Denver’s Westwood neighborhood is one of the most diverse, youthful, and walkable areas around. With more favorable prices than other neighborhoods, Westwood increasingly draws urban homebuyers from out-of-state.

With an average home price of $336,000, which sits well below Denver’s median home price of $600,000, the neighborhood also appeals to investors. However, all that attention creates worry that rising prices will push longtime neighborhood residents out of the area.

The Westwood area is beginning to thrive, largely in part of development initiatives and the addition of neighborhood resources. After Denver voters approved a $937 million bond package, work began on a multimillion-dollar transformation of Morrison Road, which is the 1.5-mile stretch that runs diagonally through the largely working-class, Spanish-speaking neighborhood and serves as its main street.

BuCu West (Bu for Business, Cu for Culture) started in 1987 as a business owner association and now works to promote and support entrepreneurs, small businesses, cultural organizations, and neighborhood residents in the Westwood Creative District. For example, BuCu West operates WestwoodFood.com, a website dedicated to promoting the “best Latin and Mexican cuisine in Denver.”

While many Westwood residents are renters, there are houses for sale ranging in price from $250,000 to more than $600,000. Be forewarned, however, that homes priced under $250,000 are usually tiny and need a lot of work. Often people buy those properties to scrape the land and redevelop.

Houses with 1,200 to 1,500 square feet sell for around $400,000, while homes with 2,500 square feet typically sell for closer to the $600,000 mark.

Because the neighborhood is zoned to allow accessory dwelling units, some homeowners convert the garage into a mother-in-law apartment, creating more space for multi-generational living or an opportunity to leverage the property and make income.

You’ll find a good mix of residents in Westwood – from longtime owners to young families moving in from out of state. If you’re ready to check out this vibrant area, give Metrowest a shout – we’d love to show you around!