Moving To Colorado Blog

Before relocating to Colorado, study schools, traffic, hospitals, HOA rules and more before choosing the best neighborhood for your family

If you are moving to Colorado, you have probably reviewed listings for your dream home. But checking out your future neighborhood is just as important. Before relocating to Colorado and choosing a new neighborhood, take time to walk around, talk to neighbors and research the amenities and features that are important to your family. These are three good ways to find more about schools, traffic, public transportation, recreation and other important factors to look for in a community.

Walk the Neighborhood

Buying a home is a major, long-term commitment. If you are moving to Colorado and considering a house in a specific neighborhood, walk through the area at different times of the day to really get a feel for the area.

You can see traffic patterns throughout the day and get a feel for surrounding homes. Particularly in an older neighborhood, look at the age and quality of those homes. Real estate experts recommend against buying the odd house on the block, a house that is substantially different in value or appearance than the other houses. This should be a lesser concern in a newer neighborhood, such as the Meadows in Castle Rock.

Families should walk through a neighborhood and see if other children can safely enjoy the outdoors in playgrounds, pools and play groups.

Outdoor recreation for all ages is often a priority in relocating to Colorado. The state has a large web of trails, cycling paths and parks. This sometimes leads Colorado real estate agents to make open space access a selling point for nearly any home.

Without walking around the neighborhood, it's hard to know what open space access means. In some areas, it can mean a bike path is within five miles of the house. In the Meadows and other recreation-focused communities, it means trails weave through neighborhoods dotted by parks. There are also more than seven miles of trails in the Meadows' protected Ridgeline open space.

Talking to Neighbors

A short walk through the neighborhood may bring up other questions that only a neighbor can answer. Don't be afraid to knock on a neighbor's door or stop a strolling family. They can be good unbiased sources for information on noise, neighborhood personalities and issues such as trash service problems or cell-phone service. They can also offer anecdotal information about schools or commute times.

Researching Data

Neighbors can offer personal experiences, but that won't provide the full picture on schools, commute times and other issues. For a more thorough overview, search for neighborhood information on the Internet. For example, a Meadows couple without children may not even realize the area's schools consistently outpace the state average in student performance. Families moving to Colorado can find a wealth of information about public schools at the state education department Web site.

Internet mapping sites show the proximity of area hospitals, restaurants, retail and services, as well as a satellite view of the neighborhood (though these images can be several years old and may misrepresent newer communities). City Data and other Web sites also have detailed demographics and other information for every city and ZIP code in the United States.

Finally, spend time reviewing the rules, fees and restrictions for homeowners' association, which establish the rules and regulations for many developments. The fine print may be listed online or be available through the association's office. Search the Internet for an HOA lawyer if you have questions or concerns about the legal language.

Written by Steve Graham

Colorado is predicted to be one of the first states to show signs of economic recovery.

When will the nation's economy turn around and which states will be the first to see the benefits of a rebound? Prognosticators that painted a gloomy picture for 2009 are now seeing the first signs of light at the end of the tunnel.

A new monthly "adversity index" compiled by Moody's and MSNBC.com in June 2009 measures employment, industrial production, housing starts and housing prices to forecast recovery times for states and metro areas.

"States that have a high concentration in tech-related industries are well positioned to take advantage of this trend, which is particularly true of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and to a lesser extent, Texas," said economist Andrew Gledhill of Moody's Economy.com.

States that have been the last to see the recession, like Colorado, will likely be the first to see significant improvements, economists say. Additionally, states with a diverse form of growth that have not been reliant on single forms of growth like manufacturing, will see the first signs of rebounding.

Investigative reporter Bill Dedman considered the adversity index and wrote, "The recession didn't start at the same time in every state, and it won't end at the same time either. . . .  Jobs growth will return first in those five states, starting in the last quarter of this year. Four of those states benefit from strong high-tech industries, and the fifth, Texas, has a strong base of energy industries."

Stephen Titus of Colorado Biz writes, "Developers see a recovering demand for new homes, not on the same scale as the roaring '90s, but driven by the same market forces: professionals who typically work in Denver or Colorado Springs but don't mind the 20-minute commute to either of Colorado's two largest cities."

Titus could well be talking about Castle Rock, in Douglas County. Living in Castle Rock provides a commuter easy access to jobs in Colorado Springs, Denver and the Denver Tech Center. Douglas County has seen some of the most positive economic growth in the state for decades. Housing developments in the Castle Rock area, like The Meadows, remain an attractive place to live, giving people a taste of quality country life within easy reach of the city.

Colorado and Texas's housing growth has remained steadier in the past decade and both states were "among the last to join the recession, in large part due to lingering impacts from the energy boom of years past," Gledhill said. "Similarly, other expected early risers such as Washington and Colorado were relatively late to join the recession for various reasons. Thus, as conditions begin to turn nationally, they have less of a hole to dig themselves out of."

