NW Denver apartment tower bought

June 30, 2013 by

NW Denver apartment tower bought

A private developer has purchased the Eden Manor Senior Living high-rise apartment building in northwest Denver, which has served as affordable housing in a “Christian” atmosphere for more than 50 years.

Eden Manor has a new owner and a new name.

Eden Manor has a new owner and a new name.

Records show that 1620 Grant St. LLC paid $9.313 million to Eden Manor Management Corp. for the 13-story, 117-unit building at 3405 W. 32nd Ave. in West Highland. The building opened in 1962, according to records. It has been renamed as Julian32 at Highland Square.

Mark Nealon, principal of the group that purchased it, on Friday afternoon said that it is his goal to transition it to a market-rate building, while still providing housing to the existing residents.

“Basically, the Beth Eden (Baptist) church provided housing for congregation and friends and family members and we will continue to provide housing for existing residents during a transition period,” Nealon said.

“We actually worked out an agreement accommodating the current residents living in the building. That was very important to the church and very important to our investors,” he said.

“As they become available, the units will be converted into market rate units.”

The majority of the units are occupied by seniors 55 years or older who have ties to the church.

Cornerstone Apartment Services, which is managing the building, lists only nine units available on its website. Monthly rents start at $875 for a 540-square-foot unit to $1,800 for one 1,032-square-foot units.

“I think most of the units are in the $1,000 to $1,200 range, with an outlier here and there above that,” Nealon said.

Current below-market rents range from $426 to $648 a month, according to Eden Manor’s webpage.

Nealon said he doesn’t know how long it will take for most of the units to be converted into market-rate units.

“It is kind of hard to know that,” he said. “We consider this a long-term investment. We have this long-term investment horizon, so we aren’t giving a lot of thought when it will be completely changing over to market-rate units.”

The building has played a role in the context of the zoning dispute in Denver District Court regarding the nearby properties where RedPeak Properties wants to build three, luxury housing communities, two of which would have five stories and one four-story building.

 

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Refis out, resale loans in

June 29, 2013 by

Refis out, resale loans in

 

There is a sea change occurring in lending circles in the Denver-area and across the U.S., as banks and mortgage bankers increasingly shift to making loans for home purchases, as opposed to refinancing existing loans.

Part of it is due to a recent rise in mortgage rates, which while still unbelievably low by historical standards, are off their record lows.

Rates rising almost a full percentage point in recent weeks to more than 4 percent has hurt the ability of a consumer to buy a home a bit, said Peter Lansing, president of Universal Lending.

For example, a person who could have qualified for a $200,000 mortgage when rates were at an all-time low, could now quality for a $191,400 loan, he said.

“So there is maybe a $8,600 difference in housing cost,” Lansing said.

Lansing recently attended the Mortgage Banker Association’s Chairman’s Conference  for top lenders across the country, and he said most of the speakers from Washington, D.C. expect rates to rise to about 4.5 percent “pretty much through 2014.”

Part of the expected increase is at some point the government is expected to slow or stop its monthly bond buying, which has kept interest rates low, as unemployment falls and the economy improves.

“The real impact, though, has to do with the refinance market,” Lansing said. “The refinance market is slowing.”

It is not just because interest rates have been rising, either.

Rates fell so low that some homeowners have already refinanced two or three times and have no need to do so again, he said.

“There is the bell curve,” Lansing said. “A lot of people who could qualify to refinance already have taken advantage of these really low interest rates. You can’t refinance people indefinitely. We’re kind of running out of people to refinance.”

A recent report of the top 50 lenders in the Denver metro area by Land Title Guarantee Co., found that some lenders in April, the most recent numbers available, were still heavily weighted toward refinancing.

Wells Fargo Bank, the biggest lender in the metro area, made 1,574 mortgage loan almost $1.2 billion in April. Of those 218, or 13.8 percent, were for resale purchases, while 1,069, or 67.9 percent, were for refinances. A handful of loans were made for new homes and land.

