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Communities

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The region’s housing trends are changing. As more residents use transit, they also want to live near it.

According to the Center for Neighborhood Technology, demand for housing near mass transit is on the rise. In addition, energy- and resource-efficient homes, also known as “green homes,” are growing in popularity.

Metro Denver is taking charge of its future by proactively designing a multimodal infrastructure and intelligently planning residential, commercial, and retail development. The result is the nation’s leading model for smart growth, complete with one of the country’s most advanced transportation systems, new transit-oriented developments, and innovative mixed-use developments including Belmar, Lowry, and Stapleton.

Denver County

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

www.denvergov.org

The City and County of Denver are center city for economic activities including government, business services,

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transportation, product distribution and tourism. Denver is the state capital of Colorado and with its’ diversified economy supports a diverse population. Central Denver is where is all begun so long ago. The neighborhoods are convenient to downtown and close to many attractions.

Denver Neighborhoods Golden Triangle/Museum District: This neighborhood located

south and east of the Denver Art Museum is coming alive with galleries and restaurants intermixed with new housing units. Just a short walk from downtown, it is becoming one of the most desirable new places to live in downtown. The 55 housing units in the plaza next to the Denver Art Museum were designed by world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, offering people the chance to not only see art – but to live in it as well.

The area is home to the Byers Evans House Museum, the U.S. Mint (with

a museum on the history of coin production), the Colorado History Museum, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and the Molly Brown House Museum and will be the new home of the Mizel Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum. The art galleries in the area celebrate First Fridays with a free shuttle bus that takes visitors between the dozen galleries in the neighborhood, including fine Native Art Galleries and one of the nation’s oldest photography galleries.

Close to the neighborhood is SoCo (South of Colfax). Denver’s newest and hottest club district is bordered by Lincoln, Speer and Colfax and features four clubs, all within walking distance of each other.

Uptown: 17th Street (known to locals as “Restaurant Row”) runs through the center of Uptown, an eclectic new neighborhood east of downtown Denver. 17th Street is home to a dozen restaurants ranging from perennial favorites like Strings to newcomers

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Limon and Steubens. New housing in the area caters mostly to young people, as do many of the bars and restaurants springing up in the area and along Colfax Ave., dubbed “Coolfax”because of its number of hip clubs and bars.

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Uptown is also a music center for Denver and the location of the Fillmore, a sister club to the famous Fillmore West in San Francisco. This intimate club holds only 5,000, but has hosted Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and other rock legends in an up-close-and-personal setting. Nearby, the Ogden (a former movie house) now hosts concerts for local and national bands.

Santa Fe Arts District: The sixblock strip of Santa Fe Blvd. between 5th Ave. and 10th Ave. is the largest concentrations of art galleries in Colorado with nearly 30 galleries located in historic brick buildings and warehouses. Several thousand people attend the monthly First Friday event (held on the first Friday of the month), where galleries hold open houses from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There are also free walking tours of the historic neighborhood on First Fridays, while free shuttle buses connect the strip of galleries to the 10th and Osage Light Rail station.

The neighborhood also features some of the city’s best Mexican restaurants and the Museo de las Americas, which showcases changing exhibits of Latino art from throughout Central and South America. During the holiday season, the street is festively decorated with thousands of glowing luminaries. The

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Mexican holiday of September 16 is celebrated with El Grito de Independencia Fiesta by closing the street and having a fiesta with mariachi bands, food and dancing, low rider festival and more.

Riverfront: A decade ago, this was

an area of abandoned cars and run down warehouses. Today, it is one of the most fashionable addresses in Denver.

The area borders the South Platte River, which has been restored, cleaned and turned into a popular recreation site.

Bike paths follow the twisting river for more than 40 miles, while kayak and rafting chutes have been placed in the stream at Confluence Park. The new Commons Park along the riverbank was the largest addition to Denver’s park system in the 20th Century.

The neighborhood has several thousand new housing units, which have been built as lofts into old industrial sites and warehouses or as new freestanding units that keep the character of the area.

At the southern end, Elitch Gardens Amusement Park hugs one bank of the river, while the Children’s Museum and Downtown Aquarium are on the other.

A bright yellow historic trolley runs along the river in the summer.

Dining ranges from old Denver favorites like My Brother’s Bar (a favorite hangout of the Colorado Symphony) and the always eclectic coffee house Paris on the Platte to some of the city’s newest hip restaurants, such as Lola and ForestRoom 5. Perfectly situated at the confluence of the city’s two longest bike paths, REI Flagship store offers 100,000 square feet of recreational equipment, much of which you can “test drive” before buying.

LoDo (Lower Downtown): LoDo consists of 25 square blocks north of Larimer Street between 14th and 22nd streets. There are 125 designated historic buildings in the area, making it one of the largest concentrations of Victorian

Communities

Arvada (City)

Golden (City)

Evergreen (Foothill Community)

www.ci.arvada.co.us

www.ci.golden.co.us

www.evergreencolorado.com

Wheat Ridge (City)

www.ci.wheatridge.co.us

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Located in the northwest area of metro Denver, Wheat Ridge is a residential community nestled on rolling hills. The population is approximately at 30,928.

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Wheat Ridge is known for its’ annual Carnation Festival reflecting the success of several carnation greenhouses in the area. Clear Creek runs through the city and offers many recreation opportunities.

Located in the foothills, Golden is the seat of Jefferson County and home to the Colorado School of Mines, worldrenowned engineering school and home to Molson Coors Brewing Company.

Golden has a small town college environment. The level of education among Golden’s’ residents are among the highest in the Greater Denver metroarea. There are some spectacular views of the mountains, wildlife and the metro area from hike and bike trails in and around Golden.

Morrison (Town)

www.town.morrison.co.us

Morrison is located in Jefferson County about 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Despite its proximity to the Denver metro area, Morrison’s location on the west side of the Hogback rock formation provides separation from the metro area. There are about 500 people living in Morrison. Most people know Morrison for its location at the base of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre or nearby Bandimere Speedway.

Other attractions include Morrison Natural History Museum and Dinosaur Ridge, a world-renowned paleontological outdoor museum.

30 miles west of Denver in the foothills lays the community of Evergreen, a desirable location for those wanting to live in the mountains and commute to Denver. There are about 9,000 residents in the city of Evergreen.

Arapahoe County www.ci.aurora.co.us

Welcome to Arapahoe County, Colorado – the state’s first county and one of the largest with a population of more than 530,000. Arapahoe County was named for the Arapaho Indians, who along with the Cheyenne Indians, occupied most of Colorado when it was only a territory.

Arapahoe County is home to the Denver Tech Center, Buckley Air Force Base, Anschutz Medical Campus, Fitzsimmons Life Sciences District, Centennial Airport, the Denver Bronco’s Football Team and some of the nation’s biggest companies. Arapahoe county has many housing options and one of the lowest mill levies in the Front Range.

Recreation is your choice from golf to parks, recreation centers, and trails, the Aurora Reservoir and Cherry Creek State Park and Reservoir.

Aurora (City)

www.ci.aurora.co.us

Balfour Senior Living Communities

Arvada is located northwest of Denver and retains a small-town feel even with its estimated population of 106,327.

Established in 1870, Arvada enjoys a rich history, quiet tree-lined neighborhoods, and a robust mix of business.

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, the largest multi-disciplinary art and cultural center in the country, is a gem of this city. The historic downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides an eclectic shopping and dining experience, and in the future will include one of three area transit stops as part of the metropolitan Fastbacks light rail system currently under development.

Aurora is Colorado’s third largest city. At 151 square miles, the city reaches into Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties.

Aurora’s strategic comprehensive plan emphasizes the formation of livable, full-service neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets, open prairie, majestic views of the mountains and ample neighborhood parks make Aurora neighborhoods the ideal place to call home. Over 450 neighborhoods complete the fabric of the community.

Just minutes away from Denver International Airport (DIA), Aurora is home to a vibrant business environment, including major industries such as aerospace, which includes Raytheon Company, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin

Communities

and Boeing Company, military, Buckley Air Force Base, high-tech, biotechnology and health care, distribution and manufacturing. The Fitzsimmons Life Science District and Anschutz Medical Campus redevelopment project consisting of one square mile is undergoing a 5.2 billion transformation. This site will eventually employ more than 44,569 people.

Education flourishes in Aurora, with five school districts and eight campuses of higher learning meeting the instructional needs of residents and those beyond the city limits.

Recreation includes 80 parks, 7 public golf courses, 7 outdoor and 3 indoor swimming pools and other recreational facilities.

