BroncoFan

I have lived in Arapahoe County for the last 10 years and overall I have enjoyed it. It was the first county in Colorado and has the third highest population of counties in Colorado. Although there are plenty of cities and urban areas to choose from, there is also a lot of country living as well. The county was named after the Arapaho Indians which roamed the plains back when Colorado was just a territory. The county started out larger than it is today; it used to stretch all the way to the Kansas border.

Overall I'd have to say the quality of living in Arapahoe County is really good. It has some great parks, really good trail systems, and some of the best schools in Colorado. Although it's not in them mountains, they aren't far away from the western side of the county. Every year Arapahoe County holds its annual fair at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. It's pretty big with competitions, rodeos, a carnival, and other attractions.

For anyone considering moving to Colorado, Arapahoe County has close to the lowest mill levy rate in Colorado.

South Neighborhood is located in Littleton and has pretty quick access to C-470 to get to the mountains or to the west or south side of the Denver metro area. There are several parks and the McLellen Reservoir in the neighborhood as well. Most of the housing in this neighborhood is made up of single family dwellings which are (for the most part) kept in good condition. Streets are lined with large shade trees and there are outdoor pools in the neighborhood for kids and families to enjoy. There are numerous businesses in the area so there's not much need for residents to venture too far away.

Coal Creek, Colorado sometimes gets confused with Coal Creek Canyon, which is close to Golden. Although similar in name, they are very different places. Coal Creek is home to 343 people as of the last census and this town offers all rural living. It lies just a few miles southwest of Florence, Colorado and many of the residents work in construction and the health care field.

The median household income here is about $15,000 less than the state average, although the housing prices are incredibly cheaper. This would be a good place to have a small farm or just get away from it all.

Laporte, Colorado is a small town of ~2,450 people. It lies just northwest of Fort Collins amid gently rolling hills with beautiful vistas in the distance. Many residents who live here work in Fort Collins which is only about 10 minutes away. Laporte is a great area for families who want to be near Fort Collins but are looking for less expensive housing. On average, the homes in Laporte are about $30,000 less expensive than the rest of Colorado. Income levels tend to be less here as well. There aren't a lot of businesses in Laporte other than a few restaurants and gas stations, and the few other small town businesses you'd normally find in a small community like this (i.e. a local vet, etc.). Construction is overwhelmingly the largest industry followed by health care and social assistance.

The schools in Laporte typically rate slightly higher than average when compared to the rest of the state. However, this little town is very family-friendly and you can often see children playing about when driving through. There are many single family homes, condos, and even a few apartments.

Overall, this is a good small town to live in for anyone who works in Ft. Collins but is looking for less expensive housing options for themselves or their family.

We have friends who live in Columbine and we've always enjoyed going to their home for dinner. The area has some nice homes, good amenities, and is really close to the mountains which is always a plus. However, since the Columbine HS tragedy some years ago, this area became known for all the wrong reasons. It's a nice, relatively quiet area with tons to do and pretty great highway access. There's no lack of shopping or dining nearby, so residents never have far to travel.

The area is primarily white, upper middle class. The household income is higher than the state average but so is the cost of homes. When it comes to industries, there is no one overwhelming winner, there are quite a few represented.

There are some scenic spots in Columbine and also some really good parks. Not far away is a biking trail that goes along C-470 and you can get in a really great workout on it from all of the hills along the highway. Other than being known for the tragedy that occurred here, I think this is a nice area with a lot to offer its residents.

Lochbuie lies just north of Brighton off of I-76, making it convenient for residents to shop or go out to eat not too far away. Lochbuie itself doesn't have much of anything outside of an elementary school and a Subway. The homes in Lochbuie are pretty small and tightly packed into the area. Most of the homes are those pre-fab type which are built and then transported to the location where they will stay. So these smaller homes have no basements and about half of them have no garages either, meaning many residents have cement pads right in front of their homes where they park and some park on the street, making street parking less than stellar.

The median income in Lochbuie is right in line with the rest of the state, but the homes prices are so much cheaper that living in Lochbuie gives residents a pretty good bang for their buck. The downside is there are no real amenities to speak of and there isn't much in the line of work unless you're willing to travel.

