Another possible DC to Denver move (Lakewood, Westminster: appointed, 2014, apartment)

[smarterguy]

I'm looking at a job that's located at Federal Center in Lakewood.

Any suggestions on where to live? Even though I've been to the Denver/Boulder area many times, I don't really know the neighborhoods/traffic patterns.

I'll probably rent a small furnished apartment initially and eventually buy. Fiance will be moving in eventually (she telecommutes).

Some details:
Ideally spending at most $550,000
Would like less than 30 minute commute would be great, but I can tolerate more, especially its there's no or light traffic
Garage (ideally two car)
Single family house


Any places in Denver to avoid?
A quick look on Redfin or Zillow makes my mouth water when I see what I could get for $500-550k after looking to buy in the DC area for the past year. But I know the DC area has very cheap places (schools/bad commute/crime... Ashburn, VA is cheap but >1 hour to DC in awful traffic) that could sucker an out of towner.

Any other things to take into consideration when budgeting for a home in this area? Property taxes seem to be similar or less than this area.

[SkyDog77]

What do you want in a neighborhood? More urban, walkable, smaller lots (still have yards) or more suburban, larger lots, more chain stores, less walkable.

For me, this would be ideal: http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale...1_fr/?view=map

You will commuting against traffic. It's one of the best locations in the city.

[davebarnes]

Well, you don't have to be smarter, you just have to be smart.
Spend 4 hours reading posts in this Denver forum and you will learn a lot about where to live.

[2bindenver]

Lakewood, Golden, Applewood, Wheat Ridge for starters.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by smarterguy

Ashburn, VA is cheap ...Property taxes seem to be similar or less than this area.

I picked at place in Ashburn at randonm: 43293 Mitcham Sq, Ashburn, VA 20148.
Price of $550k and property taxes of $5500.
Most of greater Denver would have taxes closer to $3500.

Income tax on $100K would be $4600 vs Virginia's $5400.

Sales tax rate is around 8%.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Lakewood, Golden, Applewood, Wheat Ridge for starters.

I'd add Morrison

[step33]

Originally Posted by emm74

I'd add Morrison

I'll agree and even further up the hill toward Evergreen could work if you are only going to the Federal Center. A small apartment in the 6th and Union area as a starter should be easy to find with that budget. Also go west down Alameda and there are some nice places in that area.

Golden is also an option, as is Ken Caryl to the south.

And here is a $539k house in Bear Creek Village. Take about 10 minutes to get to work. (20 if you ride your bike up the hill )

13047 W Iliff Drive, Lakewood, CO 80228 | MLS 6577636 | Listing Information

[JohnnyDenver]

Nobody on the Avs can even measure up to Ovie's kneecap. If you like the Caps, you will be disappointed with this product at Pepsi Center.

[alliern]

I would suggest sticking to the west side of town. You need to be a bit more specific in what type of neighborhood and style of home you would be looking for. Do you want typical subdivision? Larger yard? HOA?

Golden, Applewood, Ken Caryl, Morrison, Evergreen and Conifer would all be good places to start. There's not really any unsafe areas that I can think of.

[Solvablepower42]

You should give the Westminster, Broomfield areas a search . We moved here in Broomfield from Reston, VA last year with the same homebuying questions/concerns you have. Both Areas are pretty decent, with Wadsworth pkwy taking you right into lakewood.