Conifer, Colorado

Yes, I know. Conifer is not a resort town. We mentioned that we were willing to investigate any location someone might be interested in. Well one of our followers was interested in a "front range bedroom/active retirement" community.

We want to be clear, Conifer is NOT the only community that meets this description. However, when we started getting specific with respect to affordability, local services, ease of travel, etc., Conifer was in the top 3 more than anything else on the list.

Affordability

It used to be that whenever you went into the foothills, the price of the home just went up and you were going to find old summer cabins that have been renovated to include year-round water supplies. Those days are gone, at least within a 45 minute drive to the "flatlands".

Now there are newer, quality designed homes on paved roads. When we performed the reverse trend analysis, some towns weren't as stable as Conifer. We credit this to the recent service and transportation improvements (more on that later). The Bottom line - Conifer home values showed a decrease, but within the realm of 1,2, & 3 sigma analysis, it was a very healthy decrease. (Translate - Home values are not as susceptible to changes in external economic factors. i.e. oil prices, defense budgets, etc).

Some subdivisions did better than others, so seek out a respectable Realtor to show you around. (Yes, we can help you here.)

Local Services

Conifer has always had services for your everyday needs. 20 years ago the choices were very limited and you were better off going into Denver for whatever you needed. From 2000 to 2006, two very large shopping centers were completed. One center was anchored by King Soopers and the other by its competitor Safeway. This created a snowball effect with the previously existing service centers upgrading their locations.

New restaurants, boutique retail stores, medical centers, and national chain services are now available.

Transportation

20 years ago it took right at 1 hour or more to get to the western edge of Littleton/Lakewood. Now that same drive is less than half the time (30 minutes). The original 2 lane, winding canyon road has been straightened, divided and is at least 2 lanes in either direction. Exiting Hwy 285 no longer means risking death from a fast moving semi from behind. Roads leading to subdivisions now have exit lanes and over/under passes.

During the economic prosperity years, home values and the tax base increased. Additional funds were used to install curb, gutters and pave residential roads. Some of these roads access homes above 11,000 feet in elevation.

In addition to road improvements, snow removal equipment has also been enhanced. This is do in large part to the state funds received for every student who attends school. In essence, no student in school means less state funds. Even on snow days.

Never Fly Solo.