where to live if working in Boulder w/ kids? (Denver: real estate, broker)

[gobears]

My husband will be working in Boulder and we have 2 small kids. I've heard that Bloomfield and Longmont are good for kids, but what about Firestone, Frederick, Mead or Danaco? Are these good areas for families with activites? Is the town too up and coming??

How are the Erie schools? Vista Ridge looks nice, but school grades don't seem that great? Any advice?

I am so confused as to where to start looking. We want a great neighborhood, with lots to do for the kids and lots of sports activities for our son. (and good schools of course) We are moving from Chicago, and will try and spend no more than $350,000.

Thanks for any advice, info or general stuff!!!!

[2bindenver]

Broomfield. Erie, specifically Vista Ridge, even Anthem Highlands (across from Vista Ridge) Erie would be good places to start. You'll find north of VR, Dacona, Fredrick & Mead are brand new bedroom communities, not much "stuff" there, yet.

[gobears]

What are the Erie schools like? Are the as good as Boulder Valley schl. disrict?

[Katiana]

Not much "stuff" in Erie either. No library, no rec center. Erie High is much smaller than the nearby Boulder Valley High Schools (Broomfield, Centaurus in Lafayette, Monarch in Louisville). Don't know about quality.

[gobears]

Thanks. I'm really trying to get a feel for the area before we make a visit. I want to narrow my search down as much as possible so when I do come, I can spend most of my time in that area?

Does any have information about preschools in those areas?

[2bindenver]

Most people who narrow down the area first, always end up wondering about the places they dismissed. Better to go large then drill down to what you like. Then to start small and not find what you like and have to start the process over.

Make a list of what you need from the community, area, property and then talk to a local real estate broker about what communities they feel fit your needs.

No one wants to waste your time. But as far as things in your life go this is HUGE. Shortcuts are not an option. Give it the time and care it deserves.

[Rootsy]

I know Erie (St. Vrain) has/had some problems managing the growth and influx of students, especially in the Vista Ridge development. They are supposed to build a couple new schools within or near Vista Ridge but I heard this was not happening in the anticipated time frames.

Many people like BVSD over SVVSD because of the open enrollment policies and general perception that it is a bit more mature as a dristric.

In general I'm skeptical about Erie as a place to live. We looked there but the mayor and town seemed to be against commercial activity which place a tremendous tax burden on homeowners. I think there is a new mayor in place but Erie has yet to attract much in terms of large businesses/employers or commerical enterprises. Its a pretty quiet town which is nice if you're ready for that kind of living. Coming from Chicago, it will be a major adjustment unless you live in the outer 'burbs (I used to live in Chicago). You'll drive everywhere but thats true for most of the cities you listed.

2bindenver makes a wise recommendation - cast a broad net, then narrow. You'll find very different amenties and points of access between the towns in the area. I think they vary a lot more than what you'd find in and around the Chicagoland area.

[gobears]

Thanks....We are coming from the western suburb, Naperville, however we lived in the city for several years. I am sure it will be a big change anyway!

I am still so confused about where to look to live. Broomfield seems like a top runner, but Erie was coming close. Now, I'm not so sure. I really like the golf club and pool at Vista Ridge. With being a transplant, I was thinking that would be a great way to meet other people. I also want a newer home, so Louisville seems out. Lafayette, Niwot, and Lyons seem out of our price range,and with much older homes.

Any advice on Longmont verses Erie? What about Firestone? Seems like you can get a lot more house for you money.

Thank you for any information!!

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by gobears

Thanks....
Any advice on Longmont verses Erie? What about Firestone? Seems like you can get a lot more house for you money.

Thank you for any information!!

Longmont has a reputation as a more blue collar town, which is not bad, mind you. There is a lot of diversity in the housing stock in Longmont. Erie has a small "old town" and the large housing developments. All three of the above cities are in the St. Vrain School District. Firestone housing probably costs less because it is farther from everywhere. Longmont has a smallish mall and lots of other chain stores around the mall. Erie has a Sears-KMart, a home improvement store and a grocery store, not much else. I know nothing about the shopping in Firestone. I would vote for Broomfield: Boulder Valley Schools, a sense of community, huge mall (Flatiron Crossing), easier access than the above to Denver and not too far from Boulder. Just my opinion.

[FromBroomfield]

I've lived in Broomfield for the past 10 years, and I would definately suggest it. Don't know or care that much about the schools, but there's Flatirons Mall, and there's a new Events Center for a minor league Hockey and Basketball teams, if you enjoy that. Anywhere along Highway 36 is good, because it gives easy access to both Denver and Boulder. Also, there's the Northwest Parkway/E470 which makes it only a 30 minute drive to DIA. However, if you like something more rural, then Firestone might be good too. Not much shopping up there besides a Safeway and King Soopers, but it's not too far to Brighton. However, this would be a longer drive to Boulder. Longmont would definately be more expensive, but it's a much larger town. Erie wouldn't be too bad. It's a pretty small town, but they're expanding.