Monument (Denver, Colorado Springs, Black Forest: 2009, rent, houses)

[Bexxer]

I have narrowed my search for a place to live down to the Monument area. Needs to be within commuting distance to the Air Force Academy. Not bothered about being close to shops etc, but hiking trails and parks to walk the dogs (off lead) are a must.

We are looking at properties with one acre or more (ideally more!). Have found some nice properties on ReMax and Realtor websites.

I am from the UK and my husband although an american has never owned property before.

Can anyone give any tips or advice on what to watch out for when looking at properties on the web such as is propane heating ok or central air better?

Also looking at Black Forest area but is it too far to commute? Was originally looking at Manitou but maybe being a stones throw from Denver is better location (and better investment) plus its really hard to find property with decent sized gardens in Manitou for a reasonable price. Not keen on Crystal Hills due to too many rules as far as I can see.
I really like the sound of the feel of Manitou (if that makes sense!), I guess if the right property came up it may still be the favourite!

Anyway, finally I serious about looking as the posting is due to happen in Feb 2009 which isn't far away now, thanks for reading my ramblings, can't wait to discover Colorado!

[lalahartma]

Black forest is not too far to commute, but the Monument, Palmer Lake area is much better for hiking, off leash dogs.

BUT....There is a very good chance that gas drilling will seriously disfigure the area around Monument.

Please research and investigate before buying! Great area, though for people dogs and horses. I lived there for two years, very close to Mount Herman.

Aghast at the gas : Neighbors fear impacts of drilling near Monument : Local News : Local News : Colorado Springs Independent : Colorado Springs

Potential impacts from gas drilling in Tri-Lakes > Around Town > Stories > Tri-Lakes > YourHub.com

Pictures around Mt Herman running the dog.

[Bexxer]

Thanks, have picked up on a few threads about this gas situ, will check out your links. I have a heap of work to do to get a good buyer agent, someone on my side and not that of the seller. Think I'll be up late researching one! Anyone with advice or recommendations please let me know. Thanks in advance. Maybe we can get a good bargain if this gas situ will affect the prices?

[lalahartma]

Originally Posted by Bexxer

Maybe we can get a good bargain if this gas situ will affect the prices?

I thought the same fo myself. Also Alot of new constructin in the area so ALOT of properties on the market in the area, property values/home prices dropping. You may be able to get a good deal...the only question: resale.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Bexxer

Can anyone give any tips or advice on what to watch out for when looking at properties on the web such as is propane heating ok or central air better?

Some communities in the Monument area do not have fire hydrants.

The Monument area averages about 100 inches of snow per year; 2006-2007 had over 200 inches of snow.

Snow drifts can be a problem for homes not protected by trees.

The weather in Monument can be quite different from Colorado Springs: generally harsher, more snow, more wind, raw.

Unless you have some sort of allergy type problem, you do not need air conditioning. It usually isn't warmer than the mid 80s in summer and since it is very dry and breezy it never feels too hot.

North facing driveways or other surfaces can get lots of accumulated ice.

Dogs are required to be on a leash on the Santa Fe Trail, the Palmer Lake reservoirs, and the City of Colorado Springs.

[vfrpilot]

Why don't you rent for a while? There is so much you will learn after living here for a year, especially winter. Plus every neighborhood has a different feel and you can only get this from living in the area for a while and being able to take your time to check out different spots. The Monument area is beautiful, but like Charles said, winters are more severe than COS or Denver. It is close to the USAFA and one of the reasons we bought in Monument. Good luck with your move.

[PokerMunkee]

Joy Eisenheim is a realtor I highly recommend! She lives in Monument too. Very nice person who was extremely helpful when we were checking out houses back in February.
[mod cut]

MikeFromBackEast recommended her to us.

[Bexxer]

Thanks to all, I have started my searching, As well as some great houses I have come across a few land plots, can anyone recommend a house builder or even a website to work out the cost of building a custom house. I heard about $100 a sq ft but thats sounds vague.
I would also be interested in someone who can build us something rather special, very contemporary, not huge (roughly 3000 sq ft) but with a lot of natural light and perhaps even solar panels (the cost of utility bills is going up up up).

[Fullback32]

Originally Posted by Bexxer

I I really like the sound of the feel of Manitou (if that makes sense!), I guess if the right property came up it may still be the favourite!

Manitou Springs would be the closest thing to Bury St Edmunds around these parts. I lived out in the Fens (Littleport near Ely), but used to make my way to Bury quite a bit.

[Bexxer]

I had a feeling manitou would be about as close as I could get to an english style community but its just so pricey and not much on market. I guess that says it all. I will be viewing a few places there and figure I can always visit the place, its not too far from Monument if thats where I end up.