The Cellar - Moving to Denver/Aurora

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Moving to Denver/Aurora

Start spreading the news...................I'm leaving today...........:jig:
Okay. Not until the end of 05/beginning of 06. But my family and I are finally getting out of this god-forsaken madhouse of smog and vanity. My boss has wisely decided to relocate to the Denver area, and has asked us to come. He will pay for us to go up for a week or so to find a house, pay moving expenses, help my hubby find a job, pay his salary until he does, help pay closing costs on a new house, his wife will watch our daughter until she's old enough for school...........how can we say no?
I have been dreaming of an opportunity like this for years.
So now I'd like to ask all of you CO Cellarites to point me in the right direction - we're looking at the Cherry Creek School District area - neighborhoods to look at? stay away from? Where to go for fun? Any other tips?

Holy crap! That's a hell of a nice employer! What exactly do you do that's so amazing?

crap! i mean congratulations! you said earlier that i sounded like a decent FA to work for... damn, you must be one hell of an FA's assistant to justify that relo package.

good on you.

We've been together for ten years - he makes very good money, so it won't hurt him financially to ensure that he's still got me on his team. And we are more than employer/employee - we are family. I consider he and his wife my big brother/sister in law. And they consider my husband and daughter and I family too. They are amazing people with enormous hearts.
I cried when he told me that he had asked a couple of his clients hypothetically if they'd be okay with him relocating, and their first question was if I was going too.

good for you.

my clients ask if my assistant will be going too. i think they mean something different though.

Can anyone recommend where to stay when we go visit/house shop?

Oh great, another Californian.

i'm kidding. very hearty congrats on your move to civilization.

I don't think there are any "bad" neighborhoods (in the Los Angeles sense of the word) in that part of Denver. Very suburban and upscale, for the most part (it's sort of the Englewood/Highlands Ranch area?)

I don't know what kind of money you're looking to spend, but you can go from $200k to a couple of million. As far as commute times, you're right next to the Tech Center, which is where many of the corporate-types in south Denver have offices. Downtown is 15-20 minutes away (30+ in peak rush hour, but nothing compared with LA). Pro baseball/football/basketball/hockey arenas are sort of clustered in the same neck of the woods, as are most of the happening restaurants and nightclubs (LoDo). However, south Denver has started to come into its own and is getting some pretty nice places itself.

Let us know when you move -- my brother lives in that area and I see him a couple times a month. I'll bring you guys a fruit basket and some religious tracts.

jeez. kidding.

Quote:

Pro baseball/football/basketball/hockey

oh? did you guys finally get a professional baseball team there?

Quote:

fruit basket and some religious tracts.

that is, by far, the funniest thing you've ever said.

oh, sorry QR, didn't read your last post.

From the airport, take E-470 south to I-25 (we have a retarded highway system from the airport, just trust me on this one). Exit north. Everything you see for the next several miles will be your new stomping grounds. Take County Line Road, Arapahoe, Dry Creek Road, or any of the next 5 or so exits to see the neighborhoods and get a feel for the place. Hotels abound. Arapahoe Rd. is your best bet for lodging in the immediate area, I'd say. There may well be others, but that Maiden concert I went to last night was right there, and I remember seeing tons of hotels.

You can't throw a rock without hitting a restaurant down there. Family restaurants to brewpubs on every corner. Nothing particularly eclectic, but nothing dangerous either.

Yeah - I know - when people ask where I moved from I'll have to come up with something exotic. Or apologize.
I'll be working at the Tech Cener, hence the choice of neighborhoods (that, and the school district.)
We'll also have dibs on the bosses condo in Breckenridge when we want to ski/snowboard/get "out of town" for a few. Damn, I'm spoiled.
And Maiden plays there? Why haven't I moved yet? (How did Bruce sound? And is Nicko still just as insane?)

Oh, and Thank You Noodle. Much appreciated.

The Cherry Creek area is a very nice and mostly upscale neighborhood if you want to live close to the heart of the city. Its near to the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens, as well as the state capitol building downtown, the Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Denver Zoo. The schools in Cherry Creek have an excellent reputation. As Mr. Noodle said, if you want a more rural setting (although to someone from LA, probably downtown Denver is rural!), the newer neighborhoods to the south Of Denver have good schools and safe neighborhoods. Highlands Ranch, and the towns of Parker and Castle Rock are worth looking into. Coming from LA, you'll probably discover that Denver real estate is a bargain by comparison and be able to move into a more upscale neighborhood than what you may now be able to afford in the LA region. As far as culture goes, Denver has a pretty good symphony, a lively theater scene, and plenty of music venues for acts both national and neighborhood. Used to be some nice jazz clubs in Cherry Creek when I lived there. Naturally, it ain't LA, but its not just some overgrown cow town anymore, either. Its still fun to go check out the National Stockman's Show that takes place in Denver every January, though.

