Ken Caryl Valley or Castle Pines (Denver, Lakewood: HOA, houses, neighborhood)

[sixpence1978]

Could anybody please compare these two areas for me? My husband just started working at Lockheed in Waterton and we are trying to decide between these two areas. We like Ken Caryl Valley because it seems more natural and quiet and less crowded. But we also like Castle Pines because the homes are nicer and there seems to be more opportunities around. We don't like Highlands Ranch because it is too crowded and worry about Castle Rock for the same reason.

So does anybody have any input about:
schools in these areas
friendliness of the people
good churches in the area and homeschooling support
commutes and traffic for my husband

Thanks!

[kswen]

Hi I would pick Castle Pines. My inlaws live there and it is a wonderful area...not crowded but east access to anything that you need. Also, the Academy charter School in castle rock has classes just for homeschooled children...I know there are many homeschooled children in this area. Whenever we visit Castle Pines the people are friendly and kind. Good luck with your decision!

[sixpence1978]

So does anybody else have any info to add about Ken Caryl valley or Castle Pines? Any input would be great!

[2bindenver]

It would help if we knew more about what you'd like and what you don't.

KC has two community pools, hiking & horse trails - older houses (<1990) and an equestrian center, Jeffco schools. In or near the Dakota Hogback. Closer to Denver/Morrison/Lakewood - closest mall is Southwest Plaza Cell phone service spotty behind the hogback. Closet Light Rail is Mineral & Santa Fe.

CP soon to be its own city (one of two in CP), has a few community pools, golf courses, and DougCo schools. Near Daniels Park - malls are Castle Rock Outlet to the south & Park Meadows to the north. Closest Light Rail is at Lincoln & I-25.

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Originally Posted by sixpence1978

Could anybody please compare these two areas for me? My husband just started working at Lockheed in Waterton and we are trying to decide between these two areas. We like Ken Caryl Valley because it seems more natural and quiet and less crowded. But we also like Castle Pines because the homes are nicer and there seems to be more opportunities around. We don't like Highlands Ranch because it is too crowded and worry about Castle Rock for the same reason.

So does anybody have any input about:
schools in these areas
friendliness of the people
good churches in the area and homeschooling support
commutes and traffic for my husband

Thanks!

the commute from ken caryl would be very easy and short for your husband. 10-15 minutes. castle pines, not so much. probably 30 minutes minimum.

in ken caryl, you'll also be closer to the mountains if that's important to you... if you like hiking, mountain biking, skiing, etc.

[sixpence1978]

yeah we like hiking and biking. it's nice to have good parks and libraries around as well. we like things to feel as uncrowded as possible. malls aren't a big drawing point for us but we don't like have traffic lights every block. we like an area with a good sense of community, the option of public and private schools. we like the homes to have a little bit of a yard, like .23 or more.

older homes are not a big deal...we just moved out of one built in 1961. i would like the kitchen to be updated or a relatively easy upgrade. we're looking in the 400-600K range for cost and a home with no major through street behind it.

[2bindenver]

I suggest you start getting available properties in your inbox from both areas and maybe consider Roxborough.

Once you come for a visit, you can narrow your community choice to the one that feels best for you. Or just choose the best house that meets your needs, as they are both very nice communities.

[sixpence1978]

We are actually already out in CO. We are currently living in corporate housing in Lone Tree and going to each area every weekend to look at houses. We've basically ruled out Roxborough because of the insanely high HOA and property tax fees, as well as the fact that there are no fenced yards in the park...which isn't good with 2 small kids and a dog.

Another question, how busy does the main street...Valley Parkway I believe...through Ken Caryl valley get?

[2bindenver]

The Valley Parkway is more of a meandering parkway than a high speed parkway. There are cross walks, stop signs, & a posted speed limit of residential needs.

I am sure the busy times are commuting hours. Most Colorado folks are respectful of speed limits and children playing, after all, those people driving down the valley parkway live there too.

[snowie]

I live in Ken Caryl. The greenbelts and walking/bike paths are wonderful, not to mention the private hiking trails into the foothills. The entire area is pretty much a big park. The folks I meet on the paths are very friendly.

Although the houses are mostly in the 20-30 year old range, many have been updated. There are some newer houses here and there, too. Nearly all the lots are small; I recommend looking for a house on one of the greenbelts.

There are tennis courts, pools and riding paths in the neighborhood. Several golf courses within a few miles. The nearest library is a nice Jeffco branch library on a small lake about 5 miles away.

The commute to Waterton is so short that traffic on the main roads is not an issue. Traffic is light on all the neighborhood streets. The streets are safe for kids.