East Colfax

There are rougher neighborhoods in Denver, but driving through East Colfax each day to work used to remind me of the old Colfax reputation for the quintessential bad neighborhood. In fact, Denver residents can look at each other and say "East Colfax", with a shrug, and know that they're talking about poverty, crime, drugs, and prostitution. Actually, that is changing thanks to revitalization efforts, but improvements haven't made much of a dent this far east. I would label this a mixed neighborhood, because it is not an unmitigated disaster, but is still rather stagnant.
There are many nice bungalow homes on the blocks off of Colfax itself. Some of these home prices are still comparatively low. But of course, there's a reason for that. There are some pretty rough spots east of Quebec. On the other hand, it is a settled family neighborhood, and there are spots worth considering. Because many city neighborhoods are on an upswing even in this economy, homes in neighborhoods like this that haven't quite "arrived" yet could end up being a brilliant investment. It's almost like the stage is set for this to be a perfect family neighborhood--older detached homes, big trees, nearby parks, schools, and quick access west to downtown and east to the excellent medical facilities of Anschutz campus.
All in all, this area is brimming with potential. Sadly, there is still a decided feel of danger lurking here. If I decide to go house-hunting anytime soon, I will check out properties here, but will also be very cautious.

East Colfax lies on the eastern edge of Denver’s boundaries, just before you get to its neighboring suburb, Aurora. It has roots as far back as the 1850s, when settlers used the area as a place to stop and set up camp. Originally established as a separate city, Montclair, with the intent of being “the pride of all Denver,” the area is far from that today, though it has a deal of potential. Some of the nicely aged, small brick houses to the north and south of Colfax are cute and well-tended and show pride of ownership. The area has some history, and the areas off the main streets are quiet. Immigrant populations manifest themselves in Mexican, Asian, and Ethiopian restaurants and markets.

The main problem here is Colfax itself, which leaves much to be desired in this area. It’s riddled with empty garages, strip joints, check-cashing places, and cheap motels. Overall, the feel is not welcoming, and the neighborhood has high crime and poverty rates. It’s easy to get from East Colfax to the more developed stretch of Colfax to the west, as well as to Lowry to the south or Montclair to the west for shopping, dining, recreation, and work. The neighborhood would be more inviting if it had a safer feel and Colfax were more developed. This may eventually happen as revitalization spreads farther east – but it’s not time for East Colfax yet.