The community of Southglenn was named "One of Denver's Best Places to Live" in 5280's May 2006 issue. The area is currently undergoing a redevelopment of the 31-year-old mall into a vibrant shopping and lifestyle district, complete with upscale shopping, dining and a high-rise condominium complex. Set between Cherry Hills, Greenwood Village and Highlands Ranch, Southglenn is in the city of Centennial, in Arapahoe County, just south of Denver, which is a short commute from here on University, I-25 or C470.

Southglenn is a treasure trove of mid-century modern homes, tri-levels and bi-levels and ranch homes all built on large lots with a mind towards the latest amenities and affordability, a philosophy that other mid-century developments share. Other Southglenn area developments refined suburban living with a focus on convenience for busy families. Adding housing diversity are condominiums, including those now being built, which promise to bring new ideas and people to the neighborhoods and economy. Stapleton, Lowry and the redevelopment at Gates show us just how much the Denver public likes the idea of making the "old" new again and Southglenn is proving a swanky place to start anew.

The neighborhood encompasses an area of approximately 9.7 square miles and holds a population of about 43,500 residents. The schools here are considered some of the best in the Denver Metro Area and recreation activities are plentiful. Part of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation district, residents here enjoy inexpensive sports activities such as ice-skating and swimming along with team sports and classes at the Goodson Recreation Center, fishing and nature hikes at Willow Creek. The shopping and dining planned for the new Southglenn mall promises world-class options.

The Southglenn area was initially developed around the Southglenn Country Club, an informal, private club. Facilities include a 9 hole, par 3 golf course, two outdoor tennis courts, a large, heated outdoor swimming pool, and a beautiful clubhouse complete with a snack bar and party room. Membership fees are among the lowest in the Metro area and one must get on the waiting list to join. For further information, call 303.798.1656.

The real estate market within Southglenn is poised to appreciate throughout this regeneration. Right now one can purchase a large, three bedroom home on a large treed lot while earning the median wage in the Denver Metro area and the housing costs move up from there, with larger renovated homes offered. Condominums are somewhat less expensive now, but the cost of the new condominiums being built will rival or surpass the expense of larger homes, making those homes better values than what they are today and potentially pushing their prices up significantly. 5280 magazine had it right: now is the the time to buy in Southglenn.