Moving from Boulder to Denver (Lakewood, Arvada: top neighborhood, real estate, condos)

[marychristine80301]

I have lived in the Boulder area for the past 28 years and it is time for me to move to Denver. Despite how close Denver is to my current residence I still feel like it is another world.

I have been researching the different neighborhoods, but need some more help...

I am looking for:
Very family friendly (young children)
Outdoorsy
Safe
Near bike paths/playgrounds

What are the best Denver neighborhoods to live in?

So far I have considered Wash Park, Lowry, Congress Park, Highlands, and a few others....

Thanks!

[Dorthy]

Based on the neighborhoods that you are already looking into it sounds like you like older architecture (except for Lowry) and walkable neighborhoods. Based on those things I'd add Old Littleton and Platt Park to the list. Old Littleton has the feeling of a small town with a walkable downtown surrounded by parks. It has the added bonus of being directly on the light rail line for trips downtown. Platt Park is a lot like Washington Park but a slightly less expensive version. It's just south of Washington park.

Are public schools a factor?

[marychristine80301]

Thanks! Public schools are definitely a factor! I would really like my daughter to do a dual language program, and I know there is one in the baker area and a couple in the highlands area, but I am not sure if they are good schools. Unfortunately those schools always get such low ratings, but that is almost to be expected. I may have to go visit a few of them.

Rather than being drawn to old architecture, I think I am more drawn to big trees. I do like old architecture, but I would actually be totally happy with a newer neighborhood. The most important thing is that I am in a neighborhood with lots of other families. I live in one without many kids right now and my daughter and I are going nuts!

The only reason I am looking towards central Denver is because it would be beneficial for me to be relatively close to either Denver Health or University Hospital (because those are two hospitals that I would like to work at).

Stapleton could be an option too, but so far I am not crazy about the neighborhood and the crime rate is pretty high.

[Dorthy]

Mayfair might be another good option as it's in between University Hospital and Denver Health. It's an established neighborhood with mature trees and seems to have a lot of families. Hilltop, Crestmoor Park and Virginia Village are also nice. All of these neighborhoods are near Lowry.

[marychristine80301]

Thank you! I will check all of those out!

[livecontent]

I agree that Mayfair is a very nice neighborhood; that is a neighborhood within a neighborhood because it is part of Montclair. Mayfair Neighbors Inc. - Denver (http://www.mayfairdenver.org/index.html - broken link)

There are going to be some big changes in Montclair and the Hale neighborhood because of the renovation of the old medical campus site. I think the prices will rises for single family homes. Also, there are many high rise condos in the area that served the student population, as well as senior residences which where built to take advantage of the nearby hospitals. Many of the units are on the market at a good price and there will be much renovation and the prices will go upward as the project gets underway.

In addition, the development will take advantage of the higher incomes that exist in the Hilltop neighborhood just to the south. I predict that all these neighborhoods will become a more prized area, rivaling Cherry Creek. I also believe that this neighborhood will continue to house many medical professional because it is one of the nicest closest neighborhood to Fitzimmons. The characteristics around the new medical campus has not yet been determined; only time will
if the neighborhood can become more stable with less crime.

Livecontent

[steveindenver]

Mayfair lacks the bike paths.

Lowry is bettered by Stapleton in every regard.

Stapleton could be an option too, but so far I am not crazy about the neighborhood and the crime rate is pretty high.

Umm. You do realize Lowry is what 12 blocks away?

Very family friendly (young children)

None of the areas you mentioned.

Look, I'm not crazy about Boulder. In fact if we could build a wall around that town full of hippie-crits and never let them out I would be the first person there with a shovel - so if you are looking for Boulder outside of Boulder, don't. It does not exist. Boulder is somewhere between here and reality.

[marychristine80301]

Steveindenver I'm sorry to hear that Boulder makes you so angry. What I love about Boulder are the mountains and low crime rates and I have recently become rather fond of the bike paths. I am not moving out of Boulder because I want to find or build another Boulder. Obviously there are hospitals all over the place so I can live anywhere. I am looking for a more diverse community and a new experience. But I want to stay in the general vicinity because this is where my family lives.

As far as Denver neighborhoods go, I think 12 blocks is a lot. I know Lowry is close to Stapleton, but I think they each have a different feel.

I have also thought some about highlands but am not sure if it is what I am looking for. Do people have an opinion on that area?

[livecontent]

Highland, Berkeley have all been written on this forum. I think they are very nice neighborhoods. I live very near to these areas and I have never seen any problems and it is certainly areas with character.

But if you are looking for trails and trees and good schools then I would look into the older western suburbs of Denver--either Wheat Ridge or Arvada or Lakewood and parts of Lakewood. All these area have much what you find attractive.

You find very stable family friendly neigborhoods, interspersed with extensive parks and trails. They are all in Jefferson County Schools. All these areas can provide good public transit to any area in Denver.

If you want to live closer to Boulder but at the same time be close to Denver with good public transit--then Broomfield is a good bet.

Most importantly, you have to get out more and see these areas. Nothing is better than your own experiences.

Livecontent

[Scott5280]

I moved back to Boulder this summer,after living in Denver's Cherry Creek North on and off for over a decade.. I used to sell residential real estate primarily in central Denver; grew up in Ken Caryl and Boulder. Here are my picks given your criteria:Cherry Creek,Hilltop Corey- Merril, Bonnie Brae, Mayfair,Wash Park, Stapleton, Congress Park,..I fully endorse Yodi's ideas on Platt Park,and Old Town Littleton as well, I was just in that area of Littleton yesterday..that area is really coming together nicely..old trees,good schools,walkable,light rail. In additon I have always been partial to Grant Ranch/Governors Ranch,Columbine area (all in Littleton) as top family neighborhoods in metro Denver.