Why is Louisville more "family friendly?" (Denver, Boulder: rentals, house)

[alvanos]

I hear this a lot on this board, that Louisville is the family-friendly version of Boulder. Why is this? I've never been to Louisville, been to Boulder twice. Boulder looked very friendly, so why is Louisville always come up in the family discussion? I wanted to live in Boulder because of the walkability of the downtown area, but given the home prices near downtown I doubt I could really swing it. So if I have to forgoe walking distance to Pearl St, then I might as well look at Louisville as well.

Also, what is the older part of Louisville called? Does Louisville old neighborhoods like downtown boulder? I grew up in Evanston, a VERY old suburb of Chicago, and have an affection for old homes ... never cared much for the newly built neighborhoods with the cookie-cutter homes.


Tx!

[Bradburn1]

Boulder is family friendly I would say with the exception of the crazy housing prices. I think Louisville is suggested because generally speaking: kids=less disposable income=need larger house for less money. And it is close to Boulder if someone needs to commute. It is also smaller than Boulder, more of a "small town feel". You can have some of the benefits of Boulder without paying $400k for a falling down shack.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by Bradburn1

Boulder is family friendly I would say with the exception of the crazy housing prices. I think Louisville is suggested because generally speaking: kids=less disposable income=need larger house for less money. And it is close to Boulder if someone needs to commute. It is also smaller than Boulder, more of a "small town feel". You can have some of the benefits of Boulder without paying $400k for a falling down shack.

Bradburn's take on it is the same as mine. Also, the comment is frequently made here that Louisville is family friendly when people ask if Louisville is a good place for singles, etc. It's not so much to say that Boulder is not a good place for families, and Louisville is, rather it's to say that Louisville may not be a great place for singles looking to move here looking for exciting night life etc.

[Micktooth]

I live in Louisville and I think that Louisville and Boulder are both "family friendly". Louisville may be a little more "wallet" friendly. I agree with the other posters as well. Some families don't want to live too close to the college scene. We go to Boulder all the time and love it. We also love all the friends and neighbors we have made in Louisville.

[Katiana]

^^^I agree with the above. I would say the difference is more in what Louisville doesn't have, e.g. a big "singles" scene conncected with a university, than with what Boulder has. Boulder is more "diverse" in that area. The only singles that I know in Louisville are single parents. Boulder is a fine place to raise a family.

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by Katiana

^^^I agree with the above. I would say the difference is more in what Louisville doesn't have, e.g. a big "singles" scene conncected with a university, than with what Boulder has. Boulder is more "diverse" in that area. The only singles that I know in Louisville are single parents. Boulder is a fine place to raise a family.

Very well said. I concur as an ex-resident.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by Katiana

^^^I agree with the above. I would say the difference is more in what Louisville doesn't have, e.g. a big "singles" scene conncected with a university, than with what Boulder has. Boulder is more "diverse" in that area. The only singles that I know in Louisville are single parents. Boulder is a fine place to raise a family.

Interestingly, quite a few of my kids' friends, who grew up in Boulder, now as single young adults who are recent college graduates, are choosing to live in Lafayette/Louisville/Superior. It's cheaper, the rentals are far more appealing, and many of their friends are doing it. And Boulder's scene isn't a novelty and great attraction to them.

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by suzco

Interestingly, quite a few of my kids' friends, who grew up in Boulder, now as single young adults who are recent college graduates, are choosing to live in Lafayette/Louisville/Superior. It's cheaper, the rentals are far more appealing, and many of their friends are doing it.

What you have stated is in some part true. The Horizons at Rock Creek in Superior is extrememly appealing as a place to rent. However these 3 towns are by no means are "social central" relative to Boulder (or Denver).

Originally Posted by suzco

And Boulder's scene isn't a novelty and great attraction to them.

Relative to Denver I concur w/ya'.

[Katiana]

This is true of some of my kids' friends as well, though not *too* many. Granted, the bar scene is not so exciting to kids who have been going to Pearl St. since middle school.

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by Katiana

This is true of some of my kids' friends as well, though not *too* many. Granted, the bar scene is not so exciting to kids who have been going to Pearl St. since middle school.

My opinion. In Louisville the OLI has seen better times - lost its luster, the new Icehouse for some reason doesn't fare compared to the old grungy Druids Arms, and Henry's is downright scary, spooky. The Outback Steakhouse has a small scale happy hr. and very good staff. In Superior there is CB Potts and an expensive microbrew (Gordon B's) at the mall. Those are the one's I remember.