Centennial (City)

www.centenialcolorado.com

Centennial in located in the southern metro Denver area. Colorado’s newest city, Centennial was incorporated in 2001 and has a population of 103,000 people. Centennial is a vibrant community that offers the benefits of city living and the pleasure of suburban and semi-rural life in beautiful and well-kept neighborhoods. A flourishing economy, diverse and friendly business climate and an array of amenities offers visitors, residents and businesses a high quality of life experience. The Denver Bronco’s are headquartered here in Dove Valley and the Centennial Airport, which is among the top busiest general aviation airports in the country, is also located in Centennial.

Cherry Hills Village (City) www.cherryhillsvillage.com

The City of Cherry Hills Village is located south of Denver. Most of the City maintains a rural atmosphere and is one of the most beautiful and desirable communities in the greater metro Denver area. Cherry Hills Village is predominantly residential and now has a population of about 6,000 residents. The Cherry Hills Country Club and Glenmoor Country Club are located in the city, as well as, two private schools.

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Glendale (Village) www.glendale.co.us

Completely surrounded by the City and County of Denver, Glendale’s central location offers easy access to exciting retail and entertainment opportunities. The residents feel it’s the kind of community where it’s easy to get to know your neighbor. They value the City’s “Urban Village” feeling.

Glendale’s 4,527 residents enjoy the City’s 35 acres of parks and open space, especially the Cherry Creek Trail that is popular with walkers, bikers and skateboarders. The City is renowned for its spectacular annual July fireworks show, which draws thousands of people and hundreds of corporate parties. It is also home to Infinity Park, the nation’s first municipally owned rugby stadium where the Glendale Raptors Rugby Team plays.

Greenwood Village (City) www.greenwoodvillage.com

Located south of Denver and Cherry Hills Village is Greenwood Village. With over 14,000 residents and a worldclass employee center of over 36,000, the members of the Greenwood Village

community appreciate and expect safe environments, beautiful settings and opportunities for recreation and leisure time activities.

Englewood (City)

www.ci.englewood.co.us

Englewood is a full-service city that is centrally located within the Denver Metropolitan area. With outstanding access through the light real transit and proximity to Denver, Englewood’s location is ideal for business and residents.

Englewood is proud of it’s’ employee base and business-friendly government.

There largest employer is Swedish Medical Center. Englewood offers small town convenience with big city amenities and is home to 32,191 residents and 2,388 businesses. Englewood also has 11 parks, an award-winning recreation center, a first-class golf course, and one of the most successful senior centers in the region.

Littleton (City)

www.littletongov.org

Littleton’s history dates back to the “Pikes Peak” gold rush of 1859. Located south of downtown Denver, Littleton still has a small town feel with one of the few remaining original historic downtowns

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along the Front Range. The South Platte River runs north to south through the entire town making this town very desirable for living and recreation opportunities. South Platte Park is one of the largest suburban parks in the US. RTD’s Southwest Light Rail has two stops in Littleton. The population is approximately 41,519.

Thornton has aggressively pursued recreation programs with nearly 1,000 acres of land developed or designated for public parks. The numerous lighted tennis courts, athletic fields, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, recreation centers and gymnasiums offer recreation opportunities for people of all ages and activity levels.

www.co.adams.co.us

www.brightonco.gov

Adams County

Adams County consists of new masterplanned communities, established municipalities and rural farmsteads. The diverse economy consists of high-tech companies, agriculture, transportation and heavy industry. You will also find that Adams County is home of the Denver International Airport (DIA), Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge and Riverside, the region’s pioneer cemetery.

Northglenn (City)

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

www.northglenn.org

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Northglenn is a suburban community located 7 miles north of Denver. Northglenn began in 1959 as a planned community, and gained national recognition from LIFE magazine for its success in large-scale community development. The city’s nearly 37,000 residents enjoy small neighborhoods with easily accessible schools, convenient shopping centers, parks, lakes, open space, and outdoor recreational facilities. The community elements are connected by the Greenway Trail network, consisting of 22 miles of off-street walking and biking paths. When fully developed, the network will include 30 miles of trails.

Thornton (City)

www.cityofthorton.net

Thornton is a diverse community with a strong commitment to quality of life and environmental issues. Thornton is located, 10 miles north of downtown Denver and adjacent to Interstate 25, provides high visibility for business while still allowing easy access to various transportation routes. With approximately 109,818 residents,

Brighton (City)

Brighton is located 20 miles northeast of downtown Denver. Brighton is the Adams County seat with a population of approximately 30,723. It offers a small-town atmosphere and a rich history. The area is seeing a lot of growth with new developments being built, but homes with acreage and space for horses are available as well. Vestas, the world’s leading supplier of wind power solutions, has recently announced plans to further expand its manufacturing presence by establishing a new blade factory and a Nacelle assembly factory in Brighton..

Commerce City (City)

www.ci.commerce-city.co.us

Commerce City, a warehousing center and industrial area, expanded its boundaries creating a lot of new home construction. New home construction in the Northern Range offers easy access to recreation and employment.

Buffalo Run Golf Course will build upscale homes around the golf course.

Residents have 14 city parks and two major trails to utilize.

A new project called The Prairie Gateway development is changing the face of 104th Avenue, and future commercial corridor on Tower Road and E-470 provide new and unique opportunities for the City. The Prairie Gateway is a 917-acre parcel of land located along the western edge of the Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. This parcel of land promises the home of the new City Civic and Justice Center, the location of the new MLS Soccer Stadium for the Colorado Rapids, the new Environmental Learning Center at the

Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, youth sports fields, and a wealth of new retail and commercial space.

Westminster (City)

www.ci.westminster.co.us

Westminster, know for its quality of life, is a growing suburban community that offers a wide choice of housing, excellent schools, and public facilities. With direct access to major highways, Westminster’s central location between Denver and Boulder puts it within easy reach of major business centers, retail centers, and a variety of entertainment and recreational facilities.

Activities in Denver or Boulder are a 20-minute drive in either direction and the drive from Westminster to DIA take about 30 minutes.

Douglas County www.douglas.co.us

Douglas County is one of the fastest growing counties in the US. Douglas County is located between Denver and Colorado Springs and over 80% of residents commute to one of these two cities.

With 39 million square feet of office space and employment of more than 300,000 people and an economic output of close to 25% of the state’s total, the county attracts small and large businesses including CH2MHill, Invesco and First Data.

Douglas County features top rated schools, excellent shopping that includes Park Meadows Mall and the Prime Outlets of Castle Rock, and outstanding recreation opportunities that lure newcomers to the region every year.

Highland Ranch (Master Planned Community) www.highlandsranch.com www.highlandsranch.org

Highlands Ranch is a 22,000 acre master-planned community which was founded in 1981. Highlands Ranch is located 12 miles south of Denver in Douglas County and offers a wonderful

Communities

quality of life and opportunities for an active lifestyle. The community has a population of 93,477 in 29,040 single family homes and 3,305 apartments.

Lone Tree (City)

www.cityoflonetree.com

Lone Tree is located south of Denver in Douglas County. The City’s current population is 10,939 as of January 1, 2009 per Douglas County’s

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Demographic Division. Lone Tree, located in the Park Meadows Mall vicinity, is less than 20 miles from downtown Denver; it’s a short drive or light rail ride to see major league sporting events and world-class theatrical and musical performances.

Denver International Airport (DIA) is less than 25 miles from Lone Tree, providing commuting convenience for business or leisure travelers.

Parker (Town)

www.parkeronline.org

Parker is located 20 miles southeast of Denver. The town was founded

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in 1864 and incorporated in 1981. One of the fastest growing communities in Colorado, Parker continues to enjoy managed growth while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. Parker has 200 acres of developed parkland including an equestrian park, a state-of-the-art recreation center, 700 acres of open space, an arboretum and the historic Cherokee Ranch and Castle.

Castle Rock (Town)

www.townofcastlerock.com

Castle Rock, incorporated in 1881, is nestled in the heart of East Plum Creek Valley, surrounded by rocky buttes and featuring stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

Named for the prominent rock formation that overlooks the Town,Castle Rock features several planned developments tied together by its historic downtown. The Town has grown from 3,900 people in 1980 to an estimated 46,261 in 2009, and retains

its small-town character and distinct community boundaries.

Castle Rock provides several indoor and outdoor leisure opportunities including the Community Recreation Center, 400 acres of parks, the Red Hawk Ridge municipal golf course, and Hidden Mesa open space. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a full range of shopping experiences, from downtown boutiques to department stores and the Outlets at Castle Rock.

