What is the best Family community (Denver, Aurora: houses, rent, job)

[Dr Joe]

I am moving my family to the Denver area. I am not concerned with commuting and my job is flexible . Consideing this the only thing I am looking for is a Beautiful family community with amenities. We have three little ones I love nature and outdoor activities ,want minimal cement more parks and open areas with mountain views and minimal traffic noise) not too crazy about cookie cutter style but can tolerate, need great schools .Cost is not a factor .
Any suggestions?

[ColoradoLion]

Wow. The "best family community"? That's a tough question.

If you're looking for open areas, mountain views and minimal traffic noise, that points you to the west side of town. My family (myself, wife and 8-year-old son) lives in the Willow Springs neighborhood, which is in Morrison. We get a foothills/mountain feel here, yet we're only 20 minutes from downtown and groceries, etc. are close. there are red rock outcroppings, deer, elk...it's beautiful. There are trails to hike/bike and a laid back country club (Red Rocks C.C.) that's a hub.

There are other areas that might meet your needs, like the Genesee area of Golden or Deer Creek Canyon, but I'm obviously biased a little. Houses start at around $400,000 for an older home with a minimal lot to almost $2mil.

[Bradburn1]

Hmm, a lot to consider with this question, but I think it's a great one and people often are looking for this. I think the ideal family community of course depends on the family, but I'm sure you can find something to fit your family in Denver--we have something for everyone.

A few questions to help you narrow things down since you don't have the restrictions other may (price/commute).

1. When you say "amenities" which ones specifically are most important to your family?

2. What size/type of home are you looking for and what size yard?

3. How important is it for your kids to have lots of other kids their ages in the community? (or would they be more likely to have friends from school)

4. Is it important to you and your family to be able to walk to things from home (parks/shops/restaurants/school)?

5. Do you prefer more urban, more suburban, or don't have a preference?

6. Do you want to know/be friendly with your neighbors (a social communiy) or would you prefer to be more private and/or have more space from your neighbors (for example, a home on a large lot where you don't see your neighbors much or at all)

[Dr Joe]

Thanks for the info. We have lived in nice areas but always had to drive the kids to any activities ,no other children in the area. So this time although Im not totally sold on the idea (but my wife is) we want a planned community with a rec center , pool , walking/biketrails and lots of kids in the neighborhood . Big lots are not necessary as long as there are parks within walking distance. Great public schools are a must,preferably near by .I would love to be able to walk to shops ,etc but I dont think I can have everything.As for the size of the home anything greater than 2500 sq ft to 3500 sq ft .

[sumisu]

Hi Dr. Joe -

You may consider taking a look at Parker. It's a popular town with a variety of neighborhoods and close to parks, shopping, hiking, etc. Idyllwilde is a community that has a variety of homes and prices ranging from low $300K - $1M+.

Good luck.

[Bradburn1]

OK, here are some suggestions in different places around/in Denver for planned communities I am familiar with that I know have the amenities you are looking for, nice homes, good schools, and lots o kiddos.

1. Stapleton in Denver. It has everything and I mean everything. Most awesome parks, lots of open space, a million kids, good schools (now since they are now all in Stapleton itself, it didn't used to be that way). It has good views of the mountains from some parts, but it's pretty urban and a bit farther of a drive to get into the mountains/foothills. Many homes in that sq footage with lots of variety in architecture (not cookie-cutter).

2. Bradburn Village in Westminster (north of downtown by 20 minutes). This is my neighborhood. Millions of kids, great schools, nice amenities (pool, great parks, tennis courts), can walk to shops/bars/restaurants, super social and friendly community, next to huge open space with biking/running trails that go forever, close to great hiking in the foothills and mountains, great views of mountains in this area, although not directly from most houses (although from a few). Main difference between Stapleton and here (other than location of course) is size: Stapleton is very very large, Bradburn is a more cozy neighborhood.

3. Legacy Ridge. Westminster. Nice community, a bit cookie cutter, but has nice amenities (pool etc) also has very nice golf course, good schools.

4. Highlands Ranch. 20-30 minutes south of downtown Denver. Is very cookie cutter but good schools, lots of kids, lots of nice amenities. Some people really hate it as it is really what is meant by "sprawl" but lots of people love living there (hence its popularity) and hey, different strokes for different folks.

I agree with the poster who suggested Parker, that is a super nice area especially for someone who enjoys the outdoors. I don't know of any specific planned communities to recommend however (I'm sure there are some, I'm just not as familiar with that area).

Good Luck!

[NU97]

There is a new community to SE Aurora that sounds like it has nearly all that you're looking for. . . it's called Southshore (Home of the 2007 Parade of Homes). Most lots do not have mountain views, but a select few have mountain AND water views (since this development is on the shore of Aurora Reservoir). They have a great rec center (subcontracted out to the YMCA), plus miles and miles of trails. Access to Aurora Reservoir -- it has a little beach/swimming area, plus fishing and boating (wakeless motors allowed). There is a brand new Middle School and High School within the development; the elementary school should be there very soon. The schools are part of the Cherry Creek School District -- on of the top school districts in the state. The high school has an IB curriculum. There are a lot of kids around. I took my son there for swimming lessons last summer and it was fabulous. (I don't live there, though -- would like to, but it's just not in the cards right now -- our son has RP and we're moving some place less sunny). They do have lots for custom homes, plus the usual inventory homes. The builders in that development do seem to offer more options -- more of a semi-custom build than others. There is a big shopping area nearby -- the Southlands. There is a movie theatre, tons of places to eat, and a farmers market during the warmer months. The libraries nearby are very nice. I hear a new YMCA is being built at Arapahoe/Gartrell -- the initial renderings look superb. Any how, there is my two cents. It's worth a look, at least via the web! :-)

[Dr Joe]

Thanks you all have been really helpful .Im happy that there are so many possibilities .

[Katiana]

See my post about Louisville over on the Colorado forum. We raised a family here. It was great.

[tao]

I highly recommend the Willow Park subdivision in Broomfield. We just moved there and absolutely love it. It's very family friendly and there's a rec center a mile away. Plus both Denver and Boulder are a 15-20 minute drive away.