View Full Version : Anyone live in Franktown or Elizabeth?
We're thinking of moving out of Highlands Ranch to get some land and I'm curious what the feedback is on Franktown and Elizabeth. We're also considering Sedalia but so far we like the properties we've seen in the Franktown / Elizabeth area better. We're trying to stay within about 45 min or so of Highlands Ranch to be near the Grandparents.
I've driven through both plenty of times and my wife went to high school in Elisabeth back in 2001 but neither of us know how it is today.
Also curious if you can shoot on your own property. I know Douglas has a 500' rule for shotguns and pellet guns and 1500' for rifles and handguns and it looks like Elbert has a rule that there is no shooting at all in neighborhoods where the lots are less than 10 acres. Just curious if anyone has any experience with either of these laws and how they're typically applied. How about archery? I can't see there being an actual safety issue shooting a bow at a backstop on a 10 acre lot.
Wife and I live in Castle Rock but we want to move that way next. We're looking at Elizabeth due to there being a Walmart and other things. Franktown is pretty quiet in terms of stores/conveniences. But then again, you're moving to the country so conveniences aren't usually on top of the "must have" list. I have lots of customers that live out that way and they're the types you'd expect. Good, down to Earth country folk. Other than that, I can't personally say how living there is these days.
RCCrawler
09-29-2014, 14:13
This member has a sweet place just south of Franktown for sale. I was down there in March and it's a really cool setup.
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/134867-Amazing-Secluded-55-acre-ranch-and-home
I know of 3 members on here that live in elizabeth. I have a friend that lives there and its awesome! I want to buy a place out there as well. Discounts? :)
twitchyfinger
09-29-2014, 15:27
Parents live in Burning Tree ranch and have a 5 acre ranchete I'm sure they would sell that is right in Franktown. Property is fenced and crossed fenced for horses and has a gorgeous 3 stall barn also. They are both retired and will be looking for a house that is more "senior" friendly sooner than later.
They both moved there after living in Highlands Ranch for 25 years. The house was a foreclosure that needed remodeled when they bought it 5 years ago. In that 5 years time they/we have extensively remodeled/updated it. Like I said they will be looking for a place more senior friendly soon enough.
All you guys with land or family with land make me jealous.
Seriously BUY MY HOME! This place has the most amazing seclusion one can find on the front range. Shoot, ATV, Hell I even have a boulder rock crawling course set up, Grow your own beef, sheep, chickens, WALK AROUND NAKED, Hunt Deer, turkey, doves, ducks, geese, and coyotes.
I have a build thread somewhere on this site, but here is my listing. http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/7712-E-Greenland-Rd_Franktown_CO_80116_M20191-86694?row=23
We are thinking of a price drop so I can cut you an even better deal.
Here is my flip thread.
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/134363-MY-Flip-sort-of
Herman, I really wish I could. :(
twitchyfinger
09-29-2014, 16:19
No kidding! Besides being outside my means I just moved up north 2 years ago but also drooled all over that when I saw you put that up for sale Herman. Rare gem for sure!
Wife and I have lived around Elizabeth now for 16 years. We just sold our last house that was N.E. of town about 12 miles that sits on 4 acres and had HOA. there was no problem shooting archery, but anything that went bang was a no no.
Our new house sits on 40 acres just south of town and no problem shooting, what ever ya want. Most all my neighbors shoot too. We love it out there.
Plus Elbert county doesn't require emissions and when you buy big ticket items you pay lower taxes and no RTD tax. Septic and water wells so you don't have those expenses from the city either.
TrnCO...more less where south of Elizabth??
Here is my flip thread.
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/134363-MY-Flip-sort-of
What's the story with the 2nd building - it's that 2-story behind the house, right? Pretty bad shape?
bout 2.5 miles south, off of Rd. 9-15
Tks...same area we are looking into, gonna be a few years till we move tho
Thanks for all the feedback. We're not quite ready yet; we've still got to have the baby in 6 weeks and get this house up for sale. One nice thing about Highlands Ranch is that the last 4 houses on our street all sold within 1 week (last one was just last week).
