Pueblo Neighborhoods 1.0
May 14, 2014
As I described in a previous post, I want to create a more formal partition of named neighborhoods in Pueblo. That way, instead of referring to the “North Side” I can refer more precisely to a discrete parcel of land and the structures and residents within its borders.
I’ve decided to use Census Tracts as the geographic infrastructure for this project. This decision has the drawback of being inflexible in terms of accommodating the shapes and sizes of various neighborhoods as they are perceived and understood by long-term residents of Pueblo. But, in my view, the positives that come along with using a supported Census geography outweigh this negative. As you’ll see in the map below many of the Census Tract boundaries are consistent with the vernacular neighborhood definitions. For example, Aberdeen and Sunset are, in my opinion, spot-on. The East Side is a bit chopped up, Downtown is sort of too big and the Mesa Junction is cut in half. I would love to separate Goat Hill, The Grove, Bojon Town (aka Eilers) and other micro neighborhoods but, generally speaking, this seems to do the trick.
So, without further ado, here is my attempt at Pueblo Neighborhoods 1.0. [highlight color=”options: yellow, black”]Click on the map below to enlarge.[/highlight]
Please let me know in the comments section what you think. Don’t worry – you won’t hurt my feelings if I’ve missed the mark. Let me know what doesn’t work for you and offer alternative names as some of mine here may be overlooking historic precedent or more familiar reference points. Or maybe you just have a better, more creative name idea that will resonate with Puebloans.
Thanks for your help!
72 Comments
University Park should be renamed Scallyville.
You’re funny Mr. Scallywag.
Hi Justin. I am considering moving to Pueblo from Oahu, Hawaii. My situation has taken a downturn and I have to leave here now, while I have a bit of money. If I stay, that money will get eaten up over time and I’ll be literally stuck out here. I wanted to ask you about how the construction and related trades industry is in Pueblo. I have been renovating apts out here for the past 6 yrs and enjoy doing tile flooring and wood flooring. Painting. I am considering shipping my tools also and wonder if that huge cost to ship them will pay off in the end. Any info you can give will be much aooreciated Mahalo.
Hi Michael,
Sorry to hear about your downturn. I think there is fairly strong demand in Colorado for skilled trades people but the bulk of that demand is in Denver and Colorado Springs. So, if you move to Pueblo, you’d probably want to be flexible about looking for work in Springs, at least, and maybe Castle Rock area also. Not sure about the cost/benefit on shipping your tools. Sorry I can’t provide more helpful information.
Best wishes,
Justin
My husband and I have been stalking your blog this past week eating up all information on pueblo and this map is very helpful! We are a military family and have orders for fort carson in Colorado Springs. I have fallen in love with the older homes for sale in pueblo and am actively trying to convince him that the commute to cs won’t be to bad…. Right now we are looking at the North Elizabeth & downtown area… In your opinion are these good neighborhoods? And do you have others you would recommend?
Thanks for stalking me! 🙂
The historic homes on Elizabeth, Greenwood, Grand and Court between 18th and 23rd are great if you’re willing to take on the upkeep. All other worthy neighborhoods with historic homes are further south … and further from Springs.
can you please give me a little information on ‘the Blocks?”
Sure, let me think about how to do this most effectively. Might be worthy of a full blog post. Best, Justin
Justin,
My son, his wife and their 2 yr old are planning on relocating to Pueblo. I am going into semi-retirement and will be spending some of the year with them. I am an avid hiker and have hiked a lot of the SW so Pueblo is appealing to me. On their limited budget- we are looking at a home currently that is situated on Mitchell Park. The street view looks like it is an OK area- but it is East. It is about 2 miles from the river walk. Can you comment on the park and the area? I wouldn’t want my granddaughter living in a dangerous area.
Thanks, Jacque
Hi Jacque – I’m so sorry I missed this, somehow slipped through the cracks. In any case, Mitchell Park is right in the heart of the East Side. I love the East Side but it’s a pretty tough neighborhood in terms of crime. The park is probably not safe at night and your son’s family might want to look elsewhere if safety is a primary concern. That said, the East Side is one of the most affordable neighborhoods you’ll find and I know people who are very happy living there. Hope this helps! Best wishes, Justin
I wish the streets were labeled and numbered. My sons house in in the 1700 block of east 13th street. Does that put him in the upper east side? [btw, the neighbors on the block are sweet, old, and quiet]
Hi Vicky, yes, his house in the Upper East Side neighborhood. I will work on a better map for easier orientation. Glad to hear your son has good neighbors! Best, JH
Looking to move into town, what is your opinion of the area from 29th down off Elizabeth?
