You are spot on! I lived in Highlands Ranch for about 20 years. Moved there from central Denver when I found out I was pregnant and finally moved out when my son graduated from one of the 4 great high schools. Highlands Ranch is a planned community for families with children. Although I didn't like certain parts because it IS such a huge HOA, it WAS great for families.
I love HR and Parker!! We lived in HR when we moved here but for the homes you got (needed updates), it was expensive. There is a lot there and all the rec centers… you’re right not much character but a lot to do.
Moved to Erie a year ago. Haven't really gotten to know Denver much, yet. I like your thoughtful commentary. It made me interested to get out to the places I haven't seen, and I'll definitely watch some of your city of Denver videos for ideas. I found the frequent zoom in, zoom out editing style to be a bit distracting, but you're the guy who knows how to make effective videos, not me!
We’ve lived in Erie since we moved from VA in 2011. I adore Erie! Great people and loved the schools! #erietigermama Even though they’ve both graduated. #cumama #csumama #housedivided! Mama here has a split jersey!
The Westminster mall closed. The picture you used is from The Westminster Mall in California. Out on I25 there’s The Orchard and the outlet stores though. 🙌
So I've lived in Colorado since 1988 also practiced real estate for 27 years--now retired from that field. I can tell you this is one of the best assessments I've heard and very interesting. Great job Sam on the segment. Your assessment in North Glenn is spot on. Something I would add about Northglenn is a lot of the homes are built by Pearl Mack and they're really well-built. But a lot of them do have Federal Pacific panels as far as electrical so it's something to watch out for if you buy in there.
I was hoping you'd comment on Superior and Erie. Personally not a fan of either, but I'd love to see your take on the 'burbs north of Northglenn! There are some great ones, like Lafayette, Longmont, Firestone, Dacono, etc. Hard to say they aren't Denver Metro since you can be in the heart of the city in 30 minutes assuming it isn't rush-hour traffic.
After living in the Broomfield/Superior area for the last few years, the Denver area is so over rated. If you’re not desperate enough to make it up the I-70 slog for activities, there are so many better places to live with better climate, activities and cheaper too. Like 15 years ago Denver got lucky with pot, low interest rates, and millennials. Now, pot’s legal in many states. Interest are higher than the mortgages are worth here. I love to ski but I-70 is not worth it. I’m going to look at Morrison or Golden but I’ll probably end up in Salt Lake City area.
FYI .. Highlands Ranch is not technically a city. Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place located in and governed by Douglas County, Colorado.
Yo! I’m a fan of Arvada-very close to the mountains and as safe as anything else from what I understand. It’s big though, and there are a few different parts. I don’t love some of the sprawling NW new build areas.
Arvada is terrible. In the 90s, studies where done and higher rates of cancer where detected because it was in the wind path of a former nuclear site. Rocky Flats. A place where many radiological spills took place, and were covered up while they produced plutonium triggers for nuclear weapons.
I am with you on Highlands Ranch and Commerce City. If you really want a suburban cocoon and easy access to chain stores Highlands Ranch is a great location. The houses in there seem to be old enough to be out of date but not old enough for someone to have invest in a nice renovation. When I say these things, I always worry that I am going to eat my words and wind up buying a house there. :-) If I found a nice house with a nice view on the westside or one to the south with easy access to trails I would consider it. You can get nicer and new homes for a lot less money in Parker or some of the outlying Aurora neighborhoods. Commerce City is a sad story. No one should have to live with the pollution that area deals with. The air pollution from the refinery, the highways and the other industries is bad!
I was in the Ranch today, and this one lot had mountain views and backed to open space and was…kind of nice! So it depends where you are. But you’re dead on about the age…JUST old enough that most people haven’t gotten around to renovations.
We occasionally tour new developments for the heck of it (not looking to buy, and am happy with the house I have). But wife likes design ideas. Toured one of the new home developments near I-25 and Tower Road (not Reunion) a few months ago. They kept bragging that Commerce City was going to be building a new water treatment center that would make their water taste as good as anywhere else. Yeah....definitely not believing that. And if they do, it will probably happen after my generation.
The correct answer for any kind of which suburb is best list is… “they’re all the worst”. Suburbs are subsidized by cities and the infrastructure for suburbs cannot be supported by the taxes they pay. Every mile of additional sprawl is tightening the fiscal chokehold that will eventually come due. Denver needs to prioritize density and public transit. Cities are not noisy by nature. Cities are noisy because people in suburbs bring their cars into the city and expect fast roads, free parking, and for everyone else to accommodate their private property.
In all fairness, RTD isn't bad.....if you live along the light rail or commuter rail corridors. There are bus lines but much fewer after the light rail took off. There are plenty of cities in the USA where the public transit lines pale in comparison to Denver/Metro.
