COL in Denver area?

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by GiveMeCoffee

I live just outside NYC, so here are a few things I enjoyed:

Being able to drive 20 minutes in any direction and be out in open prairie
...

Job opportunities (Hubby and I are teachers and there are hundreds of applicants for every position. For those that are fortunate enough to have a job, changing schools becomes almost impossible)

Focus specifically on those 'surrounding areas' that best suit your needs, (much of Denver metro is not 20 minutes from desirable escapes, try your escape route on a Friday afternoon or evening)
The desired places to live may limit the available job opportunities... as mentioned, Colorado schools are not equivalent and often not well funded.

Check your retirement / pension options, as teacher salary can be good or bad in retirement, based on your existing and future pension / savings programs. This can significantly effect your future QoL. (Not every district has the retirement programs that provide $200k pension for (2) teachers in retirement, few are sitting FT on the beach in Tahiti collecting their pensions, but some are. (Usually CA / OR teachers on a full CalSTRS/ PERS, no longer offered with such great benefits to new employees))

There are some pristine Colorado areas, but jobs may be difficult to impossible there. (Have a plan B)

There are other options nearby Colorado, that may meet your 'free' living expectations and significantly boost your earnings. +/-

[beachmouse]

Originally Posted by modest

Is it not? A lot of the older housing stock in the Front Range would seemingly fit this description. Our house is exactly that. Granted, the basements are often small, former cellars that may or may not be finished.

Alas, those older homes are often closer to central job centers and consequently priced higher for that easy commute option.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Was asking about property insurance costs.
.

We pay over $3200 with AMICA.
Hail

[beachmouse]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

We pay over $3200 with AMICA.
Hail

Ouch!

Is it possible to get discounts for roof age or type? Or other hazard mitigation strategies?

[modest]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Alas, those older homes are often closer to central job centers and consequently priced higher for that easy commute option.

I think the northern 'burbs might have more of what you're looking for at a more affordable price. My first thought is Thornton. It's a pretty cookie cutter suburb with ample housing stock that fits your criteria. Lots of ranches. Some parts of Arvada might fit the bill, too.

Next, I'd look in parts of Aurora, especially the older parts. Aurora, the city, is only about 30 years younger than Denver. In the older parts, you'll find a good amount of the small one-floor bungalows with small basements at a far more affordable price than the western 'burbs.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by modest

I think the northern 'burbs might have more of what you're looking for at a more affordable price. My first thought is Thornton. It's a pretty cookie cutter suburb with ample housing stock that fits your criteria. Lots of ranches. Some parts of Arvada might fit the bill, too.

Next, I'd look in parts of Aurora, especially the older parts. Aurora, the city, is only about 30 years younger than Denver. In the older parts, you'll find a good amount of the small one-floor bungalows with small basements at a far more affordable price than the western 'burbs.

Tallyn's Reach has some ranch models near E-470/Smoky Hill, but they're probably pretty pricey.

[history nerd]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

Tallyn's Reach has some ranch models near E-470/Smoky Hill, but they're probably pretty pricey.

I don't know that I would call Tallyn's reach "one of the older parts of Aurora." There are plenty of ranch style houses that you can find without crossing 470.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by history nerd

I don't know that I would call Tallyn's reach "one of the older parts of Aurora." There are plenty of ranch style houses that you can find without crossing 470.

I agree. Just saying they can be found in the newer, swankier parts of Aurora. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for them.

[kj1065]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Out of curiosity, what are we talking for an 1800-2000 sf ranch house in a suburban area that’s seen as lower risk for wildfires. We’re looking at a Colorado move in a few years and 20+ years of Florida homeownership have skewed my perception about what people in ‘normal’ areas pay.

That would be my house. Current expected sales price is $520k for a fifty-year-old home with average finishes and small yard, which isn't a bad thing considering our water situation. Property taxes are about $3200/yr. Maintenance varies, but there's always something! Gotta tell you, though, that ranches are very hard to come by. Most houses are multi-story.