University Hills offers affordable options in appealing neighborhood


If you’re looking for a home in Denver that’s more affordable yet still offers plenty of amenities and things to do, University Hills may be the perfect place for you.

The neighborhood has transformed recently, with new construction and development popping up. Yet, it still retains its small-town feel.

There are plenty of single-family homes in University Hills, as well as some newer condos and townhomes. So, whether you’re looking for a starter home or something a little more luxurious, you’ll find it here.

“It’s one of the few Denver neighborhoods where you can still find something for under $500,000,” says Maritt Bird, an 8z real estate agent.

And with the light rail running through the neighborhood, getting around Denver is a breeze whether you need to go downtown, to the Denver Tech Center or out to the suburbs.

“Or you can hop on the Highline Canal with your bike,” says Jennifer Jackson, a West+Main real estate agent. “It’s really convenient.”

What’s available?

If you’re thinking of moving to University Hills, you’ll be happy to know that there is a wide range of homes available.

In 2021, 184 homes were sold with a median close price of $569,000. So far in 2022, 91 homes have been sold with a median close price of $650,000.

Most of the homes are three-bedroom, two-bath ranches built in the 1950s and 1960s. Since the homes typically sit on larger lots, there’s room to expand, Bird says.

“You can still get a big lot for $400,000,” she says. “That’s attractive to buyers and developers.”

Who’s moving in?

As empty nesters move out, University Hills draws primarily first-time homebuyers and young families.

The younger buyers typically call the neighborhood home for a few years before moving on to bigger houses.

But the neighborhood occasionally draws older buyers who are ready for a smaller home, Jackson says.

Neighborhood amenities

University Hills’ amenities add to its appeal.

Popular restaurants include neighborhood institution Poppies and new favorite Junction Food and Drink, a food hall that offers everything from Shawarma Shack and Taco Sabe to Cleaver and Co. and Ebisu Ramen and Sushi.

“If you go to Junction Food and Drink, you no longer have to debate about what restaurant to choose,” Bird says. “You can get whatever you want and there’s something to appeal to everyone.”

Other popular neighborhood spots include the farmers’ market that runs through October, the Ross-University Hills branch library, and the Eisenhower Park and Recreation Center.

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

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