The state's government has been acutely aware of economic issues and has been active in attacking them head-on. A June 2009 bill signed by Gov. Bill Ritter was designed to modernize the state budget. "This modernization act levels the playing field," Ritter said. "This is a fiscally responsible measure that maintains one of the nation's tightest caps on spending and does not raise taxes. It simply provides greater flexibility so the state can make wiser investments with existing resources."

The state's gross domestic product has continued to increase each year from 2003 ($187 billion) to 2007 ($236 billion) according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The BEA's March 2009 report showed that U.S. personal income growth slowed to 3.9 percent in 2008 but Colorado's personal income increased 4.9 percent from 2007 to 2008 (10th in the nation), and the state's population increased 2 percent, making it the fifth-most popular state to move to.  CNN Money lists Denver as the seventh-best place to live and launch a new company, and fourth in the nation for receiving federal government funding through the Small Business Innovation Research program.

Chris Blackwood, managing director of Denver's Davidson Fixed Management group, says, "Colorado is a growth state. Colorado has done better in almost every sector of the economy than the nation."  He cites statistics that show Colorado's better than average growth with the rest of the nation due to its diverse economic makeup that consists of high technology, education, health services, oil, and the always strong tourist trade.

As investigative reporter Dedman wrote, "If you want to be in the right place when the recovery starts, that place may be in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas or Washington."

Written by John S. Craig

SOURCES

Bureau of Economic Analysis

The Meadows, Castle Rock

City of Denver

Office of the Governor of Colorado

Most educated states

CBS4 Denver report, "Colorado Insulated from Some Economic Woes"

Titus, Stephen. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-116041672.html

Rutberg, Shana. Best places to start a business, CNN Money http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fsb/0803/gallery.best_places_to_launch.fsb/7.html

While locating the best schools in Colorado may seem like a daunting task, the resources at your fingertips can help ease the transition for your entire family.

The search for the perfect school doesn't end when you locate the school closest to your home.  Many parents actively seek Colorado schools with the best reputations, the best statistics and the widest range of opportunities and activities for their child.  Due to rapid growth in Colorado school districts, finding the school best suited for your child's particular needs is at the forefront of parents' minds as they relocate to Colorado.   Fortunately, the information you need to locate the best schools in Colorado is right at your fingertips.

Start with the Colorado Department of Education. The Colorado Department of Education is the perfect place to begin your research on schools in Colorado. Its Web site offers information and statistics on Colorado's school districts, as well as information about state standards and assessments.

Gather information on the school district closest to you. The school districts in Colorado present parents with a wide range of possibilities for their child's schooling.  Douglas County public schools, for example, are one of the best public school districts in Colorado.  In 2007, 82 percent of students in Douglas County public schools in grades 3-6 scored either proficient or advanced on the English portion of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP), with 81 percent proficient or advanced on the mathematics portion of the assessment. And if you settle down in a community such as The Meadows in Castle Rock, you can enjoy luxurious home life matched with the natural beauty of Colorado's landscapes. Gathering information like this on the Colorado public schools closest to you can help you assess the area before you even purchase a home.

Plan visits to local public and private schools. Once you've gathered the relevant information about the public school system in Colorado and your local school district, it's time to get in touch with local schools directly.  If you are moving to Colorado in the middle of the school year, you'll need to make these visits a priority so that you can get your child enrolled in school promptly.  Visit both the school that you are closest to and any additional schools (private schools, too) that you are interested in.  You can view statistics for specific schools online through School Digger, which ranks schools by state, county and district. It provides statistics about schoolwide assessments and student/teacher populations and ratios.  The important thing is to research and visit schools to ascertain which Colorado schools can best meet the needs of your child.

Locating the best schools in Colorado may seem like a daunting task, especially in the midst of a move.  However, the resources at your fingertips can help ease the transition for your entire family.

Written by: Kelly Herdrich

Castle Rock is a great place to launch a career in one of Colorado's fast-growing technology and renewable energy industries.

It pays to keep up with technology.

First, Twitter users can connect with ColoradoJobs, an aggregated feed of hundreds of job postings on Web sites all over the state. Even in the recession, plenty of jobs are available.

Second, many of the openings are with primary employers in robust energy and technology fields poised to drive the economic recovery. Colorado has long had strong technology industries and was developing renewable energy before green was a buzzword.

A recent report showed technology employment in Colorado climbed in 2007. The state trails only Virginia and Massachusetts in the percentage of its overall workforce in technology jobs.

Among the biggest employers is Lockheed Martin's facility in the southern Denver metro area, near Castle Rock. Overall, aerospace and satellite companies employ about 130,000 Colorado residents, many of whom are in recession-proof jobs connected with government contracts and groundbreaking technology.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade expects continued aerospace industry growth, with employment projected to reach 232,000 by the end of 2010.

With Qwest, Level 3 and DirecTV in the Denver area, telecommunications is also a Colorado growth industry that will continue to look for new employees. Other cutting-edge industries with a strong state presence include biotechnology, nanotechnology and photonics, where Colorado ranks fifth in the nation.

Such industries are likely to continue growing in Colorado. Solid infrastructure, a healthy lifestyle and an ever-growing international airport are among the factors that make the Denver metropolitan area a particularly attractive place for businesses to relocate.