Seeing some nice neighborhoods both north and south (a couple 10 mi North and one 6 mi due south) of the town with 35 acre + lots.
What's the story with the 2nd building - it's that 2-story behind the house, right? Pretty bad shape?
It can be anything you want. Yes it is not in the greatest shape, but it could be great. Shoot me an offer and I will make it anything you want it to be. It has gas, electric, and drywall. It is a art studio. That works great as a warm place to call coyotes in from.
I live just outside of town on 5 acres with zero hoa rules. Been out here about 15 yrs without much to complain about except the drive. If you like to do things in Denver and go out to it eat a lot I would look as close to Castle Rock as you can afford. We pretty much have everything you could want out here except a lumber yard. Plus Ben Lomand is only about a 40 minute drive and they still have openings. So if you find a place that you don't want to shoot on the property that is always an option.
One more thing Franktown is still Douglas County which I wouldn't live in if I had the choice to live in Elbert County.
urbandiesel
09-30-2014, 10:01
I live 6 miles NW of Elizabeth, and it is great. It is 13 miles into Parker if I need anything else that Elizabeth doesn't have. Short section of gravel road with 3 other houses on it. I haven't had any problems shooting out there either.
JMBD2112
09-30-2014, 11:17
Temporarily living in Burning Tree ranch while were house hunting, unfortunately everything in Franktown is WAY out of our price range so we'll probably end up in Elizabeth too, but I love Franktown.
Looking for any updates on Elizabeth, we're seriously considering putting an offer in on a house that's about 2.5 miles due north of town. Looks like a nice area and no HOA. We spent the day hanging out in town, checking out who was at the Wal-Mart and Big-R (surprised to find a Glock 43 at the Big-R). :)
Can anyone with younger kids comment on the schools, we've got one going into 6th and one into 4th next year. This school looks pretty interesting online but we just saw it so haven't had a chance to do much research http://www.legacyk8.org/
A former member here who has since moved out of state had his kids in school in elizabeth through I believe most of middle school and had very good things to say. Wish I had more info that that, but his wife is a teacher and liked the school and the way they were being taught if that says anything
osok-308
04-25-2015, 23:17
Currently living in franktown and relocating to elizabeth to get more space i.e. acreage (wife loves horses, I love shooting. It's a win-win). It's great out here. It takes a little longer to get some places, but it's worth it for sure. I don't have kids, so I can't say anything in that aspect, but everything else is great.
SamuraiCO
04-26-2015, 11:30
My bees are at a friends home just N of Elizabeth. I would move out there in a heartbeat if it were 5 years later and closer to retirement. Great area and there is a group of us that are already linked in together for....well mutual friendship.
We have a shooting pit on his land and will shoot pistols quite often. Let me know if you move out there and we will have you over for some fun.
My bees are at a friends home just N of Elizabeth. I would move out there in a heartbeat if it were 5 years later and closer to retirement. Great area and there is a group of us that are already linked in together for....well mutual friendship.
We have a shooting pit on his land and will shoot pistols quite often. Let me know if you move out there and we will have you over for some fun.
That sounds like a great time, we're about 80% sure we're going to make an offer. The lot is 10 acres (as are all the surrounding lots) so not idea for shooting but I figure we can set up an archery range and not worry about someone calling the police if we're taking care of rabbits with a pellet gun.
That sounds like a great time, we're about 80% sure we're going to make an offer. The lot is 10 acres (as are all the surrounding lots) so not idea for shooting but I figure we can set up an archery range and not worry about someone calling the police if we're taking care of rabbits with a pellet gun.
I was riding with an ECSO deputy and I think he said 20 acres. But then again most of the people out their are pro 2A.
osok-308
04-26-2015, 13:28
That sounds like a great time, we're about 80% sure we're going to make an offer. The lot is 10 acres (as are all the surrounding lots) so not idea for shooting but I figure we can set up an archery range and not worry about someone calling the police if we're taking care of rabbits with a pellet gun.
