Southwest Denver
Bear Valley
Hilly streets of split-levels and ranches along Bear Creek, on the edge of Lakewood.
Location: Southwest Denver, roughly between Yale Ave and Hampden Ave, with Sheridan Blvd to the east and Bear Creek along the south | Vibe: Quiet, suburban feel, family-friendly | Known for: Bear Creek Trail, Bear Creek Park, Kennedy High School
Bear Valley is a neighborhood of about 11,300 people in southwest Denver, roughly between Yale and Hampden Avenues, with Sheridan Boulevard to the east and Bear Creek along the south. On the west side it blends into Lakewood so smoothly that many people are not sure which city they are in.
Most of Bear Valley was built in the 1960s, and the 1965 flood on the South Platte and its creeks hit just as the neighborhood was filling in. The result is a suburban-feeling area with rolling, curving streets and a lot of split-level and ranch homes on good-sized lots.
Life along Bear Creek
The Bear Creek Trail runs along the south side of the neighborhood, heading west toward Morrison and east toward the South Platte. Bear Creek Park has fields, a playground and a cowboy-hat slide kids love. For shopping, Sheridan and Wadsworth have most of what you need, and the foothills are about 20 minutes west.
Schools
John F. Kennedy High School is in the area and has the only marine biology program in Denver Public Schools. Elementary and middle school assignments vary by address.
Bear Valley at a glance
Residents
About 11,300 people (2020 census).
Getting around
Sheridan, Hampden (US 285) and Wadsworth are the main routes. Downtown is about 20 minutes by car, and the foothills about 20 minutes west.
Public schools
Denver Public Schools. Kennedy High is in the area. Always confirm current boundaries with DPS, and confirm the address is in Denver and not Lakewood.
Rules to know
Because the neighborhood blends into Lakewood, double-check the city, school district and tax rate for any address before you buy.
“Bear Valley gives you suburban space, a creek trail and a Denver address at a price that still makes sense.”
Marla on Bear Valley
Discover Bear Valley
Local spots worth knowing
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Bear Creek Trail
A creekside trail running west toward Morrison and east toward the South Platte.
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Bear Creek Park
Fields, a playground and a cowboy-hat slide into a giant boot.
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Kennedy High School
Home to the only marine biology program in Denver Public Schools.
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Easy foothills access
Red Rocks and the foothills trails are about 20 minutes west.
Bear Valley real estate
Bear Valley is mostly 1960s split-levels and ranches on good-sized lots, with some townhomes and apartments near the main roads. It is one of the more affordable single-family areas in southwest Denver.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index for Source: Zillow Home Value Index for Bear Valley, Denver, as of August 31, 2026. All home types, including condos and townhomes., as of August 31, 2026. All home types, including condos and townhomes.
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Who buys in Bear Valley
The buyers I see in Bear Valley usually want space and easy access to the foothills.
Growing families
Bigger split-levels with yards on quiet, curving streets.
Outdoor lovers
The Bear Creek Trail in the neighborhood and the foothills nearby.
Value buyers
More house for the money than most of Denver.
Bear Valley questions I get asked
Where is Bear Valley?
Bear Valley is in southwest Denver, roughly between Yale and Hampden Avenues, with Sheridan Boulevard to the east and Bear Creek along the south. It borders Lakewood on the west.
What kind of homes are in Bear Valley?
Mostly 1960s split-level and ranch homes on good-sized lots, with some townhomes and apartments near the main roads.
How much do homes cost in Bear Valley?
The Zillow Home Value Index for Bear Valley was about $515,000 as of August 2026, down 0.8% over the prior 12 months. That figure includes all home types.
Is Bear Valley in Denver or Lakewood?
Bear Valley is in Denver, but it blends into Lakewood on its west side. Always check the city and school district for a specific address.
Nearby neighborhoods
Harvey Park South is east across Sheridan, and Fort Logan is to the southeast. Marston is to the south, and Lakewood is to the west.
Buying in Bear Valley? My Denver home buyer’s guide walks through the whole process in 10 steps.
Thinking about Bear Valley?
Thinking about Bear Valley? I can show you recent sales and make sure the homes you like are actually in Denver.
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