Elizabeth (Town)

www.townofelizabeth.org

Elizabeth is in Elbert County, a county in central Colorado and southeast of Denver. Elizabeth, whose population is 4,973, makes up the most population of Elbert County because of people living in small acreage subdivisions.

Elizabeth is known for extraordinary horse property, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as having easy access for Denver (I-25 is about 25 minutes away).

Franktown (Town)

www.franktowncolorado.com

Located in Douglas County, Franktown

was named after James Frank Gardner who staked a claim on land and built a homestead. Franktown sits at the inter-

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section of State Highway 83 and 86. It has gorgeous panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and easy access to Denver from I-25, which is about 25 minutes away. The population of Franktown is approximately 120!

Sedalia (Town)

www.sedaliacolorado.com

Sedalia is located in Douglas County southwest of Denver.

The population of Sedalia was 211 at the time of the 2000 census. This town is known for its Dude Ranches and country entertainment. Cherokee Ranch, a working cattle ranch with over 3,000 acres of open space, is also home of the Scottish-style castle, which sits high on a knoll RAH above town. The castle is filled with art and collections from all over the world. Fly fishing is also spectacular here along the South Platte River, west of Sedalia.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Broomfield County

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www.ci.broomfield.co.us

Broomfield offers a prime location, situated within the north metro area between Denver and Boulder along U.S. 36/Boulder Turnpike up to the north I-25 corridor, beyond Colorado 7.

Our location offers a short 20-minute drive to both Denver and Boulder, and less than 40 minutes to Denver International Airport.

Broomfield became its own county in 2001. Broomfield’s current population is over 53,000. Many high-tech companies like Level 3 Communications, Sun Microsystems, IBM and Ball Aerospace are located in the county.

Many housing options are available and many new communities are being built to accommodate the influx of new business and residents. There are plenty of recreation options available and shopping at the FlatIron Crossing Mall.

Boulder County www.co.boulder.co.us

Boulder County encompasses 741 square miles and is situated on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.

From Rocky Mountain National Park, a national treasure, to lush farmland.

Elevations within the boundaries of the County vary from the 5,000-foot level of the plains to the 14,000-foot peaks of the Continental Divide.

Boulder County is diversified, with both rural and urban settings. The University of Colorado at Boulder, two school districts and numerous scientific, research and recreational facilities are among the attributes of the County. The Denver Regional Council of Governments estimates the county’s population at approximately 294,000, with about 103,100 in the City of Boulder, another 84,636 in the City of Longmont, 26,453 in Lafayette, 19,000 in Louisville and the remainder dispersed throughout the smaller towns. Boulder’s residents are known for being health conscious, welleducated and their love of the outdoors.

Boulder (City) www.ci.boulder.co.us

Boulder is located northwest of Denver.

Boulder sits 5,430 feet above sea level in the shadow of the Flatirons and is surrounded by 30,000 acres of open space, in addition to a greenbelt of city trails.

Boulders population is approximately 103,100l and is home of the University of Colorado’s main campus and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Boulder is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, natural product retailers and over 300 restaurants, outstanding transportation options, diverse businesses, and technological and academic resources. Boulder hosts annually the Boulder Boulder 10K race, Creek Festival and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.

Lafayette (City)

www.cityoflafayette.com

Lafayette is located 10 miles east of Boulder with easy access to major businesses and amenities. The community maintains a small-town feel.

The population is approximately 26,453.

Residents enjoy a cultural arts center, golf, parks, community and recreation centers and shopping.

Communities

county in Colorado based on population. The county extends to the Continental Divide and includes several mountain communities and Rocky Mountain National Park. The County encompasses 2,640 square miles that include some of the finest irrigated farmland in the state, as well as vast stretches of scenic ranch lands, forests and high mountain peaks. Over 50% of Larimer County is publicly owned, most of which is land within Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Fort Collins (City) Lowry

Louisville (City) www.ci.louisville.co.us

Louisville is located 6 miles east of Boulder and is approximately 10 miles east of the Front Range. Louisville was incorporated in 1882 and has a very nice Historical Museum. The population is approximately 19,000.

Housing options range from new to historic homes, condominiums, townhomes and apartments. The City of Louisville offers its residents a Recreation/Senior Center, approximately 1700 acres of designated open space, 26 city parks, extensive open space buffer zones, 20 miles of trails and bicycle paths, golf and a new $9 million public library with study rooms, teen areas, and a fireside reading room.

In recent years, Louisville has been recognized in four publications as one of the best places to live and raise a family in the United States.

Longmont (City)

www.ci.longmont.co.us

Longmont is conveniently located 16 miles from Boulder and 30 miles from the scenic Trail Ridge Road. Longmont was named one of the “Best Places to Live” in 2006 and 2008. Longmont

was also awarded “All-America City” in 2006. Longmont sits at an elevation of 4,979 feet above sea level and has spectacular views of the Rockies. With over 1,500 acres of parks and open space, Longmont is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Longmont also is home to several high-tech companies and a vibrant restaurant scene. The population of Longmont is 84,636.

Superior (Town)

www.townofsuperior.com

Superior is approximately six miles east of Boulder. The Town is approximately four square miles in area and the population to approximately 12,000.

Amenities include 594 acres of parks, green space, and open space and 27 miles of trails.

Superior provides a small-town environment with a rich history and great location and access to Boulder. Future development plans include a mixed-use development with retail, office and residential space.

Larimer County www.co.larimer.co.us

Larimer County is located in north central Colorado. It is the seventh largest

www.fcgov.com

Fort Collins is a vibrant community of 140,600, including over 24,000 students at Colorado State University, nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and alongside the banks of the Cache La Poudre River, 65 miles north of Denver.

As a regional center for employment, shopping, and healthcare, Fort Collins offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a larger city. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and low humidity, Fort Collins experiences pleasant weather year-round great for outdoor activities. There is always something happening in the city. Whether you like musical concerts, plays or festivals, there is something for everyone. Fort Collins was ranked #6 by Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live, 2010, which is easy to see when visiting by the welcoming and flourishing community.

Fort Collins’ population is well educated with an average median family income of $54,000. Over the last ten years, the population has grown an average of three percent annually and is expected to continue at this rate well into the future.

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ducation / K-12 Public

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Aurora Public Schools (APS)

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Greater Denver has 11 public and private four-year colleges and universities, including world-class research institutions like Colorado State University Colorado School of Mines and University of ColoradoBoulder. There are five community colleges providing education services and workforce training that meets the needs of both businesses and individuals. Additionally, there are also more than 60 technical/vocational schools in the region!

Public Schools

Denver Public Schools

ducation

(720) 423-3200 www.dpsk12.org Under the leadership of newly appointed Superintendent Tom Boasberg, Denver Public Schools is committed to making Denver a national leader in student achievement, high school graduation, college and career preparation, and college matriculation.

Superintendent Boasberg has a clear vision for Denver Public Schools become the best urban school district in the nation. Under this vision, the district has benefited from significant gains in student achievement, the implementation of ProComp -an innovative pay structure that rewards teachers for improving student achievement - and robust principal professional development including summer principal institutes that underscore principals’ roles in leading the district’s reform efforts. This work

is guided by The Denver Plan, a living document that outlines the district’s vision of achievement. The foundation of this plan is to ensure that all students achieve academically.

Denver Public Schools serves the residents of the City and County of Denver, Colorado. The current student enrollment is 75,269. DPS is comprised of 152 schools - 68 Elementary, 18 K-8, 16 Middle, 15 High, 21 Charter, 6 Alternative, and 8 Other.

Adams County School District

Adams County School District No. 1 Mapleton Public Schools (303) 853-1780 www.mapleton.us With 17 small by design learning communities to choose from, Mapleton Public Schools offers students and families’ opportunities that can’t be found in traditional school districts.

In Mapleton, students are invited to achieve their dreams in an environment that fits their style of learning. From traditional to expeditionary, technologybased to internationally focused, Mapleton’s schools are designed to embrace the uniqueness and potential of all students.

CSAP scores continue to improve throughout the District and graduation rates are on the rise. In 2009, 97% of Mapleton’s seniors were accepted to the college of their choice.

Source: Mapleton Public Schools

APS

Adams 12 Five Star Schools Thornton (720) 972-4000 www.adams12.org Five Star Schools is Adams County’s largest school district including more than 38,821 students attending 51 schools serving Broomfield, Westminster, Northglenn, Thornton, Federal Heights and unincorporated Adams County. There are 29 elementary schools, 8 middle, 5 high schools and 1 K-8. There are four charter schools.

