SOUTHWEST DENVER · HUSTON LAKE PARK
Athmar Park
Post-war ranches between Federal Boulevard and the South Platte, with a lake park, free pickleball and one of the best Asian grocery stores in the city. The typical home is worth about $427K.
Location: Southwest Denver, from Federal Boulevard east to the South Platte River, between Alameda and Mississippi avenues | Vibe: Established, family blocks with a lot of languages spoken | Known for: Huston Lake Park, Alameda Square, the South Platte River Trail
Athmar Park is the southwest Denver neighborhood between Federal Boulevard and the South Platte River, running from Alameda Avenue south to Mississippi. Developer Raymond Erb started building it in 1946, and most of it went up over the next 15 years. The name is usually traced to the first letters of the developers’ wives’ names.
What the housing looks like
Most homes are 1940s and 50s brick ranches, with some 1960s split-levels and a few older farmhouses and early 1900s bungalows mixed in. Lots are a good size for the price. Many houses still have original kitchens and baths, and basement bedrooms without legal egress windows are common, which matters for appraisal and resale.
The neighborhood took real damage in the June 1965 South Platte flood. The river is better controlled today, but I still check the floodplain map for any house on the east side, near the river.
Parks, groceries and the river
Huston Lake Park is the center of the neighborhood: a one-mile loop around the lake, a playground, horseshoe pits and four dedicated pickleball courts that are free to use. The Athmar Recreation Center runs indoor programs, and the South Platte River Trail is along the east edge.
Alameda Square, on Alameda at the north end, opened in 1959 as Denver’s first outdoor mall. Today it has Great Wall Supermarket, one of the largest Asian grocery stores in Denver, and Harbor Dim Sum. Federal Boulevard on the west edge adds Vietnamese, Mexican and Chinese restaurants within a few minutes’ drive.
Athmar Park at a glance
Residents
About 8,600 people at the 2020 census.
Getting around
Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue are the main routes. The South Platte River Trail runs along the east edge, north to downtown and south toward Englewood.
Public schools
Goldrick Elementary is inside the neighborhood. Assignments vary by address, so I check the DPS school finder for each house.
Rules to know
Since November 2024 Denver allows accessory dwelling units in all residential zones. I check permits and zoning on the lots next to any house you are considering.
“Athmar Park is for buyers who want a real house with a yard inside Denver, and would rather have a lake park and a great grocery store than a restaurant row.”
Southwest Denver
Discover Athmar Park
Local spots worth knowing
🌳
Huston Lake Park
The lake was once called Frenchie’s Lake. The paved loop is about a mile, with mountain views across the water to the west.
🏓
Free pickleball
Four dedicated outdoor courts with permanent nets. They are first come, first served, so bring your own group. See my Denver pickleball guide for more.
🎯
Horseshoe pits
Right next to the pickleball courts. It’s an older-school amenity you don’t see in many Denver parks anymore.
🛒
Great Wall Supermarket
A large Asian grocery store at 2200 W. Alameda Ave. People drive in from all over the metro for the produce, seafood and noodles.
🥟
Harbor Dim Sum
Dim sum in the same shopping center as Great Wall. Go on a weekend morning and plan to wait a little.
🛍️
Alameda Square
Built in 1959 as Denver’s first outdoor mall. Now it’s a busy neighborhood center with groceries, restaurants and services.
🏫
Goldrick Elementary
A DPS elementary school inside the neighborhood. DPS assigns schools by address, so I check the boundary for any specific house.
Athmar Park real estate
Values are down about 5% from a year ago, more than in Mar Lee or Overland. That gives buyers some room to negotiate right now. The typical value blends houses with a small number of condos and townhomes, so for a specific house I pull sales that match its size, age and block.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index for Athmar Park, Denver, as of August 31, 2026. All home types, including condos and townhomes.
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Who buys in Athmar Park
Most Athmar Park buyers want a house and a yard in Denver city limits at a price that still works.
First-time buyers
People who want a detached house with a yard instead of a townhome, without leaving Denver.
Families near the park
Buyers who want Huston Lake Park, the rec center and an elementary school within walking distance.
Renovators and long-term owners
People willing to update an original ranch, and buyers adding value with a basement finish or a new kitchen.
Athmar Park questions I get asked
Why are Athmar Park prices lower than central Denver?
It’s further from downtown restaurants, the houses are mostly modest post-war ranches and many still need updating. You get more house and yard for the money than in Baker or West Wash Park, a few minutes away.
What should I check on a post-war Athmar Park ranch?
A sewer scope, since clay sewer lines and tree roots are common. Also the electrical panel, whether any basement bedroom has a legal egress window, and whether additions were permitted.
Is flooding a concern?
Near the river it can be. A house in a mapped floodplain can require flood insurance if you have a mortgage. I pull the city floodplain map and get an insurance quote before you make an offer.
Are prices still falling?
The typical value is down about 5% over the last year. That doesn’t make every house a deal, but it means sellers here are more open to negotiating. I look at what the specific house is likely to appraise for before you offer.
Buying in Athmar Park? My Denver home buyer’s guide walks through the whole process in 10 steps.
Thinking about Athmar Park?
Let’s talk about which blocks are close to Huston Lake and which back up to Federal or the river, what a post-war ranch here is likely to need, and what homes like it have actually sold for.
Or call or text 720.454.5432