The plot we're moving to is 40 acres. I'd rather not scare wildlife away and to be courteous to our neighbors, for this reason, I'm going to be saving up for my first suppressor so I can shoot my pistol without my wife or our animals hating all of the noise. (That's how I'm going to justify it to her anyways).
Also, if you use a .22 rifle, it might not create enough noise to upset the neighbors (provided you're not going an a rabbit killing rampage one night)
Anything other than a pellet gun would definitely be suppressed. :-)
40 acres would be nice but we're having trouble finding the right mix of house and land. We looked at one on 40 acres as well but it was a bit too rustic. They had a freshly skinned coyote pelt on the fence.
Where do you guys work if you live further out than Franktown? Cant imagine driving from past Franktown to the tech center every day.
Before we moved from N.E. of Elizabeth to the south side, my wife drove to the Tech Center every day and now she works from home and is one happy camper. I drive to the Pinery for work, which ain't bad at all. I'm darn happy I don't have to go further than that, because that's about where the traffic starts to get heavy.
SamuraiCO
04-27-2015, 11:38
Interesting how the sound does not carry as much as one might think. The neighbor across the street is often shooting their AR type rifles and the noise is negligible. When we are shooting at the pit you can't hear us shooting up at their home.
Will be out there in due time.
Where do you guys work if you live further out than Franktown? Cant imagine driving from past Franktown to the tech center every day.
I work from home and just need access to DIA once or twice a month so it wouldn't be a big deal now but a job in Denver or further NOrth would sure make the drive a PITA.
For those in the Elizabeth area, who do you use for internet? This could actually be a deal breaker since I need to move about 1GB per day, sometimes up to 5GB just for work, no surfing for fun.
my biggest question would be how much are water and sewer taps. i would just buy land and build on it honestly. but the water and sewer taps in broomfield boggled my mind. i still think its worth it, customizing your house is pretty nice, but wow compared to illinois its just unreal.
For those in the Elizabeth area, who do you use for internet? This could actually be a deal breaker since I need to move about 1GB per day, sometimes up to 5GB just for work, no surfing for fun.
Depends on where you are. Some places are serviced by Comcast. I'm lucky enough to be in http://www.aerux.com/ service area, it's a little more but no Comcast bullshait.
Depends on where you are. Some places are serviced by Comcast. I'm lucky enough to be in http://www.aerux.com/ service area, it's a little more but no Comcast bullshait.
Cool, I'll add them to my list. Any issues or have they been good to work with?
We'd be 2.5 mi. north but Comcast said they don't cover it.
osok-308
04-27-2015, 18:33
Where do you guys work if you live further out than Franktown? Cant imagine driving from past Franktown to the tech center every day.
I currently work in Golden, (yes I know how far that is) but I only have to do it three times a week. The wife runs her business from home, so we save on gas there, which I MORE than make up for.
Wow, I guess you have to find the right gig or start your own biz to live out there. There are so many jobs once you get north of Lincoln but south of that good luck. Would love to live out that way but I am very happy with my 12 minute drive. There are some great properties between Castle Rock and the Springs and out passed Elizabeth but an hour each way to/from work is 10 hours a week where I am not making money and have to pay for that much more gas/wear n tear on the wheels. By the time I would get home I would have no time to play in my huge yard with my cool toys.
Some day when I retire....
For those in the Elizabeth area, who do you use for internet?we use Kellin.
my biggest question would be how much are water and sewer taps We're on our own well and septic, in other words, no sewer or tap fees.
we use Kellin.
We're on our own well and septic, in other words, no sewer or tap fees.
sure, but there are well and septic fees. most the places I looked they are about the same cost as taps due to the depth.
I dream about living like this every day. Every day! God, I wish I could find a decent paying job.....
Man, you guys have made it sound so good I think we're up to about a 95% chance of making an offer. My wife and I both grew up on small properties in CO, me on 3 acres about 7 mi West of Brighton and her just outside of Elizabeth. The kids are so excited they can hardly contain themselves.
