Moving to Castle Rock in June 07 (Castle Pines, Mead: house, neighborhoods, college)

[frommitodenver]

We're relocating from MI to Castle Rock in June of 07. We have 4 kids moving with us (our oldest graduates this May and is going to college in MI). We found a house in the Meadows since my 16 yr old wants to attend Castle View.

I'd love any thoughts, advice info on the area. Especially from those who live there - specifics on places to shop, go, dinner, athletics, kids sports etc.

Also are there any groups that you belong to - not religious - just social groups.

Thanks - Laura

ps - see you in CO in June!!

[formercalifornian]

First things first...

* Get a library card for the Miller library. You'll find it in a shopping center at the south end of town. They have lots of programs for kids.

* Join the rec center. My kids love the indoor leisure pool, which has a couple of nice slides along with an area for the young ones with a cool climbing structure.

Feel free to get in touch with me via PM for more specifics.

Welcome to Colorado!

[Micktooth]

You will love the area. I don't know if your family or kids will be attending U of M, but we have a great active U of M alumni association here. Let me know if you are interested. Welcome!

[formercalifornian]

I think I assumed you had younger kids. Oops! I should read posts more thoroughly before responding. Nonetheless, I still think the rec center is great and worthwhile for your family to join. In fact, your older kids might like it more than my young ones. And, if any of your kids are skateboarders, the north section of town has an outdoor skatepark.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that Castle Rock has a free shuttle that runs into downtown from all the outlying neighborhoods. It's a good way to get around for teenagers who don't have access to a car. I use it occasionally, too, if I'm not pressed for time.

I assume you already know about the Outlet Mall, but downtown has lots of cute shops and restaurants. Two of our favorites are a Mexican place that serves fish tacos and a French creperie. There's also a nice sushi restaurant in a shopping center north of town.

You'll find all of the major big box chains (Target, Walmart, etc.) on the north end of town. Your closest grocery store is probably the King Soopers off of Founder's Parkway. The Meadows doesn't yet have a grocery, but I hear that it's in the works. There's also a wonderful (and expensive) market called Tony's a short drive up 85 in Castle Pines. The Park Meadows Mall is about a twenty minute drive up I-25.

So, there's a start. Hope your move goes smoothly.