Moreover, Colorado is fast becoming the epicenter of a national explosion in renewable energy. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and a major U.S. Department of Energy office have inspired and incubated green businesses in Colorado for nearly 20 years.

Colorado's 300 annual days of sunshine are as good for business as they are for health. Namaste Solar founder Blake Jones told CNN last year that his Boulder company has grown from three employees to 45 in its first four years. Last year, it installed more solar panels than any other Colorado company, but it is only one of dozens of solar manufacturers and installers in Colorado. These firms have seen 40 percent annual growth in solar energy for at least five years.

Colorado's eastern plains also get plenty of wind. Vestas and other international wind energy leaders are launching Colorado plants this year to build turbines and turn all the wind into electricity.

A job in sustainable renewable energy is a perfect match for a resident of a sustainably designed, sustainability-minded neighborhood such as The Meadows in Castle Rock.

In fact, Castle Rock is an ideal place to live for many of these jobs. At the south edge of the Denver metro area, it has a small-town feel but is very close to the Denver Tech Center and a short commute to downtown Denver. Likewise, it is an easy drive to Colorado Springs, another major employment hub. As both Denver and Colorado Springs grow, Castle Rock is sure to benefit from related business development.

Castle Rock, like the rest of the state, is young and growing quickly. That's great for business and good for networking. There's always new leads, new friends and new jobs around the corner. Here's your first tip: One of Denver's best kept secrets is a Web site, run by a former mayoral spokesman, giving the inside track on some of the region's hottest jobs. Welcome to Colorado. You're already an insider.

Written by: Steve Graham

Attractive real estate opportunities, a low cost of living and a high-quality lifestyle are just some of the reasons why many people are moving to Colorado. With one of the lowest state sales tax rates in the country and thriving business and commercial enterprises, Colorado attracts thousands of migrants from around the country. If you're moving to Colorado, you also can look forward to crisp mountain air and lots of sunshine in one of the country's most beautiful states.

Denver, also known as the "mile high city," serves as one of Colorado's main business districts, while the surrounding cities and towns are gateways to the wealth of outdoor sights and activities scattered throughout the state. Denver is probably one of the biggest reasons people are moving to Colorado today.

For those who would rather not live at the center of the big city but still want to be close to it, there's the small-town community with big city amenities: Castle Rock. Located halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, Castle Rock offers the best of small-town life including low crime rates and fine Douglas County schools, or drop in on town council meetings every Tuesday at the Town Hall. Have your morning cup of coffee gazing out at the stunning Rocky Mountains, or head on over to the Outlets at Castle Rock shopping center during your lunch hour to stock up on those little items that make life worth living. Looking for the ideal balance between luxurious living and communing with nature? Check out luxury homes at Castle Rock communities such as The Meadows, which combines top-tier amenities with home designs and landscaping that complements Colorado's own natural beauty.

Whether you're leaving the fast-paced city lifestyle on the East Coast or escaping the humid climate of the South, here are some important things to consider when moving to Colorado:

1. Use government resources when moving to Colorado. The Colorado government Web site offers a list of services for residents and those who are considering moving to Colorado. You can find out how to get your Colorado driver's license, where to register your vehicle, how to find a doctor in your area, and also learn about homeownership assistance programs available in your county. Visit the Colorado.gov resources page before moving to Colorado.

2. Be prepared for cost of living adjustments when moving to Colorado. You can compare average wages and the cost of living index for cities in Colorado with your current city of residence using a free online cost of living wizard. This will allow you to compare the cost of living, salaries and average costs associated with moving to Colorado from your current state. It is a valuable tool to use when you are negotiating wages with a future employer before moving to Colorado, or when you find out what types of changes you'll need to make to your lifestyle after moving to Colorado.

3. Find a licensed real estate agent for your home search before moving to Colorado. The Colorado Division of Real Estate offers a free online e-service for looking up licensed real estate agents or companies you may be interested in working with when moving to Colorado. If you've never been to the state before, working with a professional and experienced real estate agent can make it easier to learn about different neighborhoods and get an insider's look at the real estate market. Visit the Division of Real Estate Web site to conduct an individual or company search before moving to Colorado.

4. Search home or apartment listings online before moving to Colorado. Even if a real estate agent is helping you with moving to Colorado, you can learn about different types and styles of homes and apartments available by doing an online search. Use online home and apartment search tools before moving to Colorado to browse pictures and virtual galleries of homes in different neighborhoods. This is an efficient and effective way to prepare for your Colorado move and narrow down the field of choices of properties.

5. Pick up guide books to discover city sights, attractions and cultural centers. In addition to the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and miles of hiking and nature trails, Colorado is home to several historic architectural sites, museums and old town centers that will give you a taste of Colorado culture. Pick up some guide books before moving to Colorado to read up on the best places to shop, dine, and attractions to explore. From Old Colorado City to the Mountain Zoo, you'll find an abundance of unique sites and activities to enjoy after you've finished moving to Colorado.

Written by: Sabah Karimi