Adams County School District 14 (303) 853-3333 www.acds14.k12.co.us Located just north of downtown Denver, Adams 14 serves the historic community of Commerce City.

A state and nationally recognized leader in innovative education, student academic success is the number one priority for Adams 14. Adams 14 has 6,702 students. There 14 schools offer choices to meet the diverse needs of students. They have 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, 2 preschools, 1 prek-8 and 1 charter school.

Adams County School District 50 (303) 428-3511 www.adams50.org Adams 50 serves Westminster and Unincorporated Adams County.

New facilities and new classrooms, combined with a groundbreaking educational reform, have placed District 50 into the national spotlight among parents and public educators in recent years.

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Littleton Public Schools is the preferred choice for thousands of students in the area; 18% of its students live outside district boundaries and choose to open-enroll in LPS. With a student population of about 15,000, LPS is known for being “big enough to serve you, and small enough to know you.”

LPS offers a comprehensive education from preschool through grade 12. It offers National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and a high school International Baccalaureate program.

LPS serves 28 square miles and includes the majority of the city of Littleton, town of Columbine Valley, and portions of the municipalities of Bow Mar, Centennial, Greenwood Village, and Englewood.

Sheridan School District No.2 (720) 833-6991 www.sheridank12.org Greater Denver’s smallest school district, Sheridan has an enrollment under 2,000 in 2 elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The school serves the City of Sheridan and pieces of Englewood. More than 50% of Sheridan’s students enroll from out of district during open enrollment based on the low student to teacher ratio.

Boulder County Boulder Valley School District (303) 447-1010 www.bvsd.org Boulder Valley School District has more than 27,800 students enrolled in 29 elementary schools, 21 secondary schools and four K-8 schools. In addition to a variety of focus and charter schools, the district’s neighborhood schools, alternative schools and cutting-edge school programs give parents and students a customized approach to meeting their education needs.

BVSD has some of the most highly desirable academic programs including Talented and Gifted, Computer Literacy, Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, Experiential Learning, Pre-Engineering and many more.

St. Vrain Valley School District (303) 776-6200 www.stvrain.k12.co.us St. Vrain Valley School District is geographically diverse including 13 different communities and parts of four counties. The Communities include Boulder, Broomfield, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont and the counties include parts of Boulder, Broomfield and Weld Counties.

St. Vrain Valley School District has more than 24,000 students in 48 schools - 25 elementary, 9 middle, 1 middle/senior, 7 high, 2 alternative, and 4 charter.

The district has a graduation rate of 86.6% and 28% of all juniors and seniors took at least one advanced placement (AP) course.

Broomfield

www.broomfield.org/schools The City of Broomfield became its own county in 2001. Various school districts that primarily serve other counties also serve Broomfield. These school districts are Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Boulder Valley School District Re-2, Jefferson County School District Re-1, St. Vrain Valley School District, Brighton School District and Fort Lupton School District.

ducation / K-12 Public

Littleton Public Schools (303) 347-3300 www.littletonpublicschools.net Littleton Public Schools is a premier school district located a few miles south of downtown Denver. LPS is nationally known for its academic excellence. It is the only school district in the greater Denver metro area to be “Accredited with Distinction,” Colorado’s highest academic accreditation rating. LPS students consistently score at the top of all students across the metro area on state assessment tests. About 90 percent of its graduates are college-bound and earn about $30 million annually in college scholarships. All LPS high schools are nationally recognized; they have been featured as Newsweek Magazine’s Top High Schools in America and 5280 Magazine’s Top High Schools in the Denver area. All three boast regional and state champions in athletics, academics, and performing arts.

Douglas County School District Douglas County – School District Re-1 (303) 387-0100 www.dcsdk12.org Douglas County Schools are the third largest school district in the state, serving more than 54,000 students and maintaining their position as one of the highest performing in Colorado.

As one of the fastest growing public school organizations, we’ve added an

LPS

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Aurora Public Schools (APS)

ducation / Charter Schools & Childcare

Vista PEAK P-20 campus in Aurora

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estimated 2,500 students each year for the past six years. We anticipate an additional 2,000 new students each year through 2012. As our District continues to grow and change, our purpose remains the same: each and every day we are looking for ways to improve student learning. Our mission: to help students acquire the knowledge and abilities to be responsible citizens who contribute to our society.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Jefferson County School District

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Jeffco Public Schools (303) 982-6500 www.jeffcopublicschools.org Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado’s largest school district with 84,657 enrolled in 2008-2009 school year. Jeffco Public Schools has over 153 schools set up in neighborhood schools. It serves all of Jefferson County and a portion of Broomfield County. The National Blue Ribbon School Award has been given to ten Jeffco schools. The teachers are highly qualified. Many have advanced degrees and several have earned national and state recognition. JPS values are integrity, valuing people, teamwork and exemplary performance.

Larimer County School District

Poudre School District R-1 Fort Collins (970) 482-7420 www.psd.k12.co.us Poudre School District, located in Fort Collins serves approximately

24,000 students and includes 50 schools. PSD is the ninth largest school district in Colorado.

Students perform from 8-19% higher than students statewide in all subjects and in all 27 areas of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests, and consistently perform higher than students statewide and nationwide on ACT and SAT college entrance exams.

PSD attracts the best and brightest teachers, including an ongoing pool of 2,000 teaching applicants, proof that ours is a highly sought after district in which to teach.

There have been 11 new schools built since 1986 providing excellent learning environments for our youth.

Charter Schools

Charter Schools are free, public schools of choice that any student can enroll in as long as there is availability. These schools have open enrollment which means students in one school district can go to a school in another district.

Charter Schools do not have admission criteria or require admission tests.

Charter schools may have a particular curriculum or focus like Montessori or have a curriculum like public school.

Creative educators and parents reach students’ needs not met in traditional public school systems through innovation, smaller class size and greater parental involvement. They are held to the same state and federal testing standards as public schools.

Funding is received from the local school district and the state of Colorado.

Contact the school district of your choice as soon as possible due to enrollment deadlines.

For more information:

Department of Education (CDE) – Schools of Choice Unit www.cde.state.co.us/index-charter.htm Colorado League of Charter Schools www.coloradoleague.org

Private Schools There are many private schools throughout the Front Range. Try these resources to help get you started. Also, try the Chamber of Commerce in your area of interest under Relocation. www.acischools.com www.archden.org www.ede.state.co.us/index-choice.htm

Childcare Resource Colorado Department of Human Services – Division of Child Care (800) 799-5876 www.cdhs.state.co.us Qualistar Early Learning (877) 338-CARE www.qualistar.org Metro Denver Resource & Referral Partners/Family Resources & Child Care Education/Red Rocks Community College www.frcce.org

E ducation / Colleges

Colleges Four-Year Public Colorado State University (CSU) Fort Collins www.colostate.edu Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Golden www.mines.edu

University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center Downtown Denver Campus www.cudenver.edu

Community Colleges

University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center Fitzsimmons Campus www.uchsc.edu

Community College of Aurora www.ccaurora.edu

Four-Year Private

Metropolitan State College www.mscd.edu

Johnson & Wales University www.jwu.edu

University of Colorado (CU) at Boulder www.colorado.edu

Regis University www.regis.edu

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) www.arapahoe.edu

Community College of Denver (CCD) www.ccd.edu Front Range Community College www.frontrange.edu Red Rocks Community College www.rrcc.edu

University of Denver (DU) www.du.edu

Aurora Public Schools (APS)

APS

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et’s Collaborate to Create Your Colorado Home!

Relocation can be daunting. The questions that arise are, how will this work?

Where do I start? Who can I turn to?

Michele Mangan Designs has provided interior design service to the Denver area since 1998. Her approach to design is based in Art, which explains the “WORKS OF ART INTERIORS” portion of her business name. This fine art background combined with her work in the New Orleans art scene and her business as an importer of interior accessories and furniture from South Africa gives her a unique perspective on the form and function of interior spaces.

“From Colonial to Contemporary – Romantic to Retro – Eclectic to Ethnic – I collaborate with each person to find a design style that is tailored to their taste and sensibilities”.

As you settle into your surroundings, consider your new space as an open canvas. Fill it with furniture, color, lighting, fabric finishing and one-of-a-kind details that mean “home” to you. Michele Mangan feels strongly that the client’s home

When relocating, finding resources can be time consuming and maddening. Michele has a wealth of resources to guide you, narrowing the scope of your search.

