So, I'm currently looking at two jobs. The first will enable me to stay in Colorado Springs, enjoy the same commute I have for the last few years, and continue to enjoy the same work environment I already know.

The second is in Denver. I just shuddered a little bit when I said that. Denver. Ugh.

Anyhow. If the Denver job pans out, I'll likely commute for a bit while we figure out what to do with our house and possibly look for another. This is where you come in. I'm looking for recommendations as to where a good place to live is.

Our criteria are:
Good schools
Kid friendly
Quiet areas
Areas where we'll likely find detached garages/shops
Homes likely to have 3+ bedrooms
Trees
Parks
Low crime rates (obvious)
Very high tax rates on recreational marijuana/low density of pot shops, recreational or otherwise
Reasonably close to indoor/outdoor firing ranges

Bottom line: we like neighborhoods with kids, parks, and schools close by. We want to be close to wildlife. We want to be in area where I can continue to enjoy Broncos.

So, let's hear your ideas for where we should live next.

Oh, I should also mention that I would be working near the Pepsi Center. So, I'd like to keep the commute somewhat reasonable. (Read: if I'm driving an hour and a half, I might as well stay here)

Most of Arvada meets that criteria. Even a nice little indoor gun range where you can come and go as you please.

That being said, I'd stay in the springs. I hate the metro area and am currently plotting my way out.

Not sure about the gun ranges or pot shops, but the area around my house meets most of those criteria, and the Pepsi center is less than 20 minutes away with no traffic.

Littleton around C470 and Wadsworth. Nice community older houses and large lots, no HOA. It's the area north of C470. The houses vary from huge and beautiful and run down shacks. If I were looking this is the area I'd look at. Yeah and they have all the other stuff too. I believe a couple of members live there but aren't active.

That stretch between Titan road and Sedalia is enticing.

Or on the north side of town. 136th and north there are a few neighborhoods like that. I would say todd creek on highway 7 but you want no HOA.

Plus be warned you will then have to deal with emissions on your truck and other vehicles if you come to denver.

Oh here is a nice area:

I'm at highway 7 and I25 on the west side. I love the area. I'm typically 30 minutes to anywhere. The commute in the mornings can be hit or miss. If you are on the road by 6:30am it's typically not an issue. Afternoons usually take 45 minutes to get home from downtown if I leave after 4pm.

Great suggestions so far. I was checking out the Sedalia area last night. Also did a little poking around in the Morrison area.

Emissions is something I already have to deal with. Diesels are statewide. Fortunately, all of the Broncos are older than I am so they are exempt.

If you want to be out a little further Evergreen might be a good option. No idea about the schools out there. We've been happy with the Jeffco school our son is in, but it's worth checking the ratings for your neighborhood schools as there can be a big difference within the same district.

I would second the Arvada or southwest of Denver areas. Avoid the commute coming down from the north on I-25 at all costs, it will drive you mad to do it anytime during the day. Coming from the west or south is much more manageable especially if you don't have to travel I-25. Sante Fe is ok - it can get backed up but its better than the tech center or the funnel near Broadway and I-25. I am unable to offer any other advices as I live in Denver proper, have a short communte >1 miles and besides the lack of bronco space and a few little gripes I love it.

If we ever move it will be the same criteria that you listed and i have looked down near Sedlia and arvada... some nice places out there.

Hurry up and decide I have a bronco thats lonely ;)

I'll second Chris' advice. Having done the I-25 thing through downtown, from up north it's a colossal PITA. Hwy 6 and Santa Fe aren't bad. I live very close to the base of I-70 just before it heads into the mountains and can get to Pepsi center in 30-35 minutes during rush hour. Way faster than coming down from 104th, which is similar mileage. I'm also 20-25 minutes from Idaho Springs, making skiing, wheeling and other mountain stuff way more accessible than when I lived in Frederick. Door to door from my place to Keystone is often under an hour in good weather.

Every time I go to Denver, I remember why I don't live there anymore. Contrary to what I said in my job interviews over the years I'm not really a "people Person".......But I like you guys

Man why all the hate? Denver is a great city!

...if you like cities. I'm very happy out in the 'burbs. Home Depot, the mountains, and the parts stores are close, but I'd rather stab myself in the eye than live anywhere more urban. Don't want to deal with the downtown/lodo BS and traffic.

I guess I'm the minority. I like the city, but wouldn't live in Lodo for sure. I'm 10 mins to HD, quick access to I-70 but I have good, unique, local restaraunts and bars within walking and biking distance. I tried the 'burbs life and couldn't handle it. Too many big boxes, HOAs, cookie cutter houses and keeping up with the Joneses attitudes. To each his own!

If I had my wishes, I'd be on a 200+ acre secluded mountain property somewhere...

Growing up in a small town where we have 1 (yep, 1) stoplight, then moving to Denver for school was a more intense a culture shock for me than moving to Germany. I spent 9 years in Denver, even the 'burbs are a little too much for me.

I don't mind visiting now and again tho.

I grew up in the 'burbs of Columbus, OH. Then spent 4 years living new Ohio State campus (somewhat downtown, somewhat bad neighborhood) and had a blast. I never imagined I'd like a small town. Then I moved to the sticks (Gunnison), and after just a few months here, decided I'd never be able to live in any kind of city again. I'd live in the woods, if I didn't have to work. But a 3 minute commute, and being able to come home to eat lunch are pretty great.

Looks like I'll be enjoying my in town country manor a bit longer. Got a call back and offer on a job here locally in the Springs.

Congrats on the new position and congrats on not having to move - it sucks. Best of luck in the new job.

That settles it!