Other big lenders also were heavily weighted toward refinancing.

At J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, only 10.1 percent of the loans were for reales; at Bank of America, 6.3 percent; US Bank, 6.6 percent; and Quicken Loan, 7.1 percent.

By contrast, at Universal Lending, 65.7 percent of its loans were for resale purchases. Other large, locally owned mortgage bankers showed similar trends. At Megastar Financial Corp., 51 percent of its loans were for resale purchases and at Pinnacle Mortgage Group, 80 percent of its loans were for resales.

Part of the reason that Wells Fargo was making so many refinances as compared to purchases is because of its size and the services it offers, said Tony Julianelle, an area sales manager for Wells Fargo.

“When you look at the top 50 report from Land Title, there are very few national who service their own loans,” Julianelle said.

Provided by Inside Real Estate News

 

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ReSource: A Homeowner’s Treasure Trove

June 27, 2013 by

ReSource: A Homeowner’s Treasure Trove

ReSource BoulderDid you know that you can use other people’s homes to remodel your own?

It’s true! Boulder’s ReSource Store, a project of The Center for ReSource Conservation, is a 501 c(3) organization that accepts donations of architectural and building materials and then resells them to homeowners (like you) for their own projects.

If you’re getting ready for a home improvement project, you definitely owe it to yourself to stop by ReSource before you head to the biggerhome improvement stores. All of the materials in the store have been donated by homeowners, contractors, businesses, and deconstruction experts.

Just imagine — a neighbor decided to re-do all of the window coverings in their home. You could walk into ReSource and find the perfect window coverings for your home — and not just have them for a song, but help out an amazing nonprofit in the process.

It’s not just window coverings, however. While the inventory varies (and drastically) from day to day, you can typically find everything at ReSource that you would find in your home. Here’s a list to of common items to give you a taste:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Cabinets
  • Lumber
  • Hardwood flooring
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Plumbing fixtures

If you want an even better idea of the types of materials you might find at ReSource, be sure to check their donations page for they types of materials they accept.

And since we’re on the subject — the next time you decide to replace something in your home, why not donate it to ReSource? The donations page has explanations for the conditions items must be in to be accepted as donations. Your donations are tax-deductible and you’ll be skipping the dumpster and supporting an amazing cause.

Every dollar your spend at ReSource goes to support The Center for ReSource Conservation. So by building something new, you can help them build better communities. Now that sounds like a win to us! By Erika Napoletano

 

 

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Boulder Self-Storage Options for Your Stuff

June 26, 2013 by

Boulder Self-Storage Options for Your Stuff

boulder self storageWe tap into self storage for a wide variety of reasons. Maybe you’re a student heading home for the summer and moving next semester. Perhaps you just relocated here and are in temporary housing.

Or maybe (cough) your garage is just too full of…everything…and you need to make some room. Well, Boulder’s got its fair share of places for you to store your stuff. All you have to do is get it there.

If you’re moving, you might want to check into either the U-haul or Budget Truck Rental locations in Boulder, as both have on-site storage units. It’s never a bad idea to kill two birds with one stone — pick up a truck, pick up our stuff, move what you’re keeping, and then drop the truck and load up your storage unit at the same time.

One note we will send your way, however, is that with the large student population in Boulder, storage units tend to move fast and you could be hard-pressed to find one with short notice. So no snoozing or losing.

When classes are about to let out for the winter or summer at the University of Colorado – Boulder, that’s when the swarm is on with students and storage units. Always call ahead to see if one is available before just showing up. Better yet, call the storage facility of your choice in advance and make sure they have vacancy!

If you find yourself stuck short and without a storage unit when you need one most, you can do a search for self-storage facilities in nearby Broomfield. There’s generally a lot more availability and, while you might have to drive 10 minutes outside of Boulder, your belongings will find a safe and secure home until you’re ready to use them again.

Here’s a list of the storage facilities in Boulder — happy packing!

Ace Self Storage
4587 North Broadway Street, Boulder, CO
(303) 444-7870

Arapahoe Self Storage
6389 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO
(303) 449-5851

Boulder Bins Self Storage
4900 Broadway, Boulder, CO
(303) 443-2002

Boulder Self Storage
6439 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO
(303) 440-0820

SecurCare Self Storage
5815 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO
(877) 907-1649

U-Haul of Boulder
4640 N Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 442-2655

By Erika Napoletano

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Boulder Hiking Trails: the Paths Less Traveled

June 25, 2013 by

Boulder Hiking Trails: the Paths Less Traveled

boulder hiking trails druckerWhen the sun is shining, there is a warm breeze in the air and the masses of people on the Chautauqua, Sanitas and Boulder Creek hiking trails look like they are being herded – keep driving. Keep driving to some off the beaten path destinations that Boulder and the surrounding area has to offer.

There’s plenty to be found in the area — Boulder hiking trails are a-plenty. Here’s the scoop on a few that might not be on your radar.

 

Walker Ranch

Head West on Baseline Road past Chautauqua and follow the windy, steep street to the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. Walker Ranch is a few miles after you start descending on the right-hand side of the road.

Previously one of the largest cattle ranches in the region – Walker Ranch has over 3,500 acres filled with wildlife, various landscapes and a rich history told through plaques scattered along the trails.

For a nice stroll and perhaps with a picnic basket in tow – jump on The Meyers Homestead Trail – a moderate 5-mile trail along an old roadbed with grassy meadows, Aspen groves, springtime wildflowers, views of the Continental Divide and not so many travelers.

For more challenging terrain in the Boulder area, take the Walker Ranch Loop Trail – a 7.6 mile journey up, down and around the open space area with fabulous views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and of interesting rock formations.

Dream Canyon

A wonderfully tranquil trail winds through Dream Canyon – hugging a cliff wall on one side and Boulder Creek on the other (if the water is too high the path can get washed out sending you scrambling on rocks for higher, dryer ground). The sound of nothing but rushing water, big rock walls sheltering you on both sides and the smell of pine in the air makes you feel like you are far away from civilization, though Boulder proper is only a few miles away.

To get to this utopia drive West on Canyon Boulevard making a right on Sugar Loaf Road. After three miles take a left on Lost Angel Road and continue straight for one mile until there is a fork in the road, head left. The dirt parking lot will be within another half-mile. Several trails from this parking lot lead to the base of Upper Dream Canyon. The most defined trail starts about 100 feet past the parking lot – right before a private property sign on the left hand side of the road.

Other less traveled Boulder hiking options

The DeLonde Homestead Trail and the Bluebird Loop – both moderate hikes located in Caribou Ranch. This property is closed until June 30th  to protect animals in the area.

Heil Valley Ranch and Hall Ranch also have many less-traveled trails zig-zagging through them.

Happy, peaceful, trails to you! By Katie Drucker

 

 

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Boulder Neighborhood Guide – North Boulder

June 18, 2013 by

Boulder Neighborhood Guide – North Boulder

By  YOUR Boulder

Holiday Neighborhood North Boulder

While North Boulder is less than two miles away from downtown, it feels much further. Quiet residential streets give it a distinct neighborhood feeling, and yet a growing retail and restaurant scene make NoBo (as it’s called by those in the know) one of the best places in Boulder to be right now. There’s everything here from organic grocers to paved trails and parks-a-plenty.