Sheridan lies right off of Santa Fe Drive and Hampden (285) southwest of Denver. Although Santa Fe, Federal, and Hampden are typically very busy streets, most of the side streets aren't as congested and hectic. This is a busy area of town, although there are golf courses and parks all about. There are some streets with fabulous older trees, probably dating back well over 100 years. When I think of Sheridan, I typically think of a well established, older neighborhood. Just to the west of Sheridan is Ft. Logan cemetery, and you'll also find Mullen High School here, a private high school that started back in 1931. Although it started as a strictly boys schools, girls were allowed to attend in 1989. Mullen is known as one of the best academic high schools in the state. They also have a great football program and have made it to state numerous times.

Overall this older Denver suburb has a lot of good amenities nearby. There are some great hospitals (Swedish and Craig's), a really great YMCA, close access to the mountains, and numerous places to shop.

Many of the houses here are on the smaller side compared to today's standard. Many are made of brick and have been around for well over 50 years, and due to their quality construction will probably be around another 50 as well. A lot of the homes here have detached garages, which look almost as if they were an afterthought (maybe they were?). There are a lot of long time residents living here and many friendly folks have known their neighbors for years.

I have always thought of Mead as a potential place I'd like to live. When you drive through town it reminds you of years gone by where things moved a little slower and the hustle and bustle of life wasn't quite so present. This tiny ranching community has all the things you'd expect from a small town of only 3,775 residents. This rural area plays host to acres of farmland and crops, silos, several churches and a great bar-b-que restaurant. Outside of a few other businesses and the post office, there isn't too much to Mead.

Those who live in the older part of town typically have charming little homes which were built years ago, each with its own character and style. The homes in Mead for the most part are immaculate and the landscaping is truly beautifully done. People living here tend to take pride in their homes and it truly shows. Mead also has subdivisions with newer homes and there are some big, nice custom homes outside of town as well. The typical income in Mead is higher than the state average, but the housing prices reflect this as well.

As with most small towns in Colorado (and probably everywhere) there is a low crime rate. Outside of the farmers and people who work in town, many folks commute for work. Longmont is just a short drive as are a few other nearby towns. There is a high concentration of white residents (87%) with many of them hailing from German ancestry.

For potential residents checking this area out, the schools are above average and the middle school gets some of the highest marks in the state, both from a testing standpoint and parental ratings. The schools fall within the St. Vrain Valley School District. The local parks are a lot like the landscaping here: immaculate and tidy looking. There are also some great views of the mountains. I think this would be a great little town to call home for those looking to raise children or who want to live a simpler life and be out of the busy cities nearby.

Cimarron Hills is located just east of Colorado Springs and for the most part is a quiet little suburb of the much busier and larger city to the west. Cimarron Hills is filled with mostly single family homes with a few condos and apartments thrown in the mix. The schools located here are about average when you look at test scores and parental reviews. Although there aren't a lot of amenities here, you can find just about anything you need within a short driving distance. For those who prefer public transportation there are more than a few bus stops located throughout the neighborhoods.

The area is quiet and clean looking and you can see the mountains from more than a few locations here. The median family income is $51,000 which is about $4,000 less than the Colorado average, although you can get a home here for almost $60,000 below the state average, making the cost of living in Cimarron Hills pretty good.

Overall this would be a good, less expensive area for anyone who works in the Springs and wants to live in a primarily family-based neighborhood.

Santa Fe has long been one of my favorite places to visit. I first went there about 15 years ago on business and fell in love immediately.There is a great, laid-back feel to it and it's paradise for anyone who loves to explore shops, art and culture for hours on end. It's also a great location for outdoor enthusiasts, with great hiking trails for different levels of fitness, river rafting, plenty of parks to enjoy the sunshine, and unlimited locations to bike to. There's also camping, boating, fishing and other water sports at the nearby Cochiti Recreation Area. Within about a 40 minute drive are several locations which have ancient petroglyphs. Ranger stations and visitor centers offer numerous books on the area and you can find interpretation of the petroglyphs in small, easy to carry books for just a few dollars. Short hikes provide a look back into time like few other places can offer.

