Moving from Albuquerque to Denver area (Boulder, Broomfield: real estate, low crime, house)

[wi0904]

We are planning on relocating to the Denver area this summer. I have gone through most of the threads for the last couple of months that deal with location preferences. We are looking for an area where the car is not needed for everything - some restaurants and stores within walking distance. Our children are grown - one lives in Broomfield. We are originally from WI and have lived in Salem OR and Cincinnati OH and now NM. We have lived in some great neighborhoods but our current one, although in a nice location and low crime has few children and little community - neighbors rarely get together. Don't want to do that again. We are not religious, neither conservative or liberal (probably leaves Boulder and Highland Park out). We both work - I will be traveling so my only concern is getting to and from DIA once a week.

Really liked the post today about Boulder - have been there - spot on.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[jazzlover]

A couple of thoughts: You might check out the Stapleton redevelopment (built on the old site of Stapleton Airport). It's fairly close to DIA and, from what I have heard, is at least partly based on the "New Urbanism" concept of being more pedestrian-friendly. I have no desire to live in metro Denver, so I wouldn't choose anyplace there, but if that is where you need to be, then Stapleton might be one choice.

The other place that I like is Golden. I lived there for a short time a number of years ago. The core town of Golden is physically separated from the rest of the metro area by North and South Table mountains, so it still "feels" like a small town. When you look at the real estate websites, though, don't assume everything listed for Golden is in the core town. The zip code includes a lot of stuff outside of it. There are grocery stores and the like within walking distance of several of the in-town residential areas. It's in a pretty setting, too boot. If I had to live in metro Denver, that's probably where I would go. One caveat: the expansion of Highway (freeway) 470 through the Golden area will probably rip right through what are some (now) nice neighborhoods in the core part of town. The @#$%!!! thing should never be built through there, but that's "progress" for you.

[dj32]

I like the suggestion of Stapleton. For someone new, it is a good place to meet people since everyone else is new there too. It is being developed by Forest City, who is also developing the Albuquerque parcel south of airport. I can't remember the name. Stapleton has a good website. Also, there are many neighborhoods of Denver that are diverse, walkable, convenient and beautiful. You may want to check out Observatory Park/University Park, Platte Park, Wash Park, Congress Park. I'm not sure of your price range but I'm not recommending Hilltop/Country Club/Bonnie Brae/Belcaro b/c those prices can be outrageous these days. Cherry Creek is also nice, and very walkable, lots of baby boomers... but prices are crazy there now too. Lowry also a good bet if you like Stapleton. It is closer to Cherry Creek but there are also walkable shops. My inlaws are down in Albuquerque, I love it there too. there is nothing quite like Nob Hill!

[wi0904]

Thanks for the information. We will be in Denver this weekend looking at different locations. We will take a look at as many of these locations as we can. Our high end on the house is probably 450k max.

[2bindenver]

Originally Posted by wi0904

Thanks for the information. We will be in Denver this weekend looking at different locations. We will take a look at as many of these locations as we can. Our high end on the house is probably 450k max.

Stapleton is just north of Lowry - there are 40+ homes under $450 in Stapleton, built since 2000. 19 since 2006.

[dj32]

Based on your range, I'd recommend Stapleton, you'll get more for your money and still walkable and feels somewhat urban. Developers are paying 450-500K for dirt in Wash Park right now- crazy!