Is Aurora not the most desired?

[BenWolfe]

Everyone has their different preference, but personally I prefer south of Denver. Douglas County schools are some of the best in the state. For the most part it feels a little less congested than dealing with 36 and you don't have the industrial factories that are found along I-70.

[TinajaCo]

A note on schools: Littleton has its own district, which is not year-round.

As Ben said, it's really a personal preference. The south is generally viewed as a little more affluent, a little safer, but there are a lot of beautiful areas up north and that's where a lot of recent growth has been. I have always lived in the south metro area so it's my personal preference. Another area you could look that hasn't really been mentioned is actually in Denver, the area northeast of the I-25 and I-225 merge (Southmoor Park, Hampden South). It's a nice area, homes built in the late 1960s-early 1970s but well cared-for, and it's easy access to Aurora via Hampden/Havana or I-225. I lived in that area up until about eight years ago and would not hesitate to recommend it. Cared-for homes, family-oriented, and good schools (even though it is Denver Public Schools there). Southmoor Park runs a little more expensive, as it is perceived to be more desirable than Hampden South, but you can't go wrong in either of those areas if you want to be a little closer to Aurora (without the ambience of Aurora).

[rebagirl]

Thanks. Yes, I've been impressed with Littleton Public Schools based on internet research and an aquaintance who worked there. The homes nearby appear to be older. (Centennial mostly) I'm sure there are pros and cons to that as well. (Plumbing, for example could be a concern in an older home) However, it seems most of the older homes are built on larger lots, which is nice. We have 6-year-old twins, so a yard would be great. I am also a teacher, which is another reason decent schools are important to us.

[mariewendan]

You DON'T want to be in Westminster either! Their mall can be scarey at times...I would 100% choose Parker, Littleton, or Highlands Ranch over Westminster!

[skigirl]

Originally Posted by mariewendan

You DON'T want to be in Westminster either! Their mall can be scarey at times...I would 100% choose Parker, Littleton, or Highlands Ranch over Westminster!

I used to work in Westminster and I'll have to disagree. There are some beautiful areas in Westminster and you don't have to live right by Flat Irons Mall. Although if you like to shop it's a good place to go.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by skigirl

I used to work in Westminster and I'll have to disagree. There are some beautiful areas in Westminster and you don't have to live right by Flat Irons Mall. Although if you like to shop it's a good place to go.

I believe that mariewendon was referring to Westminster Mall on 36 and Sheridan and not Flatirons Mall in Broomfield. The former is dying a slow death (like most malls of its era).

[mariewendan]

Originally Posted by tfox

I believe that mariewendon was referring to Westminster Mall on 36 and Sheridan and not Flatirons Mall in Broomfield. The former is dying a slow death (like most malls of its era).

That's actually good to hear! Yes, I was referring to the one in Westminster and no the one in Broomfield- I think Broomfield is nice, I just remember as a kid/teenager being very scared in the Westminster mall. However, I am sure there are nice areas in Westminster- you'd just have to find them!

[KrisluvThreePrinces]

What about the south Aurora area, like Centennial?? I find it odd that Centennial is considered okay but a lot of the same area code, 80015, is considered Aurora? Why the difference?

[TinajaCo]

A lot of it is in the name. It's not that all of Aurora is run-down or has issues-- the newer areas are nice and don't have more problems than any other new development. But Aurora has a certain image associated with it and that image could have an impact upon future property values. Centennial is a good area-- it tends to be somewhat older homes (built in the 60s-70s) but they're generally well-kept and there are great areas throughout Centennial.

[rebagirl]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate all your input. I'm looking forward to checking out the areas south of Denver. Happy New Year!