Applewood Valley

Applewood Valley has been the golden apple of Lakewood since its original development in the 1950s. “When it was built, it would have been the premier neighborhood to be in,” says Jordan Kessler of Keller Williams Avenues Realty. “You just didn’t see a lot of homes being built that way, and you can still find a good mix of original and renovated homes in the area,” Kessler adds. From midcentury modern ranch-style homes to traditional split-levels on gently sloping streets, Applewood Valley’s housing stock now displays the same kind of diversity found in its residents. “You’ve got everything from original owners to young families living here,” Kessler says, noting that the community’s location in the Denver metro area and its well-established feel are two of the main draws for new buyers.

For some residents, serene views of the Maple Grove Reservoir make the area even more appealing. The reservoir is one of the area’s main water supplies and is both fed by and drains into the Lena Gulch. While it’s not used for any recreational purposes, it does make a picturesque backdrop for those who live around it. And if you’re not quite ready for a detached home, you’ll find plenty of apartment and townhome options at the southern end of the community, many of which offer amenities like a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts. With such a variety of home styles, sizes and ages, prices fluctuate greatly from subdivision to subdivision, and the overall range includes everything from $500,000 starter homes to $1 million properties.

Thanks to Jeffco Public Schools’ choice enrollment program, students have just as many options when it comes to education. Some students will attend Stober Elementary close to home, which maintains a grade of B on Niche, before moving on to attend Everitt Middle, which maintains a grade of C+ on Niche. And at Wheat Ridge High School, which maintains a grade of B+ on Niche, students can participate in career and technical education programs for agriculture, computer science and visual arts, among other topics.

After a busy day at school, children can burn off extra energy with a trip to Chester-Portsmouth Park, which is named after Lakewood’s sister cities in England. Here, a calming labyrinth on the park’s north end invites visitors to find soothing, meditative peace away from the jovial sounds coming from the playground on the park’s south side. For an even more peaceful setting and a great view of the sunset as it dips behind the Front Range, head over to Graham Park, where natural trails lead to a hilltop bench and tennis courts.

Applewood Valley residents also benefit from living close to Crown Hill Park, a 230-acre space with 10 miles of trails and a large fishing lake. There’s a lively wetland wildlife sanctuary in the park’s northwest corner where you’re likely to spot — or at least hear — some of the starlings, red-winged blackbirds and black-billed magpies that call this area home year-round. Make sure to check the county website before visiting the sanctuary, though, as the area closes for a few months each year for the protection of nesting and brooding waterfowl.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite on Crown Hill Park’s trails, head down to Colfax Avenue, one of the Denver metro’s main east-west arteries, for a bite to eat. Here, you’ll find local favorites like The Ranch @ West 40, a locally owned, American-style diner with a country vibe and hearty breakfast and lunch plates. Down the street, you can enjoy classic Mexican fare at Moose Hill Cantina, which is also owned and operated by a local family. Known for their creamy Moosemilk shakes (no, they’re not made with real moose milk), homemade margaritas and authentic street tacos, Moose Hill Cantina aims to make every patron feel like family by offering accommodations like vegetarian and gluten-free options. And if you’d prefer to pick up groceries for your own home-cooked meal, you’ll find everything you need at the nearby King Soopers. With a healthy mix of housing styles, relaxing local parks and easy access to everything in the Denver metro, Applewood Valley offers a comfortable and flexible suburban lifestyle in Lakewood.

Written By

Hannah Rainey

Photography Contributed By

Laurel Turton

Video By

Pasha Chichagov