Contemplating move in 1 month (Denver, Lakewood: apartments, rentals, day care)

[reid2112]

Moving to Denver from the deep south. Have several questions for you all. We were in Denver last weekend and looked at several areas. Really liked Golden, Broomfield, Lakewood and parts of Westminster, Louisville and Lafayette. We have two boys one in K and the other in daycare. What are the good schools and is there affordable daycare in these areas? Will be renting for a year or two but would like to rent where we plan to buy. Possible at 1200-1600 month? I will have a job that pays 100-110k per year starting. My wife will be looking to work in a library setting.( anyone know about potential there?) We really loved all of the kids and families all of the outdoors activities and open spaces and all of the museums and sports teams. It just seems really awesome. Before moving to the south we lived in Minneapolis and loved it as well. Denver seems similar to us just not as many long winters. Can you suggest sites for rentals? Schools systems to avoid and even the ease of making new friends. We will know a few people but not too many to start.

[Katarina Witt]

Most of the information you want is on this site. Doing a search for "schools" will give you much information. Any of the locations you are interested in will be fine. School districts in those communities are good. You could probably find a house to rent (at least a townhouse), and most definitely an apt. in your price range. It's been a long time since I used day care, but it wasn't *too* expensive when I used it, and I'd guess that is the situation now. I don't know much about working in libraries. I do know that libraries are taking a hit in the recession, cutting back hours, closing some branches.

[Gr8DenverHomes]

Hello from Littleton CO!

You should be able to find a good selection of 3-4 bedroom homes for rent in the $1200-$1600 price range in the areas you mentioned. Rentometer.com can give you some estimates of rental rates and availabilities, and of course, Craigslist (watch out for the scams though!)

Schools in Jefferson County (west metro Denver) typically rank well (Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, might add Arvada and Littleton), but like most areas, the economy is forcing cut backs.

I think alot will depend on where you will work and what kind of commute you will be confortable with. Traffic along I-25 and I-70 through the metro area can be miserable during peak times and winter conditions - good to keep in mind.

Hope this helps!

Bryan

[j96g]

Hi, coming from the deep south as well, I just love Colorado. The people are nice, the weather is great, much more activities are being done, alot of parks to choose from. Everything will be just fine. These two apartment sites helped me alot to find a place, hopefully they help you. The first one helped more on finding amenities and prices, the second one was more for location, but they work great hand in hand. Enjoy!

My Apartment Map Apartment Rental Search. Map Based Listings of Apartments for Rent

Houses and Apartments for Rent on HotPads

[reid2112]

j96g.What part of the country did you move to Colorado from? We are coming from Birmingham Al. Thank you for the links. I am already starting to use them in my search.

[j96g]

Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

[RBest]

Reading this helped. My wife and I are trying to move from Lafayette, LA at the end of February 2011. We need a place to live before worrying about jobs. My wife is a disabled veteran and doesn't work, but I'd like to work in Logistics, Order management. Anyone have head hunting agency information?

[Ziasforever]

Originally Posted by reid2112

Moving to Denver from the deep south. Have several questions for you all. We were in Denver last weekend and looked at several areas. Really liked Golden, Broomfield, Lakewood and parts of Westminster, Louisville and Lafayette. We have two boys one in K and the other in daycare. What are the good schools and is there affordable daycare in these areas? Will be renting for a year or two but would like to rent where we plan to buy. Possible at 1200-1600 month? I will have a job that pays 100-110k per year starting. My wife will be looking to work in a library setting.( anyone know about potential there?) We really loved all of the kids and families all of the outdoors activities and open spaces and all of the museums and sports teams. It just seems really awesome. Before moving to the south we lived in Minneapolis and loved it as well. Denver seems similar to us just not as many long winters. Can you suggest sites for rentals? Schools systems to avoid and even the ease of making new friends. We will know a few people but not too many to start.

If you're going to make that much money, you should bump up your rental price range about $400 to $600 and get into the Cherry Creek Schools. They're supposed to be some of the best in Denver!