Happy, your response just confirms itis the perfect place ;)
Remember, I live near Dallas!

nhinson, We are in our mid 60s and lived in the Denver metro area since 80. Came here from the Chicago area - NW Indiana. We been here long enough to qualify as semi-native. I know of no web site for meeting other Denver folks. But feel free to contact me off line if you like. We have decide that this is a good place to die. We are not leaving.

nhinson, DH and I moved to Denver in 1978 from southern Illinois. We love it here. We are approaching retirement and intend to spend it here--with maybe a month or two in either Arizona or Hawaii in the winter. Feel free to contact me off line if you would [email protected].

nhinson, I am one of those folks who love Denver and get to go a lot because our children and grands live there. And I live in charlotte. I don't know what your experience with Denver and CO is, but you might want to go stay a while before just sticking a pin in the map!! Have you considered the NC mountains? Is employment a consideration?

However, there is one major drawback to Denver. In the Fall and Spring we can have some pretty dramatic weather swings. Yesterday it was 80 but woke up to 4" of snow and 32 degree weather. But it is bright and sunny now and it will all be gone tomorrow.

Let's not encourage any more people to move to Denver!
:)>-

That is true. According to the news we actually had 7.5 inches.

Thank you to all who posted. In response to not having any more people move there, I promise not to take up a lot of room:) Remember, for those moving in, at least someone is moving out. I know because Raleigh is growing by leaps and bounds to, so someone is moving in here from somewhere.
Thanks to all who posted. And thanks especially to those few who gave me the option of writing to you by email. I have written notes. Response to the pushpin in the map.........no way. We picked out many cities and have studied each one carefully for going on five years now while we were getting the last one out of the nest. That is the reason I'm posting and asking question, so that we DON'T use the "throw a dart at the map" reasoning. By the way, if anyone DOES want to move this way, you are very welcome to come and I'll certainly avail myself to answering questions. To Charlotte area, yes, we've actually considered Ashville to, by our work is specialized and we could find any work at all in our careers in that area. Again, thanks to all.

,,,,,,,, I'd be interested to know how many of you just picked up and went because you'd studied Denver and wanted to be there .......

I just went back and reread your original posting. Except for retirement I am guessing that most people follow the job and hope for some choice. My first job out of college was in Charlotte --- too many trees !!!! And that was before Charlotte became the financial centerand was smaller. Was on business in Charlotte a few years ago when Hugo visited --- again, way too many trees.

Before coming to Denver we were in the Chicago area and had a choice of GA, near Savannah, New Orleans, or Denver. After visiting all three sites, we decided that Denver was a better place for a Yankee. In hindsight, a terrific decision. IMO, there is no perfect place so the final decision will always be a series of trade offs. Let us know what you decide !!

Glad you picked Seattle, nhinson:

Author: nhinson
Date: 10/24/2007, 03:15 pm
I'm sold. I live in Raleigh, NC. If you want trees, trees, and more trees, to the point of not being able to see a darn thing, Raleigh is your town. Trees and concrete. I'm done. I'm in my 50's and I want mountains and water and I want to SEE something when I get to where I'm going. For me it was between Denver and Seattle. I've been researching for 2 years. Fifteen minutes ago I just made up my mind. Seattle won. I love gray, overcast skies. I flourish in "gray". Sunshine is way over-rated if you ask me and I have a son who flies for US Air so I can visit Hawaii or Florida when I need a yearly dose of sun. I can't wait to move. I'm not buying, I'm renting. I'm a closing coordinator for a commercial real estate firm and my husband is in the hospitality industry. If we can find jobs, we're coming. Well, we're coming anyhow and we'll worry about jobs when we get there. Thanks to all of you who posted and helped me make up my mind. Life is too short to be living somewhere you hate.

I'm glad you've made up your mind. It's funny how different we all are. You thrive in gray!? I enjoy a gray day now and then, for variety, but to have everyday gray would work a number on my psyche. My son just chose a college, and one of his top priorities was to avoid grayness because it bums him out. Viva la difference, non?
:)>-

I am with MaureenB, but am very pleased that we all do not have the same likes and dislakes. I hated the winter grayness in Chicago and Indiana. Three gray days in Denver and everyone stays complaining. Sunlight is NOT over rated. And there is medical support for that position. Enjoy Seattle.

Denver's a wonderful place to live. But, it's getting more crowded. Right now is a great time to move to Denver and/or buy a home here.

We live in Aurora and are toying with whether now is an awful time to sell or not.

What an interesting thread this is and yes I'm gonna try to resurrect it. I never knew there was such a battle between tree people and the 'untree' people and the sunshine people and the 'gray' people.

I am originally from Metro Detroit and moved to Metro Washington DC. When I moved here I saw all the beautiful trees and said 'how beautiful'. And then..... well come mid-June, forget about using the yard (mosquitos galore). And the allergies, yuck. And the crowds, oh no. And the expense, my god. And the rude, rude people, I can't believe them.

