Hidden gems for the average Joe :) (Denver, Aurora: apartment, foreclosures, rent)

[amanda87]

I have been looking at the forums for over a year reading and trying to get as much information as possible about the Boulder area. We have family in Co. vacation there almost every year and like many would like to relocate soon. We are currently in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Like most mothers, my main concern is the education system and general safety of area. I'm not reallly looking for the best of the best in any other aspect. We are a young couple, with young children just starting out in our careers. We make a combined income of 80k

Now, if you were coming to Dallas-Fort Worth and doing research on great areas here where you would get the best of the best here.. area like Highland Park, Southlake, and Colleyville would pop up on forums like this one. These are places that are affluent, multi million dollar residents, zero apartment communities, and the best public schools in town. These places are unrealistic for people like myself - at least at this time in my life.

However, people who were born and raised in the DFW area know there are MANY MANY other areas (hidden gems) that are affordable, safe, small, with EXEMPLARY schools, ect. Places like where I live - Euless, Tx. There are several others like mine as well, where you can get a home for under $120k or rent a NICE two bedroom in a newer apartment community for around $900/month and still feel good about your commuity and the well being of your children.

What are the areas like this outside of Boulder or Denver? Any???

[amanda87]

I'd also like to add that I would prefer to be in close proximity to convieniances like a super Target, CVS, whole foods, various food, shopping, and dining options..

[qfrost]

A home for under $120k - now that's going to be interesting. You can rule out Louisville and Superior. I did a quick search for ANYTHING in that range, and the pickings are slim unless you want a really rural shack. Renting would be a better way to go, given your needs. I'll be curious what others with more knowledge have to say.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by qfrost

A home for under $120k - now that's going to be interesting. You can rule out Louisville and Superior. I did a quick search for ANYTHING in that range, and the pickings are slim unless you want a really rural shack. Renting would be a better way to go, given your needs. I'll be curious what others with more knowledge have to say.

You can, if you're lucky and the stars are in alignment, buy a distressed one bedroom condominium within the Boulder Valley School District for that price.

It's most likely in Lafayette or Longmont, but possible is any of the cities, including Louisville, Superior, and even Boulder.

But, understand, it's a one bedroom condominium, in a not great complex. Welcome to Boulder County.

[amanda87]

Oh and I dont mean Boulder proper, I understand that would be quite expensive but I mean surrounding areas ..

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by amanda87

I have been looking at the forums for over a year reading and trying to get as much information as possible about the Boulder area. We have family in Co. vacation there almost every year and like many would like to relocate soon. We are currently in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Like most mothers, my main concern is the education system and general safety of area. I'm not reallly looking for the best of the best in any other aspect. We are a young couple, with young children just starting out in our careers. We make a combined income of 80k

Now, if you were coming to Dallas-Fort Worth and doing research on great areas here where you would get the best of the best here.. area like Highland Park, Southlake, and Colleyville would pop up on forums like this one. These are places that are affluent, multi million dollar residents, zero apartment communities, and the best public schools in town. These places are unrealistic for people like myself - at least at this time in my life.

However, people who were born and raised in the DFW area know there are MANY MANY other areas (hidden gems) that are affordable, safe, small, with EXEMPLARY schools, ect. Places like where I live - Euless, Tx. There are several others like mine as well, where you can get a home for under $120k or rent a NICE two bedroom in a newer apartment community for around $900/month and still feel good about your commuity and the well being of your children.

What are the areas like this outside of Boulder or Denver? Any???

I moved up to Colorado, from Euless, over 32 years ago. I worked at DFW airport, when it was fairly new and the area was not filled out as much as today. The area did not appeal to me as it had too many highways, too much traffic and just lacked an ambiance of a city. However, I was young, not married and worked many hours and life was the apartment and the job.

What you are looking for, can be found in many of the suburbs of Denver and Denver itself. However, at that price, under 120,000 for a house, there are not many but some. Today, many more than before because of foreclosures. There would be much more in Condo housing. In Denver the homes would be much older and in some neighborhoods in transitions.

I could point you to Thornton, Aurora and some other suburbs that have some questionable areas and many nice areas but on the whole, the real hidden gems are the older suburbs to the west. Those being Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, parts of Lakewood and parts of Westminster. In these areas, you can find many well established safe neighborhoods with good school systems, especially if it is Jefferson County.

I would say look in Arvada, the part in Jefferson County and Wheat Ridge. There are many small ranch homes that can be got for that price or a litte more.

Livecontent

[qfrost]

I know. We're talking about the surrounding areas only, not Boulder proper.

[amanda87]

Originally Posted by livecontent

I moved up to Colorado, from Euless, over 32 years ago. I worked at DFW airport, when it was fairly new and the area was not filled out as much as today. The area did not appeal to me as it had too many highways, too much traffic and just lacked an ambiance of a city. However, I was young, not married and worked many hours and life was the apartment and the job.

What you are looking for, can be found in many of the suburbs of Denver and Denver itself. However, at that price, under 120,000 for a house, there are not many but some. Today, many more than before because of foreclosures. There would be much more in Condo housing. In Denver the homes would be much older and in some neighborhoods in transitions.

I could point you to Thornton, Aurora and some other suburbs that have some questionable areas and many nice areas but on the whole, the real hidden gems are the older suburbs to the west. Those being Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, parts of Lakewood and parts of Westminster. In these areas, you can find many well established safe neighborhoods with good school systems, especially if it is Jefferson County.

I would say look in Arvada, the part in Jefferson County and Wheat Ridge. There are many small ranch homes that can be got for that price or a litte more.

Livecontent

Awesome! I'm glad you responded being from Euless, Tx So, you kind of have an idea of what I'm talking about. Yes, even the small mid cities are getting a little congested here.. and you moved over 30 years ago wow.. it has built up quite a bit! I am 23, so I could only imagin how it looked.

Everything you wrote was helpful, thank you!! I'll look into the neighborhoods you refered to.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by amanda87

Awesome! I'm glad you responded being from Euless, Tx So, you kind of have an idea of what I'm talking about. Yes, even the small mid cities are getting a little congested here.. and you moved over 30 years ago wow.. it has built up quite a bit! I am 23, so I could only imagin how it looked.

Everything you wrote was helpful, thank you!! I'll look into the neighborhoods you refered to.

Actually I should said I am originally from New York and was in Texas in the Army, before overseas. After College and few other places, jobs, adventures--I went to Texas. At that time in the 70s, Texas was the big booming area that was attracting many people--it still is the same. I never really liked the area between Fort Worth and Dallas--I thought Arlington was a mess and too much centered on Sports.

I liked Fort Worth. Dallas was not my style--too many highways, too much traffic. I moved to Colorado as just another place--on the way to another place but I stayed.

Livecontent

[DressageRider]

Look into Longmont, but definitely raise your housing budget. I don't think that 120K for a house for a family is remotely realistic. Try renting a while and see what (and where) you like.