When clients ask me where Denver’s most prestigious real estate can be found, the answer is unequivocal: Cherry Hills Village. After a decade in Denver’s luxury market, including my years at Kentwood and LIV Sotheby’s before joining Milehimodern, I’ve had the privilege of representing both buyers and sellers in this exceptional community. The properties here don’t just maintain their value—they appreciate in ways that consistently outpace the broader market.
But what exactly makes Cherry Hills Village so special? And more importantly for property owners, what sustains its position at the pinnacle of Denver’s luxury landscape? Let’s explore the fundamentals that drive this market.
The Historical Foundation
Cherry Hills Village traces its roots to 1945, when it was incorporated as a separate municipality—a deliberate move to establish governance that would preserve its distinctive character. This historical decision continues to pay dividends for property owners today.
The community’s founders established minimum lot sizes and building setbacks that created an atmosphere of spaciousness that simply can’t be replicated in newer developments. These early decisions established a framework for exclusivity that continues to appreciate in value as the Denver metro area becomes increasingly dense.
Many of the most coveted properties sit on parcels of one to five acres—a rarity within fifteen minutes of downtown Denver. This combination of space and proximity represents the ultimate luxury in today’s market.
Privacy as the Ultimate Amenity
In conversations with buyers searching in the $3-8 million range, one word emerges repeatedly: privacy. Cherry Hills Village delivers this in abundance. The community’s mature landscaping, thoughtful land planning, and absence of sidewalks along many streets creates natural boundaries between properties.
For high-profile executives, professional athletes, and public figures, this privacy premium drives much of the community’s appeal. During my time at LIV Sotheby’s, I repeatedly saw buyers willing to increase their budget by 15-20% specifically to secure a Cherry Hills address for this reason.
The Educational Advantage
Cherry Creek School District consistently ranks among Colorado’s top public school districts, with Cherry Hills Village schools representing some of the strongest in the system. Cherry Hills Village Elementary and West Middle School feed into Cherry Creek High School, which regularly sends graduates to the nation’s most competitive universities.
This educational advantage creates a remarkable stability in the real estate market. Even during broader market corrections, Cherry Hills Village typically experiences only modest price adjustments because of the persistent demand from families prioritizing educational opportunities.
For homeowners, this translates to lower volatility and more predictable appreciation—a significant advantage when portfolio planning.
Architectural Integrity
Unlike some of Denver’s newer luxury communities, Cherry Hills Village presents a diversity of architectural styles that have evolved organically over decades. Tudor estates from the 1930s sit comfortably near mid-century modernist statements and contemporary interpretations of mountain-modern design.
What unites these varied expressions is an emphasis on architectural integrity and material quality. The community’s aesthetic diversity actually enhances its appeal to discerning buyers, who appreciate that their home won’t be one of twenty similar properties built by the same developer.
During my years at Kentwood, I observed firsthand how properties with distinctive architectural stories commanded significant premiums over those with more generic presentations.
Natural Beauty and Recreation
Cherry Hills Village benefits from extraordinary natural beauty, with the Highline Canal trail system weaving through the community. This 71-mile trail network offers residents immediate access to outdoor recreation without leaving the neighborhood.
The equestrian tradition remains strong as well, with several properties maintaining private stables and riding facilities. This connection to Colorado’s heritage creates another layer of value that more generic luxury communities simply cannot replicate.
The proximity to Cherry Hills Country Club—host of multiple USGA and PGA tournaments—provides another exclusive amenity for residents. While membership remains selective, the community’s connection to this iconic institution enhances its prestige.
Market Metrics That Matter
Looking beyond the qualitative aspects, the numbers tell a compelling story:
- Average price per square foot: Cherry Hills Village currently commands approximately $575-650 per square foot for recent construction, compared to $400-475 in many other premium Denver suburbs.
- Days on market: Even during market slowdowns, properly priced Cherry Hills properties typically sell 30-40% faster than luxury properties in other communities.
- Price stability: During the last significant market correction (2008-2010), Cherry Hills Village properties retained approximately 88% of their peak values, compared to 70-75% in other luxury communities.
- Appreciation trajectory: Over the past decade, Cherry Hills properties have appreciated at an average annual rate of 5.8%, compared to 4.2% for Denver’s broader luxury market.
These metrics demonstrate the concrete financial advantages of investing in this particular community.
Strategies for Prospective Buyers
For those considering entering this market, advance preparation is essential. Working with an agent who has established relationships within the community provides access to opportunities that often never reach public listings. During my time with LIV Sotheby’s and now with Milehimodern, I’ve helped clients secure exceptional properties through discrete connections before they became available to the broader market.
Current inventory remains historically low, with approximately 35% fewer available properties than we would typically see in a balanced market. This shortage creates both challenges and opportunities—challenges in terms of selection, but opportunities for exceptional properties to command premium pricing.
For Current Cherry Hills Village Homeowners
If you own property in Cherry Hills Village, you’ve made an exceptional investment. When considering improvements or updates, I encourage focusing on those that enhance the property’s fundamental character rather than chasing trends. Kitchens, primary suites, and indoor-outdoor living spaces consistently deliver the strongest returns on investment in this particular market.
For those considering selling in the coming 12-24 months, strategic planning should begin early. The distinctive nature of Cherry Hills properties demands marketing approaches tailored to their unique characteristics rather than generic luxury marketing.
The Road Ahead
As Denver continues to mature as a destination for wealth migration from coastal markets, Cherry Hills Village is positioned for continued appreciation. Its combination of privacy, space, architectural distinction, and proximity to downtown creates a value proposition that becomes increasingly compelling as other premium areas become more densely developed.
Having observed this market closely throughout my career with Kentwood, LIV Sotheby’s, and now Milehimodern, I remain confident in its fundamentals for discerning buyers and sellers alike.
Jane Unhammer is a luxury real estate specialist with Milehimodern, focusing on Denver’s premier neighborhoods including Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, and Castle Pines. With a decade of experience including tenure with Kentwood and LIV Sotheby’s, she brings unparalleled market knowledge to discerning clients. Contact Jane at 303-912-8989 or jane@milehimodern.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
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