Boulder Prospect (Denver, Westminster, Broomfield: apartment complex, rental, condos)

[Ttahir]

I currently live I coastal North Carolina and have been interviewing with a company in Broomfield. My husband and I really like the idea of moving to Colorado and all of the outdoor activities it can provide. I want to rent initially somewhere that is very walkable, as we have never had that ability before. Ideally we would pay less than $1,800 a month for a 1 bedroom. Is that feasible? How welcoming is this city to non- college students or rich hippies. We are both from "the south"? Is it easy to meet young professionals. Ps husband is a civil engineer and would need to find a job upon arrival.

[Bradburn1]

You might want to have a look at where I live: Bradburn Village in Westminster. It's 5-10 minutes from anywhere in Broomfield and is a walkable mixed-use neighborhood. There are many restaurants and shops in 5-10 minutes walking distance from all homes including our new Whole Foods Market which opens on Tuesday. More retail is also currently in the works. You can also walk to many parks and the huge Dry Creek Open Space (tons of walking and biking and some nice small lakes.)

There is a a nice row home apartment rental place in Bradburn called Bradburn Row which falls within your budget. Easy commute to Boulder or downtown Denver to keep job options open for your husband. And yes, welcoming to rich hippies. That basically describes all of Boulder and surrounding areas. : )

[Ttahir]

My largest concern is A. Living comfortably and B. Meeting a group of friends. We are both24 and will make about 140k combined. We currently live in a smallish town which is it very hard to meet people. Everyone has moved back and clicked with their high school friends etc. I want to be able to meet people and have relationships with other 20 somethings, is this difficult?

[brown_dog_us]

It's not hard to meet people in Boulder. Obviously, you have to make the effort, but people are very active and looking for people to do things with. I should add that active includes eating out, exercise, festivals, camping, etc. You just need to find people who like to do the same things you.

Do you want to live in Boulder or one of the surrounding cities?

[Ttahir]

Originally Posted by brown_dog_us

It's not hard to meet people in Boulder. Obviously, you have to make the effort, but people are very active and looking for people to do things with. I should add that active includes eating out, exercise, festivals, camping, etc. You just need to find people who like to do the same things you.

Do you want to live in Boulder or one of the surrounding cities?

I want to live in Boulder for the first year at least so I can have access to things in walking distance and meet people before I decide on an area to buy a hpme

[brown_dog_us]

Well, a couple things:

Use Padmapper to get an idea of rents and areas.
Some Boulder apartments are a bit run down. You need to visit the place.
Depending on your fitness, all of Boulder is walkable. Definitely bikeable.
I'm from the South (ATL), and everyone is very nice to me. They think my fascination with college football is cute.
Think about how far you want to commute. The Colorado lifestyle is to live close to your work and spend your free time doing something.

Here are my very quick analysis of the neighborhoods. I'm starting from the Southside because it's closer to Broomfield:

Table Mesa - South side West of Broadway. I live here. It is mostly people with kids. There is a few dining options and a grocery store. Plus it is close to the mountains. Small apartment complex on the corner of Table Mesa and Broadway. It looks a bit old, but it has been remodeled. I think it's very pricey.

Tantra Park- South side East of Broadway and South of Table Mesa. A little bit of shopping, but very close to the Table Mesa shopping. Nice park and CU cross country course. Has more of a mix of families and couples with out kids. There a re some nice condos here. Not new, but nice.

Martin Acres- South side East of Broadway and North of Table Mesa. Access to the shopping above plus a Whole Foods on the Northern end. This neighborhood has less families and some college kids. I know a lot of 20 and 30 somethings that live here. It's a bit edgier. Not terrible though. Almost totally houses.

East Boulder- South Eastern end of town. Mostly families. I don't think any young couples live here. Great rec center though.

University Hill and N of Williams Village- This is the East and West side of the University. Full of college students. If you want to party this is the area.

Downtown- Edgy. Not a lot of affordable places, but very walkable.

Pearl St and Hwy 36- They are building a ton of condos and apartments around here. Google is building their office building here plus their is plenty of shopping. Crazy walkable, but also higher density. Not a lot of trees.

North Boulder- Nice area, but I can't imagine the drive to Broomfield.