Where to relocatees move to? (Denver, Westminster: cul-de-sac, apartments, to rent)

[fromUK]

We're moving from Florida and looking for an area to live within commuting distance to westminster.

In particular we have 2 children aged 4 and 6 and are looking specifically for areas where there are karate schools, swimming schools, music schools and so on for young kids, also most importantly an area where people are new so its easy to make new friends.

My wife is a stay at home mom so the right friendly neighborhood where similar families live is important - the more kids and great grade1+ schools the better.

[Bradburn1]

I would suggest Westminster or Broomfield, both have what you are looking for. To narrow it down by neighborhood, do you want to rent or buy and what price range?

[fromUK]

Looking to rent and then buy - hopefully within the same school area, 400-500k

[Bradburn1]

That gives you a good range in this area. I live in Westminster, it's a great family city with TONS of kid stuff to do (everything you listed plus much more). I forgot to ask a little more specifics:

1. What things are important for you in a neighborhood (other than schools and friendly neighbors)
2. What size lot/yard do you want
3. What size home (how many sq feet)
4. Do you want to be able to walk to things (shops/restaurants) or don't care/happy to drive.

[fromUK]

Bradburn1,

1. Security and rec centers for swimming and gym with a more spacious area, but would look for a cul-de-sac home
2. Not a yard man other than to throw a ball which we can do anywhere so not bothered, would prefer a pool but that may be expensive for 500k max.
3. 3,000sqft plus basement would be heaven but 2,700 is what we need
4. Yes walking to everything is what we're after - may aswell enjoy the fresh air.

[Bradburn1]

OK, here goes:

First (no surprise I'm sure to others who read this forum) I would suggest my neighborhood, Bradburn Village in Westminster. We have new homes and resales (oldest was built in 2001) in your price range and sq foot range. Neighborhood is super, super social, is like a small town--everyone knows each other and we have tons of neighborhood events. Neighborhood is filled to the brim with kids and with stay at home moms (and some dads), most kids here are under 10. We have a community pool which is great. You won't find too many in ground pools in Colorado (especially at your price point), what you may find is community pools which have the benefits of pools without you having to maintain it. You can rent in Bradburn as well as buy. Many people rent one of the townhome apartments (called Bradburn Row) while their homes are being built, I did this and it worked out great (plus I could walk to my house being built and check it all the time).

You can walk to just about everything from Bradburn including restaurants, bars, shops, a 24 hour fitness, a new organic grocery store, parks, a giant open space with extensive trails. You can ride a bike through the open space to the very nice Westminster city park rec center in 10 minutes from here, as well as another large gym (Mountainside Fitness). Great schools (pretty much all schools in this area are good).

Other suggestions:

Redleaf in Broomfield. Redleaf is a newer subdivision right next to the very nice Paul Derda Rec center and a large park. I have a friend who lives in there and they like it very much. You can walk to some things (especially the rec center) but not nearly as many as Bradburn, but lower prices.

McKay Landing in Broomfield. Nice neighborhood typical suburan style, good schools. Can't really walk to anything though as it's pretty sprawled out.

The Broadlands in Broomfield. Similar to McKay Landing, standard suburban neighborhood, is nice but my friend who lives there says it's not very social (although it does have lots of kiddos).

Louisville. A little more expensive but charming small town with a great main street, lots of fun things to do, lots of families. About a 15-20 minute drive to Westminster (depending on where in Westminster the job is).

The areas around Westminster (Broomfield/Superior/Louisville/Lafayette) and Westminster itself are well suited to what you are looking for, so I would concentrate on those areas since you are lucky enough to have a job in an area with just the qualities you are looking for.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have specific Bradburn questions.

Good Luck! Colorado is a great place to live.

[bhcompy]

Easiest is to live where you work, but just fitting the rec center needs and neighborhood needs, you may want to peek at Highlands Ranch. Safe, Douglas County schools, house sizes that should fit your needs, and they have multiple Rec Centers with swimming pools, weight rooms, etc with classes and stuff to boot all paid with a rather miniscule HOA(40/mo I think?). The downside is it's not a very walkable place and the drive will be longer than some others areas(but paltry compared to the commute where I am in CA and I'm sure a lot less than major metro areas in FL).

[Bradburn1]

The OP has a job in Westminster, on the north side of Denver. Highlands Ranch is a 1 1/2 hour rush hour commute south from Westminster. If they were working in the Denver Tech Center I would recommend Highlands Ranch but no way for anyone working north of downtown.

[Katiana]

Louisville has quite a few walkable areas, and you can get most anywhere in town on a bike. You can get to most parts of Westminster in about 20 minutes. Tons of kids, a nice rec center, walking paths, bike trails throughout the city, good schools.

[fromUK]

Thanks guys, highlands Ranch did seem as though it fit the bill, but 1 - 1:30hr communte is a long drive - shame they don't have a smaller yet similar area closer - what do you think of Stapleton?