Thoughts on two different neighborhoods / areas (Denver, Fort Collins: rental, house, buying)

[Sunderpig2]

I'm helping someone out with trying to decide between two homes and areas to live. One is near Troutman Park, and the other is apparently in Rogers Park, though a distance from the park itself.

The most important criteria would be the "family factor" (crime/noise/schools). Trying to find the quieter and safer location of the two.

Any other factors to consider would be appreciated too. I suppose the Rogers Park location could make it harder to get to the interstate, though I'm not sure that would happen very much.

Bonus Question: How about the area SW of Harmony & Shields, opposite the community college? Thanks!

[barefootmeg]

I love the neighborhood around Rogers park! We live in Old Town, but we had our house worked on and lived in my sister's house (she had just moved out) for a year. Her house was on Orchard Road west of Ponderosa. We loved being able to walk to the park, but we also enjoyed walking down the street to where the horses were pastured. We felt like we were a bit off in the country even though the neighborhood is still within walking distance of City Park and biking distance from Old Town.

The neighborhood used to have a lot of college students, but I think that's been changing over the past several years and there are many more families there now. I don't know much about Moore (which I think is their elementary) but our kids attend Lincoln, which is the same neighborhood middle school, and we love the teachers and the program there. My son will start Poudre in the fall which is the neighborhood high school. It's close to Rogers park so your kids could walk or bike at that point.

I never felt like safety was a problem in that neighborhood. Our neighbors either ignored us, or were very friendly. We had no negative encounters there at all. The only occasional problem was a rental behind us occasionally had late night parties. But that would be something you'd want to ask about before buying.

As far as getting to the interstate... one thing I love about Fort Collins is I just don't need to get on the highway much any more. I go down to Denver occasionally, but it's so rare that distance from the highway isn't a problem at all. And proximity to Old Town shopping, restaurants and events is key to our enjoyment of Fort Collins. We often walk downtown for free music in the summer. And many of the recreator classes also take place on the north end of town (Martinez Farm, the Pottery building, the pools, etc.)

[Sunderpig2]

Thanks Meg for the information and replying It is very much appreciated.