Green Valley Ranch???? (Denver, Aurora: fit in, apartments, renters)

[Lucy_Max]

sorry Stevie but the link you gave: http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/337..._2006_2007.pdf

shows most of the crime happening around capital hill in Downtown Denver, nice try but umm not really

[Lucy_Max]

Thank you David for this. I dont think our friend really gets it, kinda get the impression he lives his life off of stats (that are a 1-2 years old) and not actual experience, and its too bad because I think people tend to lean toward negative people like him. If that is the case than our neighborhood may be doomed.

Maybe you can answer my question seeing as how you live in this area. Do you know of any reported violent crimes in our area? (No stats, graphs, maps ect) like people with REAL stories of violent things happening to them... Just curious.. I figured if that was the case we wold be on the news ALL the time!

[David Aguilar]

Originally Posted by Lucy_Max

Thank you David for this. I dont think our friend really gets it, kinda get the impression he lives his life off of stats (that are a 1-2 years old) and not actual experience, and its too bad because I think people tend to lean toward negative people like him. If that is the case than our neighborhood may be doomed.

Maybe you can answer my question seeing as how you live in this area. Do you know of any reported violent crimes in our area? (No stats, graphs, maps ect) like people with REAL stories of violent things happening to them... Just curious.. I figured if that was the case we wold be on the news ALL the time!

You're welcome.

Steve is a good guy, he actually is one of the few people that sticks up for poorer and more diverse areas, and even encourages folks to check out areas most people would recommend staying away from, which I think is great.

I believe Steve (Steve correct me if I'm wrong) doesn't like suburban areas or smaller towns, which is fine; and I think some of this might come out when speaking about GVR, as GVR is characteristically suburban. I don't think people lean towards Steve, he usually disagrees with people talking up the wonderful life that can be found in the lily suburbs. Nor do I think he's negative, he's just speaking his mind.

I don't think GVR is doomed, there are people out there who don't believe hearsay, and those people live in GVR.

I don't live in GVR, I live in Central Aurora, think I-225/Alameda (west side).

But, for some reason, I am always defending GVR here on the forum. Call me the GVR-defender! I personally, probably wouldn't live there, as I prefer older homes, yet I don't see anything wrong with the area.

Before I moved to metro Denver, we stayed at hotels on Tower north of GVR, and GVR was our first glimpse of Denver. Didn't seem bad at all, no riff-raff, etc, just new(er) homes and shopping centers.

Nothing would lead me to believe that GVR is a crime-ridden area. It looks just like any other newer subdivision. Even the so-called "bad" south GVR, is just fine IMO.

I've never heard of a major crime story coming out of GVR, TV news, newspaper, etc. Except, that the police found the vehicle that was used in the Darrent Williams (NFL Broncos) shooting out there somewhere (abandoned).

I go to the Wal-Mart in GVR semi-frequently (this morning, even). Work takes me to DIA all the time, so I stop in GVR occasioanally for fast-food, gas etc. My girlfriend worked at the Domino's out there for a bit too. I never once have batted an eye or thought twice about ANYTHING out there. Now to my major point....

I believe the bad rep about GVR, boils down to one thing, and that is diversity. I think the tongue-in-cheek (mean) references about GVR come from the fact that GVR is newer, yet not super rich, or super white, which is what is usually expected in a newer subdivision.

So basically, since it's not upper middle class, nor is it hip new, or hip old, it gets a bad rap.


Look around the forum, the same places are always recommended. It's easy:

For Denver it's: Stapleton, Highlands, Wash Park, etc.

For the suburbs: Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Littleton, Cherry Creek schools.

For the most part, what do all these places have in common?
above average $$$$$

Therefore, neighborhoods like yours and mine will get overlooked by most people, and even bad-mouthed in some cases, for fear of the place with less $$$. That's fine with me, we know what we have in our respective neighborhoods, and we'll keep them our little secrets.

[Lucy_Max]

[

quote=David Aguilar;5249175]You're welcome.

Steve is a good guy, he actually is one of the few people that sticks up for poorer and more diverse areas, and even encourages folks to check out areas most people would recommend staying away from, which I think is great.

