What to Look for When Relocating - OT?
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| Sun, 07-30-2006 - 9:31pm |
A bit OT, I guess, but since it concerns one teen and one nearly a teen, I hope you all don't mind my posting this here.
A few weeks ago, I posted in regard to a possible relocation to the Denver area. DD, DS and I are flying out on Wednesday for a look around. (DH wants to stay behind so we can form our own impressions -- without him saying things like 'isn't this great?', etc.)
We've looked on-line and found a few communities we'd like to explore further. We'll look at neighborhoods, schools, churches, etc., to try to get a feel for them. We don't plan on doing any real 'house' hunting at this point.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get a better idea of these places? Schools won't be in session, but administrations offices may be, so we can ask all the questions we want, but won't be able to see the kids in action, if you know what I mean. We will have time to attend church on Sunday before our flight, so if we are especially keen on one area, we'll try to attend a service there. We also are planning a day at the Denver Water Park (rated number 7 in the top 10 water parks in the US, so it should be fun regardless!) so we'll get a glimpse of some of Denver life there too.
Any other ideas? The way we're all talking around here, it sounds more like 'when' than 'if' at this point, but I'd really like to be able to make this huge decision from my head, and not so much from my heart -- something I am usually inclined to do.
Thanks, in advance.
Julie

Go to the LOCAL police station in the town or neighborhood you are interested in, & ask for crime & gang statistics. Ask where it is safe to go at night. Drive around & see what the local kids are doing--partying in the yards, hanging on the corner or at the park. Go to the local grocery store, drug store & mall, and ask people behind the counters what the local kids are like, how much shoplifting there is, & what the employment prospects for kids is. See what kinds of entertainment & things to do there are in the area. Pool halls vs bowling alleys & roller rinks. What is public transportation like? Will everyone need a car? Are there neighborhood watch signs up? "Safe house" signs in at least one window on a block? And remember, Columbine is in an upscale neighborhood.
And BTW, if I remember your previous posts correctly, if your DH does not have a JOB IN HAND before you decide to move, find your spine & say "WE are not going. If YOU decide to abandon us, my lawyer will be contacting you."
I would look at the mobility rate
What I want to know is "Am I going to be the only person in my neighborhood who wasnt born and raised in this town or are the neigbors across the street going to have moved here from the East 7 years ago and the ones next door from Canada last year"
I think it makes a big difference in how one will be accepted. Our realtor was a big one and drove us through neighborhoods bragging "I sold that house last year; I sold that one 3 years ago" Actually, that provided me with some good info ;)
Our high school allows kids to take classes at the community college and receive dual credit. Im thrilled we have such a strong community college even though we didnt look for it.
It has come in handy for ds1 when regular college didnt work out. DH is taking accounting and business classes wiht the idea he might explore that area in retirement(he already has an advanced degree in HIS area)I took a Spanish class. Its a nice resource for everyone and I know you have mentioned some goals in that area for yourself!!!!
Schools? I dunno. Sometimes I think teh higher rated schools rest on their laurels too much and the weaker ones try harder. But I have nothing to back that up-just 'feelings'
A variety of high school classes would be great and I would look even at things you dont expect your kids to take. Maybe you dont see ds doing shop but a school able to offer something for everyone is probably healthy financially.
I would look for diversity. I think the more homogenous a group, the more likely they are to be difficult to break into. I dont care if its race, religion, or economic status OR if its your race, religion, or economic status.
I love being in a university town for that reason
Enjoy the water park
Thank you for the suggestion! I hadn't thought about checking in with the police stations about teen/gang activities -- that's a great idea and one I hadn't considered.
I think you might have my situation mixed up a bit, actually. IF we decide to make the move, DH would be able to transfer positions with his current employer. There is position posted for the Denver office; otherwise, I don't think we'd ever even considered that particular location.
It's so nice having some btdt advice -- thank you! I think one of the reasons we haven't really fit in especially well where we live now is for reasons you mention -- people have lived in San Diego all their lives, or since their college days and have well estabished networks of friends already, as well as family in the area.
Schools open in mid August in the area and from the websites I've viewed, school administration offices will be open so we can pop in and check out the curriculum, extra curricular and other activities as well -- as you suggest.
Wish me luck; we leave tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate hearing from someone who's actually lived in the area. Arvada isn't a community we've looked at too closely. We are very interested in the Berthoud area (Thompson school district) at this point. I've actually already looked at the greatschools websites and the schools in this area are rated quite high; enrollment at the high school is manageable and a nice size and the middle school has equally good ratings.
I'll check out the relocationessentials website you mention before we leave -- tomorrow! Whew ... there are so many things to consider -- it's exhausting.
Thanks again for your suggestions.