5280 Magazine's Annual Best Places to Live issue hit newsstands Thursday and in this crazy real estate market, everyone is certainly curious to find out which neighborhoods they picked.  The writers picked seven neighborhoods who saw solid appreciation in 2009 and that they expect to continue the same trends in 2010.  Of the seven, there are a few new faces and four of the hoods are in the greater Highlands area.  And with appreciation levels in these neighborhoods as high as 13%, it provides more evidence of what a great time it is to buy in Denver right now.  Below are highlights of the top seven neighborhoods along with links for more information about each neighborhood. But the entire article is definitely worth reading.  Make sure to pick up the

In Denver, your old mower's days are numbered.



The Regional Air Quality Council is planning their annual Mow Down Pollution event for May 1st at the RidgeGate community in Lone Tree. This year, they invite you to reserve your Neuton electric, cordless mower in advance by calling 1-800-457-8651, or online at www.ozoneaware.org, starting April 21st. Then, plan to join them on May 1st to recycle your old gasoline mower, or simply pick up your new Green machine.



With or without an old mower to recycle, you'll get a great price.



The CE 5 model (retail price $399) will be sold for $175 to those without a gasoline lawn mower to recycle, and $150 for those who do have a mower to exchange. The CE 6 model (retail price $499) will be sold for

Washington Park Market Report - Denver Colorado Real Estate

The median sales price for homes in Washington Park, Denver for Jan 10 to Mar 10 was $467,500 based on 34 sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median sales price decreased 8.2%, or $41,950, and the number of sales decreased 5.6%. Average price per square foot for Washington Park was $349, a decrease of 20.1% compared to the same period last year.

There are currently 94 resale and new homes in Wash Park, including 16 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Washington Park was $733,540 for the week ending Apr 21, which represents a decrease of 0.6%, or

City Park West Market Report - Denver Colorado Real Estate

The median sales price for homes in Denver's City Park West neighborhood for Jan 10 to Mar 10 was $257,358 based on 17 sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median sales price increased 10.1%, or $23,608, and the number of sales increased 13.3%. Average price per square foot for City Park West was $182, an increase of 11% compared to the same period last year.

There are currently 70 resale and new homes in City Park West, including 23 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in City Park West was $292,292 for the week ending Apr 21, which represents a decrease of

Berkeley neighborhood Market Report - Denver Colorado Real Estate

The median sales price for homes in Denver's Berkeley neighborhood for Jan 10 to Mar 10 was $290,500 based on 40 sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median sales price increased 21%, or $50,500, and the number of sales increased 48.1%. Average price per square foot for Berkeley was $320, an increase of 39.1% compared to the same period last year.

There are currently 124 resale and new homes in Berkeley, including 41 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Berkeley was $307,286 for the week ending Apr 21, which represents an increase of 1.3%, or $3,836,

Can I have a gas grill on my deck if I buy this condo?  That was the question my buyer asked on Sunday as she got ready to put an offer in on a 5th story condo in Downtown Denver.  I had always heard that as long as the gas tank was less than a pound, it was fine.  However, I recently heard of buildings such as the Spire that don't allow gas grills on the deck, period.  So I thought to best answer this question, better go to the source. 

I contacted 311 and within 24 hours, I had a response via email from Captain Donald Randolph, Denver Fire Department, Fire Prevention and Investigation Division.  Below is what he sent me outlining the regulations for gas grills on decks in Denver.  While these rules pertain to all of Denver, make sure to check with the

Is Jefferson Park the next hot spot in Denver Real Estate? Some think so, including builder/redeveloper Barbara Baker. Barbara has been redeveloping and renovating properties in the neighborhood for years, including her own residence currently for sale.

The neighborhood is named for the 6.7-acre park located on W 23rd Ave & Clay St, which features great views of the city skyline. The area, bounded by I-25, Speer, Federal & 20th Ave, offers quick access to I-25 & downtown, and attractions such as Mile High Stadium, Children's Museum, Denver's Aquarium & more. With striking views of the city, Jefferson Park offers great value in an area now in the throws of renewal and revitalization. New townhomes & condos are popping up, and renovated homes are

What is the best time to plant in Denver?  Is there a certain date?  With the crazy weather we have in April, case in point the snow we saw on Friday and last night, it can make it difficult to decide when the last big storm will be and at what point you can be confident the time you spent in in the dirt on hands and knees will be worth it.  I have heard, "Don't plant before Mother's Day" and "Wait for the last frost."  But in Colorado, who knows when the last frost is going to be.

As you can imagine, gardening is becoming more popular than ever.  Most gardeners agree that the earth-ripened flavors make planting and growing a veggie and herb garden worth the effort. There's also a budget-friendly incentive. A garden of 600 square feet can yield a $500

  Spring Fling is…

The Highlands Mommies Business Group presents:

Spring Fling

April 24, 10 am – 3 pm

North High

A spring makeover extravaganza

featuring:

• home improvement specialists
• garden and landscape professionals
• decorators and designers
• health and wellness experts
• beauty consultants
• arts, crafts, jewelry, and other cool products

~plus~

Meet the Candidates

an opportunity to chat with the talented men and women vying for your support in the upcoming elections

~plus~

Kidtopia

• frolic through 10,000 square feet of family-friendly fun
• connect with area childcare providers

**free admission**

For more information, visit the Highland Mommies Business Group site here.