moving to denver area, need suggestions on lodo/lohi/broomfield (Boulder: theater, living in)

[constantinecane]

I am moving to the Denver area in a few months and will be working in Niwot. I want to be able to experience everything Denver has to offer (nightlife/culture/people) because I am single and in my mid-twenties. I would appreciate recommendations on whether to live in lodo or lohi and commute every day (45 min according to Google but 1.5 hr according to this forum) or live in Broomfield where I will be closer to work yet further away from a substantial social scene (suburbia).

Basically, is living in Broomfield going to allow me to take full advantage of Denver, or is it a little too far away? I have my own car to get around places. Is parking an issue? Are cabs common/cheap? Any advice/recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[mic111]

Live in or as close to Niwot as you can. It has a cute little restaurant, shop, market area. Use Boulder as your regular nightlife/social life. Plenty of restaurants, bars, stores there. Vibrant out doors scene. Go to Denver for sporting events, theater, and museums. Or live in Boulder itself if you really want nightlife/culture/people.

Broomfield will do nothing for you. Longer commute than needed to Niwot and not close enough to Denver to really take advantage of any nightlife except on weekends and even then it will become old very quickly. Cabs don't really exist except to and from the airport. Were not NYC.

[billiken]

I used to work a lot in Longmont (close to Niwot) and live downtown. I'd say an hour and a half commute is a bit of an exaggeration in the morning. I'd say it's usually around an hour (you're driving against traffic in the morning--northbound 25 from downtown moves at a normal speed). Traffic back to Denver is usually heavier than the morning commute out....I don't remember it taking an hour and a half on a regular basis.

In terms of parking downtown, plenty of garages have night/weekend specials--I know my work garage in LoDo does a $3 flat rate at night (it's much more expensive during the work day). Cabs are pain.

If I were you, I'd suck it up and do the commute for at least the first year, or I'd consider living in Boulder for a shorter commute and an interesting mix of people.

[SkyDog77]

I agree that Boulder would be a good bet.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

I agree that Boulder would be a good bet.

Ditto. It's a H*ll of a drive from lodo/lohi to Niwot, Broomfield's not all that close, either and it is major suburbia. Probably the only singles you'd meet are single parents. Mind you, I like Broomfield, but I'm an old married lady and don't go to bars/clubs etc too much any more.

[constantinecane]

Thanks for all the advice. An hour commute may be a bit more than I want to bite off. Judging from the majority of responses, I think I'm going to focus on living around the Boulder area rather than Denver and just make the occasional trip to Denver for big events (the Peyton show)

[billiken]

Good move. Boulder has a good enough restaurant/bar scene, young people, outdoor activities nearby to keep you entertained. There's bus service between Boulder and Denver for Broncos games, concerts, etc.