Locals frequently comment on how easy Denver streets are to navigate. Perhaps I am spatially challenged (yes, I know – not the best admission for a Denver Realtor) but when I returned to Denver 14 years ago, I found the streets or grid system just as confusing as when I left.
While living in Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles I found the streets far easier to get around in. Plus, I was able to read many great books while sitting on the 5 Freeway in LA. Come to think of it this might be the reason it is more difficult to get around Denver…the traffic flows quicker so it is easier to miss street signs.
In the event that you are new to Denver, spatially challenged, or you are coming from a city with gridlock, here is a Denver street guide that will help you maintain your bearings. Oh, and of course the mountains are always to the west.
· The center of the Denver grid is Broadway North & South and Ellsworth Avenue East & West.
· Blocks are numbered in 100 increments in all directions.
· Avenues run East and West.
· Streets run North and South.
· Avenues North of the center grid primarily have number names.
· Avenues South of the center grid may have number names or alphabet names.
· A good focal point to the South is Hampden Avenue. It is also 3500 South or 35 blocks south of the grid center.
· Once a short distance away from the grid center the North/South streets follow the alphabet.
· The Denver downtown area begins 15 blocks north of the center grid.
· Downtown is a grid of its own. The numbered streets run S.W to N.E. and the named streets run N.W. to S.E.
There are exceptions to the above guide but knowing the direction and block number to a street will generally allow you to find the address you are looking for.
Michelle A. Potter
Denver Realtor
RE/MAX Professionals
(303)489-4035