I'd agree with most of your assessment of HR. I have a lot of friends (and businesses) that are in the Highlands Ranch circle, but all have a Littleton address. It's tough to say you love one but not the other when there's a large overlap there.
The address thing is definitely weird! "Littleton" addresses seem to extend all the way to Centennial in some places. Still, I see a huge difference between the more prominent parts of Littleton (downtown and Ken Caryl ranch, for example) and Highlands Ranch, don't you?
I’ve found most ppl who hate on Aurora actually don’t spend much time here cause they’re afraid of not seeing the fresh snow all over the place… if you catch my drift…
I was born in Denver. Lived there many decades, so I know Denver area. This video is very accurate. I'm kind of weird, I like industrial areas, so I like the old Commerce City area. I did live for a few years just off Colfax in Aurora, so I know exactly what Sam is saying there. But as he pointed out, Aurora a huge city in population and area and actually some areas of Aurora very upscale. But along Colfax and near the Anschutz Medical Campus is pretty crappy. I don't know the political correct terms for ghetto or slums, but, yeah, pretty crappy. It kind of wore me down living there for a few years. So, happy to be out of there. Actually happy I'm outside the whole metro area now!! My advice, Denver much better than suburbs, so look there. Walkablilty much better. Traffic in Denver metro area horrible, so if you live in whatever suburb, plan to spend hours in traffic jams every week.
When’s the last time you been around the campus in Aurora? The entire place is completely different than it used to be. People hate on Aurora are people that haven’t been here for awhile. Or haven’t actually spent any time in the city.
Northglenn is terrible! Avoid at all costs. (Side note: not really, I'm just trying to slow the traffic growth until the highway system catches up to where it should have been 20 years ago).
Lakewood is Bipolar, definitely hit or miss. NW side of Lakewood, Green Mountain area, is nice. Closer you get to Denver, worse it gets. And TBH, lots of the residential areas close to Denver actually aren't bad, it is just all the run down retail on the major roads bringing in homelessness and crime. More and more is migrating to this area from Denver. Just saw two homes in Green Mountain go for 100k over asking. Over asking just keeps happening, pretty nuts.There simply isn't enough inventory for sale in the Green Mountain area. 1152 S Vivian St 13366 W Warren Circle 1771 S Youngfield Court 660 S Arbutus Street Green Mountain is definitely a sought after suburb. You can't beat the location, quick access to DT Denver and the mountains, plus it has the W line. The 6 is a hidden gem, makes access to DT Denver easy.
@@A_Bake5 no doubt any community that boarders the foothills will have a greater risk of this, but I have been in GM for six years now and there hasn’t been any scares. None so far. Edit: that isn’t true. There was one fire a few years ago by the motocross track, but was taken care of quickly. My house insurance hasn’t gone up much either, which is somewhat surprising considering the state of insurance all over. I think it is because GM has the 470 between the foothills and the houses. It creates a good fire break and lowers the risk. Given the right circumstances though, mainly wind, another Boulder fire situation can happen in any neighborhood. This is why xcel energy cut power off during that last huge wind storm.
Lmao did you just recommend the (extinct) Westminster Mall and then show pictures of the one in California? Why are these transplants making channels about our city? 💀
Westy Promenade is 100% still alive and the pics are a running bit. 😜 We’ve also shown Westminster in London and the Westminster dog show. Love u KMac 300 zx!
@@DenverLivingwithSam as someone that grew up going to the Promenade and the Vans skatepark back in the day, I can safely say nobody would consider that a mall lol
Hating on Aurora 🙄 shocking. I’ve lived in Aurora since 2008. It’s literally my favorite part of the metro area cause people here are real. They’re not fake wanna be yuppies like the rest of the metro minus Lakewood.
By the way, if you want to live with the most annoying Karen like people on the state, move to Parker. I’d rather live in the Springs and the ppl there are pretty horrible in their own right
Just a heads up, the constant zooming in and out is unpleasant.
I thought that was the shrooms kicking in
You are spot on! I lived in Highlands Ranch for about 20 years. Moved there from central Denver when I found out I was pregnant and finally moved out when my son graduated from one of the 4 great high schools. Highlands Ranch is a planned community for families with children. Although I didn't like certain parts because it IS such a huge HOA, it WAS great for families.
Ha ha, shout out to Elizabeth! That’s my hometown but don’t live there anymore
I love HR and Parker!! We lived in HR when we moved here but for the homes you got (needed updates), it was expensive. There is a lot there and all the rec centers… you’re right not much character but a lot to do.
Moved to Erie a year ago. Haven't really gotten to know Denver much, yet. I like your thoughtful commentary. It made me interested to get out to the places I haven't seen, and I'll definitely watch some of your city of Denver videos for ideas.
I found the frequent zoom in, zoom out editing style to be a bit distracting, but you're the guy who knows how to make effective videos, not me!
