New to Denver, Need Help on Areas (Aurora, Littleton: extended stay, apartment)

[mcory]

I just started a new job right in downtown -- with the state. I'm staying in an extended stay hotel for the time being, so of course I'd like to find a "real" residence soon (my wife and I are planning on moving her and all our stuff up here in the first couple of weeks of December). I know virtually nothing about any neighborhoods/suburbs around here -- pretty much the only advice anyone's really given me is "not Aurora".

I'd like to stay close to the train lines, and because of that I'm looking at Littleton and Englewood. Going through the pages on here though, it looks like Englewood has a fairly high crime rate, and Littleton has good schools.

That said, however, we'd like to find a house -- 2-3 bedrooms, nothing spectacular -- for around $800-$1000 p/ month (rent only for now; working on getting things lined up so we can buy in a couple of years). My main concern aside from the budget and the RTD access is the neighborhood; we'd like somewhere that's decent and friendly, preferably not something where we'd need to start shopping for kevlar vests and automatic weapons

I'd appreciate any pointers at all -- I've only been up here since Monday (came from El Paso, TX), and haven't had much of a chance to really get out and about to see the different parts of town.

Thanks!

--Matt

[Count David]

Originally Posted by mcory

pretty much the only advice anyone's really given me is "not Aurora".

Anyone that gives you advice like that is exceedingly narrow.

Originally Posted by mcory

I'd like to stay close to the train lines, and because of that I'm looking at Littleton and Englewood. Going through the pages on here though, it looks like Englewood has a fairly high crime rate, and Littleton has good schools.

Englewood is fine.

Near to any of the stops south of Alameda should suffice.

Originally Posted by mcory

That said, however, we'd like to find a house -- 2-3 bedrooms, nothing spectacular -- for around $800-$1000 p/ month (rent only for now; we'd like somewhere that's decent and friendly, preferably not something where we'd need to start shopping for kevlar vests and automatic weapons

That price will be pretty tough, but the older parts of Englewood and Littleton will come the closest. Shared walls seem to be the norm in that price range, if you catch my drift.

The only people I know who pack and wear vests also wear badges.

[choosing78]

You relocated from Texas for a job with the state? That's interesting, last I knew it was in the Colorado constitution that you must be a resident of CO to even apply for a job. Not calling you out but with all the people unemployed within the state it seems it would be "strictly enforced" right now. Okay with that being said I suggest Littleton.

[cowboyxjon]

It really depends on what kind of neighborhood you want. I live in Denver proper, but my neighborhood is more suburban-feeling and less dense than the neighborhoods right around downtown. It's not convenient to the train, but the buses (83L, and the forthcoming 79L) have limited stops and serve the area well during normal business hours. I live about 5 miles from downtown. You'll probably find an apartment or a townhouse in your price range but it doesn't hurt to look. Virginia Vale, Virginia Village, and Indian Creek could work and you wouldn't be very far from downtown.

[Dorthy]

Englewood is not dangerous. Sure there are pockets that are not so nice but it's a city of over 30,000 people so it would make sense that some areas are a little nicer then others. I live in the area and have forgotten to lock my car door at night and no one took anything. My husband left some things outside of the garage right next to the sidewalk where people walk by frequently for weeks and no one took anything until we put a "free" sign on them. Then they were gone in a matter of minutes. No need to fear Englewood.

It's one of the most walkable areas in and around Denver and it's one of the more affordable areas too. In your price range you may get lucky and find a house although like David said, shared walls would be more likely. You'll have to drive around Englewood as most people advertise rentals via a sign in their yard rather then through online ads.