Westminster is a northwest suburb of Denver, with a population of more than 110,000 people. Home to many outdoor enthusiasts, Westminster has 2,910 acres of parks and 150 miles of trails to enjoy. The Big Dry Creek Trail runs east to west connecting 12 miles of Westminster together. Residents enjoy biking, running and walking on the half dirt, half paved trail.
☆ Westminster home prices & values (reported by Zillow on January 31st, 2018):
“The median home value in Westminster is $350,300. Westminster home values have gone up 8.6% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 3.9% within the next year. The median list price per square foot in Westminster is $235, which is lower than the Denver Metro average of $245. The median price of homes currently listed in Westminster is $374,700 while the median price of homes that sold is $350,900. The median rent price in Westminster is $1,830, which is lower than theDenver Metro median of $1,950.”
Transportation:
- direct access to US 36 and I-25
- close to Northwest Parkway, E-470, I-70 and I-76
- 30 minute drive to Denver International Airport
Places worth checking out:
- Standley Lake Regional Park– a multi-use recreation and and water-use storage facility. There are 1,063 acres to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, power boating, and paddling.
☆ FUN FACT ☆
“Since January of 1993, a mated pair of Bald Eagles has been nesting on the northwest side of Standley Lake. When the eagles were first observed building a nest, Standley Lake officials closed off access to the area so the eagles would be undisturbed in their attempt to nest. Bald eagles usually mate for life and reuse nest sites. Because they are sensitive to human disturbance, it is imperative that the area remains closed to protect the nesting habitat.
In 1996, the eagles successfully produced their first pair of offspring. They have continued in that success for the last 21 consecutive years, producing two eaglets each of those years, except in 2015 and 2017 when they were successful in raising three eaglets! The eagles have been using that same nest for 24 years, until this past year when they decided to build a new nest just to the east of their old nest site.
They usually lay their eggs in the first weeks of February. Incubation lasts for a period of approximately 35 days, at which time one to two nestlings will hatch. These nestlings will first leave the nest in late May to early June, approximately 72 days after hatching. Both parents take care of the young eagles even after they leave the nest. The young will leave the area sometime before October or November, either on their own or when the parents force them out.” (Taken from Standley Lake Regional Park Facebook page)
☆ This winter, there were also sightings of the rare Snowy Owl at Standley Lake. The Snowy Owl is native to the northernmost parts of Alaska and Canada. Birders say owl populations were higher than normal in the Artic, pushing the younger ones down south to find food.
More places worth checking out:
- The Butterfly Pavilion is an invertebrate zoo home to thousands of animals from all over the world. The indoor tropical conservatory has over 1,600 free-flying butterflies. It is also home to “Rosie” the tarantula. Anyone over 4 years old can take a turn holding her. A fun place to visit, for kids and grown-ups, alike.
The following days in 2018 offer $5 entrance fee’s: January 28, February 10, April 21, August 18 (World Honey Bee Day), September 16 (Monarch Day), November 11, December 9
- City Park Recreation Center– a family-oriented leisure facility. They have a great aquatics area with three indoor pools with slides, a current channel, rope swing, rock climbing wall, steam room and sauna. There is also a full-sized gym, 25-foot climbing wall, weight room, childcare facilities, and a variety of classes offered from babies, all the way up to seniors.
- Westminster City Park is 205 acres set directly behind the Rec Center with gorgeous mountain views. They have it all with soccer fields, softball fields, 18 hole disc golf course, skate park, playground and a splash pad (open in the summer). They host different events throughout the year, including the city’s 4th of July Celebration.
- The Orchard Town Center– located off 144th Avenue and I-25, The Orchard has over 85 specialty retailers along with a great selection of dining and entertainment options. A splash pad and playground make it a fun place to spend an hour or two with the kids during the summertime.
In 1858, gold discovered in the South Platte River Valley brought national attention to the area. The promise of fortune encouraged settlers from the east to make Colorado their home. Westminster was founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1911. The Westminster Castle, which was built in 1891 can still be seen off West 83rd Avenue and Federal Boulevard.
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