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We are 80% sure we are relocating to Denver and my husband is accepting a position at DU. We have three kids
and are moving from Boston. Looking for a fairly short commute, GREAT schools and homes in a nice community. Can spend 650k....any suggestions??
Thu Apr 17 2008, 06:28 - Denver - Home Buying - 20 answers
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At your price point, there are many good neighborhood choices close to DU, and many of them have been mentioned in some of these responses. I work a lot of these areas, a Denver native, so I can offer insight.
An additional possibility, where you can get more house for the money, would be the suburbs with fairly easy commute. Highlands Ranch might be worth consideration. Feel free to contact me if you want any additional information. Chuck Strauss CStrauss@kw.com 720-318-7598 Mon May 19 2008, 06:36
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I would love to recommend to you a place close to DU like Bonnie Brae, Platte Park or Washington Park but much of that depends on the atmosphere you want and of course, the type of school you intend for you kids. These communities have a fairly urban feel with great restaurants and shops within walking distance if that's what you're looking for. The public school ratings are about average for the area. I recently sold a home to a client that teaches at DU that bought a home just south of town in Greenwood Village, about 10 minutes south, to have a little more privacy, a bigger house and a decent sized yard. For public schools, you can't beat the Cherry Creek School District which is again, about 5-10 minutes south. Whatever the case, within 10 minutes or walking distance from DU, you'll have lots of options.
I added a link to the reportcards for the local schools, it seems to help some people with making their choices. I would recommend touring the potential schools before buying a home. Good luck! Mon May 19 2008, 00:14 Web Reference: http://reportcard.cde.state.co.us/reportcard/CommandHan...
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I can tell you from owning a home in the DU neighborhood and having friends in the Wash Park area, you will love it. There is great food, close shopping, light rail, freeway access, Dave and Busters, movie Theatres.... Along with Denver's most popular park ("Wash Park" washington park). The market in Wash Park is bustling and continually appreciating as it is kind of safe from foreclosures due to its demand for urban dwellers. DU neighborhood consists of mainly a mix of scrapes (houses that have been rebuilt into larger homes or duplexes) and 60 year old homes as well. You might also look into Bonnie Brae, Observatory Park as well. These are great neighborhoods too. Check them out a bit more online , maybe on google those neighborhoods to get a better idea. The thing to look at is what you are looking for in a home. If coming from Boston you would prefer to remain closer to the city then one of these neighborhoods will do that for you. If you would prefer more of a suburban setting then you might look at a neighborhood south that allows for your husband to utilize the lightrailhttp:// www.rtd-denver.com which will drop him off steps from campus.
One thing to look at depending on where you will be coming from is the new mortgage (if needed). Conforming loans in Denver are still at $417K. So you will want to weigh that into how you structure your mortgage here to make sure you get yourselves positioned properly. With all the recent changes in lending laws in Colorado you will have to work with a mortgage professional who is licensed in Colorado. If you have any questions about that aspect feel free to let me know. We are a fully licensed mortgage banker with over 20 years of experience, and will make sure you feel comfortable with your move here. We also have agent relationships with folks who specialize in the city dwelling is that is what you are after. Sincerely, Ray Williams Branch Manager Summit Mortgage Tue May 13 2008, 17:56 Web Reference: http://www.myonlinemortgage.net
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Welcome! My daughter is at DU and most of the family went as well! Congratulations! I ave been in this area CO since 1979 and here are my recomendations....My family and I currently live in Winter Park ( a ski resort near ) but I raised the kids in Evergreen!!! A wonderful mountain community, beautiful surroundings, great schools and a real sweet commute to DU. I have a good friend who is a professor at DU and she lives in that area. I know the Evergreen, Conifer, Genesee and surrounding areas very well and am happy to share some great spots to look depending on the children's ages....I am a realtor in WP but know many people in the business. I am also a buyer's agent and am licensed in CO. If I can help in any way, even if you already have a realtor....I am available! Good Luck! 970-470-2398
Sat May 10 2008, 11:18
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You have made a GREAT decision to move to Denver. I am a Denver native, have traveled extensively, have family (my wife's) in Massachusetts; there simply isn't a better place to live and raise a family than Denver.
