Featured image: The town house at 2552 E. Alameda Ave. #128 listed for $1.4 million epitomizes Cherry Creek South living: gated community, relatively l0w-maintenance lot.

Just south of Cherry Creek (the actual creek) from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Cherry Creek South features luxury gated communities, some new construction, a variety of high-rise condos, and easy access to Cherry Creek North through a hike-and-bike bridge over Cherry Creek.

Not really an official neighborhood, Cherry Creek South has a distinct flavor as far as area real estate is concerned, which is why I think it’s important to call out as a distinct market. Many people lump it with Belcaro, but its access to Cherry Creek North and its gated-community and high-rise-condo character distinguish it enough to call it out as a separate area, especially for those hunting for a home in the Cherry Creek market.

Bordered by Cherry Creek (the creek) to the north and east, University Boulevard to the west and East Virginia Ave. (if you extended it) to the south when it starts bleeding into Belcaro, the neighborhood is home to those looking for low-maintenance, smaller-yard living with access to Cherry Creek North with a slightly lower price tag.

Overview

Unlike in Cherry Creek North, single-family homes in Cherry Creek South are primarily detached, many of them part of private or gated communities. The single-family homes are often patio homes with smaller yards — providing urban, low-maintenance living. Another differentiator are the two high-rise condos located along Cherry Creek.

Detached homes go for between $1 and $3 million while area condos, located primarily along Cherry Creek South Drive in high-rise buildings, go for from $500,000 to $2.5 million. The neighborhood also has a handful of lots where buyers can design and build custom homes, a very attractive opportunity for the area.

The neighborhood’s highlight is the Cherry Creek bike path, which courses along its northern border. It’s one of my favorite features of the area, offering a walkability that surpasses that of some Cherry Creek North homes.

Cherry Creek in this area also has a major area renovation plan that will tie the waterway more closely in with the back of Cherry Creek Shopping Center, bring new bridges, a plaza and a water feature. In short — the creek here will be redesigned to more closely integrate Cherry Creek South and North with the waterway as centerpiece. This will increase Cherry Creek South’s appeal.

Who lives here

Those looking for easy urban living within walking distance of Cherry Creek North. Residents value the smaller-yard lots, which makes for easy maintenance.

More homes in the neighborhood also offer main floor master bedrooms than other area neighborhoods, an attraction for older residents who want to bypass stairs as they age.

Buying in Cherry Creek South

Buyers looking in Cherry Creek South tend to be those who love the area but are either turned off by Cherry Creek North’s pricing or the attached character of the homes its homes. Typical prices range from $450,000 (for a condo) to $2 million (for a single-family home in a gated community).

As mentioned above, the area also has more mainfloor master bedrooms, something not as common in Cherry Creek North homes, which tend to be more vertical.

Cherry Creek South has a number of new home communities where buyers can build high-end custom homes . People are paying top dollar. Guy came in and paid $2.65 million for a small lot, single-family home. Handful of homes on custom lots. People are excited about those lots. They can build a custom home on a lot.

Selling in Cherry Creek South

Area condos with great views, particularly those that face north with views of downtown and Cherry Creek North, can sell quickly. Updated and renovated detached homes, especially those with main floor master bedrooms, are also hot properties.

Condos without these views, can take longer to sell. In these instances, sellers can increase the appeal (and lower days on market) by featuring the outdoor space and accentuating the indoor-outdoor living it offers.

Schools

The elementary school serving Cherry Creek South is outstanding, Cory Elementary (where my kids go to school!). GreatSchools rates it a nine out of 10!

Merrill Middle School and South High School both serve this area and both have GreatSchools ratings of five.