 

  • History: North Boulder, as a neighborhood, dates back to the years following WWII. Large tracts of land were procured with the hopes of selling them to returning soldiers. The North Boulder development was originally part of Tyler Farm and with the establishment of the neighborhood, one of the city’s first shopping centers came into existence as well, North Broadway.
  • Housing: There has been an explosion of growth in NoBo in recent decades. One of the newest and most celebrated developments, the Holiday Neighborhood, features a community designed with sustainability and affordability in mind. With a high density of Affordable Housing units, Holiday gives families a walkable neighborhood, public parks and many different types of residential units. Also in North Boulder, a new home community called Springleaf is almost sold out. There are six townhomes and six single-family detached homes in the development, all stressinggreen design and many with views of the Flatirons.
  • Restaurants & Shopping: Some of the city’s best ethnic food can be found in the expansive restaurant scene of NoBo. From the authentic Salvadorian cuisine dished up at Pupusas to the always delicious Chinese at China Gourmet, there are options aplenty to be found in the north. And, unlike dining in other parts of town, when  in NoBo you don’t have to worry about parking or battling tourists for a table. That’s a good feeling. Thirsty? Both 4580 and Dagabi serve up excellent happy hours and Tangerine is getting a reputation for its brunch. North Boulder is also home to another independent grocer, Lucky’s Market, proving that you don’t have to shop at Whole Foods if you live here. And as any good road rider knows, the Amante in North Boulder is the spot to be seen in spandex. Many a cyclist will meet at this coffee shop to caffeinate before a ride or share a pastry afterwards. Keep your eyes open while there. You never know which famously shaved legs you might see.

Amantes, North Boulder

  • Family & Fitness: What isn’t there to do in NoBo? The North Boulder community rec center has an indoor pool, extensive gym facilities and a full-blown gymnastics program. North Boulder park offers cross-country skiers a place to get a few laps in during the winter while Foothills community park, nestled up against the foothills, provides hang-gliders with a place to land during the summer months. The Wonderland Lake trail is a 1.5 mile loop around the lake that provides a flat and easy hike. It’s great for families with a trail wide enough to accommodate strollers and a playground. You can connect this trail to others in the area for a longer trek and the grasses surrounding the lake are perfect for summer picnics.

Wonderland Lake Trailhead

  • Schools: Crest View Elementary, Centennial Middle, Boulder High
  • Quirks: The north end of town sought to incorporate as a separate and distinct community from the city of Boulder in the 1960′s. Even though the neighborhood eventually lost the case in the Colorado Supreme court, North Boulderites still consider themselves a special breed. Fortunately, NoBo is conveniently located on one of RTD’s main bus routes, the Skip line, meaning that downtown Boulder is just a quick bus ride away.
  • Major street boundaries: North of Iris, West of 28th

NoBo still feels like a Boulder secret. It’s part of the scene while still holding fast to the neighborhood feeling and individualistic roots that has always defined the area. With new restaurants and retail opening all over NoBo, this is one part of town that is just starting to take off.

Top Photo Credit: Jerry W. Lewis via Flickr.

 

 

