New construction or established neighborhood in Greenwood Village? (Denver, Parker: new home, landscaping)

[pje192]

moving to Denver metro area from New England. I'd like some impressions of Greenwood Village from the natives and also some advice about whether the current housing inventory makes looking for a new home versus a 90s built home a better option. Looking to spent 500 - 600K. thanks

[TinajaCo]

Greenwood Village is a nice area, and has good access to shopping, public transportation, the DTC, etc. The older, more-established areas tend to be in western Greenwood Village, west of I-25. Those are the areas that also adjoin Cherry Hills and they tend to be more expensive (but there are beautiful neighborhoods there, well worth the expense if you can afford it). The eastern part of Greenwood Village is newer (homes built in the 1990s) and is largely sandwiched between the DTC and Cherry Creek reservoir. That is a great area as well.... but one thing to keep in mind if you're looking that direction, that I would have never considered until I spent a bit of time in the area. Centennial Airport is directly south of some of those areas, and the flightpath to the airport goes directly over some of the areas (especially east of I-25, south of Orchard Rd). It is a general aviation airport so the noise isn't as bad as it could be, but it's a pretty busy airport and so that may be something to keep in mind.
I personally prefer the older areas of Greenwood Village, that are west of I-25, because they have the matured landscaping and such, but those are highly sought-after areas for the large part and so you'll be paying more to buy a house there. The areas east of I-25 are great as well, and you'll probably get more house for your money that direction (and the houses you'll find there would probably be more in the price range you are looking at). Overall though Greenwood Village is a great area and I don't think you can go wrong anywhere there-- more than anything it comes down to what you prefer, and what you are willing to pay.

[BenWolfe]

TinajaCo gave some excellent information regarding the area, but I will expand a little. Your price range will limit you to the east side of side of I25, I am not aware of any Greenwood Village homes west of I25 that are sub $600k. It is currently a buyers market in Denver so if you buy an existing home you may be able to negotiate a better deal. Some builders will negotiate a little on an existing home, but if you are hoping to have a house built with your choice of cabinets, counters, etc. you will have a difficult time getting a discount.

Have you been out here looking at houses recently? If not you may want to broaden your search, the Denver area has several very nice areas in your price range. I have helped numerous relocation buyers who thought they had decided on an area prior to coming out and once they got here they ended up buying in a different area.

[2bindenver]

what kind pf place are you looking for? GV is one of those *destination* neighborhoods - you pay for the zip code, although they have great amenities. Centennial, HR, Parker, Unincorporated Arapahoe County all offer new construction for less than $600K

Will you be building from dirt or looking for a deal on a spec home?