Those who live along the I-76 Corridor (Brighton, Commerce City, Henderson,etc)

[djkms]

Hey all,

The wife and I are looking into purchasing a home. Our budget will be around the 250k mark. I really want to get the best bang for my buck and live in a good/safe neighborhood. We are really looking to get a home that has been built in the last 20 years but 30 would be OK to. I want something that has a basement and at least 1800sqft. I also want something where my commute to work (I70 & Sheridan) isn't brutal.

The area I seem to keep getting pulled to is Brighton and Commerce City, Reunion area. So my questions for those that live out that way:

How do you like it? How is your I76 commute? Crime? What don't you like about it? Any parts or divisions to stay away from?

Thanks!

 

[opakapaka]

Def. more bang for the buck out in those areas as compared to metro areas.

 

[jahmic]

There's a lot of options available. A coworker just purchased a nice 3 level home with a finished basement for around 200k...and it was a new build.

I'm sure someone that lives out there can give you a better idea on the specific pros and cons of the area...but I've heard it's nothing short of inexpensive and extremely convenient. I live just off of 76 and have never noticed too much traffic on the morning commutes; I-70 takes the brunt of the rush hour traffic once you get past the route 36 junction leaving Denver

 

[djkms]

What!?!?! 3 level home new build for 200k w/ finished basement. Need more info please.

 

[jahmic]

3 levels included the basement...but yea. I just asked her and she said they opted out of the basement option...so the floor was poured and insulation is up...but no drywall or carpet. Even still...they have a nice setup (I helped them move in), and I'm certain that kept them under the 200k mark.

Let me talk to her tomorrow and see who their builder was. I have the address so you may be able to look into the development a little independently. I'll text you.

 

[djkms]

Thanks Khalis, this sounds like it might be right in my wheelhouse. I was looking into a development called Potomac Farms being built by Oakwood Homes. Might be the same one...

 

[jahmic]

Here you go...this is the link to the HOA page, they list builders at the bottom and advertise low $200s. I know they came in under the 200k mark when all was said and done.

http://www.reunionco.com/community-faqs

If I were in the position to buy right now, I'd be seriously considering the area for the price. Not as close to the mountains as I'd like to be...but I was impressed for sure. It'll be another 5-10 years before I'm ready to own a home again...we'll see what happens lol

Good luck in your search!

 

[opakapaka]

Keep in mind that if you are gonna get a new build or buy within a new community that taxes are gonna be a bit higher and that the lots are very small (about 5000-7000 sf) unless you pay for a premium lot, so you better learn to get cozy with your neighbors, its usually 10 feet separation on the sides. With new builds once you start looking at upgrades (which is pretty much everything) it starts to add up pretty quickly. If I had to do it all over again I would buy within 5 years used. Being in the industry (well kinda of...land development) there are a few things that I would recommend you look for when getting a house from a drainage standpoint. Never buy a house near the detention pond, and on the lowside. Many of these homes are thrown up so quick that the drainage is really bad. My current neighbor on the back of me is on the lower than ours and have encountered flooding with about 6" of water just from my irrigation system. That is what they claim. But I think it is due to the amount of runoff that all the other houses on my street that is diverted to their house and all the other houses on the lower side.

 

[Craigar]

I live just east of brighton I'm In a average community and love it I can get pretty much anywhere anywhere I want to be In 30 min. 90 percent of new homes are very close together. I've never had average rent problem with crime you would love brighton

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[Craigar]

My brother is a real estate agent he has a lot of the ins with what's coming on the market let me know If you want his info

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[djkms]

I have my uncle on the case. He has been with metro brokers for 37 years.

Just trying to get owners in the areas opinion, thanks though!

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[SynDen]

I've only lived in denver, Littleton and englewood but have lived around here long enough to have a decent idea of which areas are decent and which to avoid and I would say that most of commerce city is on that avoid list as many sections of it have some of the highest crime rates in denver. Although Brighton on the other hand has some of the lowest crime rates. Reunion and Henderson also seem to be pretty nice quiet places to live as well

 

[SynDen]

http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Denver-Colorado.html

 

[Haulin Oates]

Love living in Brighton! Brighton East Farms to be exact. I have a 2400sqft house, with a full unfinished basement that I bought new in 2007, for under 200k. My current commute takes me north, but it's only 30 mins to Greeley. I used to commute to Denver, and that was about 30 mins as well.

 

[SRT43R]

I live in Henderson, 112th and hwy 85 basically. Been here 2 years now, absolutely love the area. Nice and quiet, great bang for the buck to for what you pay and what you get out here. You get that small town/city feeling but being within 15 mins of Denver. I can get from my house to Broomfield in about 10-15 mins, traffic is usually real smooth. There is a couple of houses for sell in my housing development right now. It's called river run, I'm sure if you look on zillow you can find some great listings for this area. Low to mid 200's depending on what size and layout of house your after.

property tax in my area is also affordable FYI, house was built in 2000

 

[djkms]

Thanks for the info everyone, much appreciated!!

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