Hi Jenny – I like the “North Elizabeth”, “Big Hill” and “Country Club” neighborhoods but there are rough spots here and there. Some terrific stuff near Mineral Palace Park; if you like older homes with architectural charm this is one of your best bets. You can find major bargains between 24th-29th and between Elizabeth and High Streets. This sub neighborhood is sometimes called “the Avenues”. Prices are lower because the housing stock isn’t great and some blocks are pretty run down. But there are some gems. Tough to make specific recommendations without more information. Depends a lot on your personal situation but hopefully this helps a little bit. Best, Justin
Followed your blog for some time, moving off of 29th and Skyview Ave. by the end of the month. Any input on that area? Seemed clean and decently safe.
Hi Kelly, I think it’s a good area. Not far from Centennial High for park-like green space. Convenient location. I would try not to be too too close to 29th as it’s a major artery (by Pueblo standards) for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. I think it will be perfectly safe but you’ll still need to take precautions to avoid petty crime. Get a security system. Keep your garage door closed. Etc. Hope it works for you! Thanks for following my blog! Best, Justin
[…] $1,588 for trash and weed abatement at a rental property I own on Polk Street in the Mesa Junction neighborhood. Apparently I’m one of the lucky winners thanks to City Council’s recent decision to […]
Hello Justin,
I have been looking to retire visited the pueblo area and liked it but as i read. I am reading that it has the highest crime in Colorado what areas should we avoid. I would like a older home with solid structure that i can update with a basement in a nice safe area.
Hi HK,
The toughest areas of town (most crime) are probably Lower Eastside, Outer Eastside, Lower Bessemer, East Mesa and South Prairie. That said, I know people who live quite happily in those very neighborhoods. For older homes I like North Elizabeth, Mesa Junction and Orman Park. All depends of course on your budget and what’s available for sale/rent on the market. We currently have a tight market with very little inventory.
Best wishes,
Justin
Thanks for all your help on my search! I’ve read questions about “The Blocks” and you mentioned The Avenues, and I wondered if you knew a resource where one could go to get this information/local color/history (stuff you wouldn’t necessarily find from a historical society), other than pestering a local to death, haha).
Thanks again,
Melanie
I’m not aware of any such resource, aside from locals and real estate agents. 🙂
I did find some Pueblo color/background on http://www.city-data.com from some locals, if anyone is interested!
I’m curious about how the legalization of marijuana has had an impact on Pueblo. I recently read an article about the “pot refugees” in pueblo, primarily young people who have moved there without jobs or a place to stay. I’m disabled and my husband works from home and we’re interested in moving to Pueblo within the next year or two and will be visiting later this month.
Difficult to say. I doubt the article had more than anecdotal evidence about these so-called pot refugees. There are also plenty of financially stable people moving to Colorado, including to Pueblo, to be part of a legal environment. Of course, that sort of reporting doesn’t sell as many ads so we won’t see it anytime soon.
Overall, I’d say legalization has had a strong positive economic impact on Pueblo. Real estate where growing can take place legally has been gobbled up. New construction projects to build retail, warehouse, grow operations, etc have all had positive impacts. And of course there are the millions of dollars in new tax revenue and the 1300+ new jobs that have been created, so far, in Pueblo County.
Some of the fools at Citizens for a Healthy (and hypocritical) Pueblo will tell you otherwise. But, in my personal opinion, they’ve been so bamboozled by a lifetime of war on drugs propaganda that they are willfully ignorant about marijuana relative to other legal substances. Hospitals prescribe opiates like handing out candy and take no responsibility for the heroine epidemic. Yet marijuana is the threat to public health? Give me a break.
Okay, off the soap box. Hope your move to Pueblo goes well!
