Question about Castle Rock (Castlewood, Craig: crime, how much, houses)

[MMI]

My family and I are considering relocating to Castle Rock and are interested in living in the older part of town in the Gilbert/Lewis street area. One concern is being so close to the train tracks. How much noise is in this area and how is the area as a place to live?

Many thanks for any input...

MMI

[Dan6200alt]

That area has seen a small amount of revitalization. That may actually be giving it too much benefit, though. A handful of home owners have remodeled their homes on the streets you mentioned, but has a long way to go. A couple of years ago I thought this area might really turn into something nice, but it hasn't happened yet.

This last summer, 5th st/86 had a nice bit of masonry and landscaping done and it looks pretty nice and Perry st, a couple blocks west of the streets you mentioned is a pretty nice street thats really adding charm to the downtown area. So there is potential.

If you are planning on buying and fixing up a place and waiting a bit, assuming others do the same, you may have a good plan. As it stands right now, however, Im not all that impressed with that area as far as living there. Not a bad area as far as crime or safety, just nothing special at all. Seems like it should have more charm than it does, but it doesn't.

For some reason, everyone whos interested in CR seems to want suburbia living and end up in the Meadows, Castlewood Ranch/Founders, even Crystal Valley where all the developments are. (Im in Founders)

If you end up here, I'd stay away from the southern end of Gilbert. That area seems to get more and more run down. If Castle Rock has a ghetto, this is it. Still not unsafe, but when I take a short cut thru here, I always think theres gotta be some meth houses around there.

The train track, btw, is right there, so it might be a problem. Its pretty frequent. But I cant really tell you how it effects living there, though.

[formercalifornian]

Don't underestimate the noise in downtown Castle Rock. More than 20 northbound coal trains a day go through the town, and they are required to sound their whistles at every grade crossing. There are three grade crossings in less than a mile, making for 45 seconds of whistles at a time. The trains go through at all hours of the day and night.

My husband and I go to church in that area, and every Sunday, the homily comes to a stop as we wait for the noise to subside. I love downtown Castle Rock, and I adore the Craig & Gould area, but the trains would be too much for me. I suggest you spend the day in town and see for yourself if the noise is bothersome. There are several nice restaurants and shops to peruse while you consider your options.

[MMI]

Thanks so much for the info, Dan6200alt and formercalifornian! I think we do need to spend more time in Castle Rock to figure out just where we want to live. We love the town and are pretty sure that we want to end up in that area, but we need to do more research.

Thanks again!
MMI