Lone Tree vs Centennial vs Highlands Ranch (Denver, Parker: real estate, power lines)

[ltwehues]

My family and I moved to CO in January. Since then, we have been looking casually at real estate and are finally prepared to buy a home. We have decided to stay south of Denver to by close to jobs at the DTC. We are currently limiting the search to Lone Tree, Centennial west of I25 (Cherry Creek Schools) and Highlands Ranch east of Broadway. While there are some stong opinions about Highlands Ranch, I have not seen much about Lone Tree. I know there can be an issue with power lines, but outside of that, are there other issues I should be aware of?

We are looking for good schools, family friendly neighborhood with homes around 3000 sq ft (including the basement) for $400,000. I want the house to be walkable to something. I have not seen any village style housing in this area and cannot expect to find truely walkable neighborhood; however, at least a close proximity to schools/walking paths or shopping is preferred.

I'd also appreciate any neighborhoods that I should be warned about. I know these areas were built over several decades by a multitude of builders, some better some worse. If there is anyone out there aware of problem neighborhoods, I'd appreciate it.

[2bindenver]

Cherry Creek schools are both east and west of 1-25.

You can get more house for the money in Centennial or Highlands Ranch than in Lone Tree.

You might also consider homes in Parker - specifically from Stonegate to Meridan.

Lone Tree is a part of the South Suburban Rec district, and has a facility near Sky Ridge. HR has 4 rec centers, two tennis complexes, batting cages, a host of activities from ceramics to tap to theater.

You can live near Highland Walk or Town Center in HR for walkability.
You can live near County Line, Arapahoe Road, Orchard or Belleview for walkability...

[LisaCACO]

we looked at homes in those areas too. unless you have a personal opinion about HR, you really can't go wrong with those areas. we decided we didn't like the feel of Lone Tree or HR, and went just east of I-25 to The Farm at Arapahoe County, which had what we were looking for (larger lots, nice feel, good library system, good schools). we had 3 year old at the time (who just turned 5).

[rusty289]

You really need to view it yourself. We live at Belleview & 25 and will move to eastridge of Highlands ranch in a few weeks. We also looked from belleview to HR and from Broadway to East Centennial. It was really hard to decide! We really liked Willow Creek and Cherry Creek Vista but not many available and what we saw in our price range were pretty beat up. We checked out The Farm and didn't like it much at all. It has greenbelts but when you cross over 25 the deserty look intensifies. We lived in Parker for years so we were looking for something different I guess. All of those areas have top schools and lots of shopping and kid activities so they are very comparable. It will depend on your personal preference and what houses are available at that time.

[fsufezzik]

My wife and I moved into a home in March that's pretty much exactly what you described. We live in Highlands Ranch near the Eastridge rec center. We're just off Colorado Boulevard, a bit north of University. We paid $360K for a home with 2,800 finished square feet (3/3 plus an office) and a big unfinished basement. We regularly walk to the shopping centers at the intersection of Colorado/Highlands Ranch Parkway and University - Whole Foods, King Soopers, Ace Hardware, office stores, our dentist, restaurants, etc. There is a walking trail right next to where we pick up our mail at the end of the street. We've been here four months now, and we love it.

We thought we wouldn't like Highlands Ranch (we've been watching Weeds lately, and it's hard to miss the similarities between HR and Agrestic), but honestly it's been a great place to live. It's convenient to get where we want to go, we like the amenities, the house is great, we have nice neighbors (though I'll admit most folks keep to themselves)... it suits us very nicely. Maybe it's not for everyone, but it's been great for us so far.

[Sheridan1962]

We moved to the Centennial area west of I-25 (near Parker and Orchard) in late March. We live in a neighborhood called Piney Creek, and it is gorgeous. The housing prices are right in line with what you are looking at, and the highly acclaimed Smoky Hill High School is within walking distance of our house. We also have a very nice middle school and elementary school also within walking distance. You can also walk to a SuperWalmart, Home Depot, and some other retail/restaurant at the corner of Parker and Chambers. And there is a ton of shopping within a 5-10 minute drive.