Meeting in the middle (Denver, Fort Collins: renting, condo, crime)

[deedotcuzo]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice from people who really know the area. We currently live in Parker, which we love. I work in Downtown Denver. Husband was working in Castle Rock but was offered a great position in Fort Collins (Ya, I know!). We are still considering this, we have not committed. But if he does decide to make the move, we will need to relocate. The drive is too much, obviously.

What are some good cities we should be looking into? That we can meet in the middle as far as commute, as much as possible. I am mostly concerned with crime and school district (we have kids). We would possibly buy after a year of renting.

Thanks for the input.

[SQL]

I'd just look at a map.

Northern Thornton and Longmont are first to come to mind. Dacono/Frederick/Firestone if you're looking for small community feel. Loveland for the closer commute to Fort Collins without actually living in Fort Collins.

It would also be helpful to know some of your community requirements, wishlists, and price range.

[Timmyy]

I think even in the middle you both will have a long commute. Maybe Longmont?

[mic111]

I would throw north Westminster and Broomfield into the mix along with north Thornton. Crime is low, schools are good. 2018 will see rail up north for you but your husband will be using I-25 to commute.

[deedotcuzo]

Price range 2100 for a two-three bedroom.

I just need the area to be safe.

Nearby shops and restaurants is a plus

[deedotcuzo]

by the way, we just moved to Colorado in June.

So we aren't familiar with other areas.

[mic111]

Just perusing zillow there appears to be lots of options.

Good schools all around for this condo and you save money to buy.
3466 Molly Cir, Broomfield, CO 80023 | Zillow

Or a house like this in Thornton.
http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/mmm_pt/house_type/58290516_zpid/0-800000_price/0-2799_mp/39.998624,-104.928446,39.918887,-105.076075_rect/12_zm/1_fr/

Elementary is an 8, middle is 7 and high is 7.

[SQL]

Originally Posted by deedotcuzo

Price range 2100 for a two-three bedroom.

I just need the area to be safe.

Nearby shops and restaurants is a plus

I think Longmont would be the best mid-point between Fort Collins and Denver in your price range. It also has a nice, small downtown and two great microbrews (Left Hand and Oskar Blues). Broomfield is nice, but also getting to be very expensive like Boulder.

[deedotcuzo]

Is Thornton overall a good place?

I will be looking into Longmont a little more

[SQL]

Originally Posted by deedotcuzo

Is Thornton overall a good place?

I will be looking into Longmont a little more

Thornton is a fine choice. It has a very blue collar, suburban feel to it.

Longmont has more of a small town feel to it in comparison, IMO.

Both are safe, clean cities and family-friendly.