Evergreen Colorado Info (Denver, Lakewood, Boulder: home, elementary schools, living in)

[Wag]

First time poster, hello everyone.

My wife and daughter and I are looking to relocate to the surrounding Denver metro area. We like alot of things that the Denver area provides, but do not want to live in an urban setting, more specifically we'd like a more rural, private, though NOT isolated life. As a result, we'd like to be close (within 30 minutes) but not IN city proper.

We have traveled up into the foothills and the surrounding area, looking at Morrison, Evergreen, and the areas outside Golden and Boulder. We found that we liked Evergreen, mostly the areas from the downtown of Evergreen north to I-70 (Evergreen, Bergen Park, El Rancho, Genesee, etc). We liked the access to I-70 and proximity to Golden, Lakewood, on into Denver.

I haven't seen much mention of Evergreen on these boards, so I thought I would post a new thread. Does anyone have more information about the town? Specifically I am thinking in terms of winter weather, schools (I looked at the colorado edu site previously mentioned in another thread and saw that most of the schools rated Good and Excellent, but in practical terms, are they really good?), crime, everyday life, etc. Just basically anything anyone might have of interest.

Conifer, Pine, and those areas south of Evergreen seem a little too isolated, though since we didn't travel down that way, I don't know if that is true. Anyone have any information on those areas? Thanks in advance.

[oceankidz]

I am interested in hearing a response to your post as Evergreen is on our list as we look for acreage that is not too far from city amentities but far enough to enjoy the open space!

[BlueWillowPlate]

Evergreen is a lovely place. Jefferson County schools are good.
Property there is not cheap.
There is Indian Hills, too.
In terms of weather, well, it's the mountains, and it does snow in fall, winter, spring. Commuting to work could, on occasion, take awhile.
OTOH
During the summer, it's nice and cool up there while Denver swelters.

[idahomama]

We lived in South Evergreen for about 5 years, moving two years ago. We chose the south area because we really hated the I-70 commute, mainly in the winter. Things can get pretty slick around the Evergreen exit and frequently there would be an accident that would cause chaos. We commuted to Denver on Highway 74, down through Morrison to 6th ave. Some people don't like the road because it is curvy but the commute was easier and as long as you watch your speed the winter driving isn't too bad. Our kids were not yet in school but from friends we had always heard good things regarding the elementary schools, although I heard more negative reports regarding the high school. With most poeple commuting to Denver, Evergreen doesn't a have a great idependant small town feel but the beauty and solitude made it worth it to us. We miss the visiting elk, the foxes, a few bear, and the beautiful blue skies!

[slj]

Hello, We are also looking to move to Evergreen. I think it's a wonderful place and absolutely gorgeous. It is pricey but worth every penny. The quaint downtown and the open spaces for hiking. Evergreen Meadows, Hiwan, and Bergen Park are a few really good communities. We can't wait to get there. Our move is scheduled for sometime in January. Good luck with your search!

[timberdude52]

Originally Posted by oceankidz

I am interested in hearing a response to your post as Evergreen is on our list as we look for acreage that is not too far from city amentities but far enough to enjoy the open space!

I lived in Evergreen in Upper Bear Creek for 6 years,, I loved it!! The town has a Currier and Ives like wintertime effect.
Musicfestivals all summer at the lake. A great little rodeo. great night life stops like the Little Bear and Rib Crib,but it also has great food also. A ski area on the road to Mt. Evan 5 miles fromn town (just opend last year) and Arts festival jazz festival. and it is peacefull .
I would run into friend everyday there and I am in Florida now and nvever have that I miss it. I is easy to meet new people there. I have been in Fl. for a year and had enough!! I'm going back to Evergreen...

[McGowdog]

I lived near Maxwell Falls in Conifer. It was kind of Isolated and they get pounded with snow.

I lived in Evergreen for a year. I could have bought a cabin about 5 1/2 miles up Upper Bear Creek road for 160K! I think it goes for about 800K now! That part of Evergreen didn't get the snow that Conifer got, but that might have been that particular winter.

Indian Hills and Parmalee Gultch area was really nice back then. But when you go to commute into Denver the California like traffic was hectic. You'd be better off commuting into Denver via 285 than Hwy 6. The greater Denver metro area has changed a lot since 1999.

If you're rich, it's the place to be. If you're not, maybe look at the western slope, but stay away from Aspen for the same reasons above. Those mountain towns are just too touristy for me.

[BenWolfe]

When we first moved to Colorado we lived in Baily, but the first winter of commuting down 285 told us that it was not a very good fit. We moved to Larkspur, the Perry Park area in particular because it still has a mountain feel with interesting topography, pine trees and large lots (1 - 5 acres) and the roads are better maintained. We still like the Evergreen/Conifer area and go there to visit, but we don't want to live there.

[timberdude52]

Originally Posted by McGowdog

I lived near Maxwell Falls in Conifer. It was kind of Isolated and they get pounded with snow.

I lived in Evergreen for a year. I could have bought a cabin about 5 1/2 miles up Upper Bear Creek road for 160K! I think it goes for about 800K now! That part of Evergreen didn't get the snow that Conifer got, but that might have been that particular winter.

Indian Hills and Parmalee Gultch area was really nice back then. But when you go to commute into Denver the California like traffic was hectic. You'd be better off commuting into Denver via 285 than Hwy 6. The greater Denver metro area has changed a lot since 1999.

If you're rich, it's the place to be. If you're not, maybe look at the western slope, but stay away from Aspen for the same reasons above. Those mountain towns are just too touristy for me.

hey Mcgowdog-- I bought a cabin behind the upper bear fire house, if you could call it that in 1997 for $98k and sold it in Nov. of 05 after some remodeling for $200k. The market is panning out there now and home cost are going down, land is still pricey. I do miss the area and after living in other parts of Co. Evergreen worked out real well. Its not for everyone but it is not hard to fall into the lifestyle and meet great people. By the way Maxwell falls is a really nice hike ah!

[High Altitude]

I currently live in Evergreen. I relocated from Southern California. Evergreen has it all with very few compromises. You get that mountain living feeling but are close enough to commute down the hill to Denver. You get snow but it is very mild and they do a great job of plowing all the roads. Evergreen is small enough to have a very nice family community with lots of events going on, but big enough to have all the emenities. Public schools are great and my kids went to private schools in California, I am very satisfied with the public schools here in Evergreen. Lots of local places to enjoy the outdoors. Within 5-10 min. I can be hiking, fishing, ice skating or playing hockey at the lake, etc..... skiing is pretty close also.

It can be pricey to live here but that is because it is a desirable place to live for a lot of people. There is a very wide range of housing costs, something for everyone, but you will get more home for your money down the hill.