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Things To Do In Colorado

June 13, 2013 by

Things To Do In Colorado

Arts to Zoo Cultural Connections 
An Internet portal for the remarkable variety of arts and cultural resources available in and around Denver, including museum exhibitions, events, performances, public gardens, film series and activities for kids. You can also search and view the event calendar for current information, and purchase tickets online, ahead of time. Supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
Web site: www.artstozoo.org
Black American West Museum and Heritage Center 
The center, located in the Dr. Justina Ford House, boasts materials and exhibits explaining the heritage of blacks in the West.
Web site: www.coax.net/people/lwf/bawmus.htm
Buffalo Bill Museum 
See the grave and museum of William F. Cody . Objects include Sitting Bull’s bow and arrows, Buffalo Bill’s show outfits, and Frederick Remington’s “Portrait of a Ranch Hand.”
Web site: www.buffalobill.org
Children’s Museum of Denver 
A hands-on educational and entertaining experience for children and their caregivers. Programs and playscapes are designed for newborns to eight-year-olds. Children can participate in theatre, dance and movement, cultural activities, science activities, games and team activities. Other programs enhance cognitive functioning for babies, and real-life roleplaying activities for older kids.
Web site: www.cmdenver.org
City Driving and Walking Tours 
Discover Denver’s historic landmarks and points of interest at your own pace.
Web site: www.denvergov.org/AboutDenver/today.asp
Colorado Historical Society 
Imagine covered wagons, a rendezvous of fur traders, Indian buffalo hunts, mining the Rocky Mountains and life in early Denver . Colorado ‘s own museum features collections of photographs, artifacts and documents. Dioramas and changing exhibitions bring history to life.
Web site: www.coloradohistory.org
Colorado Trail Maps 
Day hikers, walkers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts can download and print trail maps for trails that are accessible from urban regions throughout the state (national parks are excluded.)Complete with trail descriptions, the detailed maps are provided by the Colorado Lottery, which has provided over $11.5 million for more than 303 trail projects since 1983.
Web site: www.coloradolottery.com/about/trailmaps
Denver Art Museum 
The Denver Art Museum is world famous for its American Indian art collection. Visitors can view outstanding architecture, graphics and design galleries, or explore stunning Asian, Modern & Contemporary art, pre-Columbian, and Spanish Colonial galleries.
Web site: www.denverartmuseum.org
Denver Botanic Gardens 
Whether you visit Denver Botanic Gardens to relax under the shade of the enormous weeping willow in the Japanese Garden, to learn from a class or expert lecture, to listen to breezy, cool jazz on a hot summer night or tour the twinkling winter wonderland created by Blossoms of Light, we hope you’ll find that Denver Botanic Gardens is more than just a beautiful garden.
Web site: www.botanicgardens.org
Denver Convention Complex 
Find out what’s happening today and what’s coming up at the Colorado Convention Center and Currigan Exhibition Hall. Floor layouts, directions, nearby lodging and dining guides are also included.
Web site: www.denverconvention.com
Denver Firefighters Museum 
The museum houses an extensive archive of old photographs, documents, journals and news stories about early Denver and the development of firefighting technology. Many artifacts date from 1866, including hand-drawn schematics and two early motorized vehicles. A unique gift shop offers books, toys, collectibles and antiques.
Web site: www.colorado2.com/museum
Denver Mint 
Enjoy a tour of Denver ‘s U.S. Mint, one of only two full-service mints in the nation. Producing between 14 and 20 billion coins each year, the Denver Mint is the largest producer of coins in the world. The gift shop offers exciting numismatic coin and money-related collectibles. Call 303-405-4766 for information about tour scheduling procedures, or visit the Mint’s Web site.
Web site: www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=denver
Denver Museum of Nature and Science 
Home of the Gates Planeterium and the IMAX Theater, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is packed with information relating to the world around us. With programs for the young and old alike, the Museum will keep you entertained, and learning, for hours!
Web site: www.dmns.org
Denver Public Library 
The Denver Public Library (DPL) is the information resource for the people of Denver and the greater metro area. It also acts as the official Resource Center for the state of Colorado and is a regional depository for publications of the U.S. government. The Library is world-renowned for its collection of western Americana and its model Children’s Library.
Web site: denver.lib.co.us
Denver Rail Heritage Society 
Take an inexpensive ride on an open trolley car around Denver ‘s Confluence Park region, or ride through the scenic Platte River Valley to west Denver . Similar to those that once made up Denver ‘s fleet of 300 streetcars, these replica trolleys depart the station near the Children’s Museum on fair–weather weekends in winter and daily in summer.
Web site: www.denvertrolley.org
Denver Urban Gardens 
As a nonprofit organization, DUG operates and assists with the creation and management of over 60 metro-area community gardens and small parks.
Web site: www.dug.or
Denver Zoo 
The Denver Zoo is home to 3,500 animals representing more than 600 different species. During a Zoo visit you can see rare amur leopards, black rhinoceros, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas and more!
Web site: www.denverzoo.or
Forney Museum of Transportation 
A “must see” for train buffs! Visit the museum in its new location on Brighton Boulevard . Enjoy over 500 exhibits featuring early-model carriages, automotives and locomotives, including the Big Boy Engine and the Forney Locomotive 040-T Engine built in 1897.
Web site: www.forneymuseum.com
MaxNights.com 
For info on the latest entertainment and local artist/musician activities in Denver. We post profiles for bands, musicians, comedians, djs, artists and more. Check out our events and live music calendar. Denver has a lot to offer for entertainment and you can find the best opportunities through MaxNights.com!
Mizel Museum of Judaica 
Permanent and changing exhibits illustrate the Jewish historical, artistic and cultural heritage. 
Web site: www.mizelmuseum.org
Molly Brown House Museum 
Costumed guides lead visitors through the 1889 home of the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” – Denver ‘s famous socialite, philanthropist and Titanic survivor.
Web site: www.mollybrown.com
Museo de las Americas 
The museum preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Latinos in the Americas .
Web site: www.museo.org
Museum of Contemporary Art 
Denver’s first and only contemporary art museum. MCA is a non-collecting space that functions like the European model of a kunsthalle, offering ongoing presentations of innovative and challenging art of our time. Multi-disciplinary programs. Tours upon request.
Web site: www.mcartdenver.org
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo 
Nearly 100 years old, and bigger than ever, the National Western has been recognized by the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as one of the top 100 events of the year in the U.S. by the American Business Association, and named Rodeo of the Year by Events Business News Magazine. 
Web site: www.nationalwestern.com
Ocean Journey 
Denver ‘s interactive aquarium and the only marine sciences center in an eight-state region. Explore waters and wildlife from the Continental Divide to the Sea of Cortez , and from an Indonesian rain forest to the depths of the Pacific Ocean .
Web site: www.oceanjourney.org
Parks and Recreation Mountain Parks 
The City and County of Denver owns and operates some of the nicest parks in the front range.
Web site: www.denvergov.org/dephome.asp?depid=88
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre 
The world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is open year-round. The new 30,000-square foot Burnham Hoyt Visitor Center offers free interactive and educational displays that, along with a short documentary film, highlight the geological and musical history of Red Rocks. Custom guided tours are also available, and the Ship Rock Grille is a dining treasure serving Colorado cuisine.
Web site: www.redrocksonline.com
Sports Franchises in Denver 

