Moving to Denver soon--Recon trip starts tomorrow: suggestions needed (Arvada: home, neighborhoods)

[MountainK]

The light rail from Littleton Mineral (closest stop to Roxborough) to 16th and California takes 26 minutes. Depart at 7:34 am and arrive at 8:01. See rtd-denver.com for details.

[scrapper105]

We don't live there, but I love Arvada. They have some areas of new construction on the far western side of town with gorgeous mountain views - they also have areas of older homes.

Katiana is our resident Louisville expert, so she'll weigh in. I think Louisville would be too far of a drive to downtown Denver, but it does offer many of the things you are looking for.

There isn't any place that isn't brown/flat that is sparsely populated that is also a 30 minute commute to downtown. In my opinion, those areas that are really close to the "foothills" actually have lesser quality views. We live on the prairie in Broomfield but are far enough away from the mountains to get really gorgeous views.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by MountainK

The light rail from Littleton Mineral (closest stop to Roxborough) to 16th and California takes 26 minutes. Depart at 7:34 am and arrive at 8:01. See rtd-denver.com for details.

Plus the drive from wherever in Roxborough to the LR stop, the wait (have to get there at least a few minutes early so you don't miss it), then the walk from 16th and Cali to the job. It would take up the better part of an hour no matter how you look at it.

[jakeandjo]

Thanks again for all the great comments. A tremendous amount to consider, which I will over these next few days as we peruse the neighborhoods and foothills.

Re renting, I keep thinking there must be a family with a great home who has to leave the area for 1-2 years, a family who doesn't want to sell their home, doesn't want to put 'renters' in it who might neglect or destroy it, doesn't want to leave it vacant. We would be the perfect solution for that family. We take excellent care of our own property and would do the same for theirs. We have no bad habits, no financial problems. We would be their solution; they would be ours. Finding that family is the hurdle. I've thought of posting on CL under 'housing wanted' but I'm afraid we would attract the wrong kind of attention (from would-be scammers) or would seem like scammers ourselves. I'm going to contact some property managers to see if that kind of situation is available. If any of you know other avenues for searching out that type situation please let me know.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by jakeandjo

.... Re renting, I keep thinking there must be a family with a great home who has to leave the area for 1-2 years, a family who doesn't want to sell their home, doesn't want to put 'renters' in it who might neglect or destroy it, doesn't want to leave it vacant. We would be the perfect solution for that family. ....

Post a house wanted ad in craigslist, you might find such a situation....

[MissTerri]

I would drive down 32nd headed west into the foothills from Denver and I'd make a loop back to downtown Denver by driving down 20th. I am thinking that the Applewood area may suit you well. It is where Golden, Wheatridge and Lakewood converge. There are actually a few other neighborhoods in that area that are nice, in addition to Applewood. The Glens comes to mind. I'd also suggest checking out Green Mountain which is also in Lakewood.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by jakeandjo

Thanks again for all the great comments. A tremendous amount to consider, which I will over these next few days as we peruse the neighborhoods and foothills.

Re renting, I keep thinking there must be a family with a great home who has to leave the area for 1-2 years, a family who doesn't want to sell their home, doesn't want to put 'renters' in it who might neglect or destroy it, doesn't want to leave it vacant. We would be the perfect solution for that family. We take excellent care of our own property and would do the same for theirs. We have no bad habits, no financial problems. We would be their solution; they would be ours. Finding that family is the hurdle. I've thought of posting on CL under 'housing wanted' but I'm afraid we would attract the wrong kind of attention (from would-be scammers) or would seem like scammers ourselves. I'm going to contact some property managers to see if that kind of situation is available. If any of you know other avenues for searching out that type situation please let me know.

The issue that you will run in to is the vacancy rate here is at record lows right now. Anyone who wants to lease a decent property at a reasonable rate has no problem doing so.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by jakeandjo

know other avenues for searching out that type situation please let me know.

8z Real Estate ? Realtors in Colorado and the San Francisco Peninsula
a real-estate firm with a rental speciality

[MountainK]

Originally Posted by Katiana

Plus the drive from wherever in Roxborough to the LR stop, the wait (have to get there at least a few minutes early so you don't miss it), then the walk from 16th and Cali to the job. It would take up the better part of an hour no matter how you look at it.

Agreed. The parking lot at Mineral is heavily used during the weekdays, so OP would need to allow time to find a parking spot if he/she is not taking a bus to the light rail station.

[philberf]

I second someone else's mention of Ken Caryl - that area may just have most of what you're looking for. The off-leash thing, at least officially, will be few and far between. There are just too many dogs/people here to officially allow much off-leash stuff.