HELP.. Highlands Ranch vs. Westminster (Denver, Boulder: apartments, foreclosures, houses)

[sumdye]

My fiance and I are moving to the Denver area in a few months and have 2 choices of apartments to move into.. the first one is in Highlands Ranch called "Copper Canyon" (on E. County Line Rd. between University Blvd.& Colorado Blvd.) and the other complex is in Westminster called "Warwick Station" (on Wadsworth & Church Ranch Blvd). Which of these areas is considered "better", meaning less crime? We don't know where we will be working yet, so would like to base our decision on the complex located in a nicer, more crime-free area. I've heard that Highlands Ranch is nice, but don't know if this apartment is located in the "nicer" part of town. Also, I've read questionable comments about the safety of Westminster. Any opinions are welcome, Thanks!

[TinajaCo]

Generally speaking, the southern part of the metro area is thought of as more desirable than the northern metro area. Highlands Ranch is generally thought of as being safer than Westminster, but Westminster encompasses a large area of both older and newer neighborhoods, whereas Highlands Ranch is for the most part newer. That being said, there is not a "bad area" of Highlands Ranch, and the location where you are looking in Westminster is fine, so I think it ultimately comes down to your own personal preferences.

[HockeyFan]

There really is no bad part of Highlands Ranch, the entire community has been developed in the last 25-30 years and there is absolutely no urban decay.

Westminster is also nice -- some of the areas closer into the city used to be kind of rough, don't know if they're still that way, but for the most part, it is also very new and safe. Where you're looking is fine, no concerns.

What is more important to you, I guess.... Highlands Ranch is very modern, it's an area (Park Meadows anyway, which is nearby) that tends to get a lot of restaurant chains, etc., first... but Westminster isn't all that different. Westminster puts you closer to Boulder and some outdoor recreation if that's a big thing, but it's just as easy to head west on I-70 from Highlands Ranch. With T-REX done, getting downtown is a lot easier than it used to be from HR.

HR looks transplanted out of Orange County, CA, except with wood siding instead of stucco. Westminster probably has a more diverse feel in terms of development style. Can't go wrong with either one, though.

[mariewendan]

HIGHLANDS RANCH hands down!

[sumdye]

Is Highlands Ranch very busy, traffic wise? Around where I live now, you pretty much can't drive anywhere between 4:00pm-7:00pm without being standstill and doubling your travel time.

[2bindenver]

Along the highway, yes. I take County Line road if there is a major backup. Or I take Quebec to University to get to the heart of HR.

In the subdivision, not unless there is an accident. Or the road (such as Fairway) is closed for contruction. In the case of Fairway being closed a gas pipe is being fixed.

[mountains]

South of the metro area can been so crowded & cookie cutterish. But it's very popular & I have not heard anything bad unless you want to drive out of the area. Westminster is a big community that is old & new. I feel that it is in a much better location as far as the foothills, Rocky Mountain National Park, the ski areas, Boulder & Denver. (I have lived in various communities around here for the last 7 years.) Westminster is a very typical suburb & my husband had a hard time with the 'burbs of any kind. There's lots of shopping & the rec center is great. I really loved all the open space & trails around Westminster & I believed I looked at Warwick Station & there's open space across the street. but I could be thinking of a different place. Flatiron's mall is 5 min. away & is nicer than the Westminster mall. But since Highlands Ranch is newer, it is also close to shopping. Though they just had a gas main break & evacuated many houses!
Either is a good choice but I prefer to be north of Denver!

[sumdye]

Thanks for all your guys' input... I was curious (because a couple of people had mentioned this..) as far as outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, dog parks, beautiful scenery, etc.) would it be better to live in Westminster (I was wondering if Boulder has better hiking & parks than the Highlands Ranch area)?

[sunsprit]

Boulder has more activity within it's boundaries right on your doorstep than HR.

You will, however, be paying substantially more for it than the other locations you're looking at. And, you get the Boulder atmosphere ... check out the other threads on this site about living there ....

[Meenasemail]

Highlands Ranch has less foreclosures than Westminster if housing is any concern.I am a Realtor!
Try Camden apartment in Highlands Ranch. It is right across from a Rec Center facility.
I live and work here, Its great!