Thinking of moving to Louisville or Fort Collins (Denver, Boulder: rental, low crime)

[lovesunnydays]

I'm interested in hearing what people think of the quality of life in these towns, particularly for a family with an elementary-school age child. I'm relocating from New York City and am looking for affordable housing, good schools, and low crime. Are there parts of Fort Collins to avoid (for families, anyway)? I was thinking of California but everything I hear sounds like people are leaving because of the unaffordable housing. Thanks!

[konijn]

Yes, California IS too expensive. We grew up in California and we are leaving too. If you like throwing your money away and doesn't look like affording a house will not be in your future, California is great. We will miss it. We are looking into Colorado. Sorry I can't help you on Colorado since we are also in the middle of looking into it. Good luck and safe travels... -

[Ratnikal]

i cannot help you on Fort Collins but we moved to Louisville this year. It is an awesome place, there are really no bad neighborhoods. Elementary schools in Louisville, there are 3; Louisville-mostly downtown kids; Coal Creek (ithink that is name)- newer homes; Fireside-area where we live, similar to Coal creek. Also, some folks who live in Louisville go to Monarch schools (Monarch k-8 serves part of Louisville and Superior, Monarch HS serves same area. parts of northern Lousiville go to Cenaurus HS, this school is much lower rated fyi than Monarch HS.

To tell you a story about Lousiville safety; we arrived at our new house around midnight, dead tired. Forgot to lock rental truck with my laptop and wallet in cab of truck, of course it was fine next day.

louisville is very safe, very family oriented, not in any stretch a party town. There is some petty crime and some drugs, but there is EVERYWHERE. Very short drive to Denver, Boulder, mountains.

About housing: there really is no land for new houses...there is tons of parks and open space areas, this area is not going to be developed, that said, the majority of houses are 70's-80's, 90's houses, with some areas of downtown being 100 yrs old. If you want newer homes, Superior, Co borders Louisville on South, and shares Monarch HS and also has there own K-8 school Superior is also a very attractive town that has mainly been "built up" last 15 yrs or so. One bad thing about Superior is lots of the homes have foundation problems due to soil.
Good luck.