planned communities (Denver, Highlands Ranch, Louisville: houses, neighborhoods, construction)

[mac63]

My wife and I are considering moving from Maine to Colorado within the year. We have friends at Stapleton and are seriously considering it, but we're wondering are there other similar planned communities in the greater Denver area. We liked the layout of Stapleton, but would like to consider other options when we visit again in May. Thanks in advance.

[Katarina Witt]

There is Highlands Ranch, if you like suburbia. There is a wealth of information about it on this forum.

[2bindenver]

Most of the newer construction is in a master planned community of one sort or another. Stapleton is closely related to Lowry, they are both close to each other and highly popular for city living.

All of the suburbs have similar communities - either in amentities, schools, shopping, or density.

What do you like? What do you not like? Is there a commute in your future? What is important to you in the new community.

HR is a city sized subdivision. You also might like Lone Tree or South Shore or Bradburn or Belmar or...

[mac63]

2BinDenver:
I think we found Stapleton appealing for its sensible planning--parks, open space, etc--but I think what my wife liked most was how easy it seemed to be to meet people. We have two children--ages 9 and 6--and we're looking for a community where my wife, who's giving up lifelong friends--can easily develop a network of friends, and where our children can do the same, in a good educational environment. So: like anyone else, goods schools, access to parks and trails, plus a community where we can make that transition.

I"m sure it's possible to find this in the suburbs around Denver, but ... we're thinking a master planned community like Stapleton might fit the bill, too. Communities that perhaps you mentioned at the end of your post?

Thanks in advance.

[dj32]

if you like stapleton, you should love lowry as well. they are very close to each other and trees are slightly more mature... If you like closeness and meeting people easily, I would recommend some of the city neighborhoods where there are things easily walkable. I'll souind like a broken record to some on the forum, but I think Wash (Washington) Park is great for meeting your neighbors, outdoor activities and walkable amenities.

[Katarina Witt]

My nephew and his family lived in Lowry for a while. I was not impressed. They rented some sort of apt that was large but mostly stairs. From the balcony, you looked out onto everyone else's backside. It seemed quite dense to me. I don't know if it was a "meet your neighbors" area. They only lived there a few months. On the other hand, they lived in Wash Park a couple years and did meet some of the neighbors.

My family has lived in Louisville for many years, two different houses, and we know/knew many of our neighbors. So I guess it's not the type of housing that makes a neighborhood friendly. Just my opinion.