Michele Mangan Designs is a full service Interior Design Firm, offering decoration to renovation.

Often homes purchased need to be tweaked for your purposes. Updating areas such as the master bath or the kitchen could be necessary to function. Michele works closely with her subcontractors to provide quality craftsmanship with dedication to detail. is a reflection of their vision. “The client lives there and everyone who enters should feel that.” She emphasizes her clients’ needs, function in their home, as well as their style.

However she does like to push the envelope and take clients to a place they couldn’t reach without her. “My job is to inspire the client in new and imaginative ways while incorporating their personality, lifestyle and preferences into the design.”

Michele was born with a passion for design and loves nothing more than to share that passion.

Through her collaboration with clients a bond forms. She enjoys having fun with her clients and welcomes their individualized projects. Keeping a positive attitude, having drive to reach the end result, and finding the right solution to every situation are hallmarks of her work ethic.

Michele Mangan Designs does not believe in having a “signature” style, instead her mark is left by certain design solutions; using clean lines, repetition of shapes and timelessness in her designs.

conomics

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conomic Development in the Greater Metro Denver Area

Over the past two decades, Metro Denver has successfully diversified its economy with industries from aerospace to energy. The state is faring better than the nation with the secondbest economic outlook according to the 2010 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

The Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution also named Colorado’s Front Range among five regions with growing business and social influence. The report described good infrastructure and growing population as key factors.

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You can feel the exciting rush of energy constantly brewing in the City, with our entrepreneurial spirit, tight-knit neighborhoods and a cost of living that’s easier on your wallet than living in California or East Coast cities. Metro Denver offers a diversified economy of viable industries and the nation’s third-most highly educated workforce.

These thriving industries include energy, aerospace, aviation, bioscience, information technology - software and financial services.

Working together

The Metro Denver region has a long history of getting big projects done.

In the last three decades, the region successfully cleaned up its air and diversified its oil and gas-dependent economy, spearheaded construction of the nation’s only new airport in the past 25 years, and got the nation’s largest single transit build out rolling.

In Metro Denver, the public and private sector rally together behind economic development for the good of the entire region. The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), the nation’s first truly regional economic development entity, and its predecessor organizations – the

Greater Denver Corporation and the Metro Denver Network – have been working and acting regionally since the mid-1980s.

In 2003, still feeling the effects of the post 9/11 high-tech fallout, Metro Denver was in the economic doldrums.

Some of the region’s business leaders decided to take matters into their own hands and work together to find ways to jump-start the economy and reignite

A core of young, highly educated workers populates Metro Denver. They come from all over the U.S. and the world, and once they discover Colorado, they seldom leave. Our combination of health, family, and career opportunities makes for a balanced life that’s nearly impossible to match.

But Metro Denver isn’t content to just be a magnet for outside talent. We are investing in our own with a renewed

City of Westminster

Colorado’s legendary “can do” attitude” That year, business leaders launched the Metro Denver EDC’s ‘BreakThrough!

Denver’ campaign, which raised $13.3 million to create 100,000 new jobs and brand the Metro Denver nationally as a sustainable hub for new economy businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers.

focus on educational excellence, from preschool through ongoing job training.

Workforce

Our state is second to none in concentrated talent, making Metro Denver a hot spot for innovation and entrepreneurialism. The free exchange of ideas among our research universities

Working together for a vibrant future is how we do business in Metro Denver.

The single most important element in determining the success of a business is the quality of its workers.

Colorado appeals to the smart set.

Productive, highly educated workers who love our climate and career challenges gravitate to Metro Denver from all over the world. Let’s face it – these motivated workers could choose to live anywhere, but they consistently call Colorado home because of its inherent beauty and exciting lifestyle.

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After all, this is the West, where the best approaches quickly gain ground regardless of pedigree. The proof is in Metro Denver’s diversified economy of thriving industries, including aerospace, aviation, bioscience, broadcasting and telecommunications, energy, financial services, and information technology – software.

Low Cost of Living

Colorado’s historic focus on low taxes, coupled with Metro Denver’s high household incomes, keeps the region’s cost of living near the national average for living costs.

Denver ranks just above the national average for cost of living, but well below many other major metropolitan areas as well as both coasts. According to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index First Quarter 2010 data, Denver ranks slightly above the national average of 100, with a composite index of 102.

Demographics Income

Metro Denver has one of the nation’s strongest metropolitan economies.

Median household income in the Metro Denver area was $60,344 in 2008, 15 percent higher than the national median income of $51,233.

Metro Denver has historically enjoyed higher household incomes than the rest of the nation due the high education attainment levels of the Metro Denver workforce and a higher-than-average concentration of two-earner households.

Per capita personal income in Metro Denver was $48,357 in 2008, up 0.9 percent from 2007. Per capita personal income in Northern Colorado increased to $34,050 in 2008, up 0.7 percent from 2007.

Age

Metro Denver is a relatively young region with a median age of 35.8 years, compared to the nationwide median

age of 36.9. Only 9.5 percent of Metro Denver’s population is 65 or older, while persons in that age group account for 12.8 percent of population nationwide.

Young, college-educated workers move to Metro Denver because of its high-tech economic base and quality environment.

The state and region’s job growth has consistently out-paced national growth over the past six years.

Education

With a diverse employment base across a large range of industry sectors, Metro Denver takes great pride in its highly educated workforce.

Colorado has one of the nation’s most educated workforces, ranking second among the 50 states (behind Massachusetts) for percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, at 35.6 percent. In Metro Denver, 39.5 percent of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Also, Colorado ranks eighth in the country for Ph.D. scientists and engineers as a percent of the workforce.

Metro Denver also places strong emphasis on K-12 education excellence.

Colorado’s high school students lead the nation in college entrance exam scores, ranking first for having the highest ACT and SAT scores per 1,000 households.

In addition, 89 percent of Metro Denver residents have completed high school, while 88.5 percent of Northern Colorado residents completed high school.

Population

Metro Denver exceeds 2.8 million people, and has a growth rate that has consistently outpaced the national rate every decade since the 1930s. The region grew steadily in the past 10 years, averaging 1.9 percent population growth each year from 1999 to 2009. And by 2030, Metro Denver’s population is anticipated to increase to almost 3.8 million.

To proactively plan for the region’s growth, the Denver Regional Council of Governments created Metro Vision 2035, a long-range strategy that addresses land-use planning, development, and transportation while preserving Metro

Denver’s unparalleled quality of life.

Metro Vision concentrates development in a defined 750-square-mile urban growth boundary and identifies guidelines for nearly 70 high-density, mixed-use developments in the region, many around transit centers.

A large portion of Metro Denver’s population growth is due to in-migration of highly educated workers from other states. The region’s net migration averaged about 30,600 people each year during the 1990s. Metro Denver is estimated to have net-migration of 15,643 residents in 2010. The top states for in-migration are California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, and Illinois.

conomics / Demographics

and national laboratories, the business community, and municipal leadership fosters a maverick mentality.

Northern Colorado’s 2010 population exceeded 564,000, with roughly 53 percent of the population located in Larimer County and 47 percent located in Weld County. Between 2000 and 2010, Northern Colorado average annual population growth (2.6 percent) was more than twice the national growth rate.

Ethnicity

A diverse population in Metro Denver fosters a culture of creativity, openness, and energy, all essential ingredients for the Mountain West lifestyle. Metro Denver’s ethnic and minority population grew 32.1 percent between 2000 and 2008, more than twice the metropolitan area’s total population growth rate over the same period.

The ethnic and minority population comprises 32.4 percent of Metro Denver’s population with continued growth forecasted during the next decade. The Hispanic population is Metro Denver’s largest minority group comprising 21.8 percent of the population in 2008.

Source: Metro Denver Economic Development Corp.

*The Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. website is very informative and loaded with more information than could be included.

Please visit www.metrodenver.org or call (303) 620-8092.

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Economics / Transportation

Other Resources

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade www.advancecolorado.com (303) 892-3840 The website will help you find an economic development organization in your area of choice. Once in the website choose Site Selection then Business Development and then Colorado County Contacts. Choose your county and from there you will find tons of information for the town or city of interest.

Colorado Department of Labor & Employment www.coworkforce.com (303) 318-8000 Many resources including the location of Greater Denver Metro Area Workforce Centers.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Denver Office of Economic Development www.milehigh.com (720) 913-1999

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Currently DIA is the 4th busiest airport in the United States and the 9th busiest in the world. Twenty-three airlines offer 1,500 flights including non-stops to 140 worldwide cities. A total of 49,863,352 passengers used Denver International Airport in 2007, shattering the previous record that was set just the year before.

The 2007 total was 5.4 percent higher than the 47,326,506 travelers recorded at DIA in 2006.

Denver International Airport was designed to move your body and your mind. DIA has the largest public art program in American history with a $7.5 million budget for local and national artists to create works specifically for this unique setting. The art focuses on several themes including Western life, travel, light and space.

The 1.4 million-square-foot main terminal building has become Denver’s most distinctive architectural landmark.

The roof is Teflon-coated fabric shaped into 34 different peaks, symbolizing

DIA is the only major airport built in the U.S. in the past 25 years.

At DIA, 17 commercial carriers provide nonstop service to more than 160 domestic and international destinations.

Specifically, DIA offers nonstop service to 18 international locations including destinations in Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

DIA is a national leader in sustainability efforts and was the first airport in the nation awarded membership in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Performance Track program, which recognizes facilities that exceed regulatory requirements and strive to protect public health and the environment.

DIA was the first international airport in the nation to receive an ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system. In addition to various materials recycling programs, the airport’s environmental management program also includes protocol for storm and wastewater management, environmental planning, and compliance.

The DIA sustainability strategy also includes two solar panel arrays, one of which completely powers the airport’s fuel storage and distribution facility. Plans are also underway nearby for Green Park DIA, a 4,200-space parking facility that will rely on wind and solar power.

Passenger Growth Spurs Expansion

Denver International Airport (DIA)

Transportation Air

Denver International Airport Aviation history was made when the $4.3 billion Denver International Airport (DIA) opened on February 28, 1995.

Covering 53 square miles (137 square kilometers, twice the size of Manhattan), Denver International Airport has six fullservice runways and can be expanded to 11 runways capable of serving 110 million passengers a year. DIA has approximately 40,000 public parking spaces available to travelers.

the Rocky Mountains, which can be seen on the horizon through huge glass windows. Inside the Great Hall, there is an atrium longer than four football fields and illuminated by soft, shadowless light that filters down from the 126-foot high translucent roof. Denver International Airport, one of the world’s most modern and efficient airports, is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver.

Located 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver, DIA is the primary airport serving the Metro Denver region and Colorado.

The $4.2 billion facility encompasses 53 square miles, making DIA twice the size of Manhattan Island. Opened in 1995,

Considering that projected passenger traffic is expected to expand to 62 million by 2020, DIA is preparing for expansion that will likely include a seventh runway, expansion of concourses, public parking, and rental-car facilities, and upgrades to the baggage system. Officials are considering plans for updated and expanded concourses, security areas, parking areas, and baggage systems. www.flydenver.com (303) 342-2000

Mass Transit The Regional Transportation District (RTD), funded by a one percent sales tax, provides mass transit services in Metro Denver. RTD operates 1,050 busses on 150 routes and 125 light rail vehicles on 35 miles of track.

FasTracks

RTD’s $6.5 billion FasTracks plan will build out Metro Denver’s entire mass transit system by 2017, adding 122 miles of rail rapid transit along six new lines as well as extending existing routes and expanding the regional bus network.

FasTracks is projected to create more than 10,000 jobs during the height of construction, and will pump billions of dollars into the regional economy.

Funding comes from a 0.4 cent sales tax on every 10 dollars purchase as well as U.S. Department of Transportation grants. The FasTracks buildout will greatly increase transportation options for Metro Denver workers and provide an alternative to congestion during peak travel times, and will rank the Metro Denver area as one of the top five regions in the country in terms of miles of fixed rail.

Union Station Redevelopment

A $1 billion plan is underway to transform downtown Denver’s Union Station into a regional transportation hub where light rail, buses, and passenger rail converge. The master plan, designed by developers Continuum Partners and East West Partners, includes mixed-use development on the 19.5-acre site, with offices, residences, and retail – a 24-hour hub of urban activity.

Existing Light Rail

The RTD Light Rail system provides fast (up to 55 mph) and reliable transportation through the central, southwest, and southeast areas of Metro Denver. The system is divided into four fare zones.

•Denver’s first light rail line, the 5.3-mile Central Corridor, opened in 1994 and runs from I-25/Broadway, through downtown Denver, and along Welton Street to 30th/Downing. FasTracks plans

Economics / Transportation

To promote the use of mass transit, Metro Denver employers can purchase “Eco Passes” for their employees, which allow seven-day access to RTD services. RTD’s Flex Pass Program also offers employers and employees payroll tax savings, pretax savings, and transit pass discounts.

include extending light rail north on Downing Street to the 40th Station, where it will join the East Corridor.

•The Southwest Corridor opened in 2000 as an 8.7mile extension from I-25 and Broadway to Mineral Avenue in Littleton with five stations and nearly 2,600 parking spaces.

FasTracks plans include improving existing stations, adding parking spaces at the Englewood Station, and extending the line south to Highlands Ranch with a new station at C-470/Lucent Boulevard.

•The Southeast Corridor, completed in November RTD 2006, connects Metro Denver’s two largest employment centers—the Central Business District (downtown Denver) and the Denver Tech Center. The 19.1-mile light rail line extends from I-25/Broadway to Lincoln Avenue with an additional connection from I-25 to Parker Road. Ridership is already exceeding expectations and more than 38,000 people are anticipated to use the line daily by 2020. FasTracks will extend the corridor 2.3 miles to Lone Tree, increasing total parking by 2,520 spaces and improving existing stations.

Light Rail

On Nov. 2, 2004, Denver voters approved an ambitious 12-year, $4.7 billion plan to expand the region’s public transportation system with 119 miles of new light rail and commuter rail. It is the largest light rail initiative in American history.

The new plan will offer commuter rail service between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver by 2014.

Denver’s downtown Union Station will become a hub for rail lines that will branch out to all parts of the city, including a light rail line to Golden in 2013 and a commuter rail line to Boulder and Longmont in 2014-2016.

A new 19-mile light rail line opened in 2006, offering service between downtown Denver and the many hotels in the Denver Tech Center area along Interstate 25 and Interstate 225. Denver’s initial light rail lines serve downtown Denver and the Platte River Valley from a corridor along Santa Fe Blvd.

(303) 299-6000 www.rtd-denver.com

Rail

Passenger service in Metro Denver is available on Amtrak, which follows a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains west of Metro Denver and connects to the east. Amtrak service is based out of Danvers’ Union Station, which is undergoing a $1 billion redevelopment plan to transform it into a regional transportation hub where light rail, buses, and passenger rail converge.

The master plan includes mixed-use development on the 19.5-acre site, with offices, residences, and retail – a 24-hour hub of urban activity.

Amtrak – Union Station Information (303) 534-2812

Source: Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation

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Going Green

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Vestas Wind Systems A/S

oing Green

In 2006, Governor Bill Ritter created a New Energy Economy for Colorado. The New Energy Economy blends Colorado’s abundant traditional and renewable natural resources, our intellectual resources and stresses conservation and efficiency.

Colorado is now recognized nationally and internationally as a New Energy Economy leader, stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

The following are just a few of the corporations bringing economic growth and lots of new jobs to Colorado:

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Vestas Wind Systems opened its first blade manufacturing plant in the US in Weld County in 2008 and announced plans to build two new manufacturing plants in Brighton.

As well, Vestas plans to build the world’s largest tower-manufacturing facility in Colorado.

ConocoPhillips is opening a Global Technology Center in North Metro Denver that will serve as an international center for the research and development of alternative-fuels. AVA Solar is building a solar manufacturing plant in Longmont.

XCEL Energy is going to make Boulder the nation’s first Smart Grid City creating new opportunities for energy efficiency and lower costs.

For more information visit: www.colorado.gov www.vestas.com

Green Learning

Not only is the city dedicated to sustainable development and ecologically-friendly practices, but

Greater Metro Denver is also emerging as one of the premier places in the nation for a “green” learning vacation.

Renewable Energy

Located 12 miles west of Denver in Golden, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation’s primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy.

NREL’s mission is to help our nation discover and use renewable resources of energy to power our homes, businesses and cars.

The impressive Visitors Center tells the story of the important research that is taking place at this laboratory through a series of exhibits on renewable energy. The building itself is an exhibit on passive solar energy and features an innovative Trombe wall— the building’s most striking architectural feature. The huge, undulating wall has five sections, each angled in a “V” shape. Windows on the south side of the “V” provide natural day lighting and early morning heat, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding high rocky buttes.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the interactive exhibit hall and learn about energy from the sun, wind, biomass and other sources. Here, you can find out how scientists capture alternative energy resources to produce electricity and also investigate the future of transportation in American using renewable energy.

