Finding the Right Colorado Neighborhood for Your Family
If you’re planning to move to Colorado shortly, you’re probably looking into different neighborhoods around the area where you plan to relocate. Trying to decide on a neighborhood can be overwhelming, especially if you’re out of state and unfamiliar with the area. Many people find themselves moving to Colorado for work but are unsure how to choose the neighborhood. Below are a few things to remember as you visit and choose the right neighborhood for your family.
New Construction Communities
Throughout Colorado, many new neighborhoods have grown, and with these new homes come your standard suburban community areas and the HOA. Throughout the country, 40 million housing units are part of an HOA community, and Colorado is no exception. When you’re looking at home prices and monthly payments, consider the money you’ll have to pay either monthly or quarterly to the HOA.
Public and Private Schools
Once you’ve considered a few neighborhoods that seem like they’ll be good for your family, you want to do some research on the school systems. These areas have both public and private schools available for families. 25% of all U.S. schools are private, and Colorado has their share. The public school system in Colorado is pretty good, so the choice is up to you if you want a private or public education for your kids.
Safety and Crime
The next component you need to consider when searching for the right Colorado neighborhood for your family is the crime and safety rates in the area. Colorado has one of the highest crime rates at the state level over the last decade, but some neighborhoods are much safer than others. There are statistics for each community, and you can compare violent to non-violent crimes. You do have the right to defend yourself. In Colorado, you must be at least 21 years old to get a firearm permit.
Talk to Locals
Once you narrow down the areas you’re interested in moving to, visit some local businesses and have conversations with the locals. Try to get the point of view of someone who will be a transplant like you and what that process looked like for them when they made the change. Also, reach out to locals who have lived in the area for their whole life and grew up there. They can also give you some insight into the community and tell you where the best areas to live are.
Locals can give you insight into neighborhoods, schools, and the crime rates in the area. They may also be able to give you some pointers on house searching and what neighborhoods offer more character and things to do for your family. You want access to parks and recreation, but not to the point of overpaying for it.
Cost of Living
Compared to the national average, Colorado’s cost of living is just a little higher but not as high as some of the neighboring states. It’s still considered one of the more affordable areas. Additional utilities are needed year-round that you may not be used to where you’re from. These expenses are the reasons Colorado is higher on the list and costs more money a month to live. The home prices in Colorado are also higher, as these homes are usually larger square feet and designed with families in mind. If you add in the HOA fees and private school tuition, your cost of living will rise higher than some of these numbers.
Are You Ready To Move?
If you are moving to Colorado in the future, then you have some things to consider before you purchase a lease home. You can do some of this research above online, but make sure you finalize it by driving or flying out to the area and driving around these communities. You need to walk through some homes and see the neighborhoods up close before you make a decision.
