Moving to Colorado

[gpraceman]

Originally Posted by Nadine

IMO, it would be better, no matter where he gets a job or whether or not you get your present home sold quickly. To rent a small place whether apt. or house that allows for short time leasing, if possible and take time getting acquainted with the area, schools, etc and areas within commuting distance.

Not to mention that with many houses taking months to sell, the chances of carrying two mortgages for a prolonged period can put people into big financial trouble. As Nadine recommends, it is better to sell first and then rent, if need be. Better having multiple moves than carrying two mortgages.

[TracyR]

Originally Posted by Skytripper

You may have a hard time finding something in the price range you stated but it is possible.....especially if you don't mind looking for an older or smaller home out in the country....southeast of the Denver-metro area, possibly.
Don't know exactly what part of the region your husband will be working but if he does not mind a commute that could take closer to an hour +...you might want to look for something.....out around Elizabeth or even Kiowa in Elbert County.....assuming work would be in the Tech. Center or Aurora.
Or....if he will be working at the north end.....consider the Dacono or Fort Lupton areas.
Some nice houses and lots/acreage....out on the eastern plains....EAST of Parker in Arapahoe and northern Elbert counties that may or may not be within your means and commute times.
These areas ARE growing....but not as fast as other areas along the Front Range, and might still have something to offer with a bit more home/lot and peace and quiet.....if you don't mind commuting.
Worth a look, IMO.

ELIZABETH??? KIOWA??? You gotta be kidding me.... Been out here latley? Do you know how expensive things are?? I guess you could live in Kiowa's Fawn Valley, but good luck getting a loan on them because they are HUD built homes...... Median price of homes here are right around $300 more in the new subdivisions which drives the older home prices up. Look at Wilde Point homes $600K + Spring Valley depending on the home builder you are looking at $280 up to 500K. Sky Rim......and Elkhorn closer to 6 to 8K. Cimarron/Pawnee Hills older subdivisions with 5 ac lots, around $320K on average.

[Idunn]

I recently drove through Ft. Lupton, CO, and a word of warning. This area is primarily farm land, which can be attractive, and perhaps also the reason why suburban tract houses are beginning to pop up. At the moment you might like the location and the relatively easy commutes to either Denver or Longmont. Not to mention better value in real estate than in metro areas proper.

However, if trends continue you will witness less and less farm land, more and more houses. The transition may not always be easy. There is a Safeway grocery store in Ft. Lupton but you may find yourself driving to larger metro areas for other shopping, not to mention work. This via narrow rural two-land country roads which are lovely but experiencing increasing traffic. You could probably expect long periods of highway expansion and improvements before long.

As others have suggested, if you're not into stress almost certainly the best solution to rent something initially. No possibility of two mortgages for a possibly long period, and you really will not know exactly where you want to locate in the long term until having the experience. Given your husbands work, he will probably be working in or near either Ft. Collins, Boulder, Denver or Colorado Springs. Each different in a variety of ways, and within an easy commute you will have a range of options.

Initially you may wish to locate in a community such as Longmont. It is more or less centrally located, less expensive than someplace such as Boulder, yet within a reasonable drive to Boulder, Ft. Collins or Denver, not to mention the mountains.

All the best.

[laurbell]

you should check out Louisville, Lafeyette, Longmont are all close to alot of tech jobs but the price range might be iffy, Anything in Boulder County is expensive but possible. You should look into Erie, Firestone or Berthoud. All great small towns that have alot of young families. Especially Erie. Its just outside of Boulder and Longmont. And if you want to check out a great stop in the mtns. Try Estes Park, I love that place!!
I have lived here all my life so any Q"s just let me know! I live in Longmont, about 20 Min. outside of Boulder

[eigram120]

How funny, we are moving back to Florida from Denver. It is lovely here but last winter was a bit much. Anyway much luck and happiness to you. I can't speak about Suburban or rural areas as I live in Stapleton which is almost urban. We love it here though. Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree both nice but not too far out. depends what you are into and how rural you are willing to be.