Wife and I thinking about a move to Denver, want your thoughts (Lakewood: apartment)

[Mk7GTI]

My wife and I have been pondering about moving to Colorado, specifically Denver for the past few months. We both really liked the Wash Park area but obviously cannot afford the ridiculous houses there. Last time we were there, we went to Root Down in the Highlands and really liked that area but are not sure how good the area is. We would prefer a house and not an apartment.

My wife is a tenured teacher here in NJ, but I know that the teaching market in Denver is very competitive so this move is dependent on her finding something. I would be traveling to the DTC everyday.

We have family out in Centennial, Greenwood Village and Lakewood, but we would like more of a city feel.

Any other areas we should check out?

We would want to rent (2000) but wouldn't rule out buying either.

[Claire S.]

Prices in Highland are going to be similar to prices in Wash Park. The area is a favorite because there are so many hip restaurants a cute boutiques.

Areas to consider: Berkeley, Platt Park, Park Hill, Congress Park, and Baker.

[Mk7GTI]

How is parking in those areas. We would have 2 cars so we would like some off street parking.

[Claire S.]

If parking is an issue, you'll want to cross Highland off your list and probably Baker. It shouldn't be an issue for the other neighborhoods.

[davebarnes]

$2000 to rent a house! Hah! The vacancy rate is 2%. A very small house. OK neighborhood (maybe), but not the best house.

The commute from Park Hill and Congress Park to the DTC would be unpleasant.
Berkeley would be painful.

I would start with the DTC work location and Padmapper.com (use the filters) and radius outward.

If your family members are competent and knowledgeable, then I would ask them for advice.

[JohnnyDenver]

Originally Posted by Mk7GTI

My wife and I have been pondering about moving to Colorado, specifically Denver for the past few months. We both really liked the Wash Park area but obviously cannot afford the ridiculous houses there. Last time we were there, we went to Root Down in the Highlands and really liked that area but are not sure how good the area is. We would prefer a house and not an apartment.

My wife is a tenured teacher here in NJ, but I know that the teaching market in Denver is very competitive so this move is dependent on her finding something. I would be traveling to the DTC everyday.

We have family out in Centennial, Greenwood Village and Lakewood, but we would like more of a city feel.

Any other areas we should check out?

We would want to rent (2000) but wouldn't rule out buying either.

Do you own a house where you live now and sell that?

Not sure what your financial situation is, but if you can afford 2k a month for rent, you may want to consider buying.

[SkyDog77]

Check out Baker

[Mk7GTI]

We don't own where we live now since it's too damn expensive (Northern NJ).

The reason we want to rent is because this is going to be our first time really leaving the tristate area and we're not sure how we will like it. So we wanted to rent first to make sure we liked it before committing. Also, we want to live in the city now, but perhaps in the future when we start a family, we would move out to Greenwood Village, Centennial, Cherry Creek etc... because of the better schools.

[JohnnyDenver]

Originally Posted by Mk7GTI

but perhaps in the future when we start a family, we would move out to Greenwood Village, Centennial, Cherry Creek etc... because of the better schools.

I assume you plan on spending 500K and up for a house?