Family Relocating to Denver-Neighborhoods? (Aurora, Westminster: apartments, foreclosures, rental)

[Swanson52]

I have searched, searched, then searched again, and now I finally decided to post and maybe (hopefully) get some direct feedback as it pretains to my situation.

My family and I (wife, 4 kids) are relocating to Denver for work. I will be working in Dupont, and my wife will be working at the Denver Children's Hospital. We are looking to rent (apartments are fine, 3BR), want to keep both of our commutes under 15 miles, and want easy access out of town via 470 and/or 76 (I hate HATE I25). Of course first and foremost is the safety of my wife and kids (11, 9, 8, 4), followed by quality of education.

We were in Denver last weekend, and really liked some things we saw in the northern (off 56th) area, but from what I read crime is somewhat of a problem in this area. Is this the case?

We looked further south in Aurora where my sister in law lives (just west of 470 between Hampden and Quincy) but the commute for me would be a PITA, especially when winter rolls around.

Thanks in advance!

[shukertj]

Where is Dupont located? And what is a "PITA" ??

[Swanson52]

Dupont is on the extreme northern end of Commerce City, east of 76 to Hwy 2/Quebec Pkwy and North of E 72nd Ave.

PITA is pain in the a**.

[ColoWeb]

I can't see you avoiding I-25 since your wife will most likely have to use it to get to work. Either Northbound or South wherever you endup.

SE Aurora area is good and many people live there and make that commute. For me, it is bit too far considering neither of you will be working close to that area and you do have a choice since you not 'tied-down' to anything and you are planning to rent anyway. I'd pick something closer.

As for the 56th Ave you mentioned, it depends where you are looking into it. A lot of properties in that area were effected by foreclosures; many are getting better. 56th at Havana and east till Pena is not a great area. East of Pena and south of 56th is the GVR (Green Vally Ranch Area) it is also on the improving stage now (I lived there before). It was a GREAT area then due to foreclosures and overpriced homes it got hit badly but it is getting better. There are few rental apartments there but you could find an affordable home to rent. Check the area where schools will be. Some areas, under DPS, would have Montbellow for the high school (I know this is several years away for the 11 year old so that may not be an issue)- I'd avoid that school at all costs. Lots of money is spent to get it better but it is still far from being where it should be.

West of 56th, parts of it is an industrial area and you have to look into it very carefully. I personally do not like the air in that area due to all of the industrial pollution. From I-70 take 270 and you can smell that air most of the time. As long as you are further away from those industrial plants I think you will be fine. Again, just personal opinions here and I am sure some will disagree.

I think Westminster, Broomfield, Thornton would be a better areas for you, kids, and your wife to commute (on I-25).

[Swanson52]

Thanks for the reply, and I should've been more specific when I said off of 56th; we were looking in the Green Valley Ranch area east of Tower Road and just south of 56th.

Everything *seemed* fairly new, clean and well kept, but I know how appearances can be deceiving.

I've also (after doing a ton more research) been looking at the Stapleton area, but it seems the rent is fairly high in that area. Add to that I am not AT ALL familiar with it...I'm more of a suburbs guy and I'm not certain Stapleton fits the mold.

[2bindenver]

You might look at Reunion.

[Swanson52]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

You might look at Reunion.

That's where I'll start today's journey. Thanks!

We're also looking at Brighton, but that would likely make my wife's commute miserable.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by Swanson52

I've also (after doing a ton more research) been looking at the Stapleton area, but it seems the rent is fairly high in that area. Add to that I am not AT ALL familiar with it...I'm more of a suburbs guy and I'm not certain Stapleton fits the mold.

Stapleton is about the most centrally located place you could pick for both of your commutes. I don't know anything about what the schools are like there, but it's basically a family friendly suburban neighborhood within the city limits, that is architecturally modelled on an old city/ small town neighborhood.

Unfortunately, the NE quadrant of the Denver metro area where both of you will work is the least desirable sector as a whole IMO; sacrifices will have to be made one way or another.

[Katarina Witt]

Stapleton would be a breeze for your wife; I don't know about you. I don't know the school situation in Stapleton; there are some others on here who could help you out with that.

[Swanson52]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

Stapleton is about the most centrally located place you could pick for both of your commutes. I don't know anything about what the schools are like there, but it's basically a family friendly suburban neighborhood within the city limits, that is architecturally modelled on an old city/ small town neighborhood.

Unfortunately, the NE quadrant of the Denver metro area where both of you will work is the least desirable sector as a whole IMO; sacrifices will have to be made one way or another.

Well, if there is a sacrifice, I'll happily be the one to make it. Most of Stapleton is still only (at most) a 10 mile commute for me straight north on Colorado.

My wife would rather not make the longer commute if she doesn't have to. If mama ain't happy...

Anybody familiar with the Stapleton elementary and middle school systems/schools? Aside from the statistics that are available, I mean.