Back when Denver was a young burg, the city had a less-than-savory reputation, which is why more upright-leaning (uptight?) folks found themselves drawn to the area surrounding the Methodist-founded University of Denver.

Incorporated in 1886 as the Town of South Denver—far above the saloons and roadhouses of the rambunctious young Denver—South Denver sprawled from Colorado Boulevard and Pecos Street east to west and from Alameda to Yale Avenues north to south. Its rectitudinous ordinances prohibited vulgar language, lewd dress, gambling, dancing on Sundays, the reckless operation of a horse and they made it all but impossible to open a bar.

In 1894, South Denver voted for the lower taxes and better services Denver annexation would provide, and today, this huge rectangle south of downtown is home to some of the city’s toniest neighborhoods including Belcaro, University Park and Washington Park along with some popular areas such as Harvey Park, Harvey Park South and Rosedale.

Located between Evans and Yale Avenues and Downing and South Broadway, the Rosedale neighborhood surrounds Harvard Gulch Park, the site of a historic farm and later an orphanage. In 1978, Denver purchased the acreage for the park and built football and soccer fields, playgrounds, a 9-hole golf course, a modern recreation center and pool and walking/bike trail.

To the west of Harvard Gulch Park is the attached Rosedale Park with its large community garden. In recent years, the garden’s nearly one dozen garlic varieties have inspired a garlic tasting party held at the end of every growing season.

Rosedale harbors a mix of housing from turn-of-the-century Victorians and early 20^th-century bungalows to mid-century Cape Cods with some newer construction sprinkled in.

Buyers are drawn to the area for many reasons. Not only are the parks a huge attraction, but the neighborhood also encompasses Porter Adventist Hospital and is close to DU, which offers NCAA Division I sports viewing (hockey, basketball, soccer and more) and cultural events at the beautiful Newman Center for the Performing Arts.

On South Broadway residents can find a growing coterie of restaurants with enthusiastic fandoms such as The Post Chicken & Beer, Bacon Social House, The Brutal Poodle and Colore Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria.