Anyone live(ed) in Denver?

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

I had to laugh at that. Nearly everything in Douglas County is brand new (relatively speaking). That's one of the main things that Easterners react to when coming to the West - at how new everything looks as if they tore everything down and rebuilt it. The truth is that just a short time ago, there were nothing there, which is a strange concept to those coming from the Northeast. I suppose something right on top of I-25 would be less desirable and we don't have "town dumps". That's what the eastern part of the state is for.

Thanks. I certainly don't expect to find any old run down parts of town but was just fishing for if there were any crappy places to live their in particular and figured a place as green conscious as Colorado wouldn't have town dumps but I just used it for an example. And that is the one thing that will take alittle getting use to the new feeling of evrything but that isn't necessarily a bad thing

[Craptacular]

I sent your questions to my buddy in Castle Rock. If I recall, the Meadows did have some larger lots (0.4-0.5+ acres), but most of them were smaller. I think the "subdivision" was meant to get people out to meet their neighbors. I put subdivision in quotes, because at full build, it will have something like 10,000 homes, retail, five or so schools, swimming pool(s), etc.

I'll pass on his comments when I get them.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Craptacular

I sent your questions to my buddy in Castle Rock. If I recall, the Meadows did have some larger lots (0.4-0.5+ acres), but most of them were smaller. I think the "subdivision" was meant to get people out to meet their neighbors. I put subdivision in quotes, because at full build, it will have something like 10,000 homes, retail, five or so schools, swimming pool(s), etc.

I'll pass on his comments when I get them.

Thanks

[Ryche]

So Bucc, is the GIS job market still hopping in Colorado? My wife and I both are GIS specialists and there's at least the possibility I'll be getting a new job in Denver in the near future.

[Buccaneer]

Ryche, yes it is. Sanborn's Springs operations is ramping back up after the turmoil with ASI. In the urban markets, GIS has become much, much more integrated with other information systems that having IT and business skills along with GIS knowledge is highly marketable. It's not like the old days where GIS can stand on its own as a new, cool technology. Nowadays, most decent jobs using GIS are IT classifications. GIS specialists are a thing of the past or at least, lower paying jobs.

[Ryche]

Well, the wife is in the environmental consulting field, so she has plenty of those skills to go with the GIS. I've been working in elections with the GIS the last few years, looking at the jobs out there, I definitely need to brush up on my database and programming skills.

[Craptacular]

Galaril, here is what my friend wrote back ... his lack of capitalization, not mine. If you want to post or PM me any other questions (especially if you have a price in mind), please feel free to do so.
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there are really no bad parts of castle rock. it just depends how old of house he wants. i think most housed on a .5 acre will be around 500k. i dont think you could find anything for less then 300k (if he wants space). the size will also be an issue. the older homes in CR are well under 3k sqft. the newer homes around 3k sqft will be on smaller lots and run about 300k. the house next to me is selling for 295k with a finished basement and is a steal (its even on a green belt). its 2200sqft w/o the basement. there are currently at least 5 houses for sale on my street. its really sad. a house across the street is asking 300 and the mls says its over 2600sqft with finished basement. not sure how that possible cuz the house was just over 1700sqft with maybe an 800sqft basement. personally i dont think it will sell. he's just asking to much. the house next to that one is on the market for the 3rd time. last time they asked 310k and didnt even get a showing. one person just got a house in the old part of CR and it was 1700sqft on .5 acre. the catch was its 30+ years old. unless your friend has some money to spend he wont get space.

there are a lot of builders here. Lennar (my home builder), Richmond (high volume, low quality), Village, Capital Pacific, Oakwood, and more. Those are just around me in the Meadows. I know there are some semi custom homes on the other side of 25 but they start around 750k. i also know someone selling a 3k+ sqft home on east side of 25. its a corner lot and has only one side flanked by a house. its a nice house but they might be asking around 400k for it. he was trying to flip new homes (bad idea out here) and is now stuck with 2 homes they wana sell. they also wana move back to Utah. they are asking to much for both so nothing is selling. paint and a back yard doesnt make a 1700sqft house worth 290k .... LOL.

i hope this helped a little. bottom line is what he's looking for will run 500-750k for something nice and your most likely still going to have people close to you. if you had a price range i might be able to help a little more.
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[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by Craptacular

Richmond (high volume, low quality)

Richmond is who built my parent's house in Highlands Ranch and I'm pretty sure they never had any issues with the quality of the home. Of course, that was 13 or 14 years ago, so things may have changed since then...

[JeeberD]

Never spent any time over there, sorry...

[gkb]

Originally Posted by HiFiRevival

I'll try this again. Northglenn? Any good?

I don't know a lot about Northglenn even though I lived there briefly for a time. It lies mostly east of Westminster and south-east of Broomfield. When I lived there I was broke and the part of town I lived in wasn't great. In general I hold it in lower regard than Broomfield, Westminster, Boulder, Golden, and most of Arvada. Although I'd pick Northglenn above Commerce City that isn't really a ringing endorsement. I'd say it's comparable to Thornton, maybe a little bit worse. If you just head a little bit west I think you'll find yourself in a better part of Colorado, although admittedly it'll cost you more to live.

I hope that helps a little...

[Galaril]

So, continuing on in our "Quest for the West" we have started ot really narrow our search for moving to Colorado to Castle Rock and some of the surrounding towns like Larkspur and The Pinery. Specifically we are looking at Feathergrass in the Meadows sub division and also Castlewood/Crystal Canyon Ranch . Anyone have any experiences with anyof these areas or housing areas?

[Craptacular]

According to the Meadows website, the three builders in Feathergrass are Capital Pacific Homes, Engle Homes, and Joyce Homes.

hxxp://www.meadowscastlerock.com/newhomes_feathergrass.htm

My friend in The Meadows lives in one of the sections adjacent to Feathergrass, so I just sent him an email to get his thoughts.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Craptacular

According to the Meadows website, the three builders in Feathergrass are Capital Pacific Homes, Engle Homes, and Joyce Homes.

hxxp://www.meadowscastlerock.com/newhomes_feathergrass.htm

My friend in The Meadows lives in one of the sections adjacent to Feathergrass, so I just sent him an email to get his thoughts.

Thanks. So one told me that the Meadows is planning on having 10,000-12,000 in the place eventually. That is biiger than the town I am living in now. So, it might not be an option but I would still like to here what your buddy has to say. And thanks for the builders list.

[Galaril]

So, I will be heading out to Denver for a five day trip partially for business but really that is only an excuse to get out there so Ican scope out some areas for moving next spring 08. We have shifted away from Castle Rock after hearing it isn't that great of a commute into the Tech park Greenwood village area that goes along with parker and all other areas in the southern part of the Denver metro area. We have decided to focus exclusivley on a Home probably a few years older but still might build from dirt in the Boulder suburb area. The areas we are going to visit are Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Broomfield and Erie.

[JeeberD]

First thing you should know is that Louisville is not pronounced like the city in Kentucky, it's pronounced like the city in Texas that I live in...Lewisville.

Best of luck to you, and have fun while you're out there!

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

First thing you should know is that Louisville is not pronounced like the city in Kentucky, it's pronounced like the city in Texas that I live in...Lewisville.

Best of luck to you, and have fun while you're out there!

Thanks. I have traveled out there some and the locals have already educated me on the local pronunciation

[Craptacular]

Originally Posted by Galaril

We have shifted away from Castle Rock after hearing it isn't that great of a commute into the Tech park Greenwood village area that goes along with parker and all other areas in the southern part of the Denver metro area. We have decided to focus exclusivley on a Home probably a few years older but still might build from dirt in the Boulder suburb area. The areas we are going to visit are Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Broomfield and Erie.

I would think that those places would be a much, much worse commute to the DTC.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Craptacular

I would think that those places would be a much, much worse commute to the DTC.

For a minute there, I thought he had changed job locations to the north side. But if you say that he's still wanting to commute to DTC, that's truly insane.

Go find someplace in the hordes of new developments along the E-470 corridor. Nice easy commute.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Craptacular

I would think that those places would be a much, much worse commute to the DTC.

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

For a minute there, I thought he had changed job locations to the north side. But if you say that he's still wanting to commute to DTC, that's truly insane.