We’ve lived in Erie since we moved from VA in 2011. I adore Erie! Great people and loved the schools! #erietigermama Even though they’ve both graduated. #cumama #csumama #housedivided! Mama here has a split jersey!
The Westminster mall closed. The picture you used is from The Westminster Mall in California. Out on I25 there’s The Orchard and the outlet stores though. 🙌
Grew up in Centennial. Have lived in Reunion, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Westminster, and now Castle Rock. This entire video is pretty damn accurate
Pro for Littleton: the Crabapple Route. Very charming during the spring blossoms
So I've lived in Colorado since 1988 also practiced real estate for 27 years--now retired from that field.
I can tell you this is one of the best assessments I've heard and very interesting.
Great job Sam on the segment.
Your assessment in North Glenn is spot on. Something I would add about Northglenn is a lot of the homes are built by Pearl Mack and they're really well-built. But a lot of them do have Federal Pacific panels as far as electrical so it's something to watch out for if you buy in there.
You are a mensch, sir.
I grew up in Westminster. Loved it!
I was hoping you'd comment on Superior and Erie. Personally not a fan of either, but I'd love to see your take on the 'burbs north of Northglenn! There are some great ones, like Lafayette, Longmont, Firestone, Dacono, etc. Hard to say they aren't Denver Metro since you can be in the heart of the city in 30 minutes assuming it isn't rush-hour traffic.
Littleton is nice but if you have to commute good luck
After living in the Broomfield/Superior area for the last few years, the Denver area is so over rated. If you’re not desperate enough to make it up the I-70 slog for activities, there are so many better places to live with better climate, activities and cheaper too. Like 15 years ago Denver got lucky with pot, low interest rates, and millennials. Now, pot’s legal in many states. Interest are higher than the mortgages are worth here. I love to ski but I-70 is not worth it. I’m going to look at Morrison or Golden but I’ll probably end up in Salt Lake City area.
FYI .. Highlands Ranch is not technically a city. Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place located in and governed by Douglas County, Colorado.
Love HR...
Hi Sam, What do you think of Arvada in terms of safety and ease of getting to the mountains?
Yo! I’m a fan of Arvada-very close to the mountains and as safe as anything else from what I understand. It’s big though, and there are a few different parts. I don’t love some of the sprawling NW new build areas.
Im not a fan of its close proximity to the Rocky Flats nuclear facility. Not a great place if you are trying to avoid radiation exposure.
One thing I don't like about Arvada, is it only has so many major roads to get to and past the 70, so lots of traffic at times.
Arvada is terrible. In the 90s, studies where done and higher rates of cancer where detected because it was in the wind path of a former nuclear site. Rocky Flats. A place where many radiological spills took place, and were covered up while they produced plutonium triggers for nuclear weapons.
Arvada has always seemed way more sketchy than me than Aurora. May be cause I’m more familiar with Aurora but I wouldn’t live in Arvada
I am with you on Highlands Ranch and Commerce City. If you really want a suburban cocoon and easy access to chain stores Highlands Ranch is a great location. The houses in there seem to be old enough to be out of date but not old enough for someone to have invest in a nice renovation. When I say these things, I always worry that I am going to eat my words and wind up buying a house there. :-) If I found a nice house with a nice view on the westside or one to the south with easy access to trails I would consider it. You can get nicer and new homes for a lot less money in Parker or some of the outlying Aurora neighborhoods.
Commerce City is a sad story. No one should have to live with the pollution that area deals with. The air pollution from the refinery, the highways and the other industries is bad!
I was in the Ranch today, and this one lot had mountain views and backed to open space and was…kind of nice! So it depends where you are. But you’re dead on about the age…JUST old enough that most people haven’t gotten around to renovations.
We occasionally tour new developments for the heck of it (not looking to buy, and am happy with the house I have). But wife likes design ideas. Toured one of the new home developments near I-25 and Tower Road (not Reunion) a few months ago. They kept bragging that Commerce City was going to be building a new water treatment center that would make their water taste as good as anywhere else. Yeah....definitely not believing that. And if they do, it will probably happen after my generation.
What is this 'Boulder" you speak of?
The People’s Republic of Boulder, Colorado.
Littleton is the best!
The correct answer for any kind of which suburb is best list is… “they’re all the worst”. Suburbs are subsidized by cities and the infrastructure for suburbs cannot be supported by the taxes they pay. Every mile of additional sprawl is tightening the fiscal chokehold that will eventually come due.
Denver needs to prioritize density and public transit. Cities are not noisy by nature. Cities are noisy because people in suburbs bring their cars into the city and expect fast roads, free parking, and for everyone else to accommodate their private property.
Im probably leaving the states shortly because of this issue plaguing most cities here.
🤓
I agree. You sound like City Nerd. I'd bet you watch his channel at times.
@@rebauer2000 Wow what an honor to be compared to City Nerd. Love his channel.
