Relocating soon. Best area(s) for a late 20s couple and job is in Northfield/Stapleton? (Denver: for rent, townhome)

[Gamecock2001]

So me and my fiance are moving here for work (via Nashville) and are pretty excited. The job will be near Northfield and north of Stapleton from the looks of it. What are some good/safe/hip neighborhoods where we could find a nice apt/townhome/house? (2BR 2Bath, a yard is a plus) Hoping to be walking distance to some cool bars and restaurants. About $1300 is our max for rent. And not too far away from the work location, 20-30 min commute tops.

Any input would be helpful! And I can't wait to explore the outdoors there, what should I check out first?

[2bindenver]

Stapleton would be a great place to start.

[SkyDog77]

Stapleton is not hip.

It's nice, it's new, it's safe (mostly), it has good schools, lots of parks , rec centers, but it is all about families. Really families with kids.

If you guys are planning to start a family soon, it would be a great place. You work location makes it even more attractive.

My wife and I lived there for a few months before we had kids and we couldn't stand it. Compared to the older city neighborhoods it is not very walkable. The bar and restaurant offering is pretty poor compared to the older areas of the city.

I was up in Northfield yesterday and got to see the new Conservatory Green development going in. This location's proximity to the Northfield shops means it is going to be much more walkable than older Stapleton is.

[Gamecock2001]

Thanks, I will look into that. Can you describe the area a bit?

Park Hill looks nice, lot's of smaller homes for rent and in a lively area... is that a good choice as well?

--Also how is Westminster and Belmar in Lakewood for what I am looking for? I seem to have glanced upon some good things there. Will the commute be bad for the work location?

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by Gamecock2001

a nice apt/townhome/house? (2BR 2Bath, a yard is a plus) ... $1300 is our max for rent

Good luck at the price point.

[Augie Daugie]

Originally Posted by Gamecock2001

Thanks, I will look into that. Can you describe the area a bit?

Park Hill looks nice, lot's of smaller homes for rent and in a lively area... is that a good choice as well?

--Also how is Westminster and Belmar in Lakewood for what I am looking for? I seem to have glanced upon some good things there. Will the commute be bad for the work location?

Park Hill is nice, but it is also more of a family friendly neighborhood. Not many hip bars, but safe and gorgeous. I think you want to consider areas like Capitol Hill, Congress Park, Highland, Berkeley, City Park, Uptown, Baker, etc. Any of these areas will be a quick and easy commute to the job location and will offer plenty for you to do.

[Augie Daugie]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Good luck at the price point.

...and Dave is right. You may have to settle for 2/1 with no yard or increase your maximum rent.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by Gamecock2001

Thanks, I will look into that. Can you describe the area a bit?

Park Hill looks nice, lot's of smaller homes for rent and in a lively area... is that a good choice as well?

--Also how is Westminster and Belmar in Lakewood for what I am looking for? I seem to have glanced upon some good things there. Will the commute be bad for the work location?

I think Park Hill would be a much better choice at your current stage in life. When you have kids you can follow everyone else to Stapleton.

I know many people who have made that move. Several of them said that they would have liked to stay in Park Hill, but you can get a bigger house for the money in Stapleton than you can in the better parts of Park Hill.

One thing to keep in mind about Park Hill is that South Park Hill is really the best area. Technically it is bordered on the North at 23rd, but I think going up to 24th is safe. It is also technically bordered on the East by Quebec, but I would stay West of Monaco.

Lakewood would be a terrible commute, Westminster probably not a great commute either, but someone who lives up there can chime in.

[Gamecock2001]

Originally Posted by Augie Daugie

...and Dave is right. You may have to settle for 2/1 with no yard or increase your maximum rent.

We could likely do 1700 max but just trying to save some money. I have a dream of owning a home someday but it's not about to happen anytime soon in Denver from the looks of it.

[Augie Daugie]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

I think Park Hill would be a much better choice at your current stage in life. When you have kids you can follow everyone else to Stapleton.

I know many people who have made that move. Several of them said that they would have liked to stay in Park Hill, but you can get a bigger house for the money in Stapleton than you can in the better parts of Park Hill.

One thing to keep in mind about Park Hill is that South Park Hill is really the best area. Technically it is bordered on the North at 23rd, but I think going up to 24th is safe. It is also technically bordered on the East by Quebec, but I would stay West of Monaco.

Lakewood would be a terrible commute, Westminster probably not a great commute either, but someone who lives up there can chime in.

I differ in opinion. Most areas are going to okay south of MLK. I have a friend that bought near 28th and Cherry and they feel perfectly safe. I also know some folks that live on a great block east of Monaco near 24th & Pontiac. It all depends on what you are comfortable with, and there are some rough blocks south of MLK, but more and more folks are buying further north in Park Hill as the prices rise in the traditionally nice parts.