Overview
Applewood, elevation 5810′, is a primarily unincorporated, hilly suburb west of Denver, in Jefferson County. The neighborhood straddles Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Golden.
Originally settled as farmland close to 150 years ago, the area has become the doorway to the Rockies for the Denver metro area. Interstate 70 borders Applewood’s commercial corridor, serving residents and tourists, skiers, hikers, campers, and other adventurers headed for the mountains, often making the last stop for supplies or a bite to eat.
Applewood Homes for Sale
Start of list of properties
Homes
Applewood is known for its large lots (typically .25-.5 acres) and sprawling mid-century era ranches (single-story homes). There are also quite a few split-level homes in the neighborhood, trendy in Colorado in the mid-20th century. The area also includes a smaller portion of condos and multi-family structures.
Homes in Applewood typically sell for more than average for the metro area. For example, in 2020, Applewood homes sold for an average of $318.30 per square foot (not including basements), whereas the Denver Metro average was approximately $220.00 per square foot.
To see Applewood homes for sale, scroll down to the bottom of this article.
Population
The folks in the neighborhood are primarily owner-occupants. The majority of the community has been exceptionally-maintained throughout the years with lush green lawns, carefully-tended landscaping, and well-loved homes.
According to the US Census Bureau, the population of Applewood has varied through the years. For example, in 1970, the population was at about 8000, where it is today. In 1980, at the peak of Applewood’s growth, over 12,000 people called the neighborhood home.
Shopping
Applewood residents enjoy easy access to the mountains, shopping including Colorado Mills Mall, Whole Foods, King Sooper’s, Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath and Beyond, and other chain restaurants and retail.
Schools
Applewood is in Jefferson County School District R-1, which is a large district with lots of choices. The “home” schools* for the Applewood Neighborhood include:
- Elementary: Kullerstrand, Prospect Valley, Stober, Vivian
- Middle School: Everitt
- High School: Golden, Wheat Ridge
Parks
- Prospect Recreation & Park District
- Maple Grove Park is the Prospect Rec District’s busiest park. It is 11 acres and features picnic pavilions, playgrounds, basketball, sand volleyball, and a seasonally available restroom. Maple Grove also boasts Arbor House, a rentable event space with a kitchen that seats up to 70.
- Tanglewood Park
- Applewood Park
- City of Lakewood Parks, Forestry and Open Space
- Chester-Portsmouth Park, named for Lakewood’s two sister cities in England, has a small playground and a half-mile trail loop. There are also plans underway for installing a meandering-labyrinth in this park.
- City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation
- Prospect Park, accessible from the Clear Creek Trail and 44th Avenue, is a large park with five lakes, trails, and wildlife ranging from snakes to deer. Visitors enjoy the sounds of the gently flowing Clear Creek nearby. The park also has a baseball diamond and fishing. (If you check it out, watch out for poison oak!)
- The Wheat Ridge Greenbelt is part of the Clear Creek Trail, a 20-mile paved path that follows Clear Creek, connecting several cities from Golden to Commerce City. It is a beautiful place to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. It is also stroller-and wheelchair- friendly. (However, finding wheel-friendly access points can be tricky. Anderson Park on 44th Ave is a good place for this, and there is abundant free parking.) This greenbelt is excellent for bird watching, leashed dogs, and viewing lots of wildflowers in the spring.
Commute Times
- Denver Tech Center (Ikea): 32 minutes
- Downtown Denver (The “Cash Register” Building): 18 minutes
- Boulder (The Pearl Street Mall): 34 minutes
- Denver International Airport: 32 minutes
- Closest Skiing (Echo Mountain): 44 minutes
- Lockheed Martin: 24 minutes
- Casa Bonita: 12 minutes
Light Rail
The Wheat Ridge/Ward Road G-Line station at 12000 Ridge Rd is a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute bike ride from Applewood. The Ward Road station has 290 parking spaces as well as bike parking. From there, it’s a $3 fare and a 27-minute ride to Union Station in Downtown Denver.
Things to do
5 minutes by car, 15 minutes by bike:
- Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, held each summer in Anderson Park at 44th Ave. Field St. “Food, fun, and art for the whole family – since 1969.”
- Ridge at 38 commercial district, home to an eclectic array of businesses, many locally-owned and independent, offering locally created and crafted goods and services, including but not limited to
15 minutes by car, 60 minutes by bike:
- Red Rocks Amphitheater, Colorado’s iconic outdoor venue hosts events ranging from live music, to movies to free yoga mornings. In addition to the famous performance venue, this sprawling City of Denver Park includes multiple visitor centers and several miles of unpaved trails.
*The schools disclaimer:
Colorado is a school choice state; this means that residents have many public school options, not just the neighborhood schools. If you are making a decision based on schools, keep in mind that ranking is never a sure thing. Many people have bought in neighborhoods solely because of the local school, only to find that their approach and resources do not fit what their child needs. Alternatively, some families luck out and find a great fit school on their first try. The Denver metro area offers a variety of schools with different offerings. It is illegal for real estate agents to steer home buyers into or out of a neighborhood based on the schools.