Best kid friendly neighborhoods in Denver area? (Littleton, Englewood: real estate, 2015)

[Pittdenver]

Just fund out we are moving to Denver. One elementary age child, husband is working downtown, housing budget is approx 575k, need good schools, LOTS of kids in the neighborhood AND would prefer an easy commute of 25min max. Any ideas? Thoughts on Denver public schools? Should we go private? Coming from Montessori school. Thanks!

[davebarnes]

Slavens K-8 School - Denver, Colorado - CO - School overview
Slavens School

easy commute
has you covered thru 8th grade
in your price range

MUST live within the school boundary

[knail]

Two great school districts are Cherry Creek Pubic Schools and Littleton Public Schools. I would do either of these over Denver Public Schools. The areas that are in these school districts are Centennial, Englewood and Greenwood Village. In Centennial and Greenwood Village there are neighborhoods in this price range that have swimming pools, tennis courts, some have their own swim teams and it is a great way to meet new neighbors. There is a Montessori school in Greenwood Village if you decide to take that route but the public schools are also very good. From these areas there is a drive to Denver along I-25 and in traffic it would take longer than 25 minutes but there is the alternative of using the Light Rail which also runs along I-25 and would be much quicker.

[2bindenver]

Montessori School of Denver - Home is an option, as it is in Denver.

I am a real estate broker, but I am not an expert in schools. I won't comment on what a "good" school is, because it's subjective. I know where I chose to put my kids. You know your kid(s) best.

If you lived near light rail - hubby could light rail it from the SE, SW or West ends of the suburbs.

[Augie Daugie]

I love the Slavens neighborhood. If you want something newer that is close to the city, has great open space, parks, fantastic schools, and crap-ton of kids, you should check out Stapleton. Lots of options within your budget and the elementary and middle schools are outstanding. The high school opens in 2015 and should be great based on the success of the lower level schools. Stapleton also has the Denver School of Science and Technology, which is absolutely incredible.

[Bradburn1]

Agree, Stapleton.

[Pittdenver]

I've heard a lot of great things about the Odysee School in Stapleton. Anyone familiar with this school or can comment on chances of a new resident getting in since lottery has come and gone? Thank you!

[SkyDog77]

Another vote for Stapleton if you don't mind a semi suburban feel and are not looking for an older neighborhood (mature trees).

[brown_dog_us]

Here are a couple:

Slavens: K-8 school near Denver University. Really nice area. You would have to figure out HS, but that's not a big problem. You can do private or choice into another school. Mostly 1970's ranches.

Stapleton: Nice area with a ton of young families with kids. There is still a little drama and growing pains as they bring more things online, but it's definitely come together nicely. New construction with very small lots and big public open spaces.

Bromwell Elementary: Old neighborhood with tree lined streets very close to downtown. Not as many kids and you won't have a lot of housing options at your price point. Old 3 bedroom 2 bath houses.

Cherry Creek HS: South of town. Excellent schools and more suburban. The Castlewood area wood fit your budget easily. A lot of kids. About 25 min commute when there is no snow or wrecks. 1970-1980 houses.

Good luck!