoods include Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, and West Colfax.

Barnum/West Barnum is a unique and charming area that is still on the more affordable side for would-be buyers. If you’re interested in exploring here, you need to be prepared to move quickly if you find the right home. Ready to check it out? Contact Metrowest today – we’d love to show you around!