I believe Steve (Steve correct me if I'm wrong) doesn't like suburban areas or smaller towns, which is fine; and I think some of this might come out when speaking about GVR, as GVR is characteristically suburban. I don't think people lean towards Steve, he usually disagrees with people talking up the wonderful life that can be found in the lily suburbs. Nor do I think he's negative, he's just speaking his mind.

I don't think GVR is doomed, there are people out there who don't believe hearsay, and those people live in GVR.

I don't live in GVR, I live in Central Aurora, think I-225/Alameda (west side).

But, for some reason, I am always defending GVR here on the forum. Call me the GVR-defender! I personally, probably wouldn't live there, as I prefer older homes, yet I don't see anything wrong with the area.

Before I moved to metro Denver, we stayed at hotels on Tower north of GVR, and GVR was our first glimpse of Denver. Didn't seem bad at all, no riff-raff, etc, just new(er) homes and shopping centers.

Nothing would lead me to believe that GVR is a crime-ridden area. It looks just like any other newer subdivision. Even the so-called "bad" south GVR, is just fine IMO.

I've never heard of a major crime story coming out of GVR, TV news, newspaper, etc. Except, that the police found the vehicle that was used in the Darrent Williams (NFL Broncos) shooting out there somewhere (abandoned).

I go to the Wal-Mart in GVR semi-frequently (this morning, even). Work takes me to DIA all the time, so I stop in GVR occasioanally for fast-food, gas etc. My girlfriend worked at the Domino's out there for a bit too. I never once have batted an eye or thought twice about ANYTHING out there. Now to my major point....

I believe the bad rep about GVR, boils down to one thing, and that is diversity. I think the tongue-in-cheek (mean) references about GVR come from the fact that GVR is newer, yet not super rich, or super white, which is what is usually expected in a newer subdivision.

So basically, since it's not upper middle class, nor is it hip new, or hip old, it gets a bad rap.


Look around the forum, the same places are always recommended. It's easy:

For Denver it's: Stapleton, Highlands, Wash Park, etc.

For the suburbs: Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Littleton, Cherry Creek schools.

For the most part, what do all these places have in common?
above average $$$$$

Therefore, neighborhoods like yours and mine will get overlooked by most people, and even bad-mouthed in some cases, for fear of the place with less $$$. That's fine with me, we know what we have in our respective neighborhoods, and we'll keep them our little secrets.

[/quote]

HA! David the GVR Defender! da da da DA! LOL

Surprizingly David, I dont think Steve is a bad guy. Maybe a little misinformed, but that doesnt make someone "bad". Its funny that you say he was just speaking his mind...the whole time he was adamate that it was "reality" and not his opinion, and I agree with you there is nothing wrong with it, but that does not make his opinion reality. ya know?

Its too bad that people have to stereotype like that. I know that on my block alone we have alot of diversity, but that shouldnt mean that we are worthy of being bad mouthed (if that is the case) We have nice homes, and although people here arent swimming in money, that doesnt mean that we are less worthy of positive attention!

I guess my only concern in all this is that when my husband comes home from this deployment we are going to have to move out of state as he wants to stay active duty with the Marine Corps. If Steve's opinion is the general opinion about GVR-combine that with falling home values Im in double trouble when it comes to selling-like most my neighbors. I know that my home is worth what I owe (if not more with improvements made) but because of the foreclosure situation we wont be able to sell for what is owed. This is why alot of my neighbors have resorted to short sales. No not the best thing in the world to do, but better than the other option...

Totally thought you had said you lived here..oops! Must have been someone else. Now that you mention it I do remember that incident with the Denver Bronco's player and that vehicle getting dumped here... if that's it I'd say we are doing pretty good!

Anyway, thanks again for your input. I hope that anyone reading all this will keep an open mind about my neighborhood until you have actually been here and develop an opinion on your OWN experience.

[steveindenver]

For Denver it's: Stapleton, Highlands, Wash Park, etc.

For the suburbs: Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Littleton, Cherry Creek schools.

For the most part, what do all these places have in common?
above average $$$$$

So sad. So true.

[nappyloxs]

I did not read this whole thread, but will throw in my two cents.