Santa Fe boasts over 250 art galleries and there is something for everyone here. Paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, textiles and jewelry abound in art galleries featuring local and famous artists. Visitors can find an abundance of Native American art, with every other kind in the mix right up to contemporary. In downtown Santa Fe there are numerous shops, restaurants and galleries to explore. As you walk along outside of the adobe buildings there are always chili pepper strands hanging out to dry, which lend to the Native American feel of the city. Whether you're a typical tourist looking for a t-shirt or a more selective buyer looking for the perfect gift to take to someone back home, this place has it. One thing I would highly recommend seeking out while you're here is the incredible Native American jewelry made out of silver and turquoise. Even if you're not a fan of turquoise the silver pieces are stunning. I find myself leaving with several bracelets every time I'm down there. Often while you're walking about downtown you can meet with the sellers who work directly with the artisans and they are more than willing to talk with you at length about the artist who created your piece. You can tell the pride they take in their work as every item seems to be unique, flawless, and beautiful.

Although there is world class cuisine in Santa Fe, you're just as likely to find a small hole in the wall diner that has some of the best Mexican food this side of the border. I've eaten in many places in Santa Fe and can't think of one place I wouldn't go back to. There are even a couple of culinary schools here that offer classes to the general public. For those with a passion for photography, the Santa Fe Workshops is the place to go. This small school offers week long intensive classes for those interested in photography and the visual arts. You'll find world-renown teachers (think National Geographic, etc.) who take a week from their busy schedules to teach students from all over the world. The school also offers remote classes in different locations around the world. However, if you decide to take a local workshop, there is no lack of beauty in Santa Fe to feast your lens on. From ancient ruins to the worlds oldest church structure still standing to the beauty of the sky with clouds you can almost touch, Santa Fe is like a kaleidoscope of colors to feast your eyes on.

There are numerous museums to visit with everything from art to history, although you can see history still standing at the San Miguel Mission which was built sometime between 1610 and 1626. Although it burned down, it was completely rebuilt in 1710, so still quite old for a church in the U.S.

Santa Fe has approximately 69,000 residents although it never really feels that big to me. The only real drawback to Santa Fe is the crime rate which is almost always higher than the national average, although it is typically non-violent crime such as auto theft and burglary. The schools here are overall pretty good, with more than a few getting top marks across the board. Although there can be a little traffic on some roads it is certainly bearable when compared to larger cities. Compared to the rest of New Mexico, it's pretty costly to live in Santa Fe, although it's still good when you compare it to the rest of the nation.

If given the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting Santa Fe. The city offers so much and has incredible hospitality. The people are friendly and you can't help but want to go back as soon as possible to find more hidden gems to explore.

Growing up I had more than a few friends who lived in Ponderosa Hills. Many of the homes were built in the mid 70s, although there are newer ones scattered about. They are all on property, with about five or so acres. It's a quiet area with Inspiration being the busiest street as it takes residents down into the town of Parker. Although this is a strictly residential area, shopping, dining, and numerous amenities are within just a 5-10 minute drive. This would be a good area for someone who may want a horse or two and feel like they are out of the city, but still have everything within a quick drive.

University is aptly named due to the University of Denver, a private university located here. The Iliff School of Theology is also here as well. I am often in this neighborhood as I enjoy a good game of hockey and other than the Avalanche, the Richie Center at DU is the best place to see one. As a visitor to the area I get frustrated with the traffic on University and especially when you come off of I-25 it can be a nightmare at rush hour. However, if you're willing to pay a few bucks there are plenty of parking lots open during the game and sometimes on a weekend night you can find street parking. For anyone interested in seeing a game at Richie Center (all the college sports teams play there), the arena is really nice and extremely clean compared to other venues. I guess that's par for the course since it's a private university.

When I was younger one of my best friends attended DU and I'd often visit her in the dorms, which I'd say were average. When she moved out she lived in a nice older home in the neighborhood and many of those older brick homes are still there, commanding a hefty price. The neighborhood itself has tons of large, older shade trees and beautiful brick homes they just don't make anymore. There are a ton of small cafes and restaurants within walking distance, but you need to take heed at night. This area unfortunately has a higher crime rate when compared to many other similar areas, and a lot of it seems to be opportunistic crime and assault. It's not unusual for University to be on the news with a reporter telling residents to be on the lookout for someone.

Another good thing about University is its location. Just a sort drive to Denver or shopping further south. It's also really close to Washington Park, one of the best parks in all of Denver. People who live in University tend to really like it and are more than willing to pay a higher price to live here. Although things do quiet down a bit at night, there is always something going on, as is normal for an area with such a strong presence of college aged kids.

Parker North is comprised of mainly businesses that line Parker Road. You can find doctor's offices, dentists and orthodontists, gas stations, a Dairy Queen, and a bank. There is also a fire station. However, on the furthest southeast corner there are some homes in a small neighborhood. These single family homes go for around the mid $200,000s and many were built in the 80s. This area along Parker Road is busy with traffic and Parker Road can get backed up around here during peak travel times.

Rowley Downs has been a staple in Parker for many years. There are some homes here that date back to the 70s although the majority were built in the 80s with new additions still coming in the 90s. The yards are all well groomed and overall it is a very neat and clean looking subdivision. The main road is a large loop with streets connected to it. The homes are all single family and range from three bedroom to five and start around the mid $300s (unless they are a foreclosure or short sale). The front yards are well tended and the back yards are decent sized.

Although there are no businesses in the neighborhood, there is a ton of shopping and dining within just several minutes. The neighborhood itself is quiet, but located in a busier area of Parker. The schools here are all very good as well. There is a relatively new hospital in Parker which is only about 10 minutes away as is a lot of other amenities, such as a couple of rec centers.

Several years back when my husband and I were considering moving we looked into Idyllwilde. Whoever developed this area did a really great job. Instead of bulldozing the land and rearranging the landscape, they chose to incorporate the natural beauty of the area into the setting. There are rolling hills with tons of Evergreen trees and the homes, although some are close together, have enough open space around them to make it feel as if you're not right on top of your neighbors like in some areas. There is a really nice clubhouse with a pool and it seemed to me as if there was a good dose of neighborly spirit.

When we were looking, homes were in the neighborhood of $350,00-$500,000 range, although those numbers may have changed. While it seems almost as if you're in the mountains because of the scenery, Idyllwilde is close to many amenities. A good variety of shopping and dining options are within a few minutes and Parker Road leads to either the Tollway or you can take Lincoln up to I-25. The schools here are really good as well.

Growing up in Parker we had friends that lived in Ponderosa East. The area really hasn't changed much since then, and it is still a very nice area. The homes here are all on a bit of property, about five acres for most, and many residents own horses. The homes are all unique looking and vary in size. Homes in this area are currently going from anywhere around the mid $200s to almost $800,000, depending on the home and amount of acreage. There are some gorgeous newer homes and most of the lots are full of evergreen and pine trees.

As with other neighborhoods in this part of Parker, it's about five or six miles to shopping and dining, but there are two completely different directions you can go, offering residents a lot of choices. The schools kids go to here are very good and rank really high. This would be the perfect spot for someone wanting to feel away from it all, but still wanting to be close to amenities.

Until recently, Smoky Hill Trail Estates was a quiet area with only a handful of homes, most built in the late 60s to early 70s. These homes are off the beaten path and unless you drive over a hill on a little side street you wouldn't even know they're there if it weren't for all the mailboxes lined up on Inspiration. However, there has been a lot of activity here recently with new homes going in on the southeastern side of the boundary. The newer homes are like the older ones in that they are all on good sized lots, and this area is so high up on Inspiration that there are some incredible views of the mountain ranges, from Pikes Peak all the way to Long's Peak. What's surprising about these new homes going up is that although they are larger than many in the area, they aren't huge like you'd imagine for the views they have and how Parker's real estate can get so costly.

Although the homes here are just a few minutes from Cherokee Trail High School, the property lies within Douglas County so the kids have to travel a bit farther for school. The trip down Inspiration is pretty quick to get to Parker and during the winter this is one of the streets they keep very well maintained. For shopping or dining, residents could just as easily head to Centennial via N. Piney Lake Road where there is a ton of shopping and dining options.

Being a strictly residential area, there are no stores or restaurants here, but you do get a lot of wildlife. There are frequently deer, rabbits, and foxes running about. Many people around here have horses and there's always a ton of family pets. This is a quiet area that would be a nice place to retire or have a few animals and garden.

I can remember as a young girl going to what is now Ponderosa Summit and exploring for hours on end. We lived just across Tomahawk Road and when I was little there were no homes here. It was just a very large piece of land that had great hills, valleys, and trees to explore. Every summer the fields would be covered with gorgeous orange hues from the Indian Paintbrush flowers scattered about. I used to pull out the little inner tubes and suck on the ends which had a sweet nectar inside of them. There was also an abundance of cacti, so you always had to be careful. As I got older I'd often ride my horse here, just strolling along the faint trails at a leisurely pace. I can remember the land coming up for sale and my mom wanting to buy it. My father would ask why she wanted it and they would argue about whether or not it was a good investment. Looking back, now that there are million dollar homes here, it probably would have been a good investment.

Speaking of the pricey homes, there is one in particular that always catches my eye. It's near Inspiration Drive right off Summit Ridge Road to the west. It has rock walls and a turret and reminds me of a small castle. I love looking at this home so much, I stopped one time to ask if they minded if I got the name of their builder. The sweet lady who lived there told me her husband, a lawyer by trade, designed it. She was kind enough to show me around the main floor and it is as spectacular on the inside as it is on the outside. The entrance is grand in an almost commanding way. I can only imagine most of the homes here are just as wonderful. I know of one that has an outdoor pool and is also very nice. Each home here is costly, but unique. They are all on a bit of land which I would guess to be at least five or so acres. There are still trails weaving in and out around the homes and people will often take their dogs for a walk or ride their horses here, just like I used to.

The area is only about five miles from the town of Parker, so shopping and dining are close by. The only drawback to this area lies on the western side of the subdivision. There are those large, really tall electrical towers which some think can cause long term damage to those who live close to them. Outside of that, I think that for the money this is a great place to live. A few of the homes on the western side have great views of the mountains and those that are on the eastern side have some pretty scenic things to look at as well. There are a lot of deer in the area, along with rabbits and the occasional fox. For those with children they go to Douglas County School District which is very good, and the high school is Chaparral. Overall, Ponderosa Summit is beautiful and worth looking into if you can afford it.

When I first saw the development of Rockinghorse going up, I was kind of sad. They tore out a few older homes and one was where one of my childhood friends lived on some property. So needless to say, I wasn't too thrilled with the new development. Since that time, I've found that I really like the new area a lot more than I ever imagined I would. It's a very clean and neat neighborhood and the houses are just lovely. Although most are unique there are some that exhibit a similar layout. It's pricey to live here, as most of the homes go for about 1/2 million. The area isn't crowded yet, but I have a feeling that more homes will be built soon on the western side of the area. I bet the homes on the top of the hill have a great view of Pikes Peak.

Although there are no businesses in the neighborhood, the people living here have the unique advantage of being equally close to both Parker and Centennial. The kids who live here go to Douglas County Schools, which are highly rated and the high school is Chaparral. Overall I really like this area, but think that for the price, there may be better options with more land.

O'Brien Park Road is near Main Street and Parker Road in a very busy little area. There is a lot to do right here for children and adults alike. The O'Brien Park has a great big play area with two large playgrounds for kids of all ages. There are also baseball fields and the O'Brien Water Park which is a great place to visit in the summer. They have two water slides, a water play park for kids, and a good sized pool. There are covered areas with picnic tables and a large area to rent for summertime birthdays or parties.

Just across the street is an ice cream shop, more than a few shops, and several bars and restaurants. This area always seems to be busy with people milling about and enjoying the park with the gazebo or eating at one of the many restaurants here. I love this part of town, especially in the winter around Christmastime. There are these very large trees (I would think close to 100 years old) the town decorates with these huge snowflake lights and the poles along this area are all decorated nicely as well.

O'Brien Park Road also leads to a lot of housing when traveling northbound and around the curve. There are town homes and condos just off of Victorian Drive and they have all that O'Brien Park Road has to offer within walking distance. Although there are no homes on the road itself, this is a nice area that I wouldn't mind living near.