Possible move to JeffCo, need advice (Denver, Lakewood: rentals, insurance, house)

[threeteas]

Hello!

I'm in the interviewing phase for a job in JeffCo, the Evergreen/Conifer area. A few decades ago I lived in the area, Park County to be exact, and my family and I would really like to return and we visit quite frequently with many friends still in Denver and the surrounding area.

However, I'm really quite hesitant about a couple of things; namely the housing costs in the Evergreen/Conifer area and the reports of severe and crippling droughts and forest fires that may afflict the region. I just wondered if anyone had any feedback--perhaps it would be a mistake to move there right now.

Thanks so much!

[Rigeleer]

A climate research group recently produced an estimated annual and 30-year fire risk for any address in the US, using climate change modeling. You can look at a map or enter a specific address to get details.

https://riskfactor.com/

[bluescreen73]

Evergreen and Morrison have the highest risk of damage from catastrophic wildfire in the state. Channel 4 did a story on it yesterday.

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/new...shed-registry/

For me, personally, the wildfire risk and the cost of insurance aren't worth it when it comes to living in the foothills.

[himain]

As pretty as Evergreen is, I wouldn't live there. Possible fire issues, internet issues and if you hit traffic, it could take quite some time to get into Denver.

Why not look into Golden or Lakewood?

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

If the housing costs are too high for you, then it doesn't matter about all the other stuff. You can only buy what you can afford, and there's always the question of whether we are in a housing bubble and prices may fall. Of course, no one has a crystal ball and can really answer this.

Regarding the fire issues, the first thing you need to do is have 100 feet of defensible space around your house. And now that we can collect rainwater legally, perhaps have a cistern on your property to help provide water.

I'm sure you know all about the issues of commuting and driving in the winter. Make sure that your house is on a school bus route because those have priority in plowing snow.

[threeteas]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

If the housing costs are too high for you, then it doesn't matter about all the other stuff. You can only buy what you can afford, and there's always the question of whether we are in a housing bubble and prices may fall. Of course, no one has a crystal ball and can really answer this.

Regarding the fire issues, the first thing you need to do is have 100 feet of defensible space around your house. And now that we can collect rainwater legally, perhaps have a cistern on your property to help provide water.

I'm sure you know all about the issues of commuting and driving in the winter. Make sure that your house is on a school bus route because those have priority in plowing snow.

This is very helpful, thanks!



I think I'm going to call a realtor in the area to see what possibilities are for rentals for the first few years. I'm a final candidate for the position at this point, so need to make some hard decisions.



Also, anecdotally, when I lived in Park Co I was involved in natural resources management and had a red card, know firefighting and controlled burn techniques etc, (now I do a white collar job that is completely different). I wonder if this could be helpful in the future if we were to move out there! I say this in all seriousness.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Originally Posted by threeteas

Also, anecdotally, when I lived in Park Co I was involved in natural resources management and had a red card, know firefighting and controlled burn techniques etc, (now I do a white collar job that is completely different). I wonder if this could be helpful in the future if we were to move out there! I say this in all seriousness.

So my advice about defensible space was preaching to the choir. You already know a whole lot more about how to live in the foothills/mountains than most people who move there!

[Winterraven]

I moved to Evergreen a year ago and am happy to answer questions. Feel free to DM me.