Douglas Co. or Elbert Co? Which good for schools? (Parker: estate, house)

[CAMom]

We're considering the Parker area and don't know which to look at for good schools? We are coming from So. California so compared to where we are anything would be better. I understand Elbert is more spacious with their home lots vs. douglas being closer neighborhoods. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Our son is under 2 so I have to keep that in mind since things change overnight. We'd like to know what's happened over a 5 year or more period, gone down or turning into the top school?

thank you!

[gpraceman]

Elbert County is more rural, if that is what you are looking for. You can still find homes with large lots, or buy some land and build a home within Douglas County. It is the newer developments where the builders are cramming in as many homes as they can (or the planning commission will let them).

I know nothing about schools in Elbert County, but DC schools are highly rated. DC has seen a lot of growth over the last 20 years or so, but still the schools have managed to rate highly. I think in the future they will be able keep up.

[BenWolfe]

On average Douglas County Schools are better. If you are able to narrow it down to neighborhoods you may want to pull up each school on www.greatschools.net (hopefully the link will not be deleted).

You can find numerous neighborhoods with larger lots in Douglas County, but it will typically cost more than a comparable house in Elbert County. Many areas of Elbert County are much more rural, dirt roads, larger (35 acre +) agricultural properties, a considerable drive to the grocery store, etc.).

On average both areas are growing as the city sprawls and people want a little more elbow room. It is hard to say with any certainty what either area will look like in 5 years, but I would expect both areas to continue to grow and I would expect to see several of the very large parcels sold off to developers. If you want to maintain a rural feel indefinitely I would look for an established neighborhood with covenants that prohibit subdivision of the lots.

How large of a lot are you looking for? What price range are you comfortable with? With a little more information I may be able to suggest specific neighborhoods.

[CAMom]

My in-laws were out there this last week and decided on Deer Creek Estates and signed the bottom line. They are on 5 acres, which is too much for me. We have a small child and hope to have more, I'd like to watch him walk down the street to a friends house. However, here were were live we're on a lot that's that 6500 sq ft with a 1700 square foot house and detached garage. We have a nice backyard with privacy but it's too close for our taste. We've looked in neighboorhoods west of Jordan, South of Mainstreet and East of S. parker Road at Hill Top. We've done an enormous amout of research for the Douglas Co. area of Parker but now with the prospect of Elbert Co. we'd like to start researching that area. We would prefer the Deer Creek Farms which has smaller acreage.

I reviewed Greatschools.com for the schools near the Deer Creek Farms homes and they are so, so. I also checked out on the website the schools in the areas we've looked at in Douglas Co. My gut tells me all are going to be better than what we're seeing happen here where we live. Plus, not knowing the people directly giving their opinion we need to take it with a grain of salt. But, I'm still interested in hearing what people have to say.

Thank you for taking the time to help us!

[2bindenver]

Are you looking at new or resale? Which communities did you look at? What did you like? What didn't you like? What are you expecting to pay? How soon will you land here? Define private? A 6 foot fence? or backs to open space?

What is important to you? Folks buy into community first, are you looking for suburban type communities or more rural?

[BenWolfe]

Deer Creek Ranch Estates is a very good choice, nice homes in a growing area. Four properties are currently on the market in Deer Creek Farms all on 1.5 Acres. Prices range from $367,900 to $475,000. What would you like to know about the area?

-Ben-