Gathering info on Denver Neighborhoods (Boulder, Littleton: fit in, house, public school)

[megh]

I am wanting to gather a little information about Denver and its neighborhoods. My husband and I are researching different cities that are interesting to us and to which we would consider re-locating. I am getting ready to visit in October and would like to get some feedback from others on their experiences in and around Denver. I have a lot of friends in Denver that love it there. But most of them live in the downtown area and are either single, or recently married with no children, and they know very little about the surrounding neighborhoods and schools.

So, here is what we would be looking for. A neighborhood (or community) that isn't too far out of the city - but not right down town as we would need a decent sized house and yard. We like eclectic areas that offer local businesses, restaurants, parks, schools, farmer's markets? and a lot of things within walking distance. (i.e. not hip on cookie-cutter suburb type locations). Family friendly but also culturally rich and diverse. Schools would definitely be a factor for us as we have a 3.5 year old (and maybe another child in the not so far future) We really value good education and would prefer to accomplish that via the public school system, if possible. (I know that Boulder has a good reputation for all the above, but I also know that its very expensive and it would be far from everyone that we know in the Denver area - but not out of the question for us... any thoughts on Boulder versus certain Denver neighborhoods?)

Any suggestions on areas that I could check out while I am visiting next month would be really helpful and much appreciated!

[steveindenver]

Stapleton, Bonnie Brae, Mayfair, Park Hill, Hilltop, Montclair all come to mind. Stapleton might be the most solid fit, but you will not find a large yard anywhere near Denver and you did not mention price range which will narrow the aformentioned field.

[Katarina Witt]

Agree. I would suggest doing a search, as there is a lot of information on these topics on the forum. Then you will know what questions to ask.

[Moonwalkr]

Price range? How far willing to commute?

[pba]

Originally Posted by steveindenver

Stapleton, Bonnie Brae, Mayfair, Park Hill, Hilltop, Montclair all come to mind. Stapleton might be the most solid fit, but you will not find a large yard anywhere near Denver and you did not mention price range which will narrow the aformentioned field.

Would Littleton fit in here?