I work in Brighton, he works in north Aurora, where to live? Broomfield?? (Denver: real estate)

[monalua]

Hello all!

Husband and I are 27 years old, finally saved up enough money and are in the market for our first home! I work in Brighton, he works in NE Aurora, and we definitely want something that is convenient to both of our jobs.

We are currently renting in Fronterra Village, one of the developments in the new part of Commerce City. We really like it - new area, affordable, family-friendly, and we love the ammenities of the Reunion development across the way (trails, parks, rec center, pool, etc.). The commute is also really good for both of us - 15 minutes for me, 30 minutes for him, and he doesn't have to get on I-25, I-225, I-270 (he takes Tower). However, we are concerned about buying in this area - mainly because of the possibility of a 75,000-seat NASCAR track being built less than 2 miles from Reunion. Also concerned about the foreclosure rate, etc., although there are a lot of good deals to be had now. Schools out here (Brighton 27J) aren't that great either, from what we've read/heard. We're really concerned about the investment and being able to re-sell our property in 7-10 years if needed.

We haven't lived in the area long, so we are looking for any other suggestions of areas/developments we should look into! Our budget for the new home is under $300,000, preferably mid-$200s, single-family, 1700-2000 square feet. We really like Stapleton, but it's just too pricey for us right now. The new developments in SE Aurora are nice but seem so far from downtown, my job, etc. A few nice developments in Brighton, but the amenities aren't as nice as in Reunion. I know we'll have to compromise and choose something, but it's such a hard decision!

We are considering Broomfield, which I've always liked, heard great things about the schools too, and it looks like there are some resales we could afford in that area. Does anyone know anything about the Broadlands? A little worried about the commute for my husband though.

Any advice, insight, or input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[2bindenver]

Broadlands is a nice community. But you are right, your husband's commute would be lengthy.

Reunion is a fabulous community. Schools do not have much of a long term tract record yet. Do you have kids now?

It is hard to worry about something that might never happen like the race track. There is one in Morrison, hasn't affected homes in that area price wise.

If the racetrack does get built in the near future, then people will come, and they will go to the local shops and spend money. That would be real nice for the local economy.

Who knows what real estate will be like in 7-10 years. Denver is due for a hot streak anytime now...

[McGowdog]

Hello there. Your commute to home hopefully won't be too bad. Being that I don't live in Denver anymore, I don't want to waste your time with my input. I don't have a feel for your options at this time.

But the other day, I came back from a business trip and had to hang out near far east Colfax while my luggage was waiting to catch up with me, and I started to wonder what this area near Fitsimmons and Colfax is gonna shape up to be like.

Does anyone agree that this area may have some potential?

[grettavbm3]

Hello-

In my opinion I would say move to Brighton. We currently live in Texas, but own a home there in Brighton, CO. We lived there for 1 1/2 yrs before moving due to military orders. My husband worked at Buckley and it was not a bad commpute for him at all.

Brighton is a growing city that is easily accessible to everything. Visit http://www.brightonco.gov/development/flash/index.html to see all the new development. We absolutely loved it there. The rec center is fantastic, there are tons of walking trails, great neighborhood bars and a lot of diversity in the home market. Even though it is growing it still has the small town feel which we really enjoyed. There isn't much traffic and the people are really friendly, but you probably know that already since you work there.

I grew up in Colorado and when we moved back in 2003 we looked in all of the places you mentioned to purchase a home. We didn't choose Aurora, because of the traffic, the crime and the overall size of the city. The same for Westminster, Broomfield, Thornton area (except crime wasnt an issue there) but traffic sure as heck was. Spend some time on 120th trying to get the to the Westminster mall and you will understand lol............We absolutely refused to move to Renunion (Commerce City) because if you look at an arial map of that whole new area it is built around the old Rocky Mountain Arsenol (now I believe called some sort of Open Land area) and I wasn't willing to put my family at risk for what might happen to their health in the future as a result.

Well, I think I have talked enough lol. If you have any other questions or whatever feel free to email me at grettavbm3@yahoo.com.

Good luck with your decision.
Smile-
Gretchen

PS- we have 3 kids, one of which went to public school in Brighton (kindergarten and 1/2 of 1st grade, the other 2 are younger). Again we loved it. There area also a lot of new Charter schools available there as well.