Best wishes,
Justin
We are a retired couple looking to buy a home in Pueblo. We are on a tight budget ($1500 a month), and we need to move very quickly because our home in Houston is already sold. I have found that many of the advertised homes are already under contract. However, we found a nice looking house in an area called Skyview, across from Irving Elementary. All the crime reports are scaring me. Is this a safe neighborhood for a retired couple?
Hi Mary,
Skyview is pretty good but I’m thinking of the neighborhood bounded by 29th St. and Baltimore, just south of Centennial High School. If the house you’re considering is near Irving Elementary then you’re on the West Side and I can’t recommend the location as a good neighborhood for a retired couple. Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin. I am looking for a new home for my two children and myself. A friend recently recommended moving to Colorado. When I mentioned this to my osteopath, her response was, “That would be so great for you!!!”. Well, that sealed the deal. I am on disability, so it doesn’t much matter where we live. I owned a Victorian house here in Iowa which had been carved into apartments in the 1940’s. I did most of the work myself taking it back to a single-family home. I am looking forward to finding another “fixer-upper” in Pueblo. I’m going to avoid the lower east side, but there seem to be quite a few houses for sale on the east side. I hope we can find something reasonably priced in an area without too much crime, but “fixer-uppers” seem to usually be in disadvantaged neighborhoods. We are really looking forward to this move, and beginning a new chapter in our lives. Hope to see you at the grocery store!
Hi Lynne,
I hope Pueblo works for you! There are plenty of older homes in need of some TLC. If you’re patient I’m sure you can find a good deal, especially if you’re willing to put in some sweat equity. Look in the North Elizabeth, Mesa Junction and Orman Park areas for older homes. Good luck with the move! I try to avoid shopping at all costs but maybe I’ll see you in a coffee shop – I love Solar Roast and the Daily Grind. Best wishes, Justin
Hi, someone mentioned to me that when I sell my house in Denver I could come to Pueblo and buy a house for cash, to retire in – they said the Walking stick are was nice and safe – but I don’t like the homes there! I want a bungalow. And as I am retiring what is the safer neighborhoods? I never considered Pueblo before because I had read that the crime rate was very high there. Would a single elderly woman be safe?
Hi Michele,
Yes I think you’d be perfectly safe in Pueblo. Just get an alarm system from ADT or similar provider. I think you could find a pleasant bungalow in North Elizabeth, Country Club, Aberdeen, Mesa Junction, Orman Park, Sunset, Northridge, Belmont, University Park. It’s hard to be more specific without knowing more about your budget. Walking Stick is pretty upscale for Pueblo, mostly newer housing, mostly large homes, and mostly overpriced.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin,
We are another retiring couple moving to Pueblo. I would like to share some details hoping it will help you answer my question(s). We would like your thoughts and recommendation for a neighborhood.
We would like to purchase a small (approx. 2500 square feet) home for less than $275,000. We are looking for a home without stairs and a garage for my vintage car. We like to ride bicycles so it would be nice to have paths nearby. We have seen many homes for sale online but haven’t found the perfect match yet and getting your opinion will help tremendously. We even thought of buying an empty lot in an old neighborhood to build a house.
Thoughts please?
Hi Alan,
You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good match. I would look in Belmont, Aberdeen, Sunset, Northridge and the Country Club neighborhoods. I might actually have just the right place for you. Shoot me a message via the contact form if you’re interested.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hey Justin,
We are looking in Pueblo quite a bit. Both of the trips we took to Pueblo were enjoyable and we are starting to get fed up with Fort Collins. We enjoy all the parks, historic homes, and friendly people. We are heading down there soon to look around again… with our son (almost 2). Any neighborhood suggestions for a young family? Our son won’t be in school for a few years but a lot of the schools seem to be low scoring. Thanks.
Hi Jimmy,
The school district has open enrollment so you can choose your neighborhood and school separately. Of course, it’s nice to be close by. You might check out University Park. Good location, lots of young families, pretty good schools nearby. My other recommendations in previous comments stand for you too but, since you’re moving from Fort Collins, I think you might prefer to be on the north side of town where you have easier access to Colorado Springs and other points north for shopping and other amenities.
Best wishes,
Justin
Thank you Justin!