A couple of neighborhoods you might want to check out are Bonnie Brea and Observatory Park. Both are going through pretty dramatic redevelopment and have some absolutely fantastic homes in your price range. If you want the help of a Realtor that grew up in Denver, and has seen changes (good and bad) first hand. feel free to give me a call. I'd be more than happy to answer any of your questions and make some additional suggestions after learning more about your situation. Chuck Strauss Keller Williams DTC 720-318-7598 www.denverhomeguru.com CStrauss@kw.com Sat May 10 2008, 08:45
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Laura,
Check out this month's 5280 article on Denver real estate. This may help you decide on which neighborhoods you might want to consider when you move. Give me a call so we can discuss your needs further. John Keene 303-547-7578 Mon May 5 2008, 15:08 Web Reference: http://www.5280.com/issues/2008/0805/feature.php?pageID...
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I have lived all over the country, and we currently live in Parker, CO, 80134. I love it here! The schools are 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools.com, check it out! We have a rural neighborhood setting, meaning we have about an acre of land, majestic views of the mountains, deer roaming the yard, and we are only a couple of miles from shopping & the highway. My husband commutes downtown & it's about 25 minutes, very easy. We are less than a mile from these great schools, the kids can go K-12 and never be farther than a mile from home! You should check Parker out!
Kathy Fri May 2 2008, 09:50
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Laura, don't buy into the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that people sow about living right in Denver. I moved here 18 years ago and will never live anywhere else. You do NOT need to move to a suburb (like Highlands Ranch, Douglas County, etc) to find a great neighborhood and good schools. That just gets you a longer commute, less time with the family, and outrageous neighborhood covenants that ticket you if your grass is 1/4" too long. Denver is a great city and with your budget, you'll be able to find something you like close to DU and with easy freeway & public transit access.
Fri May 2 2008, 08:38
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It sounds like Washington Park, Bonnie Brae, Observatory Park or North Country Club would be your best bets. These are great city neighborhoods just five to ten minutes from the University of Denver (where I attended law school, one of my recent clients works in alumni development and another attends law school).
Our clients are entitled to free use of a great web site that allows home buyers to pick the schools that best fit their children's needs, which I'd be happy to grant access for your use. I'm one of the small group of brokers in our company designated as a Weichert Relocation Specialist - I'd be delighted to help you find the perfect home here. Thanks, Mark Korman 720-528-3395 Sun Apr 27 2008, 16:27
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Hi Laura,
Having recently moved to Denver from Chicago I can say you are making a great move. My family and I love it here! That being said, I know how hard it can be do search for a home long distance. However, I feel I have the best search tool available and it works wonders for those coming from out of state. Not only do you have access to every home in the MLS, but you can get demographics, driving direction, and a ton of other information to help education yourself on the area. Please check it out and let me know if you'd like to enroll. It's free and comes with no obligation. Take care, John Keene, EcoBroker Keller Williams 303-547-7578 http://www.livegreen-denver.com * call to learn how to live carbon free for the next 3-years! Thu Apr 24 2008, 13:02 Web Reference: http://www.marketingsplash1.com/RequestHBSR.asp?ID=ECVG...
