Need advice relocating to 1BR apt in South Denver (Highlands Ranch: apartments, rent)

[jazzbar30]

I'm relocating to South Denver (from NJ) in about a month and will be moving to an apt in South Denver commutable to Lone Tree. Any thoughts or suggestions? I was checking out Palamino Park which seemed really nice. Mixed reviews. I'd appreciate any help anyone might have to offer. Thanks.

[2bindenver]

What type of community are you looking for? This complex is on the eastern edge of Highlands Ranch and it's very commutable to Lone Tree.

The people I know that live there are happy. Lots of singles, activities, pool, in a decidedly upscale community.

[jazzbar30]

That sounds really great. I'm not into major partying and i like it to be quiet at night. Mostly I just want a nice apt in a pleasant setting that is well maintained. I was reading reviews and some people said the mgmt isn't that great. But not everyone. It looks really beautiful. Do you think with Denver winters it's important to keep your car in a garage as opposed to a driveway.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by jazzbar30

Do you think with Denver winters it's important to keep your car in a garage as opposed to a driveway.

Only if you really hate brushing snow or scraping ice off.

[vegaspilgrim]

Palomino Park is in Douglas County/ Highlands Ranch. When you say "South Denver" people are going to think you're refering to areas in the city like Washington Park, Platt Park, Bonnie Brae, DU, etc.

There are a bunch of new apartments in Parker which would be an easy commute to Lone Tree (along Lincoln) and probably less rent than living in Lone Tree or Greenwood Village. But if you don't mind paying in the mid $800's+ there is a lot of selection right in Lone Tree itself-- a lot right next to the Lincoln light rail station on Park Meadows Dr.

[Willy702]

Where are the $800s on Park Meadows Dr? In that area a 1BR runs closer to $1000 right now. Rents have gone way up (10%+ in many cases) over the summer, maybe they will cool down a bit going forward. I agree with looking around Parker, rents start going down as you move away from the light rail line.

As for reviews, they are generally worthless on the online sites. People who post there are doing it because they have a beef with the place, those who are happy are not going to seek out a place to share their happiness. Even if you find people who are living there they can probably think of one or two things they don't like, that's just life with neighbors next to you.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by Willy702

Where are the $800s on Park Meadows Dr?

That was the "AMLI Park Meadows" complex-- the price they quoted me as of last weekend. The other AMLI complex in Inverness (off Dry Creek) I was told starts in the mid $900s on up. Needless to say, I think that's a waste of money to flush that much $$$$ down the toilet every month on rent. I myself am looking for apartments in the south metro area right now, just happened to check out those places out of curiosity more than anything else, not sure where I'm going to end up.

As for reviews, they are generally worthless on the online sites. People who post there are doing it because they have a beef with the place, those who are happy are not going to seek out a place to share their happiness. Even if you find people who are living there they can probably think of one or two things they don't like, that's just life with neighbors next to you.

Agreed. Apartment reviews are bad EVERYWHERE. I do think it's worth reading though to see if there's common themes, and what the complaints are.

[Willy702]

I looked at that place when I was hunting and then again last month just to see what they are charging now. I think the cheapest I saw was $920 something and it was small. It did seem like a decent enough complex and hard to beat the convenience to light rail and retail, but it just comes at too high a price premium IMO.

[maximusmgm]

Anything near the DTC/Park Meadows is going to start at about 900 give or take. If you want to spend less, consider looking west of Lone Tree off 470 in Centennial/Littleton.