Housing in rural areas outside Denver advice sought. (Aurora, Arvada: hardwood floors, countertops)

[Katarina Witt]

I think you could find something in Westminster, Thornton, "old" Broomfield, Northglenn, Lafayette and some other areas in the northern and NW burbs in your price range.

[NatureLuvr's]

Originally Posted by maciesmom

That price is pretty low unless you are looking for a very small house or a fixer-upper. While Denver is more affordable than some places, I would not call it inexpensive either.....

Wow, "pretty low" while we know it is not a half mill or the high end, it is not pennies either.
That is a decent price for an average adequate home that should not be considered a fixer upper. By that token that would make Denver one of the most unaffordable. And while it is labeled as an affordable city, we do realize it is not inexpensive. Inexpensive areas are usually very undesirable areas. Saying 225k is pretty low says that a large portion of Americans can't afford adequate housing in Denver or everyone is rich in Denver and that the wages must be there to support such housing prices. We see nice houses listed well below that price in that area now. It seems the general consensus here is quite different from real estate listings we have seen, though not hundreds of them but enough. Seems here from several post all housing worth having is over 225k. So which is it, what is a decent price for a average 3/2 1200-1500 sq ft home, average lot that is not a fixer upper- so to say? what is a good price and where? Anywhere but Aurora and high crime areas.

[NatureLuvr's]

Originally Posted by Katiana

I think you could find something in Westminster, Thornton, "old" Broomfield, Northglenn, Lafayette and some other areas in the northern and NW burbs in your price range.

Thanks Katiana! That info is appreciated! While we could probably afford more home we felt that was adequate for us from what we have seen. No need to max our means of living out, have to have room for many other things, lol... that is why we are willing to drive a little. Though there is always the price of gas lol which is cheaper there than here, lol..

[Count David]

Originally Posted by NatureLuvr's

Anywhere but Aurora

Why is that?

[NatureLuvr's]

For several reasons, regardless it is just not my pick.

[livecontent]

Arvada is not bland. It encompasses many types of topography and housing. It has an olde town main street; outlying farms, grazing land and stables; older housing in established neighborhoods and newer housing. It is noted for a large amount of open space, trails, parks and water resources in the Ralston Valley. It borders Golden and Wheat Ridge to the south and butts up against the foothills. To say that one area is better than another is incorrect because they merge and share a commonality of features and attributes.

Livecontent

[NatureLuvr's]

Originally Posted by livecontent

Arvada is not bland. It encompasses many types of topography and housing. It has an olde town main street; outlying farms, grazing land and stables; older housing in established neighborhoods and newer housing. It is noted for a large amount of open space, trails, parks and water resources in the Ralston Valley. It borders Golden and Wheat Ridge to the south and butts up against the foothills. To say that these one area is better than another is incorrect because they merge and share a commonality of features and attributes.

Livecontent

Interesting! Sounds good. My comment was solely based on what I saw online here. It is pretty hard to see the whole area, and viewing it from a birds eye view and the locations we choose to zoom in on we obviously missed much, lol.. Thanks!

[Katarina Witt]

I thought after I posted about Westminster, etc, that Arvada is another place where you could probably find a house in your price range. Also parts of Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Edgewater, etc.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by NatureLuvr's

Wow, "pretty low" while we know it is not a half mill or the high end, it is not pennies either.
That is a decent price for an average adequate home that should not be considered a fixer upper. By that token that would make Denver one of the most unaffordable. And while it is labeled as an affordable city, we do realize it is not inexpensive. Inexpensive areas are usually very undesirable areas. Saying 225k is pretty low says that a large portion of Americans can't afford adequate housing in Denver or everyone is rich in Denver and that the wages must be there to support such housing prices. We see nice houses listed well below that price in that area now. It seems the general consensus here is quite different from real estate listings we have seen, though not hundreds of them but enough. Seems here from several post all housing worth having is over 225k. So which is it, what is a decent price for a average 3/2 1200-1500 sq ft home, average lot that is not a fixer upper- so to say? what is a good price and where? Anywhere but Aurora and high crime areas.

OK - well 1200-1500 would be considered small by recent standards ("average" square footage for homes is over 2200 sq ft although smaller than 5 years ago)...and if you are willing to look other than the foothills area you mentioned previously, you should be able to find something. Katiana has mentioned some good places to look. If at all possible, get the jobs lined up first so you can best determine a realistic commute. Best of luck to you.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by NatureLuvr's

For several reasons, regardless it is just not my pick.

Name a few. Obviously you know nothing about it besides what you have "heard".