We came down and checked out a few of the neighborhoods you’ve listed… we love the history in the Northside & downtown. We are from Cincinnati originally, so the crime statistics don’t scare us. We are excited to check out University Park next month!
Jimmy
Hi Justin,
Thanks for writing this blog!
My wife and I would like to retire to Pueblo from Boulder County in about 3 years. We found a lovely house, but it’s on Jefferson, 2 blocks from the Mesa Junction boundary at Lake. It seems to get rougher south of Washington. Our other concern is the current rental market. The house is a four bedroom 2 bath with a one car garage. Any thoughts on the neighborhood boundary and the current rental market?
Hi David,
I own a rental house on Jefferson (200 block) so I like the location, as long as you’re getting a good price. But you’re correct to note it’s on the edge of the Mesa Junction and the neighborhood gets rough as you move further east and south. You should also check the EPA Superfund boundary around the Eiler neighborhood. You’d be on the outskirts and I wouldn’t let it scare you away but you need to understand the situation before you hand over any money.
The rental market is very tight, meaning you shouldn’t have any trouble at all finding renters. I’m not a big fan of renting out a 4-bedroom because you’ll attract large families and they tend to generate more wear and tear on a property but you should be able to collect a nice monthly rent check.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin,
It’s actually in the Superfund area. The owner purchased the house for $93000 in April 2015 from the original owners. In September 2015 the EPA declared Eilers Neighborhood a Superfund site. Across the street is not in the Superfund site. This house is on the edge in more ways than one. It’s listed for $119,000, but you would probably recommend a better price, since FHA won’t make a loan in the Superfund area. Thanks again for your advice. This blog has been a major source of information as well as a starting place for further research.
Best,
David
Hi, Justin.
With a brother in Denver, I’ve been thinking of moving to Colorado but don’t want to live in a large city. I’ve been reading your interesting blog about Pueblo and wanted to know whether you think a retired professor, age 62, who’s disabled (legs) can live safely there. Are there good, secure apartments in safe areas of Pueblo, maybe with garage parking in basement areas, or some similar possibilities? I enjoy getting out and doing things, and I want to err on the side of caution. Thanks, Justin, and good wishes.
Hi Richard,
Yes, you can find a safe apartment. You will likely end up in a car-dependent location on the outskirts of the city but as long as your budget isn’t too tight and driving isn’t a problem you’ll be fine. There are newer apartment complexes near the YMCA on the west edge of the city and a few others in the Northridge/Eagleridge areas. You might also checkout Belmont. These would be older complexes but might be more conveniently located.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin,
I’m a young professional female moving to Pueblo from Denver for a great new job opportunity. I’m looking to rent my first year in Pueblo and wanted your input on safe neighborhoods and good options for my situation. I visited Pueblo and found some good apartment options in the Northridge/Eagleridge area that felt safe. I recently came across an older loft option that is Downtown about a block away form the riverwalk. The loft would be closer to work and has plenty of restaurants and entertainment nearby but would living Downtown be a safe option?
Thank you,
Carolina
Hi Carolina,
Generally speaking, yes, I think living downtown would be safe. But, as with all things, it depends. If you were my daughter I would want the entry to be on Union Ave and not on the alley where problems are more likely to occur. Parking can be an issue so I’d want to know if you have reserved or garage parking and where the parking is located relative to your loft entryway. Northridge would be safer and quieter but it would also be pretty dull and isolated. You’re far more likely to meet other young people living downtown. Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin,
I work in the planning dept. Let me know if you would like to help in our upcoming neighborhood planning initiative. (719) 553-2321
Thanks Bart – I sent an email to follow up!
Hi Justin,
My boyfriend and I are relocating to Pueblo and looking to buy a home. One we really love is in the Bessemer area, a block west from the park, just off Northern Ave. I’ve heard good and bad things about the area and was curious about your opinion? I’ve also heard extreme mixed reviews on the Minnequa Lake area, what are your thoughts? Thanks!!
Hi Liv,
These neighborhoods are somewhat edgy but they also have some of the best housing bargains. I wouldn’t avoid the area all together but I would definitely invest in a security system if you decide to move in. I would also try to get a place with a garage. Petty burglary from cars parked on the street is a problem throughout Pueblo.
