Evergreen? (Denver, Evans, Center: short sales, homes, buyers)

[Katiana]

It's mountain suburbia, if that's what you're looking for.

[cvinny25]

Originally Posted by LEDFuller

Does anyone have info on specific neighborhoods in Evergreen? And we cannot go over 500K ( and really should stay under 400K). We really want to be very close to a grade school, preferably walking distance ( I know, it's a lot to ask...)

There seems to be a real community, which is what we are looking for. And one concern I've heard from friends that went to H.S. there is that if you aren't rich, you might feel a bit out of the loop.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

Hello LEDFuller,
More than any other price point, right now the popular price range is $300-$500K. You will certainly have a number of options available that are close to schools. The Evergreen community has a diverse demographic so please don't be concerned about the idea of being "rich" to be included.
Moderator cut: no soliciting or advertising please

[nele]

Originally Posted by LEDFuller

Does anyone have info on specific neighborhoods in Evergreen? And we cannot go over 500K ( and really should stay under 400K). We really want to be very close to a grade school, preferably walking distance ( I know, it's a lot to ask...)

There seems to be a real community, which is what we are looking for. And one concern I've heard from friends that went to H.S. there is that if you aren't rich, you might feel a bit out of the loop.

Hiwan is walking distance to a good elementary school, but there are few properties at 500K. Some, though; with real estate prices dropping I'd definitely look at the listings there. They have some townhomes too. This is the golf course community and probably the one (along with The Ridge and Soda Creek) your friends were referring to as "only the rich need apply".

Wah Keeney is also close to the schools, and MUCH more affordable - not part of the golf course community like HIwan. But there's less privacy in that neighborhood and also more road noise. Actually I think this might be a good bet for you, but I would try to get as far EAST as possible (away from 74).

Evergreen Highlands is nice, again it might be pushing to find a $500K house, and not so close to schools or shopping. But great views, like you would expect being higher, and lots of privacy.

Evergreen Meadows and Brook Forest are way affordable, but not close to schools and kind of far from the center of Evergreen, they're actually closer to Conifer shopping.

There's also some new-ish townhomes in North Evergreen (Bergen Park) very close to a school (Bergen Valley Elementary I think) that have been on the market awhile and you might get a great deal there. You can walk to all the shopping in Bergen Park, movie theater, etc.

[cvinny25]

In an effort to clarify some information that was posted about specific neighborhoods, Hiwan would not be a neighborhood your criteria would fit. It is close to schools but the median price for a home in there is about $700K. There are limited options for you under $500K.
Wah Keeney Park is probably the cheapest neighborhood in Evergreen with most homes priced in the high $100K to mid $200K range. Not walking distance to schools and unfortunately a neighborhood that has not been maintained well.
Evergreen Highlands, Evergreen Meadows, and Brook Forest have homes in your price range but none of my clients who are looking for close proximity to schools or the amenities of Evergreen look at these neighborhoods. They are a minimum of 20 minutes from the center of town. Homes there have Household Water Wells, Septic systems and propane tanks which are utilities a buyer should feel comfortable with before considering them.
Those townhomes in Bergen are affordable but not family friendly given the lack of yards.

Walking distance to Wilmot Elementary and in your price range is a neighborhood called Evergreen Park Estates, and some surrounding smaller neighborhoods. These are also walking distance to the Rec Center, 3 Sisters Open Space and Evergreen Lake.

There are others that I know of but with so many quirks about mountain living, to try and go into every option without consultation would only confuse and frustrate you.

[LEDFuller]

Thanks so much for the info! We did look at a house in Evergreen Park, and we were told it was a bit overpricerd for that neighborhood. The houses right by Wilmot seemed like you weren't even in the mountains, though. I did wonder if letting my kids walk to school from Evergreen Park would be safe-- not from people, but from mountian lions! Any thoughts? What kind of community is Evergreen park?We both grew up in small towns so really are looking for a real community.

I know we don't want to live up winding roads, I hate manuvering them in the snow and wouldn't want my ( someday) teens on them.

Thanks so much for any info -- I think others looking at Evergreen are learning as well!

[nele]

Originally Posted by cvinny25

Walking distance to Wilmot Elementary and in your price range is a neighborhood called Evergreen Park Estates, and some surrounding smaller neighborhoods. These are also walking distance to the Rec Center, 3 Sisters Open Space and Evergreen Lake.

One thing about this neighborhood: it's very rocky, and radon can be VERY high. Many of the houses here also have wells. Be very, very sure to have the radon AND well water tested. Even if radon mitigation systems are in place, do it. I was under contract on a house here, but after Geowater told me the uranium was off the charts, I got out of it.

[cvinny25]

As people read this post, please be aware that every mountain home can be different when it comes to radon in the air and chemicals in the well water. To generalize an entire area because one home showed higher levels is a mistake and can improperly stigmatize a neighborhood. I do agree and recommend that each home be tested for radon and each home have their well examined, tested for static levels, water tested for bacteria and other chemicals, as well as have the septic system tested if applicable.
As for Uranium, the EPA just changed their standards for recommended levels in water and is a whole new item folks are targeting. Just know that a lab could take 3 weeks or more to get results which could delay any inspection objection deadline. Just be cautious to assume that a home next door has the same levels. Wells are all unique.
As everyone can see, buying a home in the mountains has a number of variables that requires strategic navigation. Make sure you have all the information you need to make a sound decision.

[nele]

Originally Posted by cvinny25

As for Uranium, the EPA just changed their standards for recommended levels in water and is a whole new item folks are targeting. Just know that a lab could take 3 weeks or more to get results which could delay any inspection objection deadline. Just be cautious to assume that a home next door has the same levels. Wells are all unique.

I agree. Since you can't assume any home will be like the next with regards to radon in the air/water and uranium in the water, TEST BOTH. Don't skip them because of objection deadlines - tell your realtor to arrange the dates accordingly, if need be. In this market you as the buyer are in the driver's seat.

[High Altitude]

Originally Posted by cvinny25

As for Uranium, the EPA just changed their standards for recommended levels in water and is a whole new item folks are targeting. Just know that a lab could take 3 weeks or more to get results which could delay any inspection objection deadline.

The deadlines are set in the contract so make sure they are written in and accepted as needed.

If the seller won't accept your deadlines so you have enough time to receive your results, move on.

Don't let an agent try to tell you other wise.

This is the biggest purchase of your life and your families health is on the line. If it takes 3 weeks, it takes 3 weeks.

[High Altitude]

I wouldn't be too concerned about being within walking distance to the school. Most kids bus it.

IMHO it is more important to be close to a bus stop so it is easy for your kids to walk to it.