Area Spotlight: Denver

Not to be confused with the Mile High City in Colorado that bears the same name, Denver, North Carolina, is a sweet Southern town on the west shore of Lake Norman. Situated 25 miles north of Uptown Charlotte, Denver sits just south of the Catawba County line and was first settled way back in the 1770s.

Since then, big cities have grown up all around but Denver has stayed small. What this lends to is the perfect blend of small town living and big city amenities. You can see the stars at night while enjoying a short commute to work, shopping, and dining. Yards are rambling, noise is at a minimum, and everyone knows your name.

Locals love their “Main Street,” now known as ‘Old Highway 16’. The road was one of the state’s very first highways and is now home to area favorites like Stacy’s Restaurant (casual diner fare since the 1970s), the Savory Plum (a bakery with small plates in a quirky little bistro), and Giovanni’s Pizza & Pasta (and you can’t ever go wrong with pizza and pasta!).

One With Nature

Being a small country town, there are several options for enjoying the great outdoors. Beatty’s Ford Park boasts a picnic shelter, disc golf course, two playgrounds with a Summertime splash pad, and boat access for Lake Norman. Rock Springs Nature Preserve has paved and natural hiking and running trails, an amphitheater, and an outdoor classroom. Visit Rescue Squad Park for playing fields, more children’s playgrounds, and the Denver Farmers Market every Saturday in warmer months.

Home values have been climbing steadily since 2012 with projections approaching a $375,000 median value in the next year. Locals love highly rated elementary schools, lots of home for the price, and proximity to everything the Queen City has to offer.

It truly is the best of both worlds: easy access to the fast-paced big city, all the while being able to be home in a small town where the livin’ is easy.