Go find someplace in the hordes of new developments along the E-470 corridor. Nice easy commute.

lol. I will soon find out just to let you know your reactions are what I have gotten from evryone when I mention this. The good news for me is I would be traveling in the morning after 9:00 am and coming back around 3-4pm that along with only having to go into the office twice a week should offset alot of the problems. I am from the northeast and I just don't get the impression that the traffic in rush hour is what we deal with in the northeast cities of DC, Philly, NY or Boston. Anyways, I am set to find out I am getting ready to head to the airport and will actually try the drive in the morning on Friday for real from Louisville to DTC and no cheating using the Toll road 470 Let you know how it goes.
As far as the cmmunities on I-25 south that is an option except evryone else is moving there as well and I am very concerned about traffic in 5 years as well as serious overcrowding down the road. So places like Castle Rock are a slight possibility.

[TroyF]

Well, you are closer to my area.

Would I commute to the DTC? Not a chance in hell. You are badly underestimating the traffic.

Don't think of just the summer commute, which isn't going to be good for you. Think of the winter commute. A little snow and your commute is going to be well over 2 hours, probably closer to 3.

You are going to have to deal with at least three main areas of difficulty coming up I-25. The DTC will be a pain. The mouse trap (where I-70 and I25) meet and right off of 36. (the road to Boulder)

Denver has more cars per people than any other city in the US. It's a spread out town with pretty pathetic mass transit.

I live about 15 minutes from the office on a Sunday morning with no traffic. I go into work at 6 AM and usually leave around 3 or 4. It usually takes me 50 minutes. If there is a stall on 36, it takes even longer.

To each his own. PM me if you'll have any spare time, I'll buy you a drink.

[gkb]

I wouldn't commute to the DTC from my area (Broomfield) either. Well, I'll qualify that and say I would do it if I took 470 every day. That would add up if you were doing it 5 days a week, but if you only have to make the drive 2 times a week maybe it's an alternative. I've never driven on the east coast so I don't really know how our traffic compares...but I hate being on I-25 during rush hour.

[Ryche]

Any ideas about how bad the commute would be from the Broomfield area down to southern Lakewood around 285?

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by gkb

I wouldn't commute to the DTC from my area (Broomfield) either. Well, I'll qualify that and say I would do it if I took 470 every day. That would add up if you were doing it 5 days a week, but if you only have to make the drive 2 times a week maybe it's an alternative. I've never driven on the east coast so I don't really know how our traffic compares...but I hate being on I-25 during rush hour.

Yeah that is what I am thinking if i only got to do it a max of 8-10 times a month I can probably just take the toll road. That is if it is as bad as everyone says and if the snow is bad, I just wouldn't go into the office on those days. My job always extreme flexibility of my schedule.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Ryche

Any ideas about how bad the commute would be from the Broomfield area down to southern Lakewood around 285?

Not as horrible because you'll be heading out east a bit, but still not one I'd be fond of making everyday. Denver is such a spread out town, it's great to work in the same section of town you live in. The one time I did commute, I worked graveyards, which made traveling easier.

For those new to Denver, the street naming mechanism is pretty solid. Numbered streets go E/W, named streets go N/S. The named streets are also alphabetized. You get lost, simply find one of the familiar streets that run each way and you'll be good to go. 16th street downtown, the higher the numbered streed the further north you are. Some of the major N/S drags are Colorado, Federal, Havana, Pecos, Sheridan, Wadsworth. Find one of those streets and a numbered grid and you'll know with a high degree of accuracy where you are.

Not as easy to figure out as Utah, but close.

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by TroyF

For those new to Denver, the street naming mechanism is pretty solid.

Except for the whole five streets in a mile radius having the same name with a different suffix thing.

How difficult is it to come up with different names rather that going with (for example) Cherry Blossom Road, Cherry Blossom Lane, Cherry Blossom Circle, Cherry Blossom Parkway, and Cherry Blossom Boulevard?

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Except for the whole five streets in a mile radius having the same name with a different suffix thing.

How difficult is it to come up with different names rather that going with (for example) Cherry Blossom Road, Cherry Blossom Lane, Cherry Blossom Circle, Cherry Blossom Parkway, and Cherry Blossom Boulevard?

Only a few areas like that and most of those are industrial parks. Interlocken is one of em. The main roads are not named like that and a vast majority of side streets follow what I wrote above.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by HiFiRevival

Well, of course. Nothing would be as easy as having one of your wives standing at every corner so you can stop and ask for directions without having to ask a stranger. That's male travel heaven.

A lot of goofy things go on in SLC, but the street naming is about the best there is. It's very simple. 1600E 1600S means you are 16 blocks South and 16 blocks E of the temple.

