Any other suggestions? Need quick reply if possible (Denver, Aurora: jobs, homes)

[rebagirl]

My husband and brother are in Colorado now, looking in various Denver suburbs. They return home (California) tomorrow. I will avoid repeating my previous posts to some extent, but here's a quick run-down: Have 6-year-old twins and a 19-year-old step-daughter; have relatives in north Aurora--would like to be near them, but not in same neighborhood; just like everyone else, we're looking for good schools, safe area, etc. Husband and brother have so far been through Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Parker and Lone Tree. They feel Littleton is a real mix of desirable neighborhoods and undesirable. One street can be very nice, while the next block over is not. I had previously been impressed with Littleton Public Schools, particularly Franklin elementary, but homes in area are mostly unattractive. They did like some of the homes in Centennial (some within Littleton Public Schools and others in Cherry Creek Schools). Highlands Ranch was just a mass of homes that were crowded like sardines, with very small lots--not what we want. (Unless they possibly didn't venture far enough in to get a better feel) They loved Parker, but are concerned with the continuing growth, and possible traffic issues. Lone Tree seems nice, but possibly a bit expensive. The area near the Aurora Reservoir looks nice, but then again it has the Aurora stigma attached to it. HELP! You all have been a tremendous help to me in the past. Just wondering if you have any other suggestions or insight that I could pass to my husband and brother TODAY! Thanks so much.

[CO mom in paradise]

Hey Reba,

I was born and raised in SE Aurora. from when I was 8 years old until I was 30 I lived near Quincy Reservoir. Went to Cherry Creek Schools and for the most part was in a safe area. If you were to choose Aurora, that area and any part of the "newer" Aurora is where I would choose. Specifically, we lived in the Summer Valley Ranch Subdivision. Unless the area I grew up in has gone to the dogs in the last 5 years since I have been back, I feel comfortable in suggesting that area. Good luck!!

[2bindenver]

How small is too small? Would it matter that you have miles and miles of trails, or could back to open space? Larger lots come with larger water bills, does that matter? A cul de sac lot often is small in the front & larger in back. Would that make a difference?

Don't panic. There is a place here with your name on it.

[masalamomma]

Lone Tree definately. Pay a bit more, but the quality of the city and neighborhoods combined with the accessibility to freeways and light rail makes it more than worth it.

[rebagirl]

Thanks so much to you both. I did check the zip 80015 on Sperling's Best Places, and the crime statistics are considerably lower than 80011, which is where my relatives are.

Yes, I will try not to panic. We're not in any rush, actually. Just felt the need to accomplish as much as possible while my husband and brother were there. They'd call me from various neighborhoods and have me look up info on the internet. I'm a research fanatic--not necessarily a good thing, perhaps!

Just hoping jobs won't be nearly impossible to find. (Tech support for him/elementary teaching for me--that is, if I have to work--would love to be home for a year or two at least.)

[rebagirl]

Will look into Lone Tree--thanks.

2bindenver: I hadn't actually thought about the water bill, so I'm glad you mentioned it. I guess I was just hoping for a yard with room for a playset for the kids--and plenty of room to run or kick a ball around. Our yard here is a narrow strip, so most of the play takes place in the front yard, which means I must constantly be present. (Not that I don't enjoy that--just would be nice to know that they can play safely, and be in a slightly larger backyard.)

[CO mom in paradise]

We lived in 80013, Also check out 80016. I think that is the newer Aurora (I mean newer because it wasnt really developed when I moved 5 years ago) its a bit more east. I wouldnnt consider 80011 (but thats just my opinion - no offense to those who live there). I worked off 6th and Chambers for a couple years and wouldnt want to live there just because the clientele we dealt with and the fact that our office was broken into a couple times. (definitely a higher crime area).

[masalamomma]

Lone Tree is 80124. Parker is also nice, and a bit cheaper and it is 80134.

[rockiesredhead]

Have you checked Western Arvada (80007?) It may be further away, but it's an awesome suburb called West Woods. The elementary school (same name) is rated "Excellent" as is the high school, Ralston Valley. It's very pretty here with extremely nice people. I have a 6 year old boy and I couldn't ask for a better school, nicer friends and a great bunch of moms I consider some of my closest friends. The proximity is also very close to Golden and Boulder, not to mention very easy access to the Jeff Co open spaces and a 10 minute commute and you're in the foothills. Just another suggestion....

[rebagirl]

Thanks again--will look into Arvada area too! My husband and brother just returned from their fact-finding mission, and they were both mostly impressed with Parker. They liked the somewhat "country" feel, deer sightings, and well-kept neighborhoods. Just a little concerned with the fact that the area is growing by leaps and bounds. Wondering what it will look like in 25 years. Hopefully there will be some open space for years to come. By the way, is there any way of knowing whether or not a home that backs to open space will remain that way?