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Hi Laura,
Other clients that have moved to Denver from out of state did research and found the areas that feed into Cherry Creek High School ( http://www.cchs.ccsd.k12.co.us/ ) a "great " area for education and proximity to Denver Central. (Go Bruins! Class of 87.) I have friends who coach at D.U. There are many different neighborhoods in Greenwood Village and Centennial that may fit your needs. There are options of newer construction, larger lots, or well established communities. Here is a link for other school districts for comparision reasons... http://www.onboardnavigator.com/webContent/OBWC_Results.aspx… Please call with any questions or a listing of homes that will fit your needs. Sincerly, Greg Yoshida 303 875-4879 Team Smookler Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Denver Central Wed Apr 23 2008, 10:01 Web Reference: http://www.YoshiHomes.com
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Laura: Congratulations on your move to be. There are many wonderful communities in the Denver Region--to fit your family's needs. Ken Caryl/LIttleton, Highlands Ranch, (South of Denver) would be an easy commute. Douglas County (where Highlands Ranch is)-- is rated at the top for School Systems in the area. Denver South East: Cherry Creek School Systems is as well Feel free to sign up for home lists in your chosen areas-- and Community Reports at DenverHomeLiving.com. Perhaps you and your husband can both fly out-- and explore the areas of interest.
Thu Apr 17 2008, 14:33 Web Reference: http://www.DenverHomeLiving.com
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Hi Laura. DU is home to some GREAT hockey! BC had a great year! I came across a picture of BC mascot Baldwin holding up the 2008 Championship trophy while riding atop a Zamboni at the Conte Forum on Monday night. What an experience for the Eagles.
Anyway, real estate. There are many popular neighborhoods in/ around the DU area such as Washington Park, Observatory Park, Platt Park and others. You will hear much about these as well as their completely opposite counterparts that exist further to the south/ southwest like Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Littleton and others. I wouldn't get too bogged down in all of that right now. I'm not sure how familiar you are with the Denver area, however, it really comes down to 3 different property/ location/ neighborhood types; Urban (right in the city), Suburbia (Highlands Ranch and many others) and everything that lies in between, which is quite a mix. Do you like mature, tree filled streets with neighborhood shops you can walk to? Or instead, do you prefer to live where strip-malls are the standard for shopping and dining? In this price range you will have a plethora of homes in a plethora of areas to choose from, yes I used plethora, twice. I suggest sitting back, closing your eyes for a bit and dreaming of what would be an ideal home for your family and in a perfect setting. Once you have some semblance of what this looks like you can email it over to me, Colby, at glh@goodlifehomes.com . Even if you come up with several varying "ideal" versions feel free to bombard me with them and I will begin to seek and send.... Hope to hear from you soon - Good Living, Colby Fitch glh@goodlifehomes.com 303.246.8547 Proud Denver Native 36 Years & No Plans To Leave Thu Apr 17 2008, 09:45 Web Reference: http://www.goodlifehomes.com
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Wow guys! Thank you so much for all the great info. I am saving your answers and will keep you all in mind when we know more in the next few weeks. Best, Laura
Thu Apr 17 2008, 09:13
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Congratulations on the move I hope it is a welcomed one. While not quite the same as Boston in depth of history Denver is a great place nonetheless. A lot of my work is done with relocation clients many of whom want the same things a good place to raise a family, nice community and of course a commute that makes sense. Routinely it seems like areas such as Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Parker and the like are a great fit. Not only will you find lots of others families with kids but communities built with this in mind.
We have a lot bike & walking trails, open spaces and parks and best of all recreation centers. These centers provide activities for kids and adults and usually include indoor & outdoor pools, gyms, workout equipment and the list goes on. Of course schools are paramount and you will find that Douglas County & Cherry Creek are continually touted as some of the best in the state. These areas are to the south of DU and should be an easy commute in the 20 minute range. I personally live in Highlands Ranch and my office is just north of DU so I have driven this at all times of the day. The nice thing is you can use the highway or main feeder streets when weather makes the highway trouble. I would be happy to send you one of our buyer presentation books which is very helpful in painting a picture about the Denver lifestyle. If you prefer pick up the phone and let’s talk about some of the things that are important to you and your family to get a better idea of areas that will be a good fit. Thanks for your time, Charles Thu Apr 17 2008, 07:47 Web Reference: http://www.theberkshiregroup.com/CharlesWard.html
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