Any inside scoop on Littleton (Grant Ranch, Fox Haven or similar neighborhoods) (Denver: real estate market, new house)

[DenverVs]

Can anyone who lives in the Littleton area shed some light on some of the neighborhoods we are looking at? Grant Ranch seems to have great curb appeal, with fairly new homes. Fox Haven also looks similar. We are looking for a 4-5 bedroom home with a decent sized lot ideally for under $1M. Lots of kids in the neighborhood, easy access to downtown, and safe, friendly community are all a must. Thanks!

[davebarnes]

Drive there.
Park your car.
Spend hours walking around.
There, that was easy.

And, NextDoor.com

[DenverVs]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Drive there.
Park your car.
Spend hours walking around.
There, that was easy.

We obviously plan to do that, but commentary from folks that live in these neighborhoods is also helpful.

[Lost Roses]

The Grant Ranch story is an interesting one. At one time it was required that city employees of Denver actually live in the city and county of Denver which presented problems for those who wanted new houses and a suburban environment. When a large parcel of land became available on the very outskirts of Denver County Grant Ranch was planned. People waited in line to get bids in on houses and lots and there was quite a buying frenzy. Since then, that restriction on where you could live was lifted, but Grant Ranch still remains a desirable community with large, newer homes with close access to all the amenities. Hopefully you can get some input from those who actually live there and in nearby neighborhoods.

[2bindenver]

Grant Ranch was developed by Shea Homes. It encompasses Denver/Denver County, Lakewood/Jefferson County and Littleton/unincorporated Jefferson County.

It is a nice upscale neighborhood. So is Governors Ranch but its housing stock is older. So is Beer Sisters Farm, Bow Mar (the city of), Pinehurst, Lakehurst.....

When there is little inventory to chose from, you, as a buyer, have to expand your search perimeters.

When you have expanded your search, and seen enough housing, you will get a feel for what works for you and what won't work.

[DenverVs]

Originally Posted by Lost Roses

The Grant Ranch story is an interesting one. At one time it was required that city employees of Denver actually live in the city and county of Denver which presented problems for those who wanted new houses and a suburban environment. When a large parcel of land became available on the very outskirts of Denver County Grant Ranch was planned. People waited in line to get bids in on houses and lots and there was quite a buying frenzy. Since then, that restriction on where you could live was lifted, but Grant Ranch still remains a desirable community with large, newer homes with close access to all the amenities. Hopefully you can get some input from those who actually live there and in nearby neighborhoods.

Oh, that is very interesting. I can't wait to check it out in person hopefully this weekend. It looks very well maintained and seems to have relatively spacious lots. I appreciate your input!!

[DenverVs]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Grant Ranch was developed by Shea Homes. It encompasses Denver/Denver County, Lakewood/Jefferson County and Littleton/unincorporated Jefferson County.

It is a nice upscale neighborhood. So is Governors Ranch but its housing stock is older. So is Beer Sisters Farm, Bow Mar (the city of), Pinehurst, Lakehurst.....

When there is little inventory to chose from, you, as a buyer, have to expand your search perimeters.

When you have expanded your search, and seen enough housing, you will get a feel for what works for you and what won't work.

I figured there was little inventory now since we are just approaching the start of the historically most active real estate market (spring). I think our goal is to try to narrow down the neighborhoods/areas that we are most attracted to and be ready to jump on something when it gets listed in April or May. I know a lot of the listings now will be gone before we are ready to make an offer - we're mostly still in the info gathering stage, and we still have a house to sell ourselves.

[2bindenver]

The spring selling season can start in February. I tell buyers to be ready between mid February and mid March for the most selection.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Realtors, since different areas of Grant Ranch are in different jurisdictions, does that mean that they are also in different school districts?

[2bindenver]

Yes. Denver's and Jeffco's.