Help! My husband's work wants to move us to Parker, Colorado, probably this fall. We went out to Elizabeth looking for "country" but the realtor told us we would have to go "way out" to find a place that would allow goats or chickens, and that the counties in Colorado set restrictions. One of my husband's co-workers has given us some hope that we might be able to pursue our lifestyle in Kiowa area, with a 30 minute comute. We homeschool six, enjoy raising goats, poultry, rabbits, fruit trees and gardens. Is there a place for us in this area? Any suggestions from folks who know the area would be greatly appreciated. mary

-- marygarcia,tx (marylgarcia@aol.com), January 10, 2001

Answers

Mary: I go through Kiowa frequently, and live about 40miles south of there. Yes, you could persue the lifestyle you have and want there. You could also do it in SOME parts of the county around Parker, but it has become upper yuppyville. VERY expensive to live in or near Parker. Lovely, but very expensive homes there. Do you need some real estate listings from the newspaper? If there is anything specific you would like, email me directly, and I would be glad to help. Jan in Colorado

-- Jan in Colorado (Janice12@aol.com), January 11, 2001.

All of eastern Colorado is very accepting of what you want. I packed one bag at 18, took a train to CO (f/IA) and have been here almost 30 years. You pay for the mtns. but well worth it!! DW

-- DW (djwallace@ctos.com), January 11, 2001.

Mary: ANothe thought occurred to me after I pposted to you last night. Kiowa is pretty high in altitude, so you will be limited as to what, if any fruit trees you could grow. MAYBE some of the apples, but not much else. Short growing season, but nice and green. Another area, just 10 miles from there that might be good besides Elizabeth, is Elbert. Also, Franktown or surrounding area. Jan

-- Jan in Colorado (Janice12@aol.com), January 11, 2001.

Jan, I haven't been to Denver in a LONG time. What is the population of Denver and surrounding area? Is Denver suburbs down to Castle Rock yet?

-- JLS in NW AZ (stalkingbull007@AOL.com), January 13, 2001.

I would not wish the metro Denver area on my worst enemy! Lived there in the 70's and 80's, family is still there (I was in The Pinery in Parker when Parker was a cow town, now just a suburb). Yes, it is solid city from Denver to Colorado Springs and beyond!! Don't do it is my recommendation! BTW:I went to HS in Castle Rock, so I am familiar with the area, and it is terrible. Smog, traffic, high realty prices etc etc etc... DON'T do it!! : )

-- Teresa (stcobb@micoks.net), January 13, 2001.

My parent's live not far from Kiowa and you can find places were you can keep various livestock. However, be prepared for staggering prices!!! My parent's 8 acre homestead is about 20 minutes from Parker, but is across the county line in Elbert County. They bought 9 yrs ago for $129,000 and now the homes in the area are all well over $250,000. My husband and I spent the first 2 years of our marriage looking for "affordable" entry level homes near the Parker & denver area were we could keep my horses. We finally had to move to a so-so area near Brighton. One unfenced acre with a run down modular cost us $125,000 last December. It was considered a bargain, the only thing we found in 2 yrs of searching. We are fixing up and hoping to move next year. Traffic is bad, taxes high, and just recently the Public Service gave us a 40% heating bill hike! Oh, my parent's have peaches, cherries, and some other fruits. None have been successful accept the cherries. But I do see lots of apples all over so that might work too. They did get a nice crop off their berry bushes tho! :-)

-- elle (eagle-quest@juno.com), January 15, 2001.

There are a few wide open spaces between Denver and Colorado Springs, but they are few and far between. Drove up past Denver today, and couldn't stand the air! Gets better as you get down by Kiowa, though. It is much prettier around Kiowa and Elizabeth, and after living all over this country and in Korea and Hawaii, I can definitely say everyplace has it's good and bad points, and it's what is in your heart and home that make the difference. You either take the happiness with you, or the misery. Sounds like you have a pretty close family, Mary, and I think you will do just fine. Jan

-- Jan in Colorado (Janice12@aol.com), January 15, 2001.