We do get this stuff called snow here, so be prepared! Denver gets some really good snow storms with with plenty of accumulation every winter, but the good news is that the stuff melts off pretty fast and doesn't lay around for weeks and months, getting all grey and dirty like it does in some places back East.

The mountains to the west of Denver are filled with amazing things to see and places to go. Aspen is maybe what - a 3 hour hour drive, Mr. Noodle? Vail is closer than that. You can go gambling in BlackHawk or pan for gold outside of Leadville. Rocky Mountain National Park is less than a two hour drive and truely magnificent in the summer.

Just don't mention to anyone that you're from California and you should do fine! ;)

marichiko hit the important points. BTW, our weather is funny. The south part of Denver tends to get hammered by snow when anything blows through, and the north part of the city up to Ft. Collins can be snow-free, all during the same storm.

Parker.... I'd really recommend that town over anything in Denver proper. Ten years ago it was nothing more than a prairie dog colony and maybe some scrubby grass. Now it has lots of decent neighborhoods, and it's more affordable than points west. My brother moved to Highlands Ranch from there, and they've regretted it since. HR has name recognition for the local snobs (lots of expensive houses), but the same midrange house in Parker is 50k less. And the property taxes are less. Pay real close attention to things like property tax, etc. There are significant differences depending on where you live.

Bruce sang better than I've ever heard him, and Steve Harris was a bass god, as usual. I can't believe the amount of energy and physical fitness these guys display at 50+. I got tired standing there for 2 hours, but they wore themselves out. They could've kicked the ass of any 25-year-old in the place.

Nicko was the exception, fitness-wise. A pot belly over the top of skin tight shorts was pretty disquieting.

We got one of the only full-length shows in North America -- they've been on Ozzfest, mainly, and only get 45 minutes or an hour. I wish the crowd hadn't been lame. They didn't do a second encore because of the quietness of the (sold-out) crowd. We didn't deserve it. One of the problems was that they only played songs off of the first 4 albums -- only true fans would know most of the tunes. There were a couple standards, though. I kind of liked the retro feel of it, myself. It was probably remarkably similar to the set that they played in 82 that Hobbs went to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Queen of the Ryche

My boss has wisely decided to relocate to the Denver area, and has asked us to come.

You realize, of course, that this puts you into reasonable proximity for an eventual Cellar Midwest gathering?

Thank you one and all. Mari - I lived in Lake Arrowhead for a few years, so I'm not afraid of a snowshovel - in fact I welcome it. Am looking forward to 4 actual seasons.
My boss lived tere previously - mentioned the HR/Parker area, but said people pay more just because it's on "that side" of the 25 - I'll definitely check it out. I've only been as far north as Springs - looking forard to experiencing the rest. And the slower pace of lifestyle - I can't think of anything I'll really miss in L.A. other than my family, who can always come visit =)

Can I interest you in a missle silo - actually a THREE holer -- just 30 miles east of Denver?
http://www.auctionrp.com/auctions2/d...ion&catId=3299
http://www.auctionrp.com/auctions2/g...CF1278_reg.jpg

You'll be able to hold the world for ransom of...
[Dr. Evil voice] 1 million dollars! [/Dr. Evil Voice]

edit:Property Description: Sale Summer 2005 - The property is located about 30 miles east of Denver, Colorado, south of Interstate 70 and west of CR 129 in Arapahoe County, Colorado. The site is located approximately 1.5 miles north of County Line Road (CR50) on the west side of Brick Center Road (CR 129). The property consists of 242.42 acres and is designated Parcel A. It includes an underground missile complex on approximately 22.9 acres and 219.52 acres of undeveloped land. The underground Missile Complex 2-A consists of a powerhouse, a control center, three missile launch silos, an antenna terminal and utility systems. Additionally, approximately 2,100 feet (ft) of tunnels were constructed between the major structures. The tunnels allowed personnel access and contained utility piping. The property also includes a 1.26 acre telephone easement designated Parcel BE-2 and a 0.30 acre utility easement designated Parcel BE-3.

We're gonna have enough people for our own cellar GTG soon. :D

what is the list price for that little beauty?

If you have to ask you can't aff...

I dunno, the ones in Missouri start at 1K (but I think they are only one-holers).
http://www.propertydisposal.gsa.gov/...ropertyID=1327

edit: BTW they cleanup pretty well
http://www.silohome.com/id22.htm

but alas, the missles have been removed... :(

Except for the residual radioactivity, that is my dream home.

Can't be that much worse than radon, can it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

Except for the residual radioactivity, that is my dream home.

Can't be that much worse than radon, can it?

.....or the smog in L.A..........

I would take the radioactivity over the liberals in L.A.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

that is my dream home.

you may already be a troll

*ducks and covers*

I do not wish to live under a bridge. I do not understand.