It’s possible to visit several outdoor exhibits for a demonstration of the sun’s power, as well as learn energyconserving strategies for your home that can be implemented today. www.nrel.gov/overview

Environmental Cleanup

Located in Commerce City, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is currently undergoing a major environmental restoration program that is transforming it into one of the largest urban national wildlife refuges in the United States – a vast improvement over its previous title as one of the most polluted spots on earth. Prior to World War II, the arsenal was farmland, but in 1942, the U.S. Army bought thirty square miles of land to establish Rocky Mountain Arsenal, a chemical weapons factory. After WWII, the army leased land to private companies that produced commercial pesticides. During the early Cold War of the 1950’s the Army again produced chemical weapons here to counter the Soviet threat. There were few environmental laws before the 1960s and chemical production at the Arsenal resulted in contamination of soils and groundwater at the site.

The project has been called one of the largest environmental cleanups in history and will not be complete until 2011. In 1986, while investigating the extent of the pollution and ways to clean it up, biologists discovered the Arsenal was home to a large population of wintering bald eagles.

The discovery of eagles made people take note of the extensive and healthy wildlife populations throughout the large buffer zone of the Arsenal.

While the industrial core of the site was contaminated, deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, and many species of hawks, owls and other birds thrived in the abandoned fields, grasslands and wood lots that had been protected from development for forty years.

In 2004, 5,000 acres of land was transferred from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the area

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aking Sense of Your Septic System

Congratulations you have just purchased your new home or you’re in the process of buying your new home. However, someone says, “septic system” (you go blank). This article is designed to provide you with a basic understanding and guidance with regards to your septic system.

A typical septic system consists of a septic tank and an absorption bed (or leaching field). Household water and waste are dispensed from the dwelling and are deposited into a tank where the bacteria breaks down the solids. Most tanks have two compartments (tanks older than 1978 maybe one compartment).

The solids remain in the first compartment and the liquid passes to the second compartment. Upon leaving the tank, the liquids will flow into a secondary treatment, usually a leach field, and filtrate slowly through the ground.

Household water usage is critical to the longevity of the system.

Prolonged over-use can put potential stress on the system. Systems are designed based on the number of bedrooms with two people occupancy. If you have fewer people great, however good septic habits are critical. A few tips are: Do not use lots of water at the same time, avoid long showers, and do laundry daily versus numerous loads on the same day. In addition, typical household soaps and cleaners shouldn’t cause a problem however, paints, solvents, thinners, pesticides, antifreeze, photographic chemicals, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, and personal products should not be allowed to enter the system. We also suggest scraping plates in trash and minimizing garbage disposal usage.

Septic systems are designed for longevity of 20-30 years. Your septic tank(s) will need to be pumped out.

Pumping is necessary to remove the solids. Too many solids can potentially pass from the tank to the lines and then move to the field and form a bio-mat. Over time, excess bio-mat can lead to field failure and possible costly field and/or system replacement. We recommend your first pumping to be no more than two years after purchasing your home. Our company recommends that someone be present at the time our pumper technicians are pumping the tank. This is a great opportunity for you to learn from the experts how your system is functioning and how to maintain your system more efficiently. We do not want the solids to be more than 30% of the liquids in the tank, and your next pumping schedule will be based on your percentage.

Your septic system should be a self-sufficient system, however, occasionally there are problems that

may occur that are not normal. These problems may be backups, smells and slow-flushing drains. If any of these issues occur you should give us a call. Our company is staffed with certified inspectors, experienced and very knowledgeable individuals who will help you troubleshoot any problems. Our company has been servicing Evergreen and the front range for over 26 years. Our services include: digging and locating tanks, camera and certified inspections, commercial and residential pumping of septic and grease tanks, sewer drain thawing and jetting, and minor septic repairs. At this point we hope to have provided you with a complete understanding of a septic system, the care, and the maintenance for success. We look forward to servicing your septic needs!

EVERGREEN SEPTIC PUMPING CO. (303) 674-7144 evergreensepticpumping.com

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Healthcare Fitzsimmons Life Science District

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World-Class Healthcare Metro Denver serves as the regional medical center of the Rocky Mountain West. The area is home to major hospitals and research centers providing care in virtually every major healthcare specialty, including emergency/trauma, respiratory, pediatrics, orthopedics/rehabilitation, cancer, neurology, and cardiology. This high demand for healthcare services has resulted in the expansion and construction of several new facilities throughout the region.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Fitzsimons Life Science District

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The former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora is undergoing redevelopment into the 578-acre Fitzsimons Life Science District, the nation’s largest scientific and medicalrelated redevelopment project.

Fitzsimons includes the 170-acre Colorado Science + Technology Park.

Modeled after three successful research parks on the east coast, the Park provides opportunities, equipment, facilities, and resources for earlystage and startup research-oriented biotechnology, drug, and medical device development. Established companies can utilize the full-range of resources to operate and grow.

Adjacent to Fitzsimons is the 227-acre Anschutz Medical Campus, which offers administrative and teaching functions, as well as clinical and research programs. The Anschutz Medical Campus is one of the nation’s top academic medical centers and is the heart of an active complex of laboratories, clinics, hospitals, classrooms, and offices.

ealthcare

New facilities at the campus include:

• University of Colorado Denver

• The Children’s Hospital - Aurora: 4th in diabetes

and endocrinology, and 5th in gastroenterology and pulmonology.

The initial phase of the the University of Colorado Denver’s $1.4 billion move to the Anschutz Medical Campus, including relocation of all teaching, clinical, and research programs, completed in 2007.

The University of Colorado Denver is one of the nation’s top academic medical centers.

• McKee Medical Center, Medical Center of the Rockies, and Poudre Valley Hospital each received a 2010

Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Colorado Denver, opened its new $644 million, 820,000-square-foot facility at the Anschutz Medical Campus in 2007.

New Facility Construction

• University of Colorado Hospital - The University of Colorado

• The Children’s Hospital -

Located on 48 acres, the new $458 million state-of-the-art hospital, with 1.4 million square feet, opened in 2007.

• Veteran’s Administration Hospital - The country’s newest veteran’s hospital will open at the campus in 2011.

Outstanding Patient Experience Award from medical ratings company Health Grades Inc. Health Grades selected winning hospitals based on its analysis of a patient survey administered to 3,775 hospitals nationwide.

• Centura Health announced it will build a $23.6 million, 40,000-squarefoot medical office building and a 20,000-square-foot emergency room and imaging center in Castle Rock.

• The new HealthONE Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children completed Phase 1 and 2 in October 2009 on the Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center campus.

Nationally Recognized Healthcare Facilities America’s Best Hospitals 2010 by U.S. News and World Report:

• National Jewish Health -

Named the nation’s top respiratory hospital for the 13th straight year and 15th in pediatric respiratory disorders.

• Craig Hospital Englewood: seventh in rehabilitation for the 21st consecutive year.

• The University of Colorado Hospital - Aurora: 8th in

pulmonary care, 15th in kidney disorders, 19th in rheumatology, and 44th in cancer care.

Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group

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Contact our Business Insurance Specialist Kevin Krupka direct at (720) 974-1702 for a free Review of your Business Insurance Portfolio.

kkrupka@mountaininsurance.com

Contact our Health Insurance Specialist Eric Smith direct at (720)974-1703 for a free Health Insurance quote for you or your family.

eric@mountaininsurance.com

(877) 320-4774 www.mountaininsurance.com/get-a-quote

Healthcare

• Parker Adventist Hospital announced plans for a $76 million expansion and renovation project. The scheduled completion date for the project is mid-2011.

When finished, the expansion is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the hospital.

• St. Anthony’s Central Hospital is constructing a new $500 million, seven-story hospital with 300 beds at a 45-acre site in Lakewood’s Federal Center. Phase I, an orthopaedic specialty hospital, is scheduled to open in Fall 2010. Phase II, an addition to the main hospital, will be complete by Fall 2011.

• Work is under way on Englewoodbased Swedish Medical Center’s $84 million project to upgrade four floors and construct two new units, convert all beds to private patient rooms, and expand the neonatal intensive-care unit. Work will complete in 2011.

• The Medical Center of Aurora is preparing a new $80 million, 140,000-squarefoot tower to include dedicated space for a cardiovascular center of excellence, an expanded ICU, private patient rooms, and additional upgrades.

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Source: Metro Denver Economic Development Corp.

