Golden is a super place to raise a family with good schools, sports fields, parks, a fantastic bike trail system, Clear Creek kayak course, easy commuter access to Denver and other cities and proximity to the mountains.

Golden is awesome. I raised my family in a beautiful small community in the foothills in Golden for 11 years. Pond hockey; my daughter's first word was 'elk' (she said, 'ulk'); incredible access to both mountains and city; excellent schools available (in our case folks could choose either Evergreen or Golden schools); remarkable per square foot value compared to anywhere else in the area and more broadly throughout the country at this point.

Most experts say "Golden in Golden". It has not experienced declining values nearly as much as surrounding area's. The School of Mines (engineering college) is located here. This tends to keep rentals filled and prices up in relation to other area's. Downtown golden also has a very small town feel. Coors and other local companies tent to keep the area employed, though a lot of residents commute to other locations for work as well.

Specifically, purchasing a 4 bd in Golden is a great idea. One of your exit plans, in addition to selling, could be renting it to mines students if you needed to move or relocate. There are specific neighborhoods that these students seek out and I can help you find them if you think that it is a strategy that you would consider.

Most of my rentals are mines students and I have had fantastic relationships with them for years. A typical 4 bd home rented to mines students would likely cost around $200,000 -$220,000 and would rent between $1500 and $1600 depending on the time of year it becomes available. June - August are the best months to begin a lease.

I think buying in Golden is a smart choice. I have many clients for Golden and it seem s like the home values are there. There are many buyers looking in the Golden area. I would go for it.

It is a great time to buy in Golden. I own in Golden and love living there. I have also helped many buyers find the perfect home for them. Let me know if I can help.

Buying is always smarter than renting in 99.9% of the cases.
Buying in Golden, CO wouldn't be any less wise, unless it is a market/community not conducive to your lifestyle.
Rates are low and it is a buyers market. Yes, I'd take advantage of it.
Find a buyer agent who is an expert in Golden and one that understands your needs from a personal standpoint and a financial one. Then begin looking.
Good luck,
Susan Walker