Now I'm thinking about Seattle and Denver. Leaning towards Denver cause I am a 'sunshine person', but would really like the some trees. Any suggestions for nice neighborhoods with trees? I don't require new construction. I just need a little space between me and my next door neighbor. At least 50 feet or so. Prefer the suburbs, but would consider outer limits of city. A nice older neighborhood with brick ranches would be perfect. 1500 to 2000 sq ft. Under 300K.

I've only been to Denver once, so I don't know a lot about it, but I'm originally from Detroit so I think I can only go up from there. LOL. I don't know where I would be working so thats not a factor right now, I just want some ideas for neighborhoods.

katolb90, there are several established neighborhoods in Denver with little brick ranches in your price range. Try Mayfair, Montclair, Park Hill, Bonnie Brae (may be more expensive because of D.U. rentals there), City Park, Capitol Hill, etc. There are nice trees in these neighborhoods, too, and gorgeous tree-lined parkways.
:)>-

It is a bit of a stretch to include Bronnie Brae as part of the DU area. And the pricing is well outside your range of $150/200 sq foot. Not sure about the pricing of the other neighborhoods but it will push the $200/ft. Even with the recent decline, suburban houses are above 150 except for a couple of areas on the edge of Denver city limits.

I included Bonnie Brae, because I believe a lot of DU students live there in rentals, don't they? Maybe times have changed.

I live in Montclair, own a rental in Mayfair, and I look at For Sale brochures. They are eclectic neighborhoods, where you can find tiny bungalows, more like 1400 square feet. For your price range, you might not get a garage, but I believe the properties are there.

:)>-

You must be confusing Bonnie Brae with Observatory Park as DU students do not rent in the Bonnie Brae area. It is across I-70 and several miles from DU. Bonnie Brae is pretty pricy and has had some issues with lot scraping.

I know, I know, Bonnie Brae is north of I-25. Typing too fast and not proof reading.

What about outside Denver, thats what I'd really prefer. I didn't mean to imply I was only interested in city neighborhoods. Also I'm mid-fourties so I wouldn't want to live near younger people.

Define outside of Denver. Do you mean outside the city limits, outside the Denver metro area, or areas physically separate from Denver? I am in my sixties and I don't want younger people live near me either so I hope you pick another neighborhood, maybe another town.

I mean outside the city limits, but within the metropolitan area. Are you trying to say that most people in Denver are younger? When I mentioned I didn't want to live near a lot of young people, I guess that means people under 35 or so. Areas with moderate to liberal people over 40 would be ideal.

I think you do not understand the geography of Denver. Have you ever been there? "Outside the city limits" is just about colorado Springs.
Denver is a huge city with many contiguous areas--Aurora, Lakewood,Littleton,LoDo, Ballpark neighborhood, etc. etc. There isn't a place that is "young people". DU is an urban university surrounded by houses and apartment buildings. You would benefit from living in that neighborhood if you can afford it. Very attractive.

All of the neighborhoods I mention above are very diverse, including in the age of their residents: Mayfair, Montclair, Park Hill, City Park, Capitol Hill. These neighborhoods which I believe could have brick bungalows in your price range.

The twenty-somethings I know are wanting to move into the up-and-coming Highlands area (not sure of the boundaries-- includes 32nd and Tennyson), and into condos just west of LoDo.
:)>-

Gretchen. Aurora is a city. Littleton is a city. They are just small cities. They are outside Denver proper. Right? When you address a letter and the person lives in Littleton, you use Littleton, CO on the city/state line. An area that is part of Denver, but has a nickname of its own would be something like Park Hill right? Park Hill is still Denver, CO. Just to be clear I am interested in towns (suburbs) outside the city of Denver.

katolb90, I'm confused. Why do you want to be outside the city of Denver? In my experience, the city folks are more what you're looking for-- not conservative, diverse. . .

If you want a city/town that is separate and distinct from Denver, then you need to look at Longmont, Louisville, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins.

I wouldn't call a suburb a 'town' necessarily. The Denver metro area, including Aurora and Littleton, is one giant mish-mash, like any other city. It's not like you notice a big difference when your drive from Denver into Littleton.
:)>-

Perhaps I would consider living in the city. I'll be sure to check out those areas that were suggested. Its just that when I think of the 'city', I think of close together houses and with a 'grid like' layout. I want some space (1/4 acre or so) and a large yard for my dogs.

Yes, do check out all areas of Denver. The Denver city boundaries are quite expansive. We live 'in the city', but are four miles from downtown.

When we had friends visit from New York City, they were puzzled, because we live 'in' Denver, but our neighborhood is a cool historic area with lots of trees. Not what they expected.

In fact, some of the older homes sit on multiple lots, so the yards are quite large. A good realtor can steer you correctly. Good luck.
:)>-

Katolb90 -- you just changed the whole discuss when you asked for a large lot. Most of the housing in Denver and even the newer outlying subdivisions sit on small to very small lots. There are some exceptions but not many and none in your price range. Large lots in the city are expensive and large lots with small houses are in very high demand. We call them "scrapeables". A small house is scraped off and big one built. Also, large lots with lots of grass are expensive to maintain -- most of the areas have water rationing -- some mandatory, some voluntary and water usage pricing is design to discourage high volume of usage. The busing issue 30 years ago frozen Denver's city limit to a relatively small area when compared to the metro area. Most of the small surrounding true town - Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, Lakewood, etc. have been overrun by the metro area so that it is impossible to know where the boundaries of each are other than a little sign sometimes.

