Moving from Tulsa to Highlands Ranch / Littleton (Denver: fit in, HOA)

[just_leaving]

We are thinking about moving to Denver from Tulsa, OK. We have a good job oportunity but before we accept it we wanted to find out more about Littleton / Highlands Ranch area.
We are a family from former Yugoslavia. We moved to US in our early 20s about 15 years ago and we love Americal way of life. The main reason we want to leave Tulsa, is the evangelicals in the area and overall intolerance towards anybody different. Other than the fact that we speak with an accent, we're just a typical white suburban family with 2 kids (into t-ball, soccer, and all other kids activities). Here in OK it is extremely difficult to meet people who are open to associating with anyone who does not belong to their evangelical church. Prior to moving here we lived in Phoenix suburbs and we had no idea that this kind of intolerance existed. Even though we look and act just like everyone else arround us, as soon as we start talking with an accent they act standoffish. They don't even want their kids to associate with our kids because they don't think we have the same kinds of "values" as they do. It is almost impossible to find any activities that are not in some way church related. Even if you find something that is not church sponsored, as soon as you start talking to people, conversation turns to church and nothing else. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against people going to church, but here there is nothing but church. We believe in God, but we are just tired of being judged for not spending every minute of our life in and around church.
Our jobs here are great, and we tried to make it work as much as we could, but we've come to the point where we just want to leave.
How do you think we will fit in into Highlands Ranch/Littleton area? We just want us and our kids to be accepted, and to expose our kids to different things and not only one kind of thinking.
Thanks for your replies.

[mczabe]

Come to HR!!! We would welcome you and your family with open arms.

I'm not promising that you'll find many fellow Yugoslavians. But as I've said here before, while not very (or nearly at all) diverse, HR is very welcoming and accepting of diversity. You will not face any social problems based on your country of origin or your religious affiliation (or lack there of).

[thealansanders]

I think you will fit in anywhere in the Denver area, don't limit yourself. With the city as spread out as it is you want to try and live on the side of town closest to work.

Also, as a non-native English speaker your writing is impressive. I apologize for the way the people of Tulsa have treated you, I have spent time in that town and understand your frustrations. I can guarantee your experience in Denver will not be the same.

[Davros]

South Suburban Parks & Recreation has great sports for kids. You'll forget there's a such thing as the YMCA.

Consider Centennial as well. I'm not sure, but I kind of get the feeling that there is a little more diversity in Centennial than in Littleton/Highlands Ranch. I may be way off, but that's just my feeling. Anyway, both of the other posters assured you Highlands Ranch / Littleton will be more welcoming than Tulsa, and I'm sure they're right. If the jobs are good offers, and your kids aren't happy in their current schools, it doesn't sound like you have anything to lose by accepting the job offer.

Good luck with your new job.

[LAFrench]

If I had the chance to move to the Denver, CO area with job already lined up, I would be half way there now.
Go for it!! Good luck!!

[WiW]

I had a similar question & am comfortable now that people in the Denver area are not overly focused on church or religion
Religion and socializing

[just_leaving]

Thank you for your kind responses. We visited Denver a few times and we really like it. We just wanted to make sure that it was nothing like Oklahoma as far as people are concerned.

[El Dudero]

Originally Posted by just_leaving

Thank you for your kind responses. We visited Denver a few times and we really like it. We just wanted to make sure that it was nothing like Oklahoma as far as people are concerned.

You'll be fine, Denver is one of the most laid back big cities in the country.

Currently trying to move back there ASAP.

[Kibbiekat]

Having come from California, Highlands Ranch seems very conservative to me, but coming from the bible belt like you are, it may seem less conservative. There are people here from all over. The recreation opportunities seem never-ending. There are 4 rec centers, each with a gym and indoor and outdoor pools. Lots are small but there are parks and open space everywhere. Littleton is less cookie-cutter. Housing options vary more, but I'm not sure how recreation opportunities compare. I think there are advantages to both HR and Littleton, and disadvantages to both. We're quite happy here. If you already have a job lined up I say go for it!

[koczki]

Hello Jugoslavians !,We're also refugies from former kommunist country of Poland and we understand you completely.Stiil have accent but nobady pay attantion when we talk.We have no kids and never had any bad sytuation like you about religion.If you're muslim and dress like muslim that is diference story,but if not we welkome visit us and we show you around Highlands Ranch vicinity.Here is very good shool distruct,very low crime,people very friendly.
Highlands Ranch have many parks,activities and community centers with heated swimming pools.Is 43 000 homes with HOA avarage $500.00/year.Our email address;koczki@comcast.net

Come over,Highlands Ranch welkome good people.
Good school district and friendly neighbours.
Can visit us if you like.

Cammon over,Highlands Ranch can tread you right.
May visit us,keep in tuch, sincerely Wandafred