Thinking about buying your first home in Highland? You are not alone. The neighborhood’s walkability, character homes, and quick access to downtown Denver make it a top choice for first-time buyers who want an urban lifestyle. This guide walks you through what to expect in Highland, the key inspections and permits to check, financing options to explore, and practical checklists you can use from day one. You will finish with a clear plan and trusted local resources to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Highland works for first-time buyers
Highland sits just northwest of downtown Denver, close enough for easy commutes yet full of its own identity. You will find a blend of historic streets, renovated homes, and newer infill communities. Lower Highland, often called LoHi, has a strong restaurant and nightlife scene with higher-density living. West Highland and Highland Square lean residential with classic Denver homes and small local retail.
Expect an urban experience. Lots can be smaller than suburban neighborhoods, and some blocks have limited off-street parking. Many first-time buyers love the tradeoff because you get walkable dining and retail corridors, bikeable access to the South Platte River paths, and short trips into downtown.
What you will find on the market
Common home types
- Single-family homes, many dating to the early 1900s with updated interiors.
- Duplexes and triplexes that reflect the neighborhood’s historic fabric.
- Condominiums and lofts in newer infill or adaptive reuse buildings.
- Townhomes that balance space and low-maintenance living.
Pricing and pace: how to prepare
Market metrics like median sale price, days on market, and inventory shift month to month. Urban neighborhoods near downtown often see higher prices per square foot than outlying areas and can move quickly. Before you start touring, ask your agent for current Highland data from the local MLS and recent Denver broker reports so you can tailor your budget and offer strategy.
HOA and parking notes
Condos and many townhome communities include HOAs. Review dues, reserves, rules, and any history of special assessments. On-street parking restrictions or permit zones may apply in parts of Highland. Confirm whether a property has a dedicated spot or alley access and check local parking rules before you write an offer.
Smart financing for Denver buyers
Loan options at a glance
- Conventional loans with private mortgage insurance if your down payment is under 20 percent.
- FHA loans that allow lower down payments and flexible credit profiles.
- VA loans for eligible veterans with zero-down options.
- USDA loans are designed for rural areas and are not a typical fit for Highland.
A strong pre-approval helps you act fast and negotiate with confidence in competitive situations. Have your lender update it as your search evolves so it stays current with rate and price changes.
Down payment help and education
Colorado and Denver buyers often explore programs from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. You can review current offerings and qualifications on the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) site. The City of Denver periodically offers homebuyer education, counseling, or limited down payment assistance. Check the City and County of Denver housing resources for the latest options.
For budgeting and education, you can work with HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. Program names, income limits, and funding change, so verify details directly with the agency or program administrator before you apply.
Due diligence you should not skip
Inspections that matter in Highland
Older urban homes can hide issues that are costly later. Plan for:
- A general home inspection to evaluate structure and systems.
- A sewer scope since older lines may be cast iron or have root intrusion.
- Radon testing because Colorado has variable radon risk.
- Chimney and fireplace inspections where applicable.
- Pest/wood-destroying insect inspection.
If you are considering a pre-1978 home, talk with your inspector about possible lead-based paint. Very old houses may also have knob-and-tube wiring, older plumbing, or asbestos in legacy materials. Factor upgrades into your budget.
Permits, zoning, and historic overlays
Highland has many renovated homes and infill projects. Ask your agent to pull permit history through Denver Development Services resources and confirm that any additions or conversions were permitted. Unpermitted work can affect financing, safety, and resale.
Denver’s zoning rules may impact short-term rentals, backyard ADUs, and duplex conversions. If you plan future projects, verify current requirements with the City of Denver before closing. Some streets may fall within historic overlays that guide exterior changes. Confirm whether your property is in a protected area so you understand design review needs.
Flood and environmental checks
Parts of Highland run near the South Platte River corridor. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service and City of Denver floodplain maps to evaluate parcel-specific risk, which can influence insurance and loan requirements. If you are evaluating a condo or townhome in an adaptive reuse or infill site, review environmental disclosures. Ask your inspector and title team if an environmental assessment is recommended based on the site’s history.
Title and access considerations
Request a title report early and read it closely. You want to understand any easements, covenants, or utility access that affect how you can use the property. Denver alleys and shared driveways are common in older blocks. Confirm boundary lines, alley access, and fence locations so there are no surprises after you move in.
