highlands ranch and surrounding areas. .best for families? (Littleton, Ken Caryl: extended stay, rental)

[cand1781]

Hi all,

We, hubby, 2 1/2 yo son and i (5 months pregnant at the time), were relocated from nj to ca in august and it now looks like we will be relocated again to co this aug/sept.

When we moved to ca, i knew nothing about the area but knew where i wanted to live based on reseach and a quick visit to the town during a house hunting trip. When we made the move, we lived in an extended stay hotel for 2 months until we could find a house (the market is VERY aggressive out here). Thankfully, by mid oct, we moved into our home, in what i think is the nicest, most beautiful, family friendly town ive ever seen, and we were able to be sttled by the time the baby came early january.

That being said, i have absolutely NO interest in living out of a hotel w both a 3 1/2 yr old and a 6 month old. I know many advise to rent first, but the relo package will only move us once and therefore, we would have to pay out if pocket to move from a rental to a permanent residence, which we dont want to do. This will be our home for the next 20 yrs so we need to make an informed decision.

Everything i read makes Highlands Ranch seem to be the place for us: good schools, lots of activities for the families, lots of kids, the rec centers, etc. Before i headout to see for myself (hubby travels there often), should i consider any of the surrounding areas? Littleton? Centennial? Hubby will be working in Ken Carl area. Looking for 4 bedroomw house w 550 k budget. Iknow proprties are small but we need a small yard and preferably something within walking distance to a neighborhood park.

P.s. I know there a lot of HR haters out there..im looking for unbiased opinions/advice please.

[Mike from back east]

HR is fine, and so are the other areas you mention. IIRC HR has FOUR rec centers, a plus for many families.

[mic111]

Highlands Ranch is a very safe choice. You will love it! If you don't, you'll know the minute you see it. However since your husband travels here often and has probably seen it I think your fine. I'm sure he knows what you both like.

[2bindenver]

I have lived here, in HR since 1999. It's a great place to live, and enjoy life. Preschools are at most of the elementary schools, day care - drop in or regular is available at the rec center see hrcaonline.org

Lots of parks & open space trails.

Ken Caryl & Trailmark are other really nice neighborhoods.

[SkyDog77]

If your husband travels a lot, Stapleton sounds right up your alley (and has alleys as opposed to driveways ) and is MUCH closer to the airport.

[brown_dog_us]

Originally Posted by cand1781

Thankfully, by mid oct, we moved into our home, in what i think is the nicest, most beautiful, family friendly town ive ever seen....

Tell us where you live now, and maybe we can help you find something similar.

[2bindenver]

I think you missed the part where hubby is working in Ken Caryl. Working the southwest side of Jeffco & living in Stapleton isn't ideal.

[JMM64]

I would recommend the southwestern area of Littleton, also known as Columbine (no it's not named after the school). Housing will definitely fit within your budget, and there are good schools and all the shopping you need very close by as well as tons of parks for little kids. A commute to Ken Caryl will also be very short via CO-470.

[cand1781]

Originally Posted by brown_dog_us

Tell us where you live now, and maybe we can help you find something similar.

Thanks everyone. Hubby going out next week. Ill have him drive around. We currently live in Pleasanton, CA.

[hts]

Pleasanton is a nice enough community (I know it well, I worked for Documentum for 8 years and was out there several times/year, and please tell John Madden I said 'hello') but I think you'll love HR!