where to live in and around Boulder

[2bindenver]

Originally Posted by galaril

We were pretty much just priced out of this area since we are looking for a 4bed/2 bath with 2700 sq ft. The agent we were talking with in the Boulder area let us know that for that area a home would go for 700k. We are in the 350-430k range. We have looked at Erie and Longmont but at that point you are getting away from any views of the mountains and are out of the Boulder school district which was the original reason for picking Boulder area. Broomfield is just to sprawly for my taste same reason we got turned off by Parker.

I can look up 21 properties under $430,000 4/2+ with mountain views in Golden, Broomfield & Arvada.

[bouldercol]

Boulder is awesome, and with that price, you should be ok. But like a poster mentioned before, don't expect anything to fancy. I second Louisville! Very nice, and close to the outdoors and indoor activities. I live close to the university edge of Boulder, so I see more of the party atmosphere that might not be so nice for a growing family. It is by NO means crime filled, but after all, there are thousands of college kids, and certain actions do follow. But just because it is a big college town, don't let that turn you away. With the great schools, and values in the area, you can be in a part of town and not even know there is a big university presence around. I have always found this intersting since Boulder is more compact.

[motheroftwo06]

Originally Posted by cinnamon_toast

DH is considering a relo to the Boulder area. Anyone have any suggestions for places to live? As background - we have 3 kids, all under the age of 6. We want to be around other young families in a safe area and of course want a strong school system. We are active and want quick access to the outdoors - parks, hiking trails, etc. I am also extremely social and love to entertain so an area where people are interested in meeting others (especially since I stay at home) and not just keep to themselves is important. We also lean left politically but I am open-minded when it comes to making friends. We have about $600 - $700K to spend on a house and we really value interesting architecture and would like at least 1/3 acre. I'm not into McMansions or cookie cutter neighborhoods.

Anyplace come to mind? Is Boulder itself livable for young families? Or are we better off in the burbs?

May I ask where did you end up purchase your home? I'm in the same boat right now. Husband relocated to Boulder for work and I will soon be looking for a job in the area. We have two kids, age 3 and 2.

[qfrost]

'Big prominent garages are pretty much a standard feature of Colorado homes from about the 1960s until now, although very recently there have been some "new urbanist" type developments like Prospect in Longmont with rear-facing garages. I share your loathing the mammoth garage on the front.'

Yeah, that's a big turnoff for us too. Ugly, but as I understand it, remodeling such homes to move them to the side or back is generally hard to impossible, given lot sizes. Does anyone else know of any other hindrances from such a remodel to fix these garage locations?

[anigozanthos]

FYI Arvada is pretty much on top of the old Rocky Flats nuclear weapons facility and possibly contaminated with plutonium and other radioactive wastes.