Moving to denver from Central California (Littleton: crime rates, how much, house prices)

[sonser]

ok, so check it. I know this is going to be a lot like the other posts on here about crime and all that but I noticed that a lot of the answers are "not bad" and "real bad"... well compared to what. so I'll give you an insight on where I'm at.

I'm from Bakersfield, California (about 2 hours north of L.A.) .. population of about 300,000 or so... this town boomed within the past 2-3 years as average house prices for a 3b/2b went from $150,000 to about $300,000 .. I've actually found out that when i move to denver I wll enjoy the better air seeing as how bakersfield is ranked #1 in the nation over worst air quality,(fresno and L.A. are close behind).. Bakersfield has an elevation of about 400ft or so and being a 21 year old smoker (like half a pack a day) and denver's elevation being like 5,000ft will I notice it being any harder to breathe or should it be better... second off, I'm planning on moving to Littleton with my brother who has lived there for about 4 years. I hardly ever get to talk to him so thats why i'm asking you guys this..

How is crime in littleton, recent studies showed that parts of bakersfield are worse than some of the bad parts of L.A. (mid-city, compton etc). Bakersfield also has a higher murder rate than L.A. and Fresno.. so bearing that in mind, how much better is crime over there than here.

My main reason for moving is because crime is getting worse and worse here, the town isnt that great, everything fun is getting torn down for housing which leads to a lot of violence. The cost of living is partially the reason as well.. that and paying 2.50/gal for gas.. well i hope I was descriptive enough. Thanks

[TinajaCo]

Hi,

I can't really answer your question about the air but as far as crime goes, Littleton doesn't really have a crime problem. Not to say there isn't crime, but it's a very safe area-- I can't think of anywhere in Littleton that I would say is more run down or has greater crime problems, or that I would not feel comfortable in. Littleton does have both older and newer areas, but they both are cared for and are generally nice areas. I don't know how it compares to Bakersfield, but per capita crime is lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are about 1/3 of the national average. This should help you out: Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed. Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!

[BenWolfe]

Acording to the city-data website Littleton has less crime than Bakersfield. I question the accuracy of the Littleton murder statistics 2005 it says there were 66 murders compared to 3 in 2004. With that much of a jump I think I would have heard something.

Unfortunately the most recent data for Bakersfield is 2003, but if you scroll down on the pages you can compare the two cities:
Littleton: //www.city-data.com/city/Littleton-Colorado.html
Bakersfield: //www.city-data.com/city/Bakers...alifornia.html

[sonser]

yeah, that's the thing, in 2003 everything was starting to get bad, but how i said the whole city just expanded so quickly within the past 2-3 years so did the crime, I wouldn't be surprised if the crime has almost doubled here since 2003

[KrisluvThreePrinces]

I don't blame you for wanting to leave the CA central valley. I live in Manteca, which is just north of Modesto.

I grew up here but over the past 10 years, it is gone downhill. This city is a hole now. I don't want to raise my 3 young boys here, the schools are terrible, no one speaks english anymore, and it's just BAAAAAD.

We're hoping to relocate to the Denver area as well.

Anyway I have no advice for you about Littleton, I just wanted to say that I don't blame you one iota.

[2bindenver]

please quit before you move here. there is no smoking in public places like office buildings, & restaurants.

My mother died of lung cancer when she was 45. She smoked two or three cigs most days but a half a pack or so if she went out drinking on weekends.

[samssf]

As far as crime, the difference will be huge... there's hardly any crime at all here.

[sonser]

Yeah, I probably should quit.. I'm 21 right now. Recently had a brush with death and realized that I have a lot to live for.