As the housing market explodes across Denver, one neighborhood largely has not seen skyrocketing prices that areas such as Highland and River North have experienced.

However, that has made the Athmar Park area — between the South Platte River and Federal Boulevard — a popular destination for young families looking to buy a home. Many view it as one of the last affordable neighborhoods in the city.

The new families have joined with some of the long-term residents to form a community filled with events and neighbors who get together to help one another out.

“I think people are moving here initially because it’s affordable. The community is an added bonus,” said Ian Harwick, president of the Athmar Park Neighborhood Association — which covers between Mississippi Avenue north to Alameda. “We created so many opportunities for people to meet, I feel we’ve broken down the barriers to build an easy community.”

Harwick moved to the neighborhood eight years ago and noted the benefits of the area, including the proximity to downtown, good access to light rail and great food along Federal. He’s hoping to see more road improvements but noted that crime has decreased recently.

In the past few years, the neighborhood came together to form a sort of throwback community where neighbors know each other by sight and take part in large gatherings such as movie nights in Huston Lake Park, volleyball games on Friday nights or board game nights at Chain Reaction Brewing Company, which opened in 2014.

Jane Brown has lived in Athmar Park for three years and started a running club that meets on Wednesday nights. She, too, found the neighborhood because it was one she could afford.

Brown said the neighborhood connects via a Facebook page that works for people to promote events or to ask for help with a project.

“Nobody has an agenda,” Brown said. “Everyone is just trying to work together to figure out the best way to be neighbors.”

Brown described the neighborhood as one that sees kids setting off firecrackers in the summer and bouncy castles for birthday parties on some weekends. She said the best part of the neighborhood is that residents are committed to maintaining its gritty character.

“In the beginning when I moved in, I was agitated by the loose rules,” Brown said. “Now I see it as personality. I’m the one that has come around.”

City Councilman Jolon Clark, who represents Athmar Park, isn’t surprised by Brown’s reaction.

“You don’t change Athmar — Athmar changes you,” he said.

Clark’s biggest fear is that as word gets out, the diverse neighborhood — it boasts strong Hispanic and Vietnamese populations — will no longer be affordable.

But affordability varies, and some feel that the neighborhood is already getting too pricey.

Anita Banuelos has lived in Athmar Park since 1989 and recently purchased her first home there.

She said she feels some of the prices have gotten too high.

“I feel the Latinos are getting pushed out as they are not able to afford the current market,” said Banuelos, who is an aide to Clark.

She noted that homes that were priced at around $100,000 just a few years ago are now pushing $250,000, with some needing major restoration work.

While she fears losing too much of the culture of the area, Banuelos said the neighborhood has grown more connected in recent years.

“They really want to make it more welcoming,” she said of the neighborhood organization.

Businesses have also taken note, and some have begun to invest in the area. Spire Design and Construction last month opened a new studio in Athmar Park.

Owner Kim Reinke said she has been welcomed by the neighborhood’s residents, who have complimented the business’ facade improvements and alley cleanups. Reinke added she hopes to be a positive example in the community.

“We’ve met several neighbors and business owners,” she said. “We hope to meet more and institute a neighborhood cleanup of sorts. We’re hoping to be able to set a good example by improving the building.”

Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or @joe_vacc