Charter

Hidden in Littleton, initially founded by hopeful frontiers looking to score big during the 1859 Pikes Peak gold rush, the Charter neighborhood is a seamless blend of suburban convenience and natural beauty. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and miles of hiking trails, the Charter community is within walking distance of various retail stores and restaurants. Strolling along the tree-lined sidewalks, different townhouses and condominium communities make up this neighborhood.

Here, traditional and Tudor-style townhouses showcase exposed wood frames and brickwork. While newer developments embody the quintessential, contemporary Colorado-style homes, displaying stone facades and vinyl siding in neutral hues. The median list price hovers around $350,000, ranging from a one-bed, one-bath condominium with carpet to a spacious 1,183 square foot condom with updated appliances, high ceilings, a balcony and detached one-car garages for $410,000. Townhouses typically range from the mid $400,000s to a 1,800-square-foot home with an attached two-car garage listed in the mid 500,000s. “Compared to other communities, the homeowners association fees are fairly reasonable for such a high level of upkeep,” says Greg Milano, broker associate at Colorado Home Realty, who has been in the real estate industry for over 30 years, with monthly fees ranging between $230 to $305 across the multiple complexes.

Students in the neighborhood are zoned within the Jefferson County School District, boasting above-average ratings on Niche, such as Mortensen Elementary School, scoring a B and Falcon Bluffs Middle School with a B-plus. Chatfield High School, ranked as the 6th best public high school in Jefferson County on Niche, has earned a high A-minus rating. With an array of afterschool activities, students can join iconic Colorado sports, such as the ice hockey team and alpine and Nordic skiing team based out of Evergreen High School.

With endless open spaces, you can find residents taking a stroll along the miles of trails about 3 miles south in Hildebrand Ranch Park and the renowned Chatfield State Park. “Proximity to Chatfield State Park is a huge deal. Especially for pet owners who live in condos, being close to supposedly one of the best dog parks in the state is a big draw,” Milano says. With one of the largest reservoirs in Denver spanning 1,400 surface acres boasting bright blue waters and over 26 miles of trails, Chatfield is a popular spot for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, boaters and anglers hoping to catch a rainbow trout. Don’t be surprised when you see a few hot air balloons floating around the sky, as it’s also a well-known spot to take off and admire the aerial views from above.

On the weekend, children run around the playground at Dakota Station Park as neighbors strike up a game of pickleball on the courts. At the same time, the community pool Deer Creek radiates with laughter as people race down the watersides in the summer. Just next door, Denver Botanic Gardens hosts the Trail of Lights in the winter, inviting locals to stroll through the peaceful gardens covered head to toe in holiday lights. For a bite to eat, HiLo An American Eatery is perfect for a cozy date night, while Carlos Miguel’s Mexican Bar & Grill is a quick spot to grab a margarita on the outdoor patio after work. On a Saturday morning, you can grab a latte at Bean Fosters before heading to Safeway for groceries.

The Jefferson Village shopping center is also home to PetSmart, CorePower Yoga and Bath & Body Works for some much-needed aromatherapy. Along with Kohl’s and hair and nail salons, everything one could need is within walking distance. Bordered by Colorado State Highway 470 to the west and 121 to the east, commuters can quickly head about 20 miles north to Denver or 40 miles to Denver International Airport. Although there are no bus routes in the heart of Carter, bus stops are scattered around the Ken Caryl neighborhood just next door.

Written By

Adam Cheek

Photography Contributed By

Laurel Turton

Video By

Pasha Chichagov