Denver move - military (Aurora, Evergreen: hardwood floors, apartment, to rent)

[jtrowbrid]

I know you are probably sick of answering these type of questions. But where is reasonably nice neighborhood (single family homes - $300 - $350K) - I'm single and may or may not be a starting a family soon (probably not). I'm active duty military and will be working near Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.

So, where are some great neighborhoods - reasonable priced homes within a decent commute (I would love to live in Evergreen, but too far) - is Stapleton a good area? What about near the Southlands Mall? I would love easy access to hiking trails - relaxed and safe area - I know there are some hidden gyms out there. BTW - I would make a great neighbor - so don't be afraid to spill the beans - so to speak! Thanks.

[Jerry Bckr]

There are all kinds of places along E-470, both new and resale, and that's just getting started. What kind of a commute are you looking for time wise. Go to www.REcolorado and search by your home prices. I think this is a better public search site than www.realtor.com, but that's just my opinion.

[jtrowbrid]

Thanks for the information - I met to say 'hidden gems' vice Gyms (LOL). I've seen those newer communities outside of E-470 - doesn't seem to be much else out there though. I'll check out the website you mention.

[2bindenver]

look at southshore, tallyn's reach, saddle rock...

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by jtrowbrid

I know you are probably sick of answering these type of questions. But where is reasonably nice neighborhood (single family homes - $300 - $350K) - I'm single and may or may not be a starting a family soon (probably not). I'm active duty military and will be working near Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.

So, where are some great neighborhoods - reasonable priced homes within a decent commute (I would love to live in Evergreen, but too far) - is Stapleton a good area? What about near the Southlands Mall? I would love easy access to hiking trails - relaxed and safe area - I know there are some hidden gyms out there. BTW - I would make a great neighbor - so don't be afraid to spill the beans - so to speak! Thanks.

Southeast Aurora, in one of the neighborhoods near Southlands, such as the "Wheatlands" subdivision could be your best bet. Your price range is probably very doable, especially in this market. This is an extremely nice area. Warning though-- those neighborhoods are LOADED with babies and little kids all over the place-- just so you know what you're getting into.

SE Aurora to Buckley AFB shouldn't be too bad of a commute. You could take Aurora Pkwy/Gunclub Rd straight up (a 2 lane rd) until it curves into 6th Ave, all the way up to the base. Or E-470, if you don't mind paying the tolls.

Here are some photos of the area:
Southeast Aurora photo tour

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

Southeast Aurora, in one of the neighborhoods near Southlands, such as the "Wheatlands" subdivision could be your best bet. Your price range is probably very doable, especially in this market. This is an extremely nice area. Warning though-- those neighborhoods are LOADED with babies and little kids all over the place-- just so you know what you're getting into.

SE Aurora to Buckley AFB shouldn't be too bad of a commute. You could take Aurora Pkwy/Gunclub Rd straight up (a 2 lane rd) until it curves into 6th Ave, all the way up to the base. Or E-470, if you don't mind paying the tolls.

Here are some photos of the area:
Southeast Aurora photo tour

My husband retired from the Air Force two years ago and landed a job at DIA. We still head over to Buckley occasionally and know quite a few neighbors who work out at Buckley. We live in SE Aurora in Saddle Rock Ridge. It's a great area but it IS full of kids. I don't have anyone on my street that doesn't have a kid in the house. In my opinion, it's a wise investment (though you shouldn't plan on making any kind of huge profit) because it's in a good area with a great school district and it's convenient to Buckley, DIA, UCH and the Tech Center. There will always be a market for homes in family friendly neighborhoods with good schools.

My only suggestion is to be cautious about buying a house for more than $300,000. That is not going to buy you a huge house in this area, but with the economy the way it is, there aren't going to be a lot of people who will be able to buy it when/if you have to PCS. The housing market will eventually turn around but it will probably never get back to the craziness it was and frankly, $300,000 is way out of most people's price range. Also, if you want to rent it out, remember that you need to have a mortgage that can be covered by a decent rent (including property manager fees and likely landscaping). I'm not sure what the housing allowance is for SNCOs or junior officers but I wouldn't wander too far above $1600 a month. That's nearly our mortgage (30 year fixed, 5.825%, $230,000 (though the house was $265,000)). Hopefully that helps. We had to look at about 20 homes before we found ours because I was not going to pay more than $1600 per month in mortgage/property taxes/homeowner's insurance). There are a lot of crappy houses out there in the $250,000 price range but we found a gem. Unfortunately, the best place to live in Denver is as close to the mountains as possible but with the location of Buckley, that would make for one heck of a commute. You're going to have more luck with a home out on this side of the city, but you are going to be living out on the prairie. My friends have started calling me Laura Ingalls.

[jtrowbrid]

Thanks for the awesome information. I will probably retire out there - and really appreciate the information - I would love to find a nice house for $250K - but seems a little hard to find. And I really appreciate the information on children and babies - I'll have to keep my eyes peeled!

[maciesmom]

Also...The Farm seems to be a good, family neighborhood (Arapahoe Rd and Buckley I think). I've heard good things about the schools in that area.....

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by jtrowbrid

Thanks for the awesome information. I will probably retire out there - and really appreciate the information - I would love to find a nice house for $250K - but seems a little hard to find. And I really appreciate the information on children and babies - I'll have to keep my eyes peeled!

You're right, but you have to think about what kind of mortgage you can afford. Then, add in property taxes, homeowner's insurance and HOA fees and you can figure out your bottom line. Our bank qualified us for $380,000 which is ridiculous. Unfortunately, we had a horrid realtor who kept showing us homes in the $325,000 range and they were gorgeous. Built in bookshelves, finished basements, granite countertops, hardwood floors, etc. We were absolutely dead set against anything above $275,000 and ended up finding our house (after looking at at least 20 homes) and offering $265,000 which they accepted. It has the hardwood floors and was very gently lived in. There are homes out there in the $250,000-$275,000 price range...you just have to be persistent.

By the way, since you are in the military, make sure you call USAA and ask them about their movers advantage program. You get paid to use one of their realtors (but e-mail me so I can steer you away from the total loser we got stuck with. We gave him a horrid review and told them that had they not paid us to use him we would have bailed, so I hope they have taken him off their list of referrals). Plus, they have great interest rates and make the home purchasing process a piece of cake.

Good luck!

[USNavyGirl94]

I'm also relocating to Buckely AFB in Mar and I've been reading other posts on here; I must say I have found some really good info on areas to home shop in and areas to stay clear from. I'm not in the buying market right now, since I'm not sure if CO is where I will settle down in, so I'm apartment shopping.
So read on and good luck on your hunt!