Best wishes,
Justin
Just discovered YOU!.
I’m almost 69 and have decided to leave ATL for keeps. Left 40 hrs ago for 8 yrs. (Lived in Scottsdale, Big Island of HI, and W.LA, CA.)
Income of $22k per yr. Excellent credit and some savings for home deposit. Where wd a Sr be most secure/happy?
Pueblo sounds perfect for me. Not too cold, not too hot. Do y’all welcome southern seniors? I’d welcome any/all info including a great realtor rec. Warmest regards,
Hi Janie,
I’m not sure what neighborhood would work best for you but, yes, I think you’ll find Pueblo to be friendly and welcoming. Could you provide more information regarding what type of neighborhood and living situation you’re seeking? Also, are you looking to buy or rent?
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Jason!
After visiting Pueblo over a year ago and doing much research, we are set to move to the area. We’ve recently retired and would like to move right into an area that where wewould be comfortable for the long-term. We’ve lived in rural Illinois and Missouri for the last 26 years, but we both were born and raised in big cities in Jersey, Chicago, and St. Louis. Our occupations were social worker and archaeologists. We’d really like to get back to an ethnically diverse community but honestly do worry about the crime.
I was wondering what you thought about these 2 houses that we’re looking at. One is at 102 w. Adams (?in the Aberd en neighborhood.). The other is 2706 High St. (Mountain View!!!). Also, what do you think of the Belmont area. We’re looking at one at 1521 Lexington.
Any help/suggestions is much appreciated Jason! We’ll have to fly out as soon as our buyers get a contract on their home. Finding and closing on the right home out there in 45 days is mightily stressful!!!
Thanks so much,
Katie
Hi Katie,
Sorry for the slow reply. I like the 102 W. Adams location best of the three. 2706 High and 1521 Lexington are pretty good too. All 3 locations will be exposed to petty crime. You’ll need a security system, you’ll need to lock car doors when parked outside and you’ll need to use common sense. Why the rush? If you can afford to put your belongings in storage and pay for a short term stay somewhere I think you’ll do much better. The three neighborhoods are pretty different and it would be good for you to spend a bit of time becoming familiar before making a commitment. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Justin
You forgot “the woods” over on the south side of Pueblo.
Never heard of it. Where is it on the map?
I love this project, thanks for doing it! Another good “baseline” is precinct boundaries. Many of the precincts follow the census tracts, but it is more detailed, and does separate some of the unique areas, such as the Grove. Downtown is a much more compact and accurate area. Again, it has its limitations. I would argue, for example that North Elizabeth would encompass 17th Street north to 29th, and Elizabeth east to Grand, with the streets further east being their own neighborhood.
Hi Nick,
Glad you like it! Looking at precinct boundaries is a good idea. The appeal of census tracts to me, at least in part, is the ability to incorporate census data without any interpolation. Probably someone has put together demographics at the precinct level so I’ll look around a bit. Thanks again for your interest!
Best wishes,
Justin
I am a widowed retiree, now living on 11 acres in rural north central PA. I am thinking of moving to Colorado Springs to be nearer to my son (lives in Denver), to downsize and reduce upkeep. What would be your neighborhood recommendations? Thank you.
Hi Kathy,
I’m not as familiar with neighborhoods in Colorado Springs. If you’re looking for good value you will find it in Pueblo. Colorado Springs is more expensive but it’s also a more vibrant city and more convenient to Denver.
Best wishes,
Justin
I am open for all options. I just want to be safe and happy. Since I can only qualify for bout $100k home I might have to rent.
Renting might be a good way to start since I could learn bout town. I am physically limited to walking at this time but hope to regain my slight physical limitations thus allowing for more vigarous activities.
I want to move to healthier environment and less city congestion. I want to get out of my seniors apt / old building and live greener. Many TKS for all your information and support.