In all fairness, RTD isn't bad.....if you live along the light rail or commuter rail corridors. There are bus lines but much fewer after the light rail took off. There are plenty of cities in the USA where the public transit lines pale in comparison to Denver/Metro.
I'd agree with most of your assessment of HR. I have a lot of friends (and businesses) that are in the Highlands Ranch circle, but all have a Littleton address. It's tough to say you love one but not the other when there's a large overlap there.
The address thing is definitely weird! "Littleton" addresses seem to extend all the way to Centennial in some places. Still, I see a huge difference between the more prominent parts of Littleton (downtown and Ken Caryl ranch, for example) and Highlands Ranch, don't you?
@@DenverLivingwithSam I agree. Littleton and HR have a different feel for sure.
Grew up in littlefun...
The good food places in aurora clears
Aurora does have some legit food, I will grant you that.
I’ve found most ppl who hate on Aurora actually don’t spend much time here cause they’re afraid of not seeing the fresh snow all over the place… if you catch my drift…
I was born in Denver. Lived there many decades, so I know Denver area. This video is very accurate. I'm kind of weird, I like industrial areas, so I like the old Commerce City area.
I did live for a few years just off Colfax in Aurora, so I know exactly what Sam is saying there. But as he pointed out, Aurora a huge city in population and area and actually some areas of Aurora very upscale. But along Colfax and near the Anschutz Medical Campus is pretty crappy. I don't know the political correct terms for ghetto or slums, but, yeah, pretty crappy. It kind of wore me down living there for a few years. So, happy to be out of there. Actually happy I'm outside the whole metro area now!!
My advice, Denver much better than suburbs, so look there. Walkablilty much better. Traffic in Denver metro area horrible, so if you live in whatever suburb, plan to spend hours in traffic jams every week.
When’s the last time you been around the campus in Aurora? The entire place is completely different than it used to be. People hate on Aurora are people that haven’t been here for awhile. Or haven’t actually spent any time in the city.
Northglenn is terrible! Avoid at all costs. (Side note: not really, I'm just trying to slow the traffic growth until the highway system catches up to where it should have been 20 years ago).
All suburbs suffer when Sam doesn't come to training....
Gerb I can explain! I promise I have a perfectly good excuse. What I’m saying is please don’t choke me extra hard when I’m back next week! 😆😆😆
Lakewood for sure.
Lakewood is Bipolar, definitely hit or miss.
NW side of Lakewood, Green Mountain area, is nice. Closer you get to Denver, worse it gets. And TBH, lots of the residential areas close to Denver actually aren't bad, it is just all the run down retail on the major roads bringing in homelessness and crime. More and more is migrating to this area from Denver.
Just saw two homes in Green Mountain go for 100k over asking. Over asking just keeps happening, pretty nuts.There simply isn't enough inventory for sale in the Green Mountain area.
1152 S Vivian St
13366 W Warren Circle
1771 S Youngfield Court
660 S Arbutus Street
Green Mountain is definitely a sought after suburb. You can't beat the location, quick access to DT Denver and the mountains, plus it has the W line. The 6 is a hidden gem, makes access to DT Denver easy.
Green mountain area is known for a ton of wild fires breaking out. Just about every year the inhabitants get a nice scare.
@@A_Bake5 no doubt any community that boarders the foothills will have a greater risk of this, but I have been in GM for six years now and there hasn’t been any scares. None so far.
Edit: that isn’t true. There was one fire a few years ago by the motocross track, but was taken care of quickly.
My house insurance hasn’t gone up much either, which is somewhat surprising considering the state of insurance all over.
I think it is because GM has the 470 between the foothills and the houses. It creates a good fire break and lowers the risk.
Given the right circumstances though, mainly wind, another Boulder fire situation can happen in any neighborhood. This is why xcel energy cut power off during that last huge wind storm.
The constant zooming in and out is nauseating
I'm going to guess that you are a Libra.
Lmao did you just recommend the (extinct) Westminster Mall and then show pictures of the one in California? Why are these transplants making channels about our city? 💀
Westy Promenade is 100% still alive and the pics are a running bit. 😜 We’ve also shown Westminster in London and the Westminster dog show. Love u KMac 300 zx!
@@DenverLivingwithSam as someone that grew up going to the Promenade and the Vans skatepark back in the day, I can safely say nobody would consider that a mall lol
Kev Dog I know you’re the expert here but pretty bold of you to speak for everyone in the world.
Hating on Aurora 🙄 shocking. I’ve lived in Aurora since 2008. It’s literally my favorite part of the metro area cause people here are real. They’re not fake wanna be yuppies like the rest of the metro minus Lakewood.
By the way, if you want to live with the most annoying Karen like people on the state, move to Parker. I’d rather live in the Springs and the ppl there are pretty horrible in their own right