Just tell me where to live (Denver, Fort Collins: real estate, 2013, rentals)

[terapin]

I lived in Colorado 30yrs ago, and would like to relocate back there. Going to make this as short as possible with as much information as I can give. I know a lot has changed, thats why Im asking.

I am/have

single male semi retired. (49 y/o) Presently able to transfer pretty much anywhere with my present job.
Annual take home income around 65k
Have around 45k to put down for a new house
Do not care about school districts.



What Im looking for.

Somewhere with some sort of night life, and at least a chance of dating.
a small house 2bdrm is fine. or town house. under 200k would prefer 150s but Im realistic.
shopping close by especially larger super markets (king soopers Wall-mart etc)
not in a bedroom community so I guess in or very close to a city.
lower taxes or Hoa fees.
I do not mind college kids or soldiers getting wild on a weekend night. Hell I was that age a couple of years ago.


I was looking at Fort Collins old town area but, from looking at the real estate I do not think I could afford much more than a fixer-upper which I would prefer not to play with. but Im not really sure.

Any specific suggestions would really help me out. I plan on coming out in February for 2 weeks to look around. Until then Google earth has become my new best friend.

Thanks so much for any help you can give me, and Merry Christmas

[Mike from back east]

I recommend Denver metro area, closer in areas, near light rail.

Lots to choose from, perhaps start with Arvada or Berkeley or Highland (NOT Highlands Ranch).

Suggest rent a year to learn many areas here, but rentals are tight now; look at padmapper.com or realtor.com

Not a lot in the $150k-$200k range, but it can be done.

Boulder is way too pricey, Golden may be too far out.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by terapin

some sort of night life, and at least a chance of dating.
a small house 2bdrm is fine. or town house. under 200k would prefer 150s

Very difficult.
Even Berkeley (where I live) is more than that and $250K means a fixer.

Wheat Ridge. An easy drive down 38th Ave to Highland and greater LoDo. (Also, a very easy bus ride to downtown.)
Examples
4025 Nelson St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 - Zillow
6705 W 45th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 - Zillow (11000 sqft lot)
4140 Marshall St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 - Zillow
4326 Chase St, Denver, CO 80212 - Zillow

Between 32nd and 44th and west of Sheridan is the most convenient.
King Soopers and a (coming in January 2013) Super Walmart (in scenic Lakeside).
Costco and Home Depot are less than 3 miles away.

Taxes on a $200K house are going to be around $1000/yr.
$150K is going to be very difficult. Prices in greater Denver are way above that. dept of numbers.com/asking-prices/colorado/denver/ (no link per City-Data rules)

If you are willing to consider Wheat Ridge, then do these:
1. Park your car at 41st and Sheridan and walk west to (almost) Wadsworth.
2. Park your car at 35th and Sheridan and do the same.
I think you will pleasantly surprised. I was.

[julian17033]

How about a simple 170 mile drive east to Burlington because that's just about what it's going to take to fit you into that 150K to 200K range.

[threetravelingblondes]

What is it about CO that makes you want to return? That might help with some ideas....But there are some places to score a 100k house that are nearby things like a King Soopers, but you might be sacrificing other things by living in the location, dig?