Welcome to Bonnie Brae
Charming, family-friendly Bonnie Brae features Tudor- and ranch-style homes, many dating from the ’50s and ’60s, on charming, curvy streets just a few blocks south of Cherry Creek and a few blocks east of Washington Park.
Its winding streets give the neighborhood a privacy not found in other Cherry Creek-area neighborhoods. This gives it a quiet, intimate ambience its residents cherish. Established Denver families live here — I call it old school Denver.
Bordered by University Boulevard to the west, Exposition Avenue to the north, Colorado Boulevard to the east and Mississippi Avenue to the south, the neighborhood occupies a sweet spot in southeast Denver real estate — easy access to charming commercial areas but a sense of privacy not found in many other urban neighborhoods.
Lifestyle Attributes + Real Estate Data
- Schools: The elementary school serving Bonnie Brae 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.
- Walk Score: 57
- Transit Score: 41
- Average sold price: $1,674,198
- Average Days in MLS: 16 days
- Average Price per total square foot: $427
- Top Sale in last year: 3121 E Ohio Way, Denver, CO. $3,875,000. Sold 10/30/2020.
Stats: 12 months history through September 2021. (10/1/20 – 9/30/21).
Buying in Bonnie Brae
Unlike Cherry Creek South, which attracts buyers interested in low-maintenance urban living, Bonnie Brae buyers tend to have young or extended families, ready to spread out. Also, given the larger lots, they’re not afraid of yard maintenance. Immaculate landscaping is definitely a neighborhood feature.
Home prices range from $750,000 to over $2 million. The median home price in the neighborhood in the 12 months through April 18 was $943,000. However, the median price of active listings in late April was $1.4 million.
Selling in Bonnie Brae
One of the best things Bonnie Brae sellers can do is open up their homes, which tend to be on the older side and feature warren-like layouts. Attracting modern buyers requires showing a more open layout, tying the kitchen and living room together, helping sunlight reach throughout. This will maximize the opportunity to attract top dollar.
Also, curb appeal is important given the large lots and mature trees that dominate the neighborhood. Sprucing up the landscaping will attract buyers.
Additional Details
Because land itself is expensive in Bonnie Brae, it does not see many scrapes, but a good portion of homes have been popped — homeowners have added second stories.
Small, ellipse-shaped Bonnie Brae Park defines the neighborhood’s character. Its shape determined the winding course of streets around it, which gives the neighborhood its intimate, private feel. You won’t find this winding character of streets in any other Denver neighborhood!
The neighborhood has larger lots and mature trees that line its streets. This adds to its lived-in feel.
Steele Street bisects the neighborhood into west and east. To the east, homes, typically ranch-style, are more spread out on bigger lots. You won’t find two homes with the same footprint — each is very different, very unique. They have their own personality, character.
West of Steele Street, homes are a little closer together, but still sit on larger lots.
The glorious, highly recognizable Bonnie Brae Ice Cream shop, a Denver locals’ favorite, makes its own ice cream, sits on the neighborhood’s western end and is how many Denverites encounter the neighborhood.
Who lives here
Given the larger lots and quiet, intimate layout, families tend to love Bonnie Brae, and many live here