The Denver Metro Area is one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, with an annual growth rate of well over 1%. From hiking in the scenic wilderness to viewing wildlife to enjoying the many winter sports Denver has to offer, it’s no wonder so many people want to call Denver home. As well, the job market is thriving in Denver as over ten Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the area, which, in turn, is creating enormous demand within the housing market. With Denver’s real estate market booming, it’s essential to know which style of home is the best fit for you and your lifestyle in Denver. Here is a quick overview of some of the most important things to know about the different home styles in the “Mile-High City” of Denver.
The Denver Square
The Denver Square is a historic style of home that dates back over a century in the United States. This concept came about in the 1890s after a major financial downturn when the value of silver crashed. Because of the shaky economy, homebuilders looked to construct more inexpensive yet efficient new homes. The Denver Square, known as a “foursquare” home in much of the country, is still being built across the nation and is a very popular home style in the Denver area.
The Denver Square is essentially a two-and-a-half to two-story cube-style home consisting of two stacked “halves.” They typically feature a spacious front porch area that runs the width of the house. Some city blocks are peppered with this style, while it’s more scarce in other parts of the city. One particular reason why Denver Squares are popular is the ease with which floor plans can be changed. As well, the simple design makes them very easy to remodel and update compared to other styles of homes found in Denver. Denver Square remains particularly popular in the area due to the local influence it has held for over a century. The best places in the Denver area to find these homes include Cheesman Park, West Highland, Baker, Park Hill, Capitol Hill, City Park West, City Park South, Five Points, and Washington Park.
The Denver Bungalow
The artfully crafted Denver Bungalow came about in the early 1900s due to an influx of skilled woodworkers. Found throughout Denver, this home style has high curb appeal and resale value with a charming exterior and relatively simple interior. The bungalow is typically built with a basement as a foundation, but not always. Denver Bungalows vary in size but are often modest in appearance. Bungalows are designed to allow natural light and air to flow while simultaneously maximizing window viewing space. With Denver’s incredible scenic views, it’s no wonder why the Denver Bungalow is such a popular choice among residents.
Traditional Denver Bungalows come with a low-pitched roof and a large porch at the front of the house. The low profile of the single-story bungalow is very appealing to the eye; however, many Denver Bungalows have been given upgrades. In many cases, a second story has been retrofitted to add additional square footage.
Due to the bungalow’s simplicity and attractiveness, they are as sought after as ever and remain one of the most popular home choices in the Denver area. If the Denver Bungalow sounds like the style of home that most fits your lifestyle, the best place to look for these properties include Highland, West Highland, Montclair, Whittier, Park Hill, Washington Park, City Park, and Congress Park.
Tudor
The Tudor is one of the most popular home styles in Denver. These highly distinctive homes started appearing around Denver around the same time as the Denver Bungalow. These asymmetrical homes also carry their fair share of charm and uniqueness. Tudors usually have a high, sloping gabled roof. More often than not, they come with a decorated chimney and beautiful wood highlights that act as accents across the front of the home. Another defining characteristic of Tudors is the arched main entrances at the front of the house.
Tudors in the Denver area can range in size from medium to grand. They tend to sell quickly and hold high value in the Denver market as they are commonly found in high-end neighborhoods. The interiors of Tudors are also remarkably detailed. Archways invite guests through various rooms, while high ceilings create a very welcoming atmosphere. Be on the lookout for non-dormered rooflines on the second floor, as this may be an unpleasant feature for folks who are used to plenty of headspaces. Tudor-style homes can be tricky to find in Denver but aren’t impossible. The best areas of Denver to search for a Tudor home include Hilltop, Belcaro, South Park Hill, Whittier, Montclair, Bonnie Brae, Mayfair, and Washington Park.
Victorian
The architectural design with perhaps the most eye-popping appearance and curb appeal is the classic Victorian. This royally-named style has a rustic character, often with vibrant colors and decorative trim. The Victorian is a medium to large house that is rather asymmetrical. They tend to feature a large tower on a corner of the home, rounded pillars at the front, and intricate moldings throughout. They are constructed with steep roof pitches with tightly-spaced shingles meant to catch the eye. Victorian homes also typically feature wrap-around porches.
As attractive as these homes are on the outside with an authentic vintage look, the layout of the floorplan is anything but standard. The unique layout of a Victorian home makes for challenging remodels, and updates as the specific dimensions of rooms limit what can be accomplished. As a result, many Victorian owners have opted to add square footage to the rear of the home. By doing so, owners get the best of both worlds by keeping the front of the house as rustic and authentic as possible while increasing square footage and functionality. Victorian homes aren’t for everyone, but they remain a popular choice among Denver homeowners due to their elegance and timeless appearance. Looking to make a Victorian your next home? The best places around Denver to search for them include Highland, Curtis Park, Capitol Hill, Baker, City Park West, City Park South, Sloan Lake, and Washington Park West.
Mid-Century Modern
Contrasting these cozier homes is the mid-century modern home, which can also be easily located in Denver. Unlike the detailed work found in a Victorian or Tudor, mid-century modern homes have sleek, straight lines that make flat or shallow roof slopes a bold statement in appearance. Because of this, they are primarily single-story homes. They also tend to have open floor plans that sprawl across the property. This lets in lots of natural light with their characteristic large windows and sliding glass doors, which provide an atmosphere of simplistic, healthy living. Coupled with not having to traverse stairs, this creates a very relaxed lifestyle.
Built-in shelves and ceiling lighting are also popular with this style of home. As well, elevation changes are often a focal point in mid-century modern homes. This can mean height variation between rooms, sunken living rooms, partial walls, and even variation in lighting height. Looking at making a move into a mid-century modern home? They are scattered throughout the Denver area but can primarily be found in neighborhoods such as Harvey Park, Virginia Village, Krisana Park, Park Hill, Lynwood, and Montclair.
Now that you know the primary types of homes in the Denver area, the next important consideration is the demand for each type. All of these styles are popular for their own individual reasons. While they all sell quickly, on average, the fastest-selling style is the Denver Bungalow. Tudor homes and Victorian-style homes are next in line, followed by the mid-century modern and Denver Square. While knowing which homes tend to sell the quickest, it’s crucial to know which style of home is right for you.
With so many different home styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which style is the best fit for you and your family. Not sure which one is the right one for you? That’s why it is important to work with a local real estate professional who has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Denver real estate market. To view a list of available properties, schedule a meeting to discuss which style suits your needs best, or simply list a property, be sure to contact Lisa Taylor for all of your real estate needs in the Denver Metro Area.
