5280: Denver’$ top neighborhood$

Sellers love these lists.  Buyers shrug.  But everybody looks to see where their Ponderosa sits in 5280 Magazine‘s “Top 25 neighborhoods.”  Managing Editor Jessica LaRusso visited “First Take with Lando and Chavis” with their methodology and some surprises on the list (co-written with Chris Outcault).

“This is primarily a real estate list,” explained LaRusso.  ”The factor that weighed heaviest is the year over year change in average home values.”  Congress Park’s 19 percent jump in home prices and other considerations put them at the top of the list.

Surprise! Elyria-Swansea (just north of elevated I-70) posted the highest increase in home values, nearly 35 percent.

Other factors in 5280’s ranking: crime rate, school ratings from 2013-2014, and the “X” factor for the intangibles. “How does a neighborhood feel when you walk into it?  Do you want to take an afternoon stroll? Mature trees? Nice sidewalks? What are your restaurant and retail options?  Is there a park nearby? Can you walk to light rail?”

See the rankings at www.5280.com.

Jessica LaRusso on 5280.com's “Top 25 neighborhoods”