Arena Football (AFL) Colorado Crush 
The team is led by legendary quarterback John Elway, who teamed with Kroenke Sports Enterprises and Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to bring Arena Football to Colorado . The Crush began playing in February 2003.
Web site: www.coloradocrush.com

Baseball (MLB) The Colorado Rockies 
Since 1993 the Rockies have been Denver ‘s ticket to America ‘s favorite pasttime.
Web site: rockies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/col/homepage/col_homepage.jsp

Basketball (NBA) The Denver Nuggets 
The Nuggets have called Denver home since their ABA origin in 1967.
Web site: www.nba.com/nuggets

Football (NFL) The Denver Broncos 
Winners of Superbowls XXXII and XXXIII. The Broncos originated in Denver in 1959.
Web site: www.denverbroncos.com

Hockey (NHL) The Colorado Avalanche 
Our 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup Championship hockey franchise.
Web site: www.coloradoavalanche.com

Lacrosse (NLL) Colorado Mammoth 
The inaugural Colorado Indoor Lacrosse season began January 3, 2003.
Web site: www.coloradomammoth.com

Soccer (MLS) The Colorado Rapids 
Major League Soccer became Denver ‘s fifth franchise. The Rapids first game was in April 1996.
Web site: www.coloradorapids.com
Theatres and Arenas 
City-owned facilities are constantly offering many types of programs, from exhibitions to theatrical works, to sporting events.
Web site: www.denvergov.org/dephome.asp?depid=22
The Urban Farm 
The Urban Farm is a non-profit organization that teaches agricultural and environmental education to urban children and youth. Conveniently situated on 23 acres within the Stapleton development area, The Farm offers classes, tours, school visits and outdoor meeting facilities.
Web site: www.theurbanfarm.org
Wildernet 
A great online outdoor recreation resource dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast. Wildernet provides detailed information on trails, mountains, campgrounds, climbing areas, lakes, rivers and winter sports.
Web site: www.wildernet.com
Winter Park 
For great skiing in the winter and great hiking and mountain biking in the summer, see the beauty of Winter Park and Fraser Valley .
Web site: www.skiwinterpark.com

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Boulder Neighborhood Guide – Downtown

June 9, 2013 by

Boulder Neighborhood Guide – Downtown

Pearl Street, Downtown, Boulder, Colorado

Pearl Street, located in the heart of downtown Boulder, is the bustling center of town. It provides tourists and locals alike a place to walk, eat and shop in the shadows of the Flatirons. With a four-block stretch of Pearl Street designated as a pedestrian walking mall, opportunities abound for street musicians, play structures and art sculptures to share the very public space. You are never lacking for interesting things going on in downtown.

 

  • History: Boulder began as a supply town for gold miners in the mountains. Now the heart of the city, Pearl Street is believed to have been named for the wife of one of Boulder’s original founders. By 1917, with the automobile taking over, Pearl Street between 11th and 17th streets became the first street in Boulder to be paved. Later, in the mid-30′s, the city’s first streetlight was installed at Pearl and Broadway. The idea for the Pearl Street Mall came about in the mid-70′s as a way of attracting tourists to town and saving a sagging downtown. The Pearl Street Mall is now one of the most successful pedestrian malls in the country, spawning imitators and bringing lots of money into the local economy.
  • Housing: There’s so much happening on the Pearl Street Mall that it’s easy to forget that people actually do live in this neighborhood. Downtown Boulder is one of the oldest residential areas in town, providing many historic homes with Victorian details and delightful charm. Although none of the homes have much of a yard, the big trees and welcoming front patios make up for it. Most homes start at a half-million dollars but there are also condos and apartments to be found in the neighborhood as well. There are many new, modern condos that have been built above retail locations all along Pearl and Walnut Streets.

Boulder Cafe

    • Restaurants & Shopping: Downtown is the mother ship of all dining and shopping experiences in Boulder. So many restaurants to choose from, ranging from the most fancy (I’m looking at you Frasca & Brassiere Ten Ten) to hippie pub to everything in between, that it’s easy to see why Boulder is always named to the foodiest towns list. The Boulder Theater and music on Pearl Street offer loads of entertainment. And we haven’t even begun with the shopping. Oh, the shopping. There is no shortage of wonderful ways to spend your money and time in downtown Boulder.
    • Family & Fitness: One Boulder Plaza, located at the busy intersection of Pearl and Walnut in downtown, includes a health club that features fancy machines, a smoothie bar and the chance to be on display to anyone walking through the One Boulder Plaza building. Outside, you’ll find an area suitable for al fresco dining in the nicer weather that then turns into an outdoor ice rink in the winter. The most fun family activity in downtown Boulder is the Farmer’s Market. Boulder has one of the best. With delicious food, art and music, it really is the place that everyone wants to be on a beautiful Saturday morning in the summer.

market!

  • Schools: Whittier International Elementary, Casey Middle, Boulder High
  • Quirks: It’s pay parking almost everywhere downtown and there are many permit-only spots in the surrounding neighborhoods. Be sure to read signs carefully and know where you’re parking. The last thing anyone wants to take with them after visiting downtown is a parking ticket. The really fun thing about Pearl Street is that you never know what you’re going to see. Depending on the time of year, you might catch a parade of munchkins, a fitness expo, a pep rally or a bunch of naked runners. Totally awesome.
  • Major street boundaries: The one or two block radius both north and south of Pearl Street proper

Downtown Boulder is a vibrant and exciting place to live. You are ,quite literally, in the middle of everything going on in town. The downside? You are, quite literally, in the middle of everything going on in town. Dive in and make yourself comfortable.

Top Photo Credit: Let Ideas Compete via Flickr.

