Where to move in Denver area? (Lakewood, Arvada: apartment, townhouse, neighborhood)

[secretcitizen]

Here's what I need; I need to find a decent apartment or townhouse (2 bedrooms) for me, my wife, and my 2 year old son. I would like to pay no more than $1000 a month on rent. A quiet neighborhood that has a good school(s). The company I will be working for is on East 73rd Avenue Denver, CO 80229 and I don't mind having a 20-30 min one way commute to work. How is the west end of Denver, ie Morrison, Lakewood, Golden, Arvada?

Thanks guys.

[FentonForche]

Short answer to your direct question:

Morrison - good
Golden - good, I would generally prefer it to Morrison.
Lakewood - mixed. Green Mountain area is good, the part that edges Denver, not so good.
Arvada - also mixed. People like the Old Town area, there's some other parts though that aren't all that desirable.

[secretcitizen]

List some of the other suburbs that would be good for my criteria. Are the west side cities within my price range? I said all the west end ones because I want to be close to the mountains.

[zenkonami]

Originally Posted by secretcitizen

Here's what I need; I need to find a decent apartment or townhouse (2 bedrooms) for me, my wife, and my 2 year old son. I would like to pay no more than $1000 a month on rent. A quiet neighborhood that has a good school(s). The company I will be working for is on East 73rd Avenue Denver, CO 80229 and I don't mind having a 20-30 min one way commute to work. How is the west end of Denver, ie Morrison, Lakewood, Golden, Arvada?

Thanks guys.

Why should anyone have a 20-30 min commute in Denver while paying $1000 or less on rent? Thornton, Sherrelwood, Fed Heights, Northglenn and Westminster are all in that immediate vicinity and should all have options for that price range.

As far as the mountains go, unless you plan on accessing them daily, you are rarely very far from them in Denver. Frankly, if I weren't biking the hills everyday, I'd rather have the 20-30 min trip to the mountains I hit up a few times a month and have my job that I go to everyday nearby.

Different strokes for different folks, but that kind of commute is exactly why there are traffic problems. Besides, isn't it nice to have a little more time with the family and spend a little less money on the gas?

My ranting aside (nothing personal as you've probably already considered the above anyway), good luck, and also look at Broomfield and Louisville, and remember that prices often rise with the scenery!

[secretcitizen]

Ok you have a valid point on the mountains, and I wasn't aware that most of Denver is that close. Ok then, what is my best choice as far as commute to my job and the best overall neighborhood for that price range. I have to say you guys sure do respond quickly.

[Katarina Witt]

The places zenkonami suggested are near your work. I wouldn't worry about the schools yet, if your child is just two. You are likely to buy something by the time he's ready for kindergarten in 3 years.