Daily life: transit, parks, schools
Getting around
Highland offers multiple commute options to downtown by bike, car, or transit. Review RTD routes and schedules to see which bus or regional rail options fit your routine. Walkability and bikeability are a draw for many buyers, especially around LoHi and retail corridors.
Parks and recreation
You will find neighborhood parks, riverfront access, and multi-use trails along the South Platte River. If outdoor time is part of your lifestyle, map your favorite routes and green spaces from homes you are touring to get a feel for daily convenience.
Schools and boundaries
Highland is within Denver Public Schools. Attendance boundaries and school options can change over time. Always verify parcel-specific assignments using Denver Public Schools resources, and consider charter and private options if you want alternatives. Use neutral criteria like commute, programs, and schedule fit as you compare.
Step-by-step checklists
Before you start house-hunting
- Check your credit and set a realistic monthly payment target.
- Get a written pre-approval from a lender that works in Denver and understands CHFA.
- Define your nonnegotiables such as parking, outdoor space, commute, and HOA tolerance.
- Outline your timeline and decision-makers so you can move quickly if needed.
Neighborhood research in Highland
- Tour at different times of day to get a sense of traffic, noise, and parking.
- Walk the nearest dining and retail corridors to see what fits your routine.
- Review transit access using RTD route information.
- Check safety trends with the City of Denver’s crime and open data resources on denvergov.org. Compare trend lines to citywide data for context.
- Confirm school boundaries through Denver Public Schools.
Property due diligence
- Request seller disclosures and read them before inspections.
- Order a general inspection and a sewer scope, plus radon and chimney inspections if applicable.
- Review permit history through Denver Development Services and verify that major work was permitted.
- Obtain a title report and review easements, setbacks, and alley access.
- For condos and townhomes, read HOA documents, budgets, reserves, and any special assessment history.
Financing review
- Compare loan products, monthly payments, and cash-to-close.
- Ask your lender about CHFA programs and confirm eligibility.
- If you need education or credit guidance, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.
- Estimate closing costs and confirm you have funds for the appraisal, inspections, and earnest money.
Closing and after you move
- Shop homeowners insurance and confirm any flood or special-hazard coverage if applicable using the FEMA Flood Map Service.
- Set up utilities and confirm your property tax schedule with the Denver County Assessor via denvergov.org.
- Learn any HOA processes for move-in, parking, or improvements.
Buying with Golden Real Estate Group
As a first-time buyer, speed and confidence matter. Golden Real Estate Group pairs neighborhood-level expertise in Highland with tech-forward tools to give you an edge. You get fast market intelligence from MLS data, curated touring plans, and access to a proprietary pipeline of off-market and exclusive opportunities. Our specialist first-time buyer team keeps you fully informed on permits, inspections, and HOA due diligence so you can focus on the homes that fit your lifestyle and budget.
Ready to start your Highland search? Book a Consultation with Golden Real Estate Group and get a tailored plan, local comps, and a step-by-step path from pre-approval to keys.
FAQs
How much should I expect to pay in Highland?
- Prices change with the market, and homes near downtown often command higher price per square foot than outlying neighborhoods, so ask your agent for current Highland comps, median price, and days on market from recent MLS and Denver broker reports.
Is Highland a good fit for different lifestyles?
- It offers urban amenities and walkability with smaller lots and some parking limits, and many buyers weigh nearby parks, river trails, and school options to decide if the neighborhood matches their daily routine.
Are condos and townhomes common in Highland?
- Yes, alongside single-family homes and duplexes, you will find many condos and townhomes that can offer lower maintenance with HOA dues that you should review closely.
Which inspections are most important in Highland homes?
- Plan for a general inspection and sewer scope, plus radon testing, and for older homes consider lead-based paint, chimney, electrical, plumbing, and foundation evaluations.
What first-time buyer programs can help in Denver?
- Start with CHFA programs for financing and down payment assistance, review City of Denver offerings on denvergov.org, and consider education from HUD-approved housing counselors.
How competitive is the Highland market today?
- Competitiveness varies by season and price point, so get a current read on inventory and days on market from your agent, and be ready with a strong pre-approval and a clean, well-timed offer when you find the right home.
