Littleton/Broomfield/Arvada...? (Denver, Colorado Springs, Westminster: how much, house, neighborhoods)

[fotomakr]

I'm relocating with my two daughters to the Denver area this summer. I am a single dad and not a millionaire. We're moving from the L.A. area. I'm looking for outstanding schools, a little lower cost of living than L.A. & maybe a little more "down-to-earth" perspective...

So far, it seems like Littleton, Broomfield and Arvada might be a good fit. Any thoughts on these? Any additional suggestions?

I have heard Littleton is more racially diverse, and I like that. I haven't heard much about how conservative these areas are -- I am moderate-left. I'm also a portrait photographer, so an area with a lot of families who have disposable income would be ideal!

It's quite a list -- maybe looking for a place that doesn't exist... LOL

[Micktooth]

My family and I moved last year to Louisville in Boulder County. It is next to Broomfield. It was recently named one of the best places in the country to raise a family. We are very happy with the Boulder Valley Schools, one of our kids is in special ed and she is getting good services. Our neighbors are great, we've made so many new friends. I would highly recommend this area if you are interested. BTW, I just realized that I said the same thing to you in another post...Oh well, I guess we really do love it here!

[2bindenver]

I would say Arvada, since it is older doesn't have the same number of "families" as the newer areas of Broomfield and Littleton (are we talking Littleton in general or Littleton the city?)

The southern suburbs are considered by many to be more affluent.

[fotomakr]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

I would say Arvada, since it is older doesn't have the same number of "families" as the newer areas of Broomfield and Littleton (are we talking Littleton in general or Littleton the city?)

The southern suburbs are considered by many to be more affluent.

I was thinking of Littleton in general -- I know it's a pretty big area...

But about Arvada -- I'm not quite following you. Are you saying there are not as many families, and therefore it would be MORE desireable? Or by "families" (in quotes) do you mean it's more clique-ish...? :-)

[fotomakr]

Originally Posted by Micktooth

My family and I moved last year to Louisville in Boulder County. It is next to Broomfield. It was recently named one of the best places in the country to raise a family. We are very happy with the Boulder Valley Schools, one of our kids is in special ed and she is getting good services. Our neighbors are great, we've made so many new friends. I would highly recommend this area if you are interested. BTW, I just realized that I said the same thing to you in another post...Oh well, I guess we really do love it here!

Must be a REALLY nice place! :-)

[Hilary333]

I just happened on this forum and saw your post.

I live in Old Littleton and LOVE it. We've lived here just over 3 years now having moved here from Thornton. We also lived in Arvada, which we did like as well. Depending on the size of house you want, you can find smallish 2 to 3 bedroom homes from the upper 100K to larger homes in the 300K to 400K range. For a nice, 3 bd, 2 ba home on 0.25 acres, you can expect to pay about 200K to 300K depending on the area, garage, updating, etc.

The older portions of Littleton are populated by mostly retired people, but that makes for quiet, well cared-for homes and neighborhoods. Most of the homes are brick ranches from the 50s to 70s on large lots, usually up to about 0.25 acres. The trees are large and plentiful and the neighborhoods look nice as you drive through. The homes on the south side of Ridge Road are particularly nice and large and sit on larger lots than those on the north side of Ridge Road.

We live just off of Ridge Road, and a short walk takes us to a large system of paved and unpaved trails (over one hundred miles of trails), which can lead you to Chatfield Reservoir, the Platte River trail system, and Cherry Creek Reservoir. These trails are utilized by runners, walkers, mountain bikers, road bikers, in-line skaters, etc. This has to be one of the best features of living where we do. Not to mention the large amount of parks, particularly Ketring Park, which has a small lake and contains a living history museum. They have a wonderful pumpkin patch and an Art and Crafts Fair in the Fall.

We have children that are within walking distance of one of the Elementary schools (which are all pretty small), with both the middle and high schools within a mile of our house. The schools are always rated pretty highly. Not as high as Cherry Creek, perhaps, but still very good. We are happy with them.

We are close to pretty much any amenity we need and Park Meadows Mall is no more than about a 15-20 minute drive. However, if you work north of about 6th Avenue, the commute can be fairly long.

As for politics, Colorado in general is pretty conservative with the notable exception of the Boulder area, however, I've not encountered any problems in Littleton and I'm about as far left as you can get.

[fotomakr]

Originally Posted by Hilary333

I just happened on this forum and saw your post. I live in Old Littleton and LOVE it. We've lived here just over 3 years now having moved here from....

I thought I had responded to your post, but I guess I didn't. Littleton seems to offer A LOT, I'm very impressed with it. I look forward to seeing it in person when I'm in Denver on business mid-May. Thank you for the reply.

[Rawlings]

The cities you picked out are some of the most conservative places in and around the metro area. They are also fairly expensive.

That said, compared to LA they you can find a 3 bed/2 bath, 2000 square foot home in those areas for somewhere between 200 and 300 K.

You also have to realize that the suburbs IS Colorado. I think at least 50% of Colorado's population actually lives in the suburban areas. They are pretty conservative, pretty affluent, and great places to live.

You may want to consider, however, the city of Denver. I don't know how much more affordable it will be--but it's more politically to your liking.

Nevertheless, if you can grin and bear the conservative politics and high prices, you'll love Littleton. It's a lovely little suburb, close to the hills, and great for families.

[fotomakr]

Originally Posted by Rawlings

The cities you picked out are some of the most conservative places in and around the metro area. They are also fairly expensive.

That said, compared to LA they you can find a 3 bed/2 bath, 2000 square foot home in those areas for somewhere between 200 and 300 K.

You also have to realize that the suburbs IS Colorado. I think at least 50% of Colorado's population actually lives in the suburban areas. They are pretty conservative, pretty affluent, and great places to live.

You may want to consider, however, the city of Denver. I don't know how much more affordable it will be--but it's more politically to your liking.

Nevertheless, if you can grin and bear the conservative politics and high prices, you'll love Littleton. It's a lovely little suburb, close to the hills, and great for families.

Maybe a little bit of Mayberry...? Sounds like the place I'm moving from. lol Thank you for the insight on that...

[imrwklein]

I also am planning to relocate from Pensacola Fl. to a north Denver suburb, probably Arvada or Westminster. Summer heat & humidity in Florida makes me wringing wet, and I just can't breathe anymore. The bugs rule as well. But another thing that really "bugs" me in Pensacola is the 75% or more republican right-wing self rightious religious people who make it very uncomfortable for anyone who doesn't believe exactly what they do.

The political landscape in Pensacola seems very close to Colorado Springs, and I would prefer a less-conservative area, thinking closer to Denver & Boulder might be ok. My other choice is Seattle, (my first choice, but Denver is her first choice), but my wife strongly thinks the long gloom & wetness would be worst than the long cold & snow. I have heard that Colorado has other issues such as bad summer storms with hail & tornados, and the land tends to be "mushy".


I am tired of Florida's thick humid air, plus the bugs- fireants, millipedes, centipedes, American cockroaches, brown Recluse & Black Widow spiders, pine-tree scorpians, spittle bugs, and termites. There's GOT to be a better place than Pensacola! Maybe someone has some input.