We're gonna have enough people for our own cellar GTG soon.

If we can get Cellar Air lines off the ground we would have a croud !!!

http://www.geocities.com/lip_gloss_gals/trolls2.html
Definition of Cave Troll: A small, furry, troll whom shelters from winters and lives deep in caves.

Description: Cave Trolls usually are very furry, most have white fur, but some have crystal blue fur, like ice. They are very small and nearly friendly, although they do not like wizards.

Disasters caused by Cave Trolls: None recorded.

Now that we got the troll thing straight, the boss just signed all of the docs - he bought a house. They close in a month. (No, it is not a silo house.) So now I have to get my hubby to commit to taking a week off work SOON so we can get up there and find ourselves a house.
WOW......... :worried: it's all moving so fast..........

Just think of how much happier Princess of the Ryche will be when she knows she will be able to grow up in a land of freedom and liberty.

but Wolf , for the first few weeks she will be saying , "Whats that funny smell " , answer " FREASH AIR "

Yes maam. The park just blocks from our future neighborhood features fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and of course a shooting range. Kids actually play in the street after school - they can walk to their friend's houses withour fear of being shot or abducted. I remember when.........

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

Except for the residual radioactivity, that is my dream home.

Can't be that much worse than radon, can it?

It can :worried:

Quote:

(A) (A) Notice that the Property contains buried remnants and/or rubble that may contain
asbestos-WARNING
(i) The Property may contain asbestos containing material (ACM). The condition of the
ACM is varied. Grantee, for itself and its heirs, successors and assigns, covenants that it previously
inspected the Property and all reports, which have been made available to it, prior to this quitclaim, as
to asbestos content and any hazardous condition relating thereto. Grantee, for itself and its heirs,
successors and assigns, is deemed to have relied solely on its own judgment in assessing the overall
condition of all or any portion of the Property, including any asbestos hazards or concerns.
(ii) Grantee covenants and agrees that its use and occupancy of the Property will be in
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to asbestos; and that Grantor assumes
no liability for remediation of asbestos or damages for personal injury, illness, disability, death,
property damage, or loss of use, business or profits to Grantee, its heirs, successors or assigns, or to
any other person, including members of the general public, arising from or incident to the purchase,
transportation, removal, handling, use, disposition, or other activity causing or leading to contact of
any kind whatsoever with asbestos or ACM on, at or from the Property, whether Grantee, its
successors or assigns have properly warned or failed to properly warn. Grantee, its successors and
assigns, further agree to be responsible for any future remediation of asbestos found to be necessary
on, at or from the Property, at its sole costs.
(iii) Grantor assumes no liability for damages for personal injury, illness, disability, death
or Property damage arising from: (a) any exposure or failure to comply with any legal requirements
applicable to asbestos on any portion of the Property arising prior to Grantor’s quitclaim of such
portion of the Property to Grantee pursuant to this Quitclaim deed, or (b) any disposal, prior to
Grantor’s quitclaim of the Property of any asbestos or ACM.
(iv) Grantee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Grantor, its officers, agents and
employees, from and against all suits, claims, demands, actions, liabilities, judgments, costs, and
attorneys’ fees arising out of, or in any manner predicated upon, exposure to asbestos at, on or from
any portion of the Property or any future remediation or abatement of asbestos or the need therefor.
Grantee’s obligation hereunder shall apply whenever Grantor, or its assigns, incurs costs or liabilities
for actions giving rise to liability under this section.
(B) Notice that the Property contains buried remnants and/or rubble that contain leadbased
paint (WARNING)
(i) Grantee is hereby informed and does acknowledge that all remnants and/or remaining
below-ground structures or rubble on the Property, which were placed, constructed or rehabilitated
prior to 1978, are presumed to contain lead-based paint. To the best of the Grantor’s knowledge,
7-D-MO-0657-0669 GSA-R-1531
17
except hereinafter provided in this subsection, the lead-based paint on the Property does not
currently pose a threat to human health or the environment.
(ii) Available information or inspection results concerning known lead-based paint and/or
lead-based paint hazards, the location of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards, and the
condition of painted surfaces has been made available to Grantee as provided in the EBS and
documentation referenced above.
(iii) Grantee, for itself and its successors and assigns, covenants that it has received the
opportunity to conduct its own risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint
and/or lead-based paint hazards prior to execution of this deed.
(iv) Grantee covenants and agrees for itself, and its successors and assigns, that it shall
not permit the occupancy or use of any existing buildings or structures on the Property as Residential
Real Property without complying with this section and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws
and regulations pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. Prior to permitting
the occupancy of the Property where its use subsequent to sale is intended for residential habitation,
Grantee specifically agrees to perform, at its sole expense, the Air Force’s abatement requirements
under Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Residential Lead-Based Paint
Hazard Reduction Act of 1992)(hereinafter Title X).
(v) Grantee, its successors or assigns, shall, after consideration of the guidelines and
regulations established pursuant to Title X: (1) comply with the HUD and EPA Disclosure Rule (24
CFR 35, 40 CFR 745, Subpart F), when applicable, by disclosing to prospective purchasers the
known presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards as determined by previous risk
assessments, (2) abate lead-based paint hazards in paint, dust and bare soil in accordance with the
HUD Guidelines relating to abatement, with the addition of abatement of bare soil with lead levels
higher than 2000 ppm, and (3) comply with the EPA lead-based paint work standards when
conducting lead-based paint activities (40 CFR 745, Subpart L).
(vi) Grantee, its successors or assigns, further agree to indemnify and hold harmless
Grantor, its officers, agents and employees, from and against any and all suits, claims, demands, or
actions, liabilities, judgments, costs and attorney’s fees arising out of, or in any manner predicated
upon personal injury, illness, disability, death, property damage, or loss of use, business or profits
resulting from, related to, caused by or arising out of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards at,
on or from the Property. Grantee’s obligation hereunder shall apply whenever Grantor incurs costs or
liabilities for actions giving rise to liability under this Section.
(C) Notice of PCB Contamination
(i) Grantee is hereby informed and does acknowledge that the Property may contain
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippyt

but Wolf , for the first few weeks she will be saying , "Whats that funny smell " , answer " FREASH AIR "

Depends on where in Denver she goes. Denver's air is, no doubt, better than LA's, but Denver does indeed have its very own brown cloud caused by inversion layers next to the mountains of the Front Range.

Wolf, you'd adore Colorado if conservatism is what turns you on. Colorado is a very conservative state outside of places like Boulder and, possibly, Aspen. The epi-center of conservative thought in Colorado is not, however, Denver, but Colorado Springs. You could move to the Springs and have me for your new best friend! Wouldn't that be fun? :worried:

Quote:

Prior to permitting
the occupancy of the Property where its use subsequent to sale is intended for residential habitation,
Grantee specifically agrees to perform, at its sole expense, the Air Force’s abatement requirements
under Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Residential Lead-Based Paint
Hazard Reduction Act of 1992)(hereinafter Title X).

That sounds expensive. :worried:

Quote:

Originally Posted by marichiko

Wolf, you'd adore Colorado if conservatism is what turns you on. Colorado is a very conservative state outside of places like Boulder and, possibly, Aspen. The epi-center of conservative thought in Colorado is not, however, Denver, but Colorado Springs. You could move to the Springs and have me for your new best friend! Wouldn't that be fun? :worried:

I read somewhere that Colorado Springs is the 6th most conservative city in the nation. Hmmm...wouldn't have guessed. Perth could be your new best friend...he is in the Springs, too.

Speaking of Denver, Dakota and I just moved back to Fort Collins. Turns out we had enough of the farmy life and decided to rejoin civilization. Right now we are staying with my parents while I look for a job (Dakota got one already) and we save enough money to get our own place. Help! Need job!

QOR, you will love Colorado...especially if you are in the Cherry Creek area. The weather is nice here (bring lotion!) There really aren't 4 seasons so much as there are just 2...summer and winter. it just sort of works that way. Particularly, I don't care much for Colorado Springs, but the rest of the state is just fine... You ought to make a little trip up North an hour.

So we are official Coloradians now and loving it!!! Clean air, nice people, affordable housing..........We're in Centennial, southeast of Denver - how beautiful it is. Princess of the Ryche started school Wednesday, and what a difference structure makes.
Here are a few pics -

Welcome to Colorado. Those pictures look very familiar to me. :)

My "other" boss is coming to Ft Collins next week, thinking about moving up here too - Haven't made it up your way yet, but imagine it's as nice as here. I just can't get over how nice everyone is.

Change your Cellar profile, Queen. :D

Nah, Angeles is truly Lost now. Way to go QotR!

Congrats QotR, Looks like a nice place , now your assignment this winter is to record your FIRST winter in the Rockys , good , bad , Lots of pics of folks sledding and playing in the SNOW !!!

Welcome, rychequeen. Did you guys get snow last night? Ours was just rain....

We got snow here in the Springs. Mini-Perth and I got up early for a snowball fight.

Welcome to Colorado QotR!

Had our first snow today.....and Princess of the Ryche's first snow ever - she loves it! Had a hard time getting her to come inside.

Why do people make their kids and small dogs wear hats like that? :biggrinje

It's the only time they can. When they get bigger, they object.

she has about a dozen different hats, and she chose that one because it looks like King otR's snowboarding hat. She thinks its' cool - I didn't try to tell her it's not.