First of 2 exploratory visits February 1 - ideas? (Denver, Loveland: new home, neighborhoods)

[leavintheheat]

We are coming to spend 4 days in denver in February with our two kids ( ages 6 and 8). We plan to relocate this summer. This first trip, we are hoping to just visit some different areas and get a feel for the city. I promised at least a day of skiing. Any recommendations on whAt areas to see, what to visit, where to ski, etc. I would like to drive some neighborhoods to get a feel for the difference between somewhere like Louisville and somewhere like Centennial. Otherwise, we are open. Any "must do" activities? We are coming from Phoenix. We have not yet narrowed down neighborhoods to loo at so will probably do that on trip 2 in March. Thanks for any ideas.

[davebarnes]

Skiing - Copper Mountain
you can get cheaper tix by hunting, but I am not an expert on that
Copper is one of the best laid out ski areas. Hard in the East and easy in the West.

Where is work(s)? Address or cross streets. City names are useless.
Budget?

[SkyDog77]

If you guys are inexperienced skiers, Loveland is a great bet. It's the closest to Denver and by far the cheapest. They have a great beginner hill for the kids.

As for neighborhood hunting, what's your budget?

[davidv]

Hopefully the city will be basking in the glow of a Broncos Super Bowl win.

If you have never been skiing, be sure to get lessons -- especially for the little ones. I like Loveland because it is closest, not as crowded and it has a good ski school.

[scrapper105]

I hear what you are saying about wanting to get a feel for neighborhoods. I don't live there, but I love downtown Lafayette. But it's no good for you to look there if you are going to be working south of I-70 as it might be a 2 hour commute!

Do you have any idea where one of you will be working?

[leavintheheat]

Thanks for the skiing advice. As for the Broncos, I will cheer for them since the Cardinals done give us much to cheer about in AZ. As for eventual relocation priorities. . .
Price range under 400k (closer to 350 would be ideal).

1. Great schools
2. Family friendly neighborhood
3. Access to outdoors/trails/running/cycling
4. We are Jewish so would prefer not to be the only Jews but it sounds like that isn't the case in most of denver
5. 4 bed 2 bath house. Doesn't need to be huge
6. Husband works at home now and will hopefully continue to do so. I am a physical therapist and will look for work once we find our new home.
7. An area such as highland ranch doesn't really appeal to me - I like some diversity and would not even mind an older home

Thanks for any ideas for sightseeing! Can't wait to be there!! Wish I could come today.

[2bindenver]

You can get a good feel for areas on your visit- is there a synagogue (or a type) you'd like to be closer to?

There is a Jewish Day school near Lowry, a community on the north east side of Denver. Denver Jewish Day School | Extraordinary Education. Timeless Traditions. Inspired Lives.

Here is a map of the neighborhoods in Denver, Denver Maps - Neighborhoods

There is a Chabad in Lone Tree Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver

[leavintheheat]

2bindenver, thank you for the info. We would join a reform congregation but would send our kids to public school (they are in a charter school now but I don't know if those are as big up in denver as they are here).

[2bindenver]

Charter schools are popular and entry is by lottery - best start looking into that now for next school year.