Which of these two suburbs has the better reputation for livability, housing stability, and so on? (Denver: for sale, real estate)

[murof]

I am looking at Arvada and Westminster, both suburbs would be an acceptable commute to my work place at Havana and I-70. I saw a interview this morning on Colorado's Fox News aboutreal estate in Denver, and the so-called experts warned againstbuying in areas that have a lot of inventory, they suggested areasthat are in demand, and mentioned the usual suspects, Highlandsand Wash Park. What about my two suburbs? Lot of inventory?Do either of the cities have areas that are in demand? I like the location ofArvada on the map. It seems to be situated better in regardsto Denver access, and thus possibly be in more demand fromhome buyers. I don't mind so much buying an older home if it'sin an area that's positioned for growth and demand. I can'tbring myself to buy an older home in Aurora. Thanks again.

[steveindenver]

What is wrong with an older home in Aurora? All things considered it is closer to Havana and depending on the area 80010 for instance is seeing much more demand than the other areas you mention which are much further away.

[cowboyxjon]

I still don't see anything wrong with Aurora or the Capitol Hill/Cheeseman Park/Congress Park neighborhoods and I DID see a few units for sale in your price range, but as I learned last time, I can't post any links to specific units because of forum and/or moderator rules.

If you have your heart set on Westminster or Arvada, maybe you should look at the RTD website and see where the new light rail lines are going to be -- in your case, the gold line. It obviously won't be finished for quite awhile, but the proximity to light rail could always help a future sale if you stay there long enough.

[2bindenver]

I think closer is better. There are nice places in Aurora, Commerce City, Henderson, and Denver that would keep your commute under 20 minutes and be desireable in the future.

[murof]

the large inventory of houses in many parts of aurora is what keeps me away. There are nice places in Commerce City up near 96th, but it is also heavy inforeclosures, I think. I'm going with my gut and staying away from North and Central Aurora, Commerce City, and of course GVR. The Denver neighborhoods adjacent toStapleton are too pricy for what you get. I like the geography of the West suburbs,NE of Denver. I will look into the Gold line, and see where it's headed. It only takes10 minutes to get to Havana from I-70 and Federal. It's still an acceptable commute if I live along the corridors of I-70 or Hwy 36, in Westminster or Arvada.

[Stormn]

I live in Arvada and did the exact commute you describe. Twenty minutes on average. No problem at all really, and we are extremely happy with Arvada.

[livecontent]

I live in Arvada and I have written much on this forum of how I enjoy living in this part of the metro area. I agree with the idea of trying to stay as close to your workplace as possible and there are good areas in Northeast Metro that can be ideal. However, you have set your mind on the suburbs of Arvada and Westminster. My opinion is that the newer area of northeast Westminster would be a much better choice than Arvada for a commute to I-70 Havana.

Yes, I am always talking up Arvada but this newer area of Westminster has some great new shopping with many newer developments. Arvada cannot compete with Westminster for shopping options--I like it that way but I am trying to be objective for your interest.

I am also a big supporter of the new commuter rail but I do not think that the Gold Rail Corridor will give you any benefit for a commute to your workplace because it would require a trip downtown for a further connection to the East Rail Corridor. If you live northeast Westminster, you would be close to rail station on the North Corridor which will run mostly through Northglenn and Thornton; it still would not be advantage for rail, at this time to I-70 and Havana because that area would be close to the Stapelton Station on the East Corridor. At this time there, is no planned connection between these North and East corridor other than downtown.

Livecontent

[steveindenver]

It only takes10 minutes to get to Havana from I-70 and Federal

LOL. Good luck with that then.

[murof]

Originally Posted by steveindenver

LOL. Good luck with that then.

Hey, it's true, it's 8 miles, and 10 minutes. I had the opportunity totime it on my way back from a delivery in Golden, it was about4:30 PM. It's an easy commute. Currently I live near I-225 andAlameda, and the evening rush is so frustrating on I-225 southbound. Thebrake lights start at Colfax and it's stop-and-go all the way to Alameda.Of course I was heading East bound when I timed myself in the afternoonon I-70 and Federal to I-70 and Havana, which is the opposite directionI would be heading for an evening commute home from work.

[murof]

Originally Posted by livecontent

I live in Arvada and I have written much on this forum of how I enjoy living in this part of the metro area. I agree with the idea of trying to stay as close to your workplace as possible and there are good areas in Northeast Metro that can be ideal. However, you have set your mind on the suburbs of Arvada and Westminster. My opinion is that the newer area of northeast Westminster would be a much better choice than Arvada for a commute to I-70 Havana.

Yes, I am always talking up Arvada but this newer area of Westminster has some great new shopping with many newer developments. Arvada cannot compete with Westminster for shopping options--I like it that way but I am trying to be objective for your interest.

I am also a big supporter of the new commuter rail but I do not think that the Gold Rail Corridor will give you any benefit for a commute to your workplace because it would require a trip downtown for a further connection to the East Rail Corridor. If you live northeast Westminster, you would be close to rail station on the North Corridor which will run mostly through Northglenn and Thornton; it still would not be advantage for rail, at this time to I-70 and Havana because that area would be close to the Stapelton Station on the East Corridor. At this time there, is no planned connection between these North and East corridor other than downtown.

Livecontent

Thanks, Livecontent, would you mind providing me with a little moredetail as to the location of NE Westminster? It's not easy to determinethe exact boundaries of Denver's suburbs. The only reason I am interestedin light rail is for its potential to help real estate values, I am buyingwith appreciation or resale value in mind. I am still learning aboutDenver area real estate, and what locations sell best. I realize the planned light rail would not make any difference for my commute. Thanks for your enthusiasm for Arvada (you and Storm), I will searchfor your posts.