Need suggestion on areas (Denver, Colorado Springs: low crime, house, good schools)

[OutOfSoCal]

We are moving to Denver area next summer. I think I have good idea but can always use some local input.

Looking at Castle Rock, Elizabeth or Parker. If you have any better ideas we are open to them.

What we are looking for...........

Great schools, low crime, not alot of traffic, away from the heavy snow,some land(1-5 acres) newer house (no more than 12yrs). A great small community feel is important. tired of SO Cal anb the urban sprawl and crappy attitude of most everyone here

I will more than likely be working at the new stadium in Commerce City. Wife will stay at home. Kids will be 14 and 7 next summer. We are looking to be out early next summer.

[2bindenver]

I'd look north. Driving from Elizabeth to Commerce City would be a major PITA.

There are nice size lots north of Commerce City

[Charles]

Originally Posted by OutOfSoCal

We are moving to Denver area next summer. I think I have good idea but can always use some local input.

Looking at Castle Rock, Elizabeth or Parker. If you have any better ideas we are open to them.

What we are looking for...........

Great schools, low crime, not alot of traffic, away from the heavy snow,some land(1-5 acres) newer house (no more than 12yrs). A great small community feel is important. tired of SO Cal anb the urban sprawl and crappy attitude of most everyone here

I will more than likely be working at the new stadium in Commerce City. Wife will stay at home. Kids will be 14 and 7 next summer. We are looking to be out early next summer.

Don't know Elizabeth.

Parker and Castle Rock are solid, well governed places to live. Parker and its environs (versus Castle Rock) may better meet your acreage requirements. Parker has a real horse country feel to it. Both have lots of homes in your age requirements.

I would feel comfortable in either town; I have three (4 in 10/2007) small kids. I live near Monument and the entire region between Denver and Colorado Springs is outstanding. You just can't go wrong. It isn't cheap though.

I can't imagine you'd be unhappy in either place.

The only thing that opened my eyes is that your drive from Castle Rock would be a bit south of your job in Commerce City. Your drive is looking like 50 minutes. This could be a little worse at rush hour.

Parker would be about ten or so miles closer - maybe 30-40 minutes.

[sunsprit]

With today's traffic density in Denver, I wouldn't choose anyplace where the commute to Commerce City required driving I-25 or I-70 during rush hour, especially having to go across central Denver to get to work.

I'd be looking on the North side of Denver along the Hwy 85 corridor. There's some smaller communities there that are still reasonably rural in character with acreage, good schools, and access to recreation.

[Fiklepikle]

Parker is crazy congested too during rush hour - it's a great city but traffic is a nightmare. keep that in mind!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Fiklepikle

Parker is crazy congested too during rush hour - it's a great city but traffic is a nightmare. keep that in mind!

"Nightmare" is way too strong a word. Between 5 and 6 PM sure there are lots of cars on 83 at the major intersections. I've driven through there on the way back from DEN to Monument, but I'm from LA so to me Parker traffic is nothing.

[Wyomiles]

Parker is growing so traffic will get worse before it gets better and schools are getting crowded, already using trailers for classes.. You would be better off looking north as has already been said.