Aurora question (Denver: taxi, buses, light rail)

[hello-world]

http://www.realtytrac.com/ContentMan...18&accnt=64953

aurora has recently had several zip codes (a sort of whopping 6, by my count; another 4 for other denver metro places in all, it looks like) on this list of "top foreclosure numbers". for whatever reasons (many that have probably been alluded to in this thread by others), it seems people bought into the area that can not afford it, or perhaps found "good deals in a 'nice place'" that may have turned out to be not such "good deals in a 'nice place'".

in my opinion, allowing for "bonanza" and a quick buck is not necessarily such a good thing. quality (of loans, of products/construction, of borrowers' credit, of neighborhoods) can suffer significantly, evidently (judging from a few other suburbs around the metro, for example). as for what in particular it is in aurora, i suspect at least some of these kinds of things.

[pcollins22]

Originally Posted by denverian

By then I believe there should be a new apartment complex done on the east end of Stapleton where they're building another town center, so you'd be able to walk to at least a few shops/restaurants. The Stapleton development is where the old Denver airport used to be and is all "new urbanism", meaning traditional architecture on the houses with front porches, garages in back on alleys, etc. and lots of trails/parks for recreation and exercise. You can research it at Stapletondenver.com. Any apartments built here will be in a more urban style rather than sprawling suburban style complexes, but the parks give you space to be outside.

There are also condos for rent scattered around the development, but they're probably all at least 2 bdr. and over $1000 per month.

I visited that website and I gotta say, this place looks awesome. And I feel like by the time I am there (May 2009), it will be even better and more developed than it is now.

The only thing that "Scares" me is how close it is to the dreaded Colfax St and Peoria/Havana. I have heard NOTHING but BAD things about this area of town and safety is my #1 Priority with living. Any comments on this area of Stapleton?

[denverian]

Originally Posted by pcollins22

I visited that website and I gotta say, this place looks awesome. And I feel like by the time I am there (May 2009), it will be even better and more developed than it is now.

The only thing that "Scares" me is how close it is to the dreaded Colfax St and Peoria/Havana. I have heard NOTHING but BAD things about this area of town and safety is my #1 Priority with living. Any comments on this area of Stapleton?

It's not close enough to Colfax to be a problem (at least 12 blocks to the south and all the Stapleton streets don't connect to Aurora streets to the south) - and that part of Colfax to the south of Stapleton is rather dumpy - but I cross it almost daily to drive over to Lowry south of Colfax and I've never encountered anything unusual - even wash my car and get gas on Colfax now and then. Colfax might have a bad reputation, but seriously, it's not like it's gunfire and dead bodies all over the place. Havana (from the north) enters the Stapleton development and is a residential street with half million dollar homes. To the east of Stapleton is open area (a wildlife park, I believe) and to the north of the housing area will be new commercial area.

Stapleton isn't as safe as living in a small town in the middle of nowhere, nowhere in a large city is. There are over 4000 homes that were built here in the past 5 years, with around 8000 more to go. The residents of Stapleton are well off and educated. I believe there was also some consideration with the redevelopment of Fitzsimmons to connect Stapleton to it and provide housing for employees there. Also, the entire section of Colfax on the south side of Fitzsimmons is being redeveloped and will soon be nice.

Why are you so concerned about safety? Did someone tell you that home invasions and executions are an issue in Aurora? Or are you from a small town?

[pcollins22]

Originally Posted by denverian

It's not close enough to Colfax to be a problem (at least 12 blocks to the south and all the Stapleton streets don't connect to Aurora streets to the south) - and that part of Colfax to the south of Stapleton is rather dumpy - but I cross it almost daily to drive over to Lowry south of Colfax and I've never encountered anything unusual - even wash my car and get gas on Colfax now and then. Colfax might have a bad reputation, but seriously, it's not like it's gunfire and dead bodies all over the place. Havana (from the north) enters the Stapleton development and is a residential street with half million dollar homes. To the east of Stapleton is open area (a wildlife park, I believe) and to the north of the housing area will be new commercial area.

Stapleton isn't as safe as living in a small town in the middle of nowhere, nowhere in a large city is. There are over 4000 homes that were built here in the past 5 years, with around 8000 more to go. The residents of Stapleton are well off and educated. I believe there was also some consideration with the redevelopment of Fitzsimmons to connect Stapleton to it and provide housing for employees there. Also, the entire section of Colfax on the south side of Fitzsimmons is being redeveloped and will soon be nice.

Why are you so concerned about safety? Did someone tell you that home invasions and executions are an issue in Aurora? Or are you from a small town?

That is great news all around. And to answer your question, the only reason I am a little scared about colfax is the word i have gotten from other people on this board about it. However, I feel like it isnt such a bad place as long as you dont live there. Driving through it is one thing, which I will have to do to get to the Fitz campus, but I wasnt planning on living 2 blocks from the school anyways. Based on the info you have shown me, Stapleton looks amazing. And as I said before, by the time I get there it should be even better and more re-developed than it already is.

Thanks for all your info! I really appreciate it

And also, it looks like I will be getting a 2 Bedroom apartment instead of a 1.... Me and my fiance have to have a room for our desks!

[denverian]

Originally Posted by pcollins22

That is great news all around. And to answer your question, the only reason I am a little scared about colfax is the word i have gotten from other people on this board about it. However, I feel like it isnt such a bad place as long as you dont live there. Driving through it is one thing, which I will have to do to get to the Fitz campus, but I wasnt planning on living 2 blocks from the school anyways. Based on the info you have shown me, Stapleton looks amazing. And as I said before, by the time I get there it should be even better and more re-developed than it already is.

