Relocating from NJ - need lots of advice.. (Denver, Louisville: house, neighborhoods)

[jerseyrelo]

Hi!

we are relocating from NJ - family of 4, 2 young boys (both under 2) my husband is working downtown and we are researching neighborhoods...looking for a town that has 'neighborhoods', parks, and an area we can walk around, maybe a small downtown...would love to be in an area that we can meet families in similar situations, (young kids). Looking for a bigger home. so we can house everyone who comes to visit price range is up to 850k.

also would love peditrician advice, pre-school and classes, ie. music, gym etc for the kids...

thanks!

[Bradburn1]

Welcome to Colorado! My neighborhood Bradburn Village has all the things you are looking for, I've posted about it before here:

Are planned communities, like Bradburn Village, as great as they say they are?

and

http://www.city-data.com/forum/denve...n-village.html

and one with info on Bradburn and Stapleton (scroll down a bit):

Best places to live in/near Denver with kids


Feel free to send me a private message if you have more questions about Bradburn. I met one of my new neighbors here and now they are down the street and love living here (and I like having nice, new neighbors--more the merrier). About 90% of the people living in single family homes in my neighborhood are couples with young kids (under 8 or so, many with toddlers they are EVERYWHERE and run in packs LOL) most with one parent staying at home. We have a walkable downtown area (although it's still under construction, so a lot more to come in the next two years) and great schools.

You may also want to look at Stapleton in Denver which is like Bradburn but much bigger (you will get less house for your $$$ but shorter commute). You will get a great house in either place in your price range, and don't forget--builders are giving some big concessions right now because the market is so bad.

If you don't want to buy new, there are TONS of neighborhoods in Denver where you can find what you are looking for, some more urban than others, and some with spotty schools (although that can happen anywhere). If you want older, established hoods, check Bonnie Brae, Washington Park, and the Highlands. I am especially fond the Highlands because I love their little downtown area.

[Katarina Witt]

With hubby working downtown, you could live just about anywhere.

How long of a commute is he willing to do?

Driving or public transportation?

Louisville has a small downtown, not much shopping there though. The public library is there, with a great kids' department, there is a nearby park and lots of restaurants.

You can meet most of your needs in the city. Three grocery stores, a Kohl's, Sam's Club, Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, etc.

Population is around 20,000. Louiville was rated #3 best place to live in the US by money magazine last spring. Rec Center offers lots of kids' classes.

I think the pediatrician, pre-school stuff should wait till you have nailed down the town.