Golden question? Need help (Denver, Lakewood: 2015, houses, neighborhoods)

[J_R_2013]

Looking to relocate to Golden, co. Hubby is software architect so having access to light rail is important. Our budget would be between 300-400k, is this doable and in a good area for schools for kids? Ideally want at least 3 beds/2 baths. Would love to be at least biking distance to old town.
Any advice would be great! We will be coming out end of Aug to check it out more.
Thx

[brown_dog_us]

How far can you bike?

[davebarnes]

Why Golden and not Fort Collins?
Why Golden and not Broomfield?
Why is light rail important/necessary?
What school system are the kids in today?
Where are you moving from?

[jimmyrocks]

Originally Posted by J_R_2013

having access to light rail is important.

The light rail station is a 15 minute bike ride (3 miles) from downtown Golden. There really aren't any city centers near the W line of the light rail. Englewood and Littleton are pretty close to the Light Rail though. There are some awesome Denver Neighborhoods near the light rail as well, and Arvada will be on the light rail one day, it's scheduled for 2015.

[J_R_2013]

We have two kids, 9 and 8, we are moving from SoCal and with all the online research we have done Golden is the most appealing and still not too far from jobs for my hubby.
They are in a great school system now. Anyone have recommendations for areas in golden for a family of four that has good schools? We can drive to old town, if cost is factor. Schools and community are most important. Age of home as long as it has good bones doesn't really matter.
Thx

[davidv]

Golden schools are good, not great. There are great schools in the district, but they are north and south of Golden.

Here is the GreatSchools map for Jefferson County.

I recommend that you go into the process with an open mind regarding communities instead of focusing on one narrow portion of the metro area.

[J_R_2013]

DavidD when you say north and south, do you mean outside of Golden? We will be checking out the surrounding areas as well, Arvada, Lakewood, any areas within those communities to avoid?

[infinitylove]

Applewood Mesa in Golden would get you into Maple Grove Elementary which is a good school in the area (typically you can choice into any school, however, they usually fill up with the neighborhood kids first). Look closer to I-70. The further west you go towards Golden the more expensive and probably out of your budget the houses are. You would probably have to drive to downtown Golden and the light rail, but there is easy access to I-70. You could also check out other parts of Applewood in Lakewood and Wheat Ridge. The schools are not as highly rated, but it is important to visit them and not necessarily go off of scores. I live in Applewood and would be happy to answer any questions on the area.

[InGolden1]

Check out Heritage Dells neighborhood off Heritage Road. Will be at the top of your range, but walking to Shelton Elementary, biking to light rail and downtown, great friendly community. The rest of Golden is outside of your range.

[knail]

Golden is a nice area but I agree with the previous comment of keeping an open mind to the suburbs and neighborhoods. Where is your husband going to be working? There are suburbs further south that have great school systems that would fit your budget but it all depends on your reasoning for being in Golden.