Thanks for all your info! I really appreciate it

And also, it looks like I will be getting a 2 Bedroom apartment instead of a 1.... Me and my fiance have to have a room for our desks!

I don't know, I think a lot of suburban Denver people make more of Colfax that it really is. I've lived a block from Colfax in the City Park neighborhood and loved it. Different parts of Colfax have completely different vibes and the entire street (which is miles and miles) is not bad. Oh, and you don't have to travel Colfax to get from Stapleton to Fitzsimmons anyway. Eventually MLK Blvd, that goes through the heart of Stapleton, will connect to Fitzsimmons.

Good luck and happy to be of help!

[hello-world]

Originally Posted by denverian

I don't know, I think a lot of suburban Denver people make more of Colfax that it really is. I've lived a block from Colfax in the City Park neighborhood and loved it. Different parts of Colfax have completely different vibes and the entire street (which is miles and miles) is not bad. Oh, and you don't have to travel Colfax to get from Stapleton to Fitzsimmons anyway. Eventually MLK Blvd, that goes through the heart of Stapleton, will connect to Fitzsimmons.

Good luck and happy to be of help!

there may be a higher crime rate around parts of east cofax, but i agree that people can make a bigger deal than it deserves. my hunch is that it is many people that are unaccustomed to cities and more socioeconomic diversity that hear "aweful" when others hear "there are car breakins and some other city stuff - but to a seemingly much lesser or potentially personally impacting degree than in most other cities 'bad parts' - there sometimes".

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by denverian

Also, the entire section of Colfax on the south side of Fitzsimmons is being redeveloped and will soon be nice.

I seriously doubt that. Aurora has been claiming for years that some urban renaissance in "Original Aurora," otherwise known as East Colfax & vicinity, is taking place. I've yet to see it. They've put a lot of money into the place, doing things like curb appeal, building a Fletcher Plaza, new library branch, new community center, but that has not changed the underlying dynamics of the area one bit. I know several people (much, much older than me) who are long time commercial property owners in the area, and I hear a very different story from them. It's "improving" from the perspective of more "dollar stores," "checks cashed," "fast food" places going in, instead of vacant properties, but I don't think it's becoming any nicer.

[USAEconomy]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

I seriously doubt that. Aurora has been claiming for years that some urban renaissance in "Original Aurora," otherwise known as East Colfax & vicinity, is taking place. I've yet to see it. They've put a lot of money into the place, doing things like curb appeal, building a Fletcher Plaza, new library branch, new community center, but that has not changed the underlying dynamics of the area one bit. I know several people (much, much older than me) who are long time commercial property owners in the area, and I hear a very different story from them. It's "improving" from the perspective of more "dollar stores," "checks cashed," "fast food" places going in, instead of vacant properties, but I don't think it's becoming any nicer.

The Anschutz Medical Campus area (Fitzsimons) along Colfax between Peoria and I-225 is already "improving." I bought a 1 story brick ranch a block and a half south of Colfax in Hoffman Heights and have a shorter walk to school than most commuters from their parking spots. I'm not the only one investing here. I know of quite a few people who've bought in my neighborhood. Here's what's being built. Google them to see architectural drawings.

ON Colfax
Fitzsimons Promenade (construction starting June 2008)
Fitzsimons Village (construction)--I'm guessing a Mariott in this one. They're also putting in an outdoor fireplace/ice skating rink in the central plaza.
Fitzsimons Palisades (construction)
Hilton Garden Inn-Fitzsimons (construction)
Shops at Fitzsimons (done)
Brent's Place (construction)

There's also new construction going on on Peoria just South of Colfax for what looks like big box retail as well as the large 21 Fitzsimons project North of Building 500.

I agree that new Panda Express and other drive through fast food places that went up west of Peoria don't make the area nicer but I'm sure looking forward to the Starbucks and Qdoba going into the Promenade.

After the residential units (21 Fitzsimons and Fitzsimons Palisades) are completed there will be a lot of high-end apartments for people that hate commuting. I prefer living in a house and I really like Hoffman Heights. My street has other students, old retired vets (with insane gardening skills), and young families with children. Everyone is very friendly and the area is actually BETTER than the old 9th Ave campus in terms of crime. Yes, I looked at the actual statistics--less violent crime, car theft, petty theft. I think people assume the area is crime ridden because of the large hispanic population.

Anyway, if you're moving here from out of state like I did to go to UC Denver AMC, the area is/will be a great investment opportunity and is shaping up nicely. Campus looks AMAZING and the surrounding area is following close behind.

[mallorytristan]

I have a few questions. I've never been, and I'd like to know more about it before I decide if I want to visit or not.
1-Does it snow a lot?
2-If not, is it still pretty cold year round?
3-Are the streets busy? Are there people walking on every street?
Thank you so much to those who answer

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by mallorytristan

I have a few questions. I've never been, and I'd like to know more about it before I decide if I want to visit or not.
1-Does it snow a lot?
2-If not, is it still pretty cold year round?
3-Are the streets busy? Are there people walking on every street?
Thank you so much to those who answer

1 - Sometimes
2 - It can be hot in the summer, cold in the winter, either in the spring or fall
3 - Which street?