MP Community w/youth sports, great schools (Denver, Highlands Ranch: real estate, HOA)

[CaliMom2002]

Hi, we are just beginning to look into a relocation to the Denver area (from Southern California). We currently live in a "master planned community" with a lot of community amentities such as pools, parks, and elementary schools and grocery stores within the community. Our kids are 7 and 10 -- my son will be in 5th grade next year and is very active in little league, NJB basketball, and Pop Warner football. Is there a community in the Denver area that offers all of these types of sports? My daughter will be in 2nd grade and plays soccer and softball. We'd like to find an area that has many, if not all, of these sports within the community or very nearby.

In terms of houses, we'd like a newer house, around 3000 sf+, with a decent yard. Budget range -- would like to be in the 450-500K range, but would go to about $600 if it's the best fit for us. We'd obviously like to be in a great school district as well.

What can I expect in terms of property taxes?

Thank you -- I realize these questions may have been answered to some extent in these forums but I'm trying to make the move as seamless as possible for my kids so getting them involved with their activities will help our whole family feel at home in the Denver area!

[Bradburn1]

Does anyone in your family need to commute to work, if so, where?

[CaliMom2002]

At this point, no commute. That may change down the road, but for now it is not an issue.

[Bradburn1]

There are lots of choices for you. You can go south of the downtown to Highland's Ranch, or you could go north of downtown to Broomfield in neighborhoods like The Broadlands and Legacy Ridge. They are fairly similar--suburban communities with tons of kid's sports and good schools with houses in your size and price range. To decide between, I think you would need to come out and drive around and see what appeals to you.

[2bindenver]

We have a lot of master planned communities here around Denver. Highlands Ranch is the largest. There are lots of "good" schools, and activities to keep the kids active.

Do you want a indoor community pool?

What else is important to you?

Taxes are a little less than 1% of the market value on average.

[CaliMom2002]

Thank you.... I guess an indoor pool is not as important as having community parks with sports fields and outdoor pools. We'd like an area that has lots of kids and friendly faces. The aforementioned sports, shopping within or very close the community, etc. Right now we spend about 90 percent of our time within 5 miles of our home.

What are the zip codes for these areas so I can do some searching on redfin? Thank you!

[2bindenver]

Those communities are everywhere. No redfin needed.

Seriously, do you want schools with a good band program, an IB program, G&T, mandarin?

John Burns Real Estate Consulting Reseach MPC Survey | John Burns Real Estate Consulting

I am guessing Back Country in Highlands Ranch is worth looking into. There are two ready soon new homes over 3,000 sq ft.

[davidv]

The southern suburbs are a good bet.

Highlands Ranch is a MP community mostly built during the 1990s and 2000s. It is in Douglas County School District

Ken Caryl Ranch/Valley is a MP community built during the 1970s and 1980s. It is in Jefferson County School District.

There are several neighborhoods in Centennial (Fox Ridge, Willow Creek, Homestead) and Greenwood Village (Cherry Creek Vista, Sundance Hills) that fit the bill. They are in Cherry Creek Schools.

All of these areas have pools that are owned by the HOA and lots of parks and athletic fields.