Hi Janie,
I think I would start by looking at properties near either City Park on the south side of town or near Mineral Palace park on the north side near Parkview Hospital. Both parks are lovely places for a walk and the city does a very nice job of keeping them in good shape. I lived near Mineral Palace park as a kid and I think you’d like the area between 18th and 24th Streets running east/west and West and Court running north/south. The Mineral Palace park flower beds are spectacular in the spring and summer. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin Would you please give me your opinion on Country Club Colfax Av. I will appreciated allot. I like to move from Colorado Springs to Pueblo. Thank you Martha
Hi Martha,
I like the Country Club neighborhood a lot but there are some rough patches around the edges. Colfax is probably right on the border and declines in quality as you move south of 29th. That said, I think the location should offer very good value for your housing dollar.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin
what is your feeling and knowledge of Goat hill in Pueblo? thanks in advance
Hi Susie,
I love the location. Very central with great views from some lots. But, the housing stock is very old and, in some cases, pretty run down. Could be a good opportunity for someone willing to spend money or put in sweat equity on renovation.
Best wishes,
Justin
Howdy Justin, just found your blog as I search for places in Pueblo to move to this November. So much info, data and opinions and I’d welcome your thoughts. We’ve got 3 little girls so I’m focused on schools and safety. Feel free to email me, thanks!
Hi Tim,
Not sure what to recommend. Feel free to ask me a more specific question and I’ll do my best to answer.
Best wishes,
Justin
Hello,
I am a newly transplanted Puebloan – been here not quite 4 years, so maybe I have to wait to use that moniker. Anyway, my husband and I are weeks from moving to the area of Hudson & East 8th so I am researching the area. I’m finding it called East Side but on your map it says East Fountain; since your map is more broken down and grouped by like I thought that maybe you would be the one to ask about things I should know. Are there any other resources you could suggest?
Thank you so much for your site and any insight you may have.
Red
Hi Red,
I like the East Fountain neighborhood. The Fountain International School is arguably the best elementary schools in town and creates some rhythm and stability. The location is very convenient in terms of access to downtown and it’s easy to get anywhere in Pueblo pretty quickly. Both Hudson and 8th are busy streets so I would want to live at least a house or two away from either. I would also recommend that you stay north of 8th and west of Portland Ave. The East Fountain neighborhood is certainly part of the East Side and, to many, the East Side has a reputation for being a high crime area. But I know people who live there and have never had a problem. Common sense makes all the difference. Not sure about other resources to recommend. Hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Justin
Hi Justin,
Great map and informative blog! I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts on the Big Hill area, especially the west side of Montezuma across from the cemetery.
Thanks for the information and your efforts on this!
Bill
Hi Bill,
I’m familiar with the area but I don’t know whether to recommend it or not. I’m more familiar with the area between the same cemetery and 24th Street. There are a few quiet little streets Coronado, Balboa, Cortez, De Soto – nice area. I also like the area between West and Court. As you move south along Montezuma toward 17th and further (it becomes Conley), there’s a promising neighborhood conveniently located to downtown and Parkview Hospital. I don’t have a name for the area but I think of it as a good location for long term investment in residential real estate. That said, it’s a lower income area and you’d probably encounter some petty crime. The very specific area you’re describing is sort of a strange location, wedged against the actual “Big Hill” and Montezuma where traffic isn’t heavy but moves pretty fast. On the other side of the cemetery is the remnants of Freed Middle School. It was recently renamed to Heroes Academy and then closed. I don’t know how its closure will impact the area. I doubt it will be positive but I don’t think it will be overly negative either. Anyway, it’s a mixed bag but if you’re able to find a great deal I think it could work out nicely.
Best wishes,
Justin
Good evening Justin!
We’re looking at houses in the Corwin/Minnequa area. What are your thoughts on the area? How’s the crime rate? And are there lots of bugs in the area because of the lake?
Hi Caleb,
It’s an okay area. There are some really nice homes near the hospital. Crime can be bad near Lake and south of the hospital but otherwise I think it’s okay. I think it’s probably a pretty good place to find value, if there’s any to be found in this market. I don’t know about bugs in the area. Probably plenty of mosquitos in the summer but I don’t know for sure.
Best wishes,
Justin
hi Justin,
What are your thoughts about the Mineral Palace neighborhood in 2022? I am looking at a property in what looks like an old convent or school; it’s pretty rad, but not sure of rentability. 21st and Grand area. Thank you.
I love the area but I don’t know whether it’s a good investment in 2022. Everything is overpriced now and I haven’t spent anytime in the neighborhood recently. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Good luck!