My girlfriend works for Denver PD and has repeatedly told me that GVR has the lowest crime in Denver. I have seen the color-code maps and GVR has barely any serious/violent crime. Most of it is petty thefts, car break-ins, etc... She is all about living in the safest area and there is no area of metro Denver that is crime-free, but she seriously considers moving to GVR, because it is safer (lower crime) than metro Denver including Wash Park, City Park, Highlands, Park Hill, etc...

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by MT13

I know for a fact that the North side and South side of GVR are very very different, and not even run by the same HOA/Metro district.

I lived in GVR for one year and am grateful every day that I moved somewhere else. I stand by every single one of my statements that were made. I lived on the "nice side" of GVR. On 53rd Ave to be exact (across the street from the golf course).

You can analyze the pictures, talk about your great neighbors and dissect the crime statistics all you want.

Everyone (including the above quote) likes to say there is a difference between the North Side and the South Side, but the basic questions are these: Where do you have to shop? With the "bad side of the street residents". Has the bullet hole in the window of the coffee shop at King Soopers plaza been fixed yet? Where do the kids go to school? Take a look at the Great Schools website. I don't put a lot of faith in those schools rated a 10 versus an 8, but there IS something wrong with schools that rate a 2 or 3 (which all of the GVR schools do). They've had a sign saying "future GVR school" in the fields practically since it broke ground. If you are moving to GVR and you have kids in high school, they are heading to Montbello High. Take a look at the Great Schools website. Go ahead and Google it and you'll read reports about shootings and crime and my favorite...the principal saying they are trying to "turn things around." Do you want your kid in a school that is trying to "turn things around?"

Your neighbors may be nice and the street you live on may be well-maintained, but your kids have to go to school and that means that they will be in the same classes as those kids you like to separate yourselves from (the North vs the South). There are a lot better places to move than GVR. We found a great house and are positively blissful where we moved. I also know that my child is going to get a great education (from her school and from me working with her) and we won't have to fight an uphill battle to get her that education like we would if she were going to Montbello High.

Also, I do stand by my statement about the fights on the playground. That was on the "nice side" playground. I took my daughter for a walk nearly every day and every Saturday and Sunday, there were teenagers hanging out on the swings or under the slide who were using profanity and separating themselves from each other while taunting the other groups. Most often, they would head towards each other and begin pushing, shoving, yelling and screaming at each other. This was in front of the little kids while the parents did absolutely nothing. I did not want to have to explain to my daughter that we do not use the word "n$gger" EVER, so we started going to the playground in the early morning to avoid those kids. These are the kids that your children get to go to school with. It's hard enough to be a kid nowadays and it's hard enough for teachers to get their children the education they deserve. Why put your children in schools who clearly aren't doing their jobs? Why put your children in a school where if they go to college, they are the exception and not the rule? The housing market in Denver is not doing that great right now and there are some bargains to be had. Get your kids in Cherry Creek Schools or Douglas County Schools. They'll be expected to go to college and prepared for it.

[sportsfangal]

hi-from reading earlier posts, it changed my mind from looking for a 1st time home in GVR areas. I think around 47th?-forgive me, I forget the actual cross-streets, I originally liked the look of the homes but as the realtor was driving me around, showing me some properties (mostly townhomes) I became more unsure. I saw alot of graffiti, broken garage doors, fences mangled, old toys in yards, unkept lawns, chipping/peeling paint, etc.
I definately reconsidered. I almost felt as if the realtor was "steering" me toward these areas, I don't want a multi-level, cookie cutter house near the airport, that's just not me. I don't mind diverstiy, but the difficulty 3D's had with their child at the playground, further emphasizes my feelings about it. Also, I want to be closer to Denver. I have seen some nice looking homes in these areas online, but I wouldn't want to be surrounded by delapidated homes, dead lawns, graffiti, mean playground kids, etc.
I agree with 3D's comments about the concern of where to school your kids. I don't have any, but I would want them in a school with diversity, but not with the playground antics of these kids, struggling to get an education, etc like descibed in 3D's post.
Just curious 3D's-where did you move to?

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

You're welcome.


I believe the bad rep about GVR, boils down to one thing, and that is diversity. I think the tongue-in-cheek (mean) references about GVR come from the fact that GVR is newer, yet not super rich, or super white, which is what is usually expected in a newer subdivision.

