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Old 01-29-2012, 09:52 PM
 
3 posts, read 2,823 times
Reputation: 23

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After 13 long years in NJ, I am finally moving back to Denver. I was born in Colorado and was there through my late 20's. But now I am moving back with 3 children and much has probably changed since 1999.

Here are some of my concerns and questions:

Where should we live? Littleton was always nice and now Highlands Ranch is much more developed and there is Parker, Castle Rock, etc. I am concerned that I now am into gardening and although I like the homes and concept of the HR, etc. developments...I wish there were houses that actually had some land (1/3-1/2 acre at least including home) but yet not to far away from Denver--any chance? Where should I be looking? We plan to rent for at least one year...

My oldest is in the 4th grade and she has just made it into band. What year does band begin in DPS?

School systems are the biggest factor for us because our employment will not be a factor for our address (we can live anywhere). My oldest is in the gifted program here and I am not impressed with the program. She could use a better educational situation. We are coming from a school that is in the top 40% in the state--it won't be too hard to beat. NJ is teaching to the test and a drill and kill, pressure-cooker curriculum. Critical and creative thinking skills are not learned or valued. Where are the best schools, 20-40 minutes away from heart of Denver, kind, inspiring teachers, developed gifted programs, music (with band in 5th grade?) and also fine art and top academics? Does everyone here agree with what greatschools and schooldigger say (generally) as far as "rankings?"

Our house is under contract and the plan was to get a rental BEFORE we moved but it is not in the cards for me to fly out earlier because my husband is always gone for work and we have 3 children. I talked to several real estate agents in Colorado. They insist that we should arrive, get a hotel and look for a rental, at that point. They recommend I don't rent a house off the internet without seeing it in person. They have also stated that flying out early may not even work because the inventory goes so fast?! This makes me a bit nervous. I want to have a place for my children! But I can be ok with a hotel, I am sure! I am trying to make the best of this and welcome anyone who has actually done this or any suggestions that anyone might have.

I thank you all in advance!
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Old 01-29-2012, 10:15 PM
Status: "Open for work" (set 9 days ago)
 
Location: Just south of Denver since 1989
11,822 posts, read 34,355,412 times
Reputation: 8950
When we got the order to move it was a Monday, we left Sunnyvale CA on Saturday, he started on Monday. I stayed in a hotel for a week. My job was to look for a rental. It took less than a week, we moved the next weekend.

Maybe a hotel room with a kitchen would suit you until you find something. The rental market is hot. You have to be here and be quick.

You should find the elementary school that fits your needs first and then find housing in that area.
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Old 01-31-2012, 09:54 PM
 
3 posts, read 2,823 times
Reputation: 23
Thank you so much!
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Old 02-01-2012, 08:06 AM
 
Location: Denver
103 posts, read 291,468 times
Reputation: 80
I agree, the rental market is hot. I also think that while schools sites are helpful in determining some aspects of a school, I think it is really important to visit and get the "feel" of the school. I was kind of a nut when looking for schools and eventually went with a school that had a somewhat lower "ranking", but where I felt the culture and environment was a good fit. Pick a few schools, then visit them and then look for a rental in your chosen neighborhood. Good Luck.
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