Yeah, it's strange. But you always know where you are and finding things is easy as can be.

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by TroyF

Only a few areas like that and most of those are industrial parks. Interlocken is one of em. The main roads are not named like that and a vast majority of side streets follow what I wrote above.

Maybe it's more of a 'burbs thing, that sort of stuff was all over the place in Highlands Ranch and Littleton...

[Ryche]

Just found out that I will be working in Denver starting August 12 It's been 11 years since I finished college in Colorado, really looking forward to going back. Only thing I'm not looking forward to is trying to sell my house.

[Galaril]

Well, I just came back from our trip out to to the Boulder area for area hunting. Definitely, liked Louisville and Superior was also nice albeit it basically consists of one newer home subdivision which has homes just crammed together with some really weird shaped yards in back. We also took a drive down from Louisville along the extreme western edge of Denver on 93 to though Arvada, Golden, Ken Caryl (Chatfield Reservoir) and then Castle Rock.
CR pretty much was want we expected and in general the southern metro areas as well, and that was that we felt they were very sprawlish. We liked the Chatfield area and western Littleton. Golden was nice but the mountains are kind of ominously looming over the city. We like western Arvada until one of the realtors we were with pointed out that it use to be a nuclear superfund area. We also, took alook at a few areas in western erie and Broomfield. Broomfield is nice but everything is so new I don't get a community feel other tan each subdivisions artificially created one. Erie is great except for all the natural gas tanks and drilling towers in parks and open space. We could definitely get a larger lot /or backed to open space in Erie. The only two things holding us back on Erie is being able to find something that is in a good school area preferably Boulder County Dist. and the fact I would have to take 1-25 into the DTC(Belleview exit) twice a week. The nice thing about Boulder subs is I have a at least teo choices one 36 to I-25 or 93s to 470 to the DTC.
I did the drive in to Greenwordd village (DTC) at 700 am on Friday and it took me 45 minutes and that was going in the right lane most of the way even when there was no traffic since I wasn't familar wiith the roads. I could of made it in 40 minutes. Now, there were no accidents in front of me , the weather was good and it was a friday so these all could have been factors in the time it took me. Overall, it wasn't nearly as bad as what I was expecting compared to Boston gridlock. Certainly if I was driving it everyday i wouldn't like it.

[Galaril]

Well, in our continuing "quest for a home in the west" my wife and I have settled in buying a home in the Evergreen/Conifer area. The commute time to DTC is not a porblem since I have recieved apromotion that allows me now to work remotley from home except for a trip to the office maybe once a week but in the off rush hour times 900am-400pm.
Anyways, we are pretty happy with the area up in the mountains around evergreen.

[Karlifornia]

May I suggest beautiful Milpitas, California? It has strip malls, Wal-Mart, and the horrific smell only comes across town when the wind is blowing west. Ok, I lied. Sorry for polluting this thread.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by Galaril

Well, in our continuing "quest for a home in the west" my wife and I have settled in buying a home in the Evergreen/Conifer area. The commute time to DTC is not a porblem since I have recieved apromotion that allows me now to work remotley from home except for a trip to the office maybe once a week but in the off rush hour times 900am-400pm.
Anyways, we are pretty happy with the area up in the mountains around evergreen.

uhh. since when is 900am-400pm off rush hour??

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Galaril

Well, in our continuing "quest for a home in the west" my wife and I have settled in buying a home in the Evergreen/Conifer area. The commute time to DTC is not a porblem since I have recieved apromotion that allows me now to work remotley from home except for a trip to the office maybe once a week but in the off rush hour times 900am-400pm.
Anyways, we are pretty happy with the area up in the mountains around evergreen.

That's a nice area. At least you will be in the foothills instead down in the desert plains. The worse thing about the Evergree/Conifer area is the threat of fires. I think 2 of the 4 biggest fires in recent memory were centered exactly there.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

uhh. since when is 900am-400pm off rush hour??

Denver.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

That's a nice area. At least you will be in the foothills instead down in the desert plains. The worse thing about the Evergree/Conifer area is the threat of fires. I think 2 of the 4 biggest fires in recent memory were centered exactly there.

Yeah that goes with the territory but that is why you have insurance.

[Galaril]

Well, I finally completed this. House bought see new house thread