 

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John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

 

BH4U

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: , , , ,

Analysis: Boomer downsizing trend hasn’t materialized yet, but may

May 31, 2013 by

Analysis: Boomer downsizing trend hasn’t materialized yet, but may

(Reuters) – When Barbara and Mark Gomperts became empty nesters a few years ago, they found themselves using just a fraction of the 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom house where they had raised their children in Vienna, Virginia.

They bought a townhouse in nearby Burke that was a third the size of the house they sold. “We just didn’t need as much space to be happy,” Barbara said in an interview. She is using some of their monthly savings to retrain for a second career.

The Gomperts may be on the leading edge of a movement some real estate and aging experts have been predicting for a while: a massive sell-off of big homes by baby boomers seeking smaller quarters.

The expected downsizing trend has yet to show up in national housing data, and some experts doubt it will become large enough to affect home prices. But there are solid reasons why boomers may seek to downsize.

Despite the housing crisis that started in 2006, many older Americans have considerable home equity that can be tapped to bolster retirement. The AARP Public Policy Institute reports that 80 percent of Americans over the age of 50 are homeowners, and more than 80 percent of those 50 to 64 have home equity. The median home equity for households in the 55-to-64 age range in 2010 was $100,000 (65,479.31 pounds); it was $135,000 for those 65 and over.

For many, that equity will be an important resource. Just 17 percent of Americans over 55 say they are confident they’ll have enough to live on in retirement, according to the 2013 Retirement Confidence Survey released last month by the Employee Benefits Research Institute.

Housing is a major expense ripe for trimming. The AARP Public Policy Institute reports that 29 percent of middle-class households over age 50 were spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing in 2009, up from 20 percent as recently as 2000. The portion of households spending 50 percent or more of their income on housing nearly doubled during that period, to 9 percent.

Courtesy of www.reuters.com

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

 

BH4U

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Boulder, Colorado Condos & Townhomes: Buying Advice

May 29, 2013 by

Boulder, Colorado Condos & Townhomes: Buying Advice

 

Learn my advice for buying a condo or townhome in Boulder, Colorado. The real estate market is hot for Boulder condos, so get in early!

Boulder, Colorado is considered by many people to be one of the best places to live, offering a balance of urban life and mountain living.

Because it is such a beloved city, though, Boulder real estate is expensive. Homes in Boulder often cost double that of comparable homes in other areas of Colorado. At the same time, the estimated median household income in 2009 (the most recent statistics available) was $47,967, about $7,500 less than the Colorado state average. As a result, people often rent for many years.

But if you want to live in Boulder, Colorado and own a home, one of the best ways of finding affordable property is to look into condos and townhomes.

Real Estate Statistics for Boulder, Colorado Condos and Townhomes

There is a strong market for condos and townhomes in Boulder.

  • Median list price: $289,000
  • Median days on the market: 51
  • Median condo size: 1,094 square feet
  • Median price per square feet: $242

The real estate market has stayed strong in Boulder throughout the housing crisis in the rest of the country. In fact, sales in May 2012 for single-family homes and condos were 40% higher than those in May 2011 for Boulder County. Total sales are up 23% from last year.

Finding Your Perfect Condo or Townhome in Boulder

Different areas of Boulder offer different advantages for residents, depending on what you are looking for.

  • If you’re looking to buy and live in an upscale area that offers shopping, entertainment and eating within walking distance, you may look near the Pearl Street Mall area.
  • If you’re looking to buy and live in a quieter area closer to Boulder’s hiking trails and natural beauty, West Boulder may be the spot for you.
  • If West Boulder isn’t green enough for your taste, check out South Boulder for moreopen spaces and views of the Flatirons.

No matter where you choose, the entire city offers excellent public transportation and off-road, paved bike paths so you can get from one area to the next without ever having to use your car (if you don’t want to). denverandboulderrealestate.com

Start Your Search at www.boulderhomes4u.com

 

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

 

BH4U

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: , , ,
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