Traffic and Commuting (Denver, Aurora, Lakewood: rent, houses, job market)

[NaomiNick]

I had posted about moving to Stapleton and my husband working in Lakewood. Yeah, it is a long commute to and from.

Well now I've gotten a job in the southern part of Aurora. Originally we were looking at Golden or nearby, but I think a Golden-Aurora commute would kill me.

So where would you suggest? I've looked at Littleton- it's a little hilly and seems to have a few parks and a city-center.

The biggest thing is walkability to a dog-friendly park, but single family home, reasonable rent (under 1300), safe neighborhood (of course).

[Idlewile]

Are schools a concern at all?

[vegaspilgrim]

Uhhh... you could start with southeast Aurora.

[NaomiNick]

Idlewile, I'll be worried about schools in about five years (have a toddler). Now I'm interested in playgroups and park and rec accessibility. Where we live now I can walk my dogs to a park- and then let them offleash. I really like that. I also like that my neighborhood is full of retirees and there's very little street traffic.

So I'm looking for a greener, safe neighborhood that's not too trafficky and is close to a park.

Vegas- my husband has a job in Lakewood off of Colfax and I have a job in the south-er east-er part of Aurora (but still east of 225).

[Maniacaltwist]

Know a fellow in downtown Littleton not too far from the Light Rail - Loves it.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by NaomiNick

Idlewile, I'll be worried about schools in about five years (have a toddler). Now I'm interested in playgroups and park and rec accessibility. Where we live now I can walk my dogs to a park- and then let them offleash. I really like that. I also like that my neighborhood is full of retirees and there's very little street traffic.

So I'm looking for a greener, safe neighborhood that's not too trafficky and is close to a park.

Vegas- my husband has a job in Lakewood off of Colfax and I have a job in the south-er east-er part of Aurora (but still east of 225).

Sorry, I must have skipped the part about the other job being in Lakewood. That would not be fun commuting all the way across town every day. Then again, no matter where you live one or both of you are going to have a very long commute, especially if you want to live in one of the outer suburbs.

[2bindenver]

One of you needs a different job. Why on earth did you accept one so far away from the other?

I would literally meet in the middle. Something just off I-25 from maybe Broadway to Yale.

Yes it's killer, especially with young ones. I imagine anyone can try to make the best of a terrible (commute) situation.

[Idlewile]

Originally Posted by Maniacaltwist

Know a fellow in downtown Littleton not too far from the Light Rail - Loves it.

I've heard this too but I'm not familiar with the area.

I wonder about Quebec/Hampden area for your commutes. Easy access to 25 and Aurora... we have friends who live in a great neighborhood right there and it's within walking distance to James A Bible park which is GREAT (and big). Plus you're close to good shopping. It's a Denver address. They seem to be able to get to most places easily from that area. Also, not sure about the dog park options (that will limit you on top of your commute reqs) but definitely a great place to take kiddos and dogs (on leash).

Also, dog parks listed here: denverwags.com

[NaomiNick]

We are relocating here for his job and I'm a very specific job market so I was super happy to get this job opportunity in a really competitive market.

Yeah, we'll have to compromise somehow- but I figure we can do anything for a year. I was also thinking the Cherry Creek area- or even central downtown Denver. But I don't know how expensive those neighborhoods are. I got lost near Bonnie Brae and University- looked GREAT but the houses looked expensive too.