So basically, since it's not upper middle class, nor is it hip new, or hip old, it gets a bad rap.

Please, please, please, stop blaming the bad rap that GVR gets on it's diversity and implying that someone like me only has bad things to say because I am scared of non-white people who aren't rich.

We rented a home in GVR for a year until we could better pinpoint where we wanted to live. We chose to live in Southeast Aurora (Saddle Rock Ridge). We bought our well-maintained, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, with an unfinished walk-out basement that backs to open space for $250,000. That is not an expensive house by Denver standards. It's in the Cherry Creek school district and while there are some larger homes, this neighborhood is very middle class. The schools takes great pride in their demographics which match the US demographics exactly. Our neighborhood is filled with people who take pride in their community, no matter their skin color and we have gone to a football game at the high school (Eaglecrest High) where most of the kids were mingling TOGETHER despite their racial differences. This is not the case at Montbello High or even at the GVR neighborhood playground.

So, go ahead, and dismiss all of us naysayers as bigots. The biggest difference between the neighborhood we live in now and GVR is not the diversity. It's the pride the people take in their schools and their neighborhoods: Parents are actively involved in the PTA here, people attend the neighborhood functions, volunteers from the community worked 2 weekends to plant flowers in front of all the subdivisions (when the HOA said they didn't have enough money to hire landscapers). Sure, there are a few homes that are less than stellar and I'm sure a few that have been foreclosed on. But there are a lot better places to live than GVR and thank heavens, we found one.

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by sportsfangal

hi-from reading earlier posts, it changed my mind from looking for a 1st time home in GVR areas. I think around 47th?-forgive me, I forget the actual cross-streets, I originally liked the look of the homes but as the realtor was driving me around, showing me some properties (mostly townhomes) I became more unsure. I saw alot of graffiti, broken garage doors, fences mangled, old toys in yards, unkept lawns, chipping/peeling paint, etc.
I definately reconsidered. I almost felt as if the realtor was "steering" me toward these areas, I don't want a multi-level, cookie cutter house near the airport, that's just not me. I don't mind diverstiy, but the difficulty 3D's had with their child at the playground, further emphasizes my feelings about it. Also, I want to be closer to Denver. I have seen some nice looking homes in these areas online, but I wouldn't want to be surrounded by delapidated homes, dead lawns, graffiti, mean playground kids, etc.
I agree with 3D's comments about the concern of where to school your kids. I don't have any, but I would want them in a school with diversity, but not with the playground antics of these kids, struggling to get an education, etc like descibed in 3D's post.
Just curious 3D's-where did you move to?

We moved to Saddle Rock Ridge. Technically it's in Aurora, but if you travel a few blocks, you're in Centennial. It's right near the fabulous Southlands Mall, in the Cherry Creek School District and right near the 470. My husband works at DIA and it takes him 25 minutes from garage to parking lot. I have nothing but great things to say about it and love to take my kids to the neighborhood parks (there are 3 right near us) and on the trails that are spread out all over to ride bikes or rollerblade. Our zip code is 80015, but if you look in the 80016 area, that will get you closer. There is plenty of diversity, but as far as I've experienced, none of the hostility that you find in GVR. If you are looking for a safe, middle class area, look here...there are a lot of houses in this area. There is a difference between Saddle Rock and Saddle Rock Ridge. Saddle Rock is much more expensive and exclusive. I think technically, it's in Centennial.

Take a look at the schools. Elementary: Antelope Ridge. Middle: Thunder Ridge. High: Eaglecrest.

By the way, Antelope Ridge even has a marching band! In this age of cutting back on everything in schools, how great is it that your elementary school child has the opportunity to be in marching band? They also have science clubs and tons of other stuff to get your kids involved in. I just find it amazing that you can find this at an elementary school.

I just noticed that you said you wanted to be closer to Denver. You won't be closer to Denver in Saddle Rock Ridge than GVR. I guess it's what you consider to be Denver. I get my hair cut in downtown Denver (2 blocks from Coors Field) and it takes me about 35-40 minutes to get there without traffic). Saddle Rock is not far from the tech center but it IS far from downtown Denver.