Small Town Suggestions? (Denver, Black Forest, Elizabeth: real estate, home, schools)

[lb86]

If you could live somewhere without worrying about commuting or about schools, with the following criteria...where would you pick?...

-Rural (horses allowed)
-Low population (1000 or less maybe)
-Dont mind about the snow, but hate the heat over 90+
-Housing prices for a 3 bd 2 ba older ranch home not to exceed 200k
-Safe (i know....nowhere is crime-free...i mean relatively safe)
-Housing plots 1+ acres
-Friendly neighbors (meaning...not cliquish)

I hope i included enough factors. I would appreciate any info
I've lived in Denver for almost a year now and love the state, but am ready to move further out, or up. I'm used to the cold having lived in other parts of the country so that is not a factor. Just looking for open spaces, kind of similar to Elizabeth but not so close to town. Thanks again!!

[Nav]

You mentioned Elizabeth but your price range is too low for what you are looking for. You could try out in Kiowa, Simla or Elbert. Those areas are also very similar to Elizabeth but are more miles out so there are not as many commuters, thus lower property costs.

If you want the real "Colorado feel" then Westcliff is a nice area. Its southwest of pueblo, but nestled in the hills with spectacular views of the San de Cristo Mountains. You can find what you are looking for in your price range there. Just google weslcliff real estate and look for local agents web sites.

Actually all you really need to do is to get a map and a compass. Set the compass so its 60 miles end to end. Draw a circle out from every metropolitan area (120 miles diameter). Anything outside that circle will have great pricing since it is outside the typical commuting ring. For ski areas, make the ring 20 miles (40 in diameter). Keep your elevation at least 6500+ feet and you wont have problems with the heat. (maybe a few days here and there but not the norm)

Nav

[vegaspilgrim]

The only place that meets your criteria will be small towns out on the eastern plains, NOT including scenic Black Forest/exurban locations like Elizabeth. I would start off looking at places like Kiowa, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, etc, and then continue your search further east. You will probably have to put up with temperatures above 90 though. I'm also not sure why you posted this question in the Denver forum, when you're saying you're not commuting to Denver-- perhaps the Colorado forum would be the better place to get advice in this department.

[lb86]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

I'm also not sure why you posted this question in the Denver forum, when you're saying you're not commuting to Denver-- perhaps the Colorado forum would be the better place to get advice in this department.

Just an honest mistake...thought that Denver people would have the best info. Thanks for your info.

[lb86]

Thank You Nav..I visited out that way in summer and thought it was very beautiful. I will propbably focus on that area. Have a great day