Northern and Southern Boulder (Longmont, Gunbarrel: house, neighborhood, elementary schools)

[dlw1966]

Hello,

My husband and I, and three children (ages 12,10,and 6) are considering relocating to Colorado and would like information on some of the Boulder communities. We like Gunbarrel (as the homes seem affordable) and possibly S.Boulder (ie. Devil's Thumb), but were hoping to get more of a feel for the areas. Are they family friendly, with people receptive to newcomers? Our current neighborhood (in River Forest, IL) is extremely warm and very welcoming to new families - so we really would like to make this process as easy as possible on our kids. Any other information you can share about the areas would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Marc Wishner]

The Gunbarrel area is one of the better "affordable" areas very near Boulder. We have been here for 19 years (moved from S. Boulder to get more house and a cul de sac for kids to ride their bikes) and really have liked raising our two boys here. Newer homes and not as congested as downtown. I like to think all areas around Boulder are welcoming and friendly to newcomers and family.

[LisaBoulder]

Both areas are family friendly and full of people who have moved here from other places. How welcoming neighbors are really depends on the street, so your mileage may vary on that. One thing to consider is that after your kids are out of elementary school, the middle (I think it's Platt) and high schools (Boulder or Fairview) are going to be more of a drive/ride from Gunbarrel. Shopping other than the strip mall @ 63rd and Lookout is a little further too.

If you're open to other areas, you might look into East Boulder. Price wise, it's probably in between Devil's thumb and Gunbarrel. The zip is 80303. I'd look between Foothills Parkway and 55th street, south of Arapahoe ave. There are neighborhood elementary schools and close access to middle and high schools. Proximity to Foothills parkway and 36 make it an easy commute to either Longmont or Broomfied too.

[Katiana]

Gunbarrel is outside the Boulder city limits, if that's important to you one way or the other. There's also not much shopping up there.

[LisaBoulder]

Originally Posted by Katiana

Gunbarrel is outside the Boulder city limits, if that's important to you one way or the other. There's also not much shopping up there.

Actually, not all of Gunbarrel is outside of Boulder city limits. My Dad lives in Gunbarrel in the county, but if you walk 5 minutes from his house, you're in the People's Republic. Either way, the shopping is limited and I'd still look at East Boulder before Gunbarrel.