Since I live on the south side (Centennial) so I am more familiar with the neighborhoods of Littleton, Englewood, Aurora. The original core of Littleton, Englewood would have some small houses with decent size lots but not a quarter acre and somewhat closer to your price range. How you judge if you neighbors are old and liberal, I have no idea.

You should probably spent some time in the Denver before you make any decision. It may not be a good fit for you. Denver metro area is recognized as having a high educational level and one of the youngest cities in the US.

Yes, Katol, my kids live in Greenwood Village (Littleton) and Lakewood, but I say they live in Denver, as most people who live in Aurora, etc. would also. They have both lived in what I guess you want to call "Denver"--Wash Park, Park Hill, Ballpark neighborhood. You really do need to visit and find out what you are talking about. My kids live in neighborhoods that have 70 year olds, and 30 year olds. It just works that way in a big city. As for a city on a grid==that is the definition of Denver. It is definitely on the grid.
As for Highlands Ranch--south south, off I470.

"As for a city on a grid==that is the definition of Denver. It is definitely on the grid."

Gretchen, I am not sure what you mean by that. I don't think of Denver as being on a grid per se. Even newer areas like Highlands Ranch aren't laid out on straight-lined streets.
:)>-

I don't think Gretchen has very good knowledge of the Denver area. She may visit frequently but does not live here. She has made prior references to Greenwood Village ( Littleton) and implies that they are same. They are not. Two completely separated and very different cities. Littleton is an 100+ year old town and Greenwood Village is created urban town of recent vintage. The older parts of Denver is definitely laid out on the city block system as is typical of must older cities. However, there are sections of Denver that are not. I believe Bonnie Brae has the distinction of being the first subdivision ever plotted with non straight streets. Crestmoor Park is another. The off grid layout of downtown Denver will drive you nuts. All of the subdivision built around Denver in the past 40/50 years are of the curvy street style. But it is interesting that some of the redevelopment of Lowry and Stapleton is returning to the city block grid. Each has its purpose and advantage/

fmpden, you are right on, as per usual.

We've lived in Denver since the late 60s, and I've found that most visitors are pleasantly surprised at what Denver actually is, once they get here and experience it. They expect it to be a much different city, in many ways.

You make a good point that there are great and definitely distinct neighborhoods throughout the metro area. We live in an historic neighborhood that is quirky and wonderful. Very similar to our small town Missouri backgrounds. Littleton, as you say, has its old town charm, too. And Greenwood Village is a completely different environment.

I hesitate to boast too much about Denver, though, because I definitely do not care for the sprawl era we've been through. But Denver seems to be vigorously re-building its 'inner city' neighborhoods. It has done a good job, in my opinion, of restoring its vintage architecture, creating lofts, dining, etc. LoDo case in point.
:)>-

Love it here. Just between you and me. LOL.
:)>-

The other thing that is overlooked when compared to other cities is now vibrant the downtown area is. Had some business that kept me downtown last night and continued to be amazed by the number of people on the Mall at 9:30 at night. And the Rockies were out of town. When do these people go home? Of course, the drawback is that it is snowing like crazy today.

Haen't read this thread, but just wanted to let you know that I was talking to a client in Denver this morning and it was snowing there. On May 1st.

fmpden, did you notice the ages of the people out late last night, in LoDo?

I've seen predominantly twenty- and thirty-somethings down there. Wasn't Denver listed as a top city for singles? It sure looks like it when you're in LoDo at night.

I worked downtown for Mountain Bell, starting in 1979 as an intern. Back then, Denver only had Larimer Square, and no one was in downtown Denver at night. It was a ghost town after 5:00 p.m.
:)>-

So --- it has officially snowed as late as June 8. The first year we lived here the only snow day for the local school system was May 9, But it is also really more than 100 degrees in the summer.

Mambo, you are absolutely correct. We came here in 80 just as the Mall was being completed. For a number of years you could have fired a shot gun on Mall after 7pm and no one would have been hit or heard it. The timing of baseball made the difference. The Mall catching on and baseball pushed it over the top. I was near the south end last night and it was mix of everyone -- it was a mixture of everyone from young to old. Same of the restaurant in LoDo. Caught the Dline south at 9:30 and it was more than half full of all types of people. The whole downtown area has undergone a major transformation in the past 15 years. Very positive.

My earlier "So...." was directed to missypie who hadn't read the thread but was complied to response anyway. I will take the snow over the recent tornados.

I do realize that Greenwood is different from Littleton--it is just that the mail people always say "Littleton". And it is true that I visit often. And it is true that our children have lived in various and diverse parts of Denver.
and Denver to me--being "old"--is one of the most vibrant fun cities I know. I partcicularly love that the old buildings downtown have been preserved.
So, I'll leave it to you experts.