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Major Hospitals Porter Adventist Hospital Denver www.centura.org (303) 778-1955 Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center Denver www.pslmc.com (303) 839-6000 Rose Medical Center Denver www.rosemed.com (303) 320-2121

Saint Joseph Hospital Denver www.saintjosephdenver.org (303) 837-7111

North Suburban Medical Center

The Children’s Hospital Aurora www.childrenshospitalden.org (720) 777-1234

Littleton Adventist Hospital Littleton www.littletonhosp.org (303) 730-8900

University of Colorado Hospital Aurora www.uch.edu (303) 372-0000

North Suburban Medical Center Thornton www.northsuburban.com (303) 451-7800

The Medical Center of Aurora Aurora www.auroramed.com (303) 695-2628

Swedish Medical Center Englewood www.swedishhospital.com (303) 788-5000 Poudre Valley Health System Fort Collins www.pvhs.org (970) 495-7000

Sky Ridge Medical Center Lone Tree www.skyridgemedcenter.com (720) 225-1000

Parker Adventist Hospital Parker www.parkerhospital.org (303) 269-4000

Leisure / Museums

M

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum, founded in 1893, is the largest art museum between Kansas City and the West Coast. In October 2006 it doubled its gallery space with a spectacular new building designed by internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind.

In addition to traveling exhibitions, the museum’s current seven-story building showcases some of its 55,000 plus works of art from around the world, including a world-famous American Indian art collection as well as European, American and Western painting, sculpture, design and textiles.

The museum’s collections of preColumbian and Spanish Colonial art, Asian art and architecture, graphics and design are also exceptional. www.denverartmuseum.org

Welcome to Denver & the Front Range!

Museum of Contemporary Art

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MCA DENVER is an innovative forum for contemporary art that inspires and challenges all audiences, creating understanding and dialog about art of our time. As Denver’s first institution devoted entirely to contemporary art, MCA DENVER is housed in a new environmentally sustainable facility designed by David Adjaye.

(303) 298-7554 x205 www.mcadenver.org

useums

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art was founded in 1972 and is located in a historically land-marked, warehouse building in the heart of downtown Boulder. Since 1972 the museum has exhibited contemporary art by regional, national and international artists presented in three galleries and a 100-set black-box theater.

(303) 443-2122 www.bmoca.org

Denver Museum of Nature & Science The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the premier natural history museums in the country with a diverse array of permanent exhibitions, such as Space Odyssey, Prehistoric Journey and the North American Indian Cultures Hall. In addition, the Museum provides the Denver community highly acclaimed traveling exhibitions, stunning IMAX® films, high-tech planetarium shows, intriguing educational programs, and groundbreaking scientific research projects. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science was voted the top family attraction in Denver.

(303} 322-7009 or (800) 925-2250 www.dmns.org

Colorado History Museum The Colorado History Museum offers a series of dioramas and exhibits that trace the colorful history of the Indians, explorers, gold miners, cowboys and pioneers who have called Colorado home. Exhibits include

an outstanding collection of William Henry Jackson photos and a large diorama of Denver as it appeared in 1860.

(303) 866-3670 www.coloradohistory.org

Black American West Museum The Black American West Museum tells the untold story of African American cowboys, who made up as many as one third of all the cowboys on the great cattle drives. Housed in the home of Dr. Justina Ford, Denver’s first African American doctor, the museum has exhibits, historic photos and artifacts that illustrate the many contributions made by African Americans in settling the West.

(303) 292-2566 www.blackamericanwest.org

Children’s Museum of Denver The Children’s Museum of Denver is a unique participatory museum for children and families to experience hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities. Children can shoot baskets, climb on an authentic fire engine, build toy railroads and shop in a mini supermarket.

(303) 433-7444 www.mychildsmuseum.org

Source: Visit Denver, Convention and Visitors Bureau Visit these Visitor & Convention Bureau sites for more information on Museums in you area of choice: Denver www.denver.org Boulder www.bouldercoloradousa.com Fort Collins www.ftcollins.com

Denver Art Museum

Colorado Tourism Office Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group

arks & olf

Kids cooling off on a hot summer day at a water park in Aurora.

Metro Denver’s mild climate, low humidity, 300 days of sunshine and “Mountain West” lifestyle make being active a state of mind. Stunning landscapes and a variety of activities create a year-round recreational haven.

The City of Denver has the largest public parks system of any U.S. city, including more than 60 miles of bicycle paths. Thousands of acres of open space dot the area, allowing citizens to hike, bike and snowshoe right outside their backyards.

Parks by City/County/State Adams County Parks & Community Resources www.co.adams.co.us Arapahoe/Aurora Parks & Open Space www.auroragov.org Colorado State Parks www.parks.state.co.us Boulder Parks & Recreation www.ci.boulder.co.us/parksrecreation Broomfield Open Space & Trails www.ci.broomfield.co.us Colorado Division of Wildlife www.wildlife.state.co.us Colorado Parks & Recreation Association www.cpra-web.org Denver Parks & Recreation www.denvergov.org/parks Douglas County Parks & Recreation www.douglas.co.us Fort Collins Parks & Recreation www.fcgov.com Jefferson County Open Space www.co.jefferson.co.us

Aurora LRC

Golf Golf can be played year round in the Mile High City! There are more than 100 golf courses, public and private, located throughout the Front Range.

We have just a sample below. Depending on what part of town you want to play in, you can check the town website under golf or recreation. The town websites are listed throughout the “Community Section” of the magazine.

City Park Golf Course

Denver (303) 295-2095 www.cityofdenvergolf.com

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club Denver (303) 371-3131 www.gvrgolf.com

Flatirons Golf Course Boulder (303) 442-7851 www.bouldercolorado.gov

Broadlands Golf Course Broomfield (303) 466-8285 www.broadlandsgolf.com

Leisure / Parks & Golf

PG

Ridge at Castle Pines North Castle Rock (303) 688-0100 www.theridgecpn.com

Buffalo Run Golf Course Commerce City (303) 289-1500 www.buffalorungolfcourse.com

Inverness Golf Course Englewood (800) 832-9057 www.invernessclub.com

Heritage Golf Course Westminster (303) 469-2974 www.ci.westminster.co.us

Golf Resources Colorado Golf Association (303) 366-4653 www.cogolf.org Golf Aurora www.golfaurora.com

City of Arvada

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The following information will help get you started on setting up your new life in the Greater Denver and the Front Range. Please keep this magazine in a convenient location as a valuable resource.

Colorado Tourism Office

etting Started! 

Getting Started!

G

Area Code

Colorado uses ten-digit local dialing.

These are the area codes: Denver/ Boulder (303), (720), Fort Collins (970).

When you dial a phone number, dial the area code first. When dialing long distance, of course, you will dial a 1 plus the area code. Long Distance will depend on your carrier and area.

Utilities

Gas & Electric Xcel Energy (800) 895-4999 www.xcelenergy.com City of Fort Collins (970) 212-2900 www.fcgov.com/utilities

An afternoon walk on Larimer Square in Downtown Denver

Call Before You Dig

Trash Services/Recycling

Call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado three working days before you begin to dig or excavate for location of underground utilities. This service is free.

Call 811 statewide.

Contact your city or town to find out how trash and recycling services work. Most areas are going to have residents contract for waste removal services themselves, but this varies.

Sometimes there is a waste removal contractor set up in your area. Your best bet is to contact the city/town you are in to find out more. You can also ask your REALTORÂŽ, Property Manager or neighbor.

Denver Trash Collection (720) 865-6900

Phone Companies

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Electric service for those outside city limits of Fort Collins.

(970) 226-1234 www.pvrea.com

Qwest Telephone/Internet (800) 244-1111

Water & Sewer Companies

Cable/Satellite

AT & T (800) 222-0300

City of Boulder Utilities Division (303) 441-3200

Comcast (800) 288-2085

Waste Management (303) 797-1600 Denver (970) 482-6319 Fort Collins

Aurora Water & Sanitation (303) 739-7388

Qwest (800) 244-1111

Lawn & Garden Questions

City of Fort Collins (970) 212-2900

Direct TV (800) 539-9953

Denver Water Department (303) 893-2444

Dish Network (800) 784-5670

The South Adams County Water and Sanitation District www.sacwsd.org (303) 288-2646

Summertime and gardening go hand in hand in Colorado. Xeriscape is popular, which is a water-conserving landscape that includes trees, plants and colorful flowers. Each county has a Cooperative Extension that is available to answer lawn and garden questions. Phone lines are staffed by Master Gardeners and other professionals in horticulture.

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