Decision Time (Buy or Rent)

[emm74]

Don't take on the Louisville to Buckley commute. Plus that's a rental - what happens after you and your family get established there and in a few years, the rent is too high or the owner wants to sell? Inventory is limited and prices are high in Louisville for a 4br, and you could end up not even being able to stay in that community. If you are looking at this as a long term home and are in a position to buy, I'd buy. Centennial a nice, family oriented area with good amenities.

As for bullying, that is sadly a potential issue everywhere. As a parent, you need to be proactive about it, and stay aware of what's going on and intervene as needed. But that's everywhere, no school is immune from the possibility.

[MissTerri]

I know and like the neighborhood that you are talking about. It's on a trail for walking/biking/jogging. It's walking distance to Trader Joe's and the Streets at Southglenn which has a movie theater and a Library in addition to a places to eat and shop. Goodson Rec Center is really nice too and is right acorss the street. As far as Littleton Public Schools, from what I know it is easy to choice into a different school within that district if you are unhappy with your neighborhood school. The commute from Louisville to Buckley would be insane. I'd definitely go with the house in centennial.

[mic111]

Originally Posted by bowlersp

Also, you said "had their kids", did they move districts?

Thanks!

No, the kids grew out of middle school.

In terms of Lousiville, I have to agree with some of the other comments. If you can't afford to buy there in the foreseeable future then it doesn't make sense unless your only in the Denver area for a few years. A rental is great for short term (staying in Denver for <5 yrs or so) or if your looking for house in the area and plan to live in that area and want to check it out. But with your job being so far I'm guessing that you will want move pretty quickly to cut your commute so that you can know what your kids look like before they grow up and move out.

If you don't like the middle school then I would pass on this house and look for something even closer to work with a school you do like. Maybe Stapleton, Cherry Creek School District in south Aurora or Centennial closer to I-25.

Something like this is at a similar price point and the schools are fantastic all the way through.
8027 E Fremont Avenue, Centennial, CO | MLS 9270349 | Listing Information

[Pesare]

If you really like Louisville I wouldn't discount trying to do a rent to buy type deal with the owner of this home, that you said you had a chance to rent from. You may be able to get a deal to eventually buy it at today's market price after renting for a year or two assuming the prices keep on going higher. The only thing I would be concerned about is the long commute you would have.

[Willy702]

Expectations could be wrong, but I would say it's quite risky to wait on buying a house now versus 3 years from now. If interest rates go up 1-2% that will be a significant change in your mortgage payment. Unless you are really unsure of where you will be in a few years or just can't qualify for a loan now then buying is definitely the better choice.

[JWEvergreen]

Regarding "the Joneses"... You might be surprised to discover that many of the people who live in very affluent neighborhoods still appreciate a bargain when they see one. My daughter recently had a girlfriend come over for a play date and they went through my daughters clothes (that don't fit her any more) and we bagged them all up and sent them home with the GF who is smaller in size.

The parents as well as the child were very appreciative! Now every time I see that girl, she is wearing something that used to belong to my girl! (And I'm not talking about expensive designer clothing, just stuff from Target, JCP, Kohls etc...)

I think you need to be proud of what you have and what you are able to afford and not worry about what others think. Kids get bullied. It's unfortunate and intervention is needed, but it shouldn't mean you need to spend more money than you can afford. We can't afford designer clothing and fancy cars... so what...!