Northeast versus Southwest Denver (Highlands Ranch, Littleton: for sale, foreclosures, homes)

[east_to_west]

My wife and I are planning to make the move from Philadelphia to the Denver area sometime early next year. We're finding it hard to narrow down our search. We like Evergreen, but it may be just a bit too expensive and out of the way. Littleton, Highlands Ranch and Englewood seem to be priced right. However, I'm starting to see alot of inexpensive, nice looking homes in the Northeast section of the Denver area, but I know nothing of these neighborhoods (Parkfield, Montbello, etc). Can someone fill me in on these areas?

[2bindenver]

There are more homes for sale in Montbello & Green Valley Ranch then anywhere in the metro area, keeping prices flat. Foreclosures high.

Are schools important? Is being close to the airport important? What about airport noise? Is there a commute involved? Are you an urban or suburban dweller?

[east_to_west]

Schools are somewhat important. We don't have any children, but my wife is a teacher. I've lived in suburbs my entire life but I'm not against living near town. I would prefer an out of the way place up in the hills with nice views and a wooded lot, but that's probably more than I'd like to spend. I travel regularly for work, so being no more than 45 minutes from the airport is good, although I'm looking to get rid of the traveling thing.

[2bindenver]

conifer and pine are nicely wooded, and cheaper than evergreen. Look south and west of evergreen. or the hilly parts of golden.

[east_to_west]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

conifer and pine are nicely wooded, and cheaper than evergreen. Look south and west of evergreen. or the hilly parts of golden.

Yeah, there seems to be some good value out that way. My only concern is the distance from the airport. Probably looking at 1hr+ eh?

[2bindenver]

yea. the mountains are west of the metro area and the airport is northeast of Denver...

Would it be a consideration to live in a area with lots of trees, while you are still traveling and then, move to the mountains?

Not a lot of wooded areas past the foothills going east. But more than a few neighborhoods with great big trees.

[east_to_west]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Would it be a consideration to live in a area with lots of trees, while you are still traveling and then, move to the mountains?

I'd be more inclined to just deal with a longer commute for a few months rather than to move again within a year or two. But maybe the answer is to buy in a neirghborhood and save up for a 2nd home or cabin in the hills in a few years.

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Not a lot of wooded areas past the foothills going east. But more than a few neighborhoods with great big trees.

Looking very closely at Morrison, Littleton, Golden. Do they fit this description?

[2bindenver]

oh absolutely. look into older established area like wheat ridge, arvada, thornton for large tree shaded areas. new places like tallyn's reach are hilly with nice views and large ponderosa pines...