Rosedale/University: Laid-back living in South Denver
One of my favorite parts of being a Realtor® is getting to know Denver’s many unique neighborhoods, and sharing that knowledge with my clients. So much of feeling at home in an area is finding your regular spots and knowing some neighborhood “secrets”! This is the first installment of a monthly series highlighting some of my favorite Metro Denver neighborhoods – and featuring recommendations from the awesome folks who live there.
University and Rosedale neighborhoods.
I’m starting with what I know: my own neighborhood, University/Rosedale (we live on the edge of the two). The University neighborhood goes from the University of Denver over to South Downing Street, and Rosedale starts at Downing and stretches over to Broadway. For the sake of these delineations, I’m focusing mostly south of Evans; Platt Park/South Pearl is a post unto itself, but it is within easy walking/driving/biking distance (and if you either need or have recommendations for that area, hit me up)!
THE ‘HOOD:
Both of these neighborhoods are heavily residential (with The University of Denver taking up a big chunk of the University area). Average sale price of detached homes in the past 6 months is $607,158; for attached, the average sale price is $431,225.
THE STYLE:
1940s and 50s ranches are the most common house style, but many streets have a few newer craftsman-style or modern new builds here and there. For a stunning midcentury modern haven, just head a few blocks south to Arapahoe Acres in Englewood!
THE COMMUNITY:
There are definitely a lot of renters, given the proximity to the University, but most streets also have a large percentage of families, especially as you move outward from the school. Asbury Elementary is at Evans and Lafayette, easy walking distance for many families with young kiddos.
THE SPOTS:
Harvard Gulch Park path.
Parks: This neighborhood is blessed with access to multiple parks and trails! The Harvard Gulch Trail runs from DeBoer Park (at York and Harvard, just south of the University) to Harvard Gulch Park (complete with a flip-flop-friendly 9-hole public golf course) and the hidden gem of City of Kunming Park (my personal favorite and the featured picture!) on the west. Elizabeth L. loves taking their dogs to Harvard Gulch and watching the sunset from the top of City of Kunming. Chris S. loves the Gulch’s running path!
Views from City of Kunming Park!
Intersection of Downing and Wesley - the heart of SoDo.
Shops: The cluster of shops SoDo (at South Downing and Wesley) hosts a number of wonderful businesses – from Little’s, my go-to for amazing selections of craft beer, wine, and cider; Birch Salon; City & Country Deli & Sausage; and SoDo Village Market. Erin P. recommends the SoDo boutique Gypsy Soul for handbags. Keith’s Coffee Bar is another block down, with tasty coffee and tea drinks, live music on Saturdays and Sundays, and baked goods from Trompeau Bakery on Broadway.
Eats & Drinks: Our hood has some of the best eats in Denver! Erin P. frequents the classic Little India on SoDo (right next to Little’s); staying on SoDo, Walt M. thinks that Roaming Buffalo’s $3 BBQ sammy on the weekend is the best food deal in Denver. Also at the top of Walt’s list (and mine!): the hand rolls, sake, and whiskey at Cherry Hills Sushi Company.
Over toward Broadway, Elizabeth L. visits Trompeau Bakery for breads and pastries. Nicole B. loves Cana Wine Bar for date night or girls’ night. Turtle Boat serves up some of the best (and most sustainable) poke in town. The Broadway location of The Post has some of the best chicken and waffles you’ll ever eat, according to Nicole B. – plus their own tasty beers (and the fried chicken is gluten free). Chris S. loves their happy hour deals! Right by The Post is Joyce’s Famous Pizza – a humble neighborhood mainstay for a slice or a whole pie.
The Evans corridor, though busy, offers some delicious options: the Evans location of Lucile’s, a local Cajun/Creole spot, is known for its massive biscuits, sugar-dusted beignets, and dangerously tasty bloody Marys! Birdcall, at Evans and Franklin, is a local fast-service restaurant chain (they have 3 locations) with extremely crave-worthy fried chicken sandwiches and milkshakes. Closer to DU, Jerusalem is a long-time favorite stop for all the middle eastern classics – the vegetarian platter has all the good stuff.
During this time of stay at home orders, many of these restaurants and shops are still doing business and need your support! Little’s is open and delivers through Drizly; I know that Turtle Boat, Cherry Hills Sushi Co, and Birdcall are all doing takeout. Check in with the others and show your love and support for our local spots!
Many thanks to my friends and neighbors who contributed all of their favorites to this list.
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