Denver’s Washington Virginia Vale creates pocket of affordability

Washington Virginia Vale, Denver’s oldest neighborhood, offers more affordable prices in a location near some of the city’s high-dollar neighborhoods.

“It’s one of Denver’s top 20 neighborhoods,” says Maritt Bird, 8z real estate agent. “The location is ideal. You can purchase in an area that’s close downtown and Cherry Creek for a reasonable price.”

Bird says the neighborhood’s large trees and mature landscaping gives it a quiet feel while still being close to shops, restaurants, and a mix of commercial businesses. “The accessibility is amazing.”

People can commute by bike using the Cherry Creek Trail to ride downtown or to Cherry Creek. Residents also can use more than 30 RTD bus stops.

What’s available?

The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Most of the houses are ranches built in the 1950s and 1960s.

Bird says that the average price for a single-family home is $630,000, and houses typically sell in a few days if priced correctly.

Washington Virginia Vale draws renters and first-time buyers, many of them in their mid-30s with young families.

Neighborhood amenities

The neighborhood is home to Denver’s oldest house, the Four Mile House, built in 1859 and now sits in what’s known as Four Mile Historic Park. The original two-story cabin served travelers along the Cherokee Trail. The house’s second owner converts it into an inn and adds dances on the second floor.

In 1862, the Butterfield Stage Company made the house the final stop between Kansas City and Denver. When the railroad replaced stagecoaches, the property owners converted the land to farming. In 1968, Four Mile House was designated as a Denver landmark.

Today, the house is a museum and sits in Four Mile Historic Park, a tribute to Denver’s Western heritage. The park offers educational programs, house tours, and signature events like Brunch with Father Christmas on Dec. 18.

The neighborhood also is home to the Mizel Museum, which addresses social justice issues through Jewish history and values.

Looking for places to eat or drink? The neighborhood offers several including:

Copper Kettle Brewing Co.: A mom-and-pop brewery with a tasting room and a rotating menu provided by food trucks.

Inga’s Alpine Tavern: A neighborhood pub that serves burgers, pizza, chili, fries, and wings.

Nonnas Italian Bistro: This neighborhood restaurant offers Italian classics, including homemade lasagna, ravioli Formaggio, and chicken or veal marsala.

The Watering Bowl: This dog-friendly bar serves tacos, wings, quesadillas, and more.

The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.