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Our family of 4 (plus 1 dog), is looking to relocate out of the DC Metro Area. The two places we have to choose from are Denver, CO and Fort Worth, TX. We would be looking to live within 30 to 45 minutes from either city as my husband's work would be in the city. I am a teacher and I am currently working on becoming certified in Texas (will be starting Colorado this summer if that is the route we take). I've listed a few things about our lifestyle below.
We are a young family (late 20s/early 30s) with two young children (4 and 1 years old) and planning on adding to the bunch in the next few years.
We have a German Shepherd pup and would love a decent yard for him to run in and play fetch.
Our budget would be between $300,000 to $375,000 for our home and would prefer a single family home with at least 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1800 sq ft and preferably .25 acre or more. What areas would be best to get this type of home and a community feel (neighborhoods).
We would also like to be near good schools and a neighborhood community where neighbors hang out with each other (not really what we get here in DC). So suggestions for school districts would be much appreciated.
We would love to find a church (non-denominational preferably) where we can build community with other young families as well. Any good suggestions are welcomed?
We are both pretty independent in our political views so conservative vs liberal isn't too much of an issue for us.
One big thing is we love the outdoors, and I know that Colorado is a haven for those types of activities, but I would love to hear what types of activities outdoorsy people do around the DFW area too.
We also love food, wine and beer and trying new things when it comes to those three categories so suggestions on whether your city has that would be a plus.
I have 5 years experience teaching in Fairfax County and was wondering which school districts are better to teach in and which ones I would be able to get a job in. For Denver area I was looking at Boulder Valley, Aurora, and Douglas School Districts. For Fort Worth, I was looking at Fort Worth ISD, Keller ISD, and Aledo ISD. Which would be better to teach in for these two cities?
With all that said, we are looking to move to a place where we can raise our family well and enjoy life together and with others. If it were you, which would you choose? thanks in advance for all the help.
Reason being is that I live in Denver. Sure there are lots of outdoor stuff to do and the spring and fall snows don't last and there are lots of churches but one really must use their heads before moving out to Denver. One reason is that it's very expensive to live here. Didn't used to be that way but came legal pot. I find it weird that so many people are moving out here for that reason. Really you can smoke pot anywhere ( in private anyway ) and what are the odds of the police getting involved ?? Unless you have a warrant for another reason you shouldn't have to worry about it.
Second is that Denver is such a political city. Don't know about Fort Worth but Denver if one isn't too careful you may find yourself in a political battle. A simple trip to King Soopers ( a local grocery store chain ) can end up being a political battle. Myself I avoid watching local Denver TV, don't listen to local radio and do not read the Denver Post. The less I know about Denver the better. Nothing gets me mad than going to doctor and having him/her say "vote yes on prop 100" or whatever. Fort Worth may be the same way I don't know but it's true about Denver. I find it funny whenever I hear "...I visited Denver and it was and now we are thinking about moving". Ah visiting Denver and living in Denver is two separate things all together. I would move but my other half is doing quite well.
I would say ( again ) that Fort Worth seems like a good choice. Besides if you need your mountain fix and wanna see snow you could always fly to Denver and get your fix. I understand flights to here are cheap.
At least DFW doesn't get snow storms in May and October, so I vote Ft Worth
While I'm not fond of the idea of late-spring and mid-fall snow, those "storms" (just cuz it snows doesn't mean its a storm) only happen once or twice the month, the snow melts fast and it doesn't impede life. Its not like it starts snowing endlessly from October til May.
Also Texas can get 100 degrees in May and October, but I wouldn't use that as a sole reason for picking Denver.
While I'm not fond of the idea of late-spring and mid-fall snow, those "storms" (just cuz it snows doesn't mean its a storm) only happen once or twice the month, the snow melts fast and it doesn't impede life. Its not like it starts snowing endlessly from October til May.
Also Texas can get 100 degrees in May and October, but I wouldn't use that as a sole reason for picking Denver.
Agreed. Late-spring storms in Denver are a mild nuisance more than anything else.
FWIW, the OP's budget is low for Denver. If they're dead set on Denver or Fort Worth they'll either have to up their budget for Denver, or keep it where it is and accept the fact that the outdoor amenities in DFW are really pathetic.
I think you'll enjoy either city. However if outdoor options are really important, I recommend Denver. North Texas is limited in outdoor options. At best we got a couple of lakes like Lake Lewisville, Lake Ray Roberts or if you wanna head up to Oklahoma, Lake Murray and Lake Texoma. We got some woods for camping, but I would advise you camp in fall or spring unless yer gonna camp right by a lake! But there's nothing like Colorado with all the mountains. I will say, if you like amusement parks and waterparks, DFW is a good area as we got Six Flags plus a bunch of waterparks. I'd personally pick Denver though it is cheaper here. I can't speak on Denver but one thing is traffic and construction is awful in DFW. I-35 is a mess. Though I-35W is better than I-35E regarding construction.
Texas in general is a very family friendly state. I imagine Colorado is too.
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thanks in advance for all the help.
