Louisville tops list of Best Places to Live

Colorado seems to have representation on every “best of” list out there, so it’s no surprise that yet another Colorado community heads up Money magazine’s latest Best Places to Live ranking of America’s small towns.

With a population of 18,800 people, a strong economy and plenty of outdoor activities, Money ranked Louisville as the best place to live for 2009. Ranked 13th, another Boulder County community – Superior – was the only other Colorado town to appear on the list.

Money’s findings were based on measuring and weighting factors Americans value most, including jobs and a strong economy, low crime, affordable homes, activities, schools, health care, diversity, weather and more. In addition to those factors, Money looked for that something special, such as community spirit, positive attitudes and old-fashioned charm, that makes a town the place to raise a family.

The magazine highlighted Louisville’s ice cream shops and Waterloo Café; its summer-long Friday-night street fair, complete with a beer garden, live music, and games for the kids, that runs all summer; a low unemployment rate, thanks to “robust” industries including high-tech, energy and health-care; high-rated schools; and plenty to do outdoors, such as nearly 30 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park that is less than an hour away and world-class ski resorts within a two-hour drive. Those factors, along with great weather, little crime rate, good health care and low taxes make Louisville the town to beat.

Money reported that, with Denver, Boulder, and Eldora Mountain Ski Resort each less than an hour away, Superior’s name reflects its location, as well. Its 27 miles of trails, 594 acres of parks and open space, and nearby employers including University of Colorado, Sun Microsystems, IBM and Ball Aerospace, make Superior an ideal town to live in, as well.

Here’s a look at the small towns that made Money’s top 10 Best Places to Live 2009:

Rock Creek - Home & Community

Find a Home and a Community in Rock Creek
Are you looking for a home in Boulder County but having trouble finding one that meets all of your needs? Rock Creek, the master-planned community located in Superior and adjacent to Flatiron Crossing Mall, may be the diamond in this rough market for which you have been looking. This community has a wide variety of options for single-family homes ranging in price from $299,000 to $1.2 million. Other options, such as condos and townhomes, also exist; this wonderfully designed community has something for everyone. With the location, amenities, and recent market slowdown, this is the perfect time to explore all of the potential deals within Rock Creek. RE/MAX of Boulder is very familiar with this subdivision and your agent would be happy to help you explore the opportunities available you within it.

Rock Creek’s location and amenities make it one of the most desirable places to live in Boulder County. The neighborhood is situated just minutes east of Boulder off of U.S. 36 and is within half of an hour of downtown Denver, as well. One of the benefits of the Boulder County address is access to Boulder Valley School District schools. With two excellent schools in the community, Superior Elementary and Eldorado K-8, it is an ideal place to raise a family. Residents of Rock Creek report feeling a strong sense of community because of the homes’ proximity to the schools and a variety of other activities, such as concerts, parades and pool parties sponsored by the active HOA within Rock Creek. Amenities include two pools, an extensive trail system, pocket parks, and a community park with baseball fields and a newly completed turf field. Flatiron Crossing Mall, dining, shopping, and movie theatres are all within walking distance of Rock Creek. With the great location and array of amenities, it is easy to see why people who buy in Rock Creek typically stay in Rock Creek.

What does this mean for you? Whether you are a buyer or an investor, you can find potential deals within Rock Creek. This subdivision provides access to the benefits of luxury living with a Boulder County address at a discounted price. Although a fair amount of inventory is on the market, the demand for homes in Rock Creek is strong, with the most activity directed toward homes priced at less than $350,000. Although sales are slower for homes in the $500,000-plus range, homes that are priced well and on nice lots are still selling. With a good rental market, increasing rental rates, decreasing availability of single-family homes at reasonable prices in Boulder, and the sense of community as well as access to amenities in Rock Creek, it is the time for you to explore the many options available in this subdivision. Contact your RE/MAX of Boulder Realtor today.

RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc. offers some advice to buyers and sellers: Although this is a buyer’s market, sellers don’t have to give their homes away. Houses that are priced well are still selling between 60 and 90 days in most instances. People who have lived in Rock Creek have had the opportunity to experience how great living in this community really is. A demand for housing in great communities with a plenty of amenities and excellent schools will always exist. Rock Creek is that community and plenty of buyers are actively looking now.

By RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc.