Broomfield vs Parker (Denver, Aurora, Westminster: condo, townhouse, buying)

[Whitey]

Hello All,

I have currently lived in Denver for 8 months (between Parker & Lone Tree) and love CO. With that said, I've decided to purchase my first home (townhouse or condo) and was looking for input on buying near Parker or in the Broomfield area. I would really love to live in the city of Denver, but I just don't feel you get much house compared to the suburbs. I spend most of my days working in Downtown Denver & I'm a single 29 year old male that is very active. Could someone please help me pick between these 2 "burbs"? I'm about ready to flip a coin!

Pros/Cons of both areas, is one area looking like a better investment 5 years down the road, property taxes, commuting to downtown Denver, commuting to get in some Mountain Biking, better night-life, shopping, level of crime, etc...

Thanks for any advice you provide me with.

AW

[2bindenver]

Why have you narrowed it down to these two places? What has attracted you to these areas? Do you take light rail to work now?

[Whitey]

I placed Broomfield on my list because I love both Denver and Boulder so I figured living between them might fit my needs the best. I currently live near Parker (between Parker & LoneTree) so I've become pretty comfortable with this particular area too (reason for choosing Parker). I originally wanted to move to the city for work reasons, but I just have NOT had any luck finding a decent home for the money. As for the light rail- I do NOT take it for work since I travel around in my vehicle from customer to customer. I need my own wheels, but I do take the light rail downtown when I head to concerts, games, etc... Hopefully this provides some insight on why I've narrowed it down to Parker and Broomfield. I am open to other ideas and that is why I put my question on this fourm. I'm in search of a 2 bed 2 bath w/garage townhouse that is fairly new and around 200k.

Thanks again,
AW

[Katiana]

You could probably find what you are looking for in Broomfield. I like Broomfield. I have to tell you, it is very family-oriented. So if you are single, or married w/o kids, it might not be for you.

Positives: Great library, great recreation facilities, good "sense of community". I'm sure there are negatives but I don't know what they are. I don't live there. My kids did high school gymnastics there; that is how I got aquainted with the town.

[RGG13]

We'r seriously looking at Parker but Broomfield/Westminster is also an option. I'd love to hear more about Broomfield.

The big thing for me is the commute to N. Aurora (near 6th and Airport). It looks to me like Parker would be closer with less congestion. That stretch or 470/70 from Broomfield to Aurora looks pretty bad. Any comments on this?

[missingcol]

Originally Posted by RGG13

We'r seriously looking at Parker but Broomfield/Westminster is also an option. I'd love to hear more about Broomfield.

The big thing for me is the commute to N. Aurora (near 6th and Airport). It looks to me like Parker would be closer with less congestion. That stretch or 470/70 from Broomfield to Aurora looks pretty bad. Any comments on this?

I drove 470 a couple times. There is basically no traffic. Of course, you have to pay.

[RGG13]

Sorry, I meant 36/270/70. E470 is empty but pricey for everyday travel. Guess that's why it's empty. ;-)

[tfox]

I think you're probably closer to downtown Denver from Broomfield than you are in Parker.

If you're working in Downtown Denver, I wouldn't even consider Parker due to the vast distance involved -- if you want the south metro, try to get somewhere convenient to I-25, like Lone Tree, Centennial, or along Santa Fe in Littleton.

[LoveBoating]

We currently live in Parker (just south of Mainstreet) and I have been driving to the downtown Denver area since April 2004. I have no congestion because I'm on the I-25 at 6:30AM, not at 7:30AM. And, from what I can tell, the number of commuters going from Parker to downtown Denver is growing rapidly. I drive (house door to business door) 28 miles each way. That is a whole lot less distance than a lot of people drive in old SoCalif.
As far as being single goes, there sure isn't much to do in Parker....period! I think most singles head over to one of the Sports bars in Park Meadows for fun. I never had to check into it (I'm married), but there isn't even any hot night clubs in the area of Parker or Lone Tree/Centennial.

Originally Posted by tfox

I think you're probably closer to downtown Denver from Broomfield than you are in Parker.

If you're working in Downtown Denver, I wouldn't even consider Parker due to the vast distance involved -- if you want the south metro, try to get somewhere convenient to I-25, like Lone Tree, Centennial, or along Santa Fe in Littleton.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by RGG13

We'r seriously looking at Parker but Broomfield/Westminster is also an option. I'd love to hear more about Broomfield. Try doing a search. I have posted on Broomfield a few times, and it is getting repitious.

The big thing for me is the commute to N. Aurora (near 6th and Airport). It looks to me like Parker would be closer with less congestion. That stretch or 470/70 from Broomfield to Aurora looks pretty bad. Any comments on this?

If working in Aurora, I'd have to have a really good reason to live in Broomfield.