From Parker to Denver (Lakewood, Highlands Ranch: apartments, trip , jobs)

[Deanderson10]

Hello everyone!

I stumbled upon this forum earlier today and decided to register so I could ask a few questions. My main question is, how far is it (realistically) from Parker to Denver? My boyfriend is currently renting a townhouse with his brother in Denver, at S. Grant St (zip: 80210) but I'm moving out there in March and I've been considering living in Parker. I've never been to Denver before so I thought about maybe living in a suburb until I can get used to Denver and see the nicer areas of the city for myself, and one of the suburbs that was recommended to me was in Parker.

Anyway, to make a long story as short as possible, one of the complexes I've been researching are the Windrock apartments on 19011 Cottonwood Drive in Parker, CO. However, I'm a little concerned about how long of a commute that would really be. When I looked up directions on Google I was told that it would be about 24 minutes from my apartment (if I chose that complex) to my boyfriend's townhouse, but what I'm wondering is, is that really realistic? I'm not sure if I should be factoring in more time due to traffic or if that distance seemed fairly accurate, so if you any of you have some insight then it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much for your help!

[tfox]

[quote=Deanderson10;287997However, I'm a little concerned about how long of a commute that would really be. When I looked up directions on Google I was told that it would be about 24 minutes from my apartment (if I chose that complex) to my boyfriend's townhouse, but what I'm wondering is, is that really realistic? I'm not sure if I should be factoring in more time due to traffic or if that distance seemed fairly accurate, so if you any of you have some insight then it would be greatly appreciated! [/QUOTE]

24 minutes is pretty realistic during non-rush hour times, assuming you take the e-470 toll road. The E-470 toll from Parker Road to I-25 is $1.75 one-way. That could really add up if you plan on going to see your boyfriend every day. If you took the non-toll Lincoln Road instead, add about 10-15 minutes to your trip. If you go in rush hour, you're looking at about 45-50 minutes or so if you take e-470, longer if you take Lincoln. Another option would be to take Parker Road to I-225, but my experience is that it's slower than the other alternatives due to lights.

Parker is a very nice suburb, but there are other nice suburban areas in the south metro that would be much closer to both your boyfriend's place as well as to the location of your likely job (which could depend of course). Of course, you may have some good reasons for choosing Parker, so I don't want to tell you there's anything wrong with that.

[2bindenver]

It is hard to tell why you would choose Parker and worry about a commute...since we don't know more about what you are looking for and why.

Do you need to be a half hour from your boyfriend? Where will you work? Pets? Kids? Llamas?

I am guessing Grant & 1-25 ish for where boyfriend lives...north of DU, and west of Broadway.

I'd look to the west: Lakewood, Littleton, South Jeffco for a better commute to bf.

[LoveBoating]

I live in Parker, just north of Mainstreet, and it takes me about 40 minutes to drive to my office in Denver from our house. I take Parker Rd. to E-470 to I-25north to 20th Street. However, I do have to be at work at 7 AM, so I don't get into any of the 8 AM traffic on I-25. When I come home, most of the time, I get off at Lincoln and take it home. Our E-470 bill is generally around $45 per month because we sometimes use the E-470 to get to I-25 on weekends, but most of the time on weekends we use to Lincoln to get to
I-25.
I have been driving to downtown Denver, from Parker, for almost 4 years now and I have gotten tired of it. We did chose Parker to live in/buy a house in and we do like it very much here.

[rebagirl]

We've been looking into Parker also. My husband and brother are returning from a Colorado trip today. Most likely their jobs will also be in Denver or possibly the Denver Tech center. (Both are computer support techs). We haven't ruled out other areas by any means, but wondering about the commute from Parker. Right now, my husband generally leaves work at 5:00 and is home at 6:40! The freeways are so backed up, he opts to take surface roads the entire way--and they're getting bad too. We live only 21 miles from his work. And people wonder why California is no longer paradise. I'm sorry so many Coloradans are tired of the influx of Californians--can't say I blame them--but many of us need out. We promise to be nice once we get there!

[masalamomma]

I live in a really nice apartment right next to the Lone Tree Light Rail Station, which is nearby to Lincoln and I-25. They are the Metropolitan at Lincoln Station Apartments. They have a sign posted that a 2 bedroom is $999. The apartments have a free parking garage, which helps during bad weather. Also nearby is the AMLI Apartments and Crest Apartments. All are very nice. You could subtract 15 - 20 minutes off your commute by simply living nearby to the freeway. You would also then not have to worry about paying the tolls. You would also have the option of taking light rail too, which is just a walk away.

Personally I think Lone Tree is nicer than Parker too. Everything you need is a 5 minute drive away - the mall, all the shopping you can imagine, the hospital, etc..

My absolute favorite part of Lone Tree is the Recreation Center. It is beautiful and so convenient. I go there with my children, who use the indoor pool, at least 4 times a week.

I am obviously Lone Tree's biggest fan. I would never live anywhere else in Denver, because it is the perfect place for families.

You might also want to check in the apartments near and around Belleview and I-25. That is also a really nice area, but probably a bit more pricey.

[rebagirl]

Thanks for the help. However, we are a family of 5, so apartment living is not an option. (You may be confusing me with the boyfriend/girlfriend situation above) Lone Tree homes are kind of steep for us, but will continue researching it. Just wondering--do Lone Tree kids all end up at Highlands Ranch High School?

[masalamomma]

Hi Reba, yes I was addressing the original poster about the apartments in Lone Tree. I am not sure about the High School situation - both my kids are in elementary school. But one thing I do know that you may want to keep in mind is that schools here have an open enrollment policy - meaning you can enroll your kids in another school you prefer if there is space available.

Could help if you don't like the H.S. where you end up buying your house. Good Luck