Outstanding Week for the Arts

Another reason to love living on the Front Range:  cultural opportunities are virtually endless. The next week or so boasts some terrific events, most of which are free: 

MAPLETON HILL PORCHFEST

Sunday, September 17, 1 - 4:30 pm

PorchFest is an afternoon of live music in the Mapleton Hill Historic District performed on porches and front yards. Talk about a great walk! 

Learn more.

BIENNIAL OF THE AMERICAS

September 12 - 17  | In and around Denver

Billed as "the most important gathering of top elected, business, NGO and cultural leaders focused on the Western Hemisphere." This event features leaders from more than 20 countries around the Americas.

Learn more.

ZEE JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL

September 15 - 17 |  Boulder Public Library

A festival of literature from all over the world, ZEE JLF at Boulder  is free and accessible to everyone. Rich with words and ideas, the Festival includes distinguished contemporary authors from across the globe. The event is free to the public, but you must register. 

Learn more.

CRUSH September 11 - 17  | Blake Street in Denver CRUSH is back for its seventh year with the largest curated outdoor gallery of  live graffiti paint installations and street art by local, national, and international artists. Learn more.

Whole Foods & Trader Joe's Boost Real Estate

According to a Zillow study, the average price of homes nationwide within 1 mile of a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's increased 144% between 1997 and 2014 compared to a national average of a 70% increase in home value between 1997 and 2014. The average price in Boulder increased 191% between 1997 and 2014 while the average price of homes within 1 mile of Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (28th and Pearl) increased 234%.

The article by Zillow concludes by pondering whether both chains are either incredibly smart about finding neighborhoods on the verge of gentrifying or whether  the opening of either location positively impacts home values. I would say that both Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are smart about finding neighborhoods on the verge of gentrifying. After all, who would have guessed years ago that the area around the old Crossroads Mall would be considered the hip and central location it is today? Read the full article.

I hope you and your family are enjoying the final days before school starts. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can help you, a family member or a friend with any real estate needs, even if they just want to ask a question. - Rich

Intercambio: An Outstanding Organization

Boulder County hosts many terrific non-profit organizations that make our community and the world a better place. One of my favorites is Intercambio, an innovative and extremely effective organization that helps newcomers from all over the world acquire English skills. Good things to know: 

• Vision & Mission.  Intercambio envisions communities where all people communicate, connect and succeed. Their mission is to improve immigrant lives through English education, and unite communities across cultures.

• History.  Founded in 2000, Intercambio offers low-cost, volunteer-taught English classes and interactive workshops. To date, Intercambio has helped more than 10,000 adult students study English! 

• Volunteer.  Intercambio is always looking for volunteers to help teach English and other cultural skills. Learn more about these rewarding opportunities at Intercambio.org.