Looking for a good fit (Denver, Aurora: for sale, real estate, low crime)

[Carolina_1]

We would like to purchase something within a 30 min commute of the I70 and E470 interchange. Active couple, early 50's, love to walk, yoga, cook, sports fans. We can live in Denver or the suburbs but don't want to spend more than $300k. We are so excited about this move :-) Our move is planned for October. Any thoughts?

[2bindenver]

Where do you live now and what do you like most about it?

[Carolina_1]

We live in a small community outside of Charlotte, NC. Everyone in my neighborhood has an acre yard so it is spaciously private, friendly and safe. My neighbors are educated, and respectful of others (noise, dogs, trash cans and upkeep of house and yard), for the most part.
Now a few downsides, commute was an hour each way to work, bugs!, limited walking trails or parks. We live in a good place and plan on our transfer to the Denver area being a good thing too :-) we just need some honest feedback on the areas that would be a nice place to start.

[davidv]

First of all I will say this: I am not a fan of the far eastern part of Metro Denver. It is an arid, brown, treeless, shortgrass prairie that has had most of its development in the last 20 years. It will seem barren by the standards of those who are moving from humid climates. Here is a photo of the Iliff/E470 interchange.

The weather can also be much more turbulent with larger thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, blizzards, and ground blizzards.

Some of the things you desire can be found everywhere you look, including: ample trails and parks to walk, yoga studios, and supermarkets/farmers markets (for cooking ingredients). Water is a major issue out here, so lots tend to be pretty small, it is not likely you will not find acre plots, and if you did, the water bill to maintain such a lot would be pretty astronomical.

If I were to move out to that area, I would pick the area near E470 and Smoky Hill Road (Saddle Rock), it is newer, has good schools, and a walkable outdoor mall retail/restaurant area. The commute would be short but expensive, as E-470 is a pretty expensive toll road, and access to downtown is horrible.

However, I believe you have better options.

Option 1: Stapleton. Stapleton is a new urbanist community in Denver that is halfway between downtown (sporting events, bars, restaurants, etc.) and your job. It is close to I-70, so the commute would not be horrible.

Option 2: Lowry. Lowry is another newer community on the Denver-Aurora border. It is a former Air Force Base that has been redeveloped over the last 20 years. The downside is that $300 k doesn't buy much more than a townhome.

Option 3: Aurora, south of Belleview Ave, north of Arapahoe Rd, East of Cherry Creek State Park and west of E-470. This is a large area that is very suburban. Some parts are better than others, but overall it is a nice place. This is stretching your 30 min commute time though, and downtown access is horrible here too.

[gooberlx]

Well, 30 mins of 70 and 470 is a pretty large area when you include urban and suburban areas. Which do you prefer? Do you like new developments over old housing? Are you interested in those planned mini-urban neighborhoods? How much space do you need?

[Carolina_1]

Thanks for the detailed information, we are very excited to become a part of the Denver community. As far as new or older houses/areas, coming from the Charlotte, NC area we have seen the best and worst of both of those scenarios. We are pretty open to either of those options as long as the neighborhood is quality and the commute is reasonable. Keep the suggestions and information coming, October is the move date so I am doing my research now in hopes of having a better understanding of the Denver area.

[thewildheart]

Just want to say good luck to you! I live in Charlotte (Highland Creek), and will be visiting Denver again to see if it will be my new home too!

[Carolina_1]

Thank you, let me know if you choose to move out.

[mic111]

I'm going to throw out a suggestion. Eastlake in Thornton. It is within 30 min. commute. The prices are within your price range. The neighborhood has more mature trees. Some older homes, some newer. Generally everything kept up. Low crime. Excellent trails with a very nice walk around Eastlake itself. Pretty area. Excellent possibility of appreciation when the light rail has an Eastlake stop in 10 yrs or so.
Eastlake Real Estate & Eastlake Thornton Homes for Sale - Zillow