I have to thank the hot Denver market that has increased Highlands Ranch 30% while not doing near as much for places like Elizabeth. That's also a negative as we know a house in Castle Rock would appreciate much faster but if this house was anywhere near Castle Rock it would probably cost 50% more (we've been looking at every single house hitting Douglas or Elbert county with more than 3 acres for the last 5 months).
I really appreciate all the feedback and advice and maybe we'll get to take some of you out to lunch soon... if you live close to Elizabeth. ;-)
Great-Kazoo
04-28-2015, 23:00
Man, you guys have made it sound so good I think we're up to about a 95% chance of making an offer. My wife and I both grew up on small properties in CO, me on 3 acres about 7 mi West of Brighton and her just outside of Elizabeth. The kids are so excited they can hardly contain themselves.
I have to thank the hot Denver market that has increased Highlands Ranch 30% while not doing near as much for places like Elizabeth. That's also a negative as we know a house in Castle Rock would appreciate much faster but if this house was anywhere near Castle Rock it would probably cost 50% more (we've been looking at every single house hitting Douglas or Elbert county with more than 3 acres for the last 5 months).
I really appreciate all the feedback and advice and maybe we'll get to take some of you out to lunch soon... if you live close to Elizabeth. ;-)
With kids the only issue is driving them around till they're old enough to drive them self. Other than that go for it, you'll be there till the kids graduate, why not. If not in a few years you will wish you did it.
With kids the only issue is driving them around till they're old enough to drive them self. Other than that go for it, you'll be there till the kids graduate, why not. If not in a few years you will wish you did it.
Only a 3 mile bike ride to the Super Wal-Mart..... I guess that's considered child abuse today though isn't it. I used to ride the 7 mi to the 7/11 in Brighton to play asteroids and the to the Adams County fair grounds to go fishing on the way home. My mom would have probably been locked up and I would have been sent some parents who really "loved" me..... I can't believe how messed up things are these days.
bout 2.5 miles south, off of Rd. 9-15
Have a long time friend with a ranch out there off 9-15. Very short range behind the barn but he sold his back 40 and the new neighbor has a couple med range berms setup.
Coincidence? You probably know him.
DangerLee_Industries
04-29-2015, 08:11
Shoot me a pm or call my shop line with any general questions about out here 303-646-2456. The house directly behind us is almost finished getting gutted and completely re-done. It's only on one acre and I'm guessing the price will be 350,000ish but it will be brand new plus I have a little one.
Coincidence? You probably know him. coincidence indeed. John got a dozen tandem axle truck loads of dirt for his short range berm behind his barn, and I used some more dirt for my 100, 200, 300, and 400 yard range. Yip, I am that new neighbor of his.
coincidence indeed. John got a dozen tandem axle truck loads of dirt for his short range berm behind his barn, and I used some more dirt for my 100, 200, 300, and 400 yard range. Yip, I am that new neighbor of his.
haha, awesome. I thought that might be the case. We met at the Xmas party. At least he has super neighbors.
Living pretty much in Parker, I'm so envious of you guys with room to stretch and a lifestyle to accommodate it. I know it takes dedication and hard work.
Back to take a second look today and it looks like we will be making an offer. Found out that one of the 4 neighbors is a gunsmith and has a small range on his property. I'm wondering if it's someone on the board here, so if you're just north of Elizabeth in a small neighborhood with one of the houses for sale, we just may be your new neighbors. ;-)
If you want to know about the schools shoot me a PM. I have a girl in 7th grade and she went to Legacy for a year but switched back to EMS.
Damn we are going to have to have an Elizabeth meet and greet at a range this summer.
I'm a couple months from PCS to Ft Carson, these towns sound nice but puts the commute at near 50 miles one way. I would like to have a few empty acres nearby (owned/leased or not, could just be friendly neighbors) where I could shoot.
Any recommendations? I've heard a wide range of recommendations but nothing really seems reasonably close to CS/Carson. Land doesn't have to be good for hunting I'm talking about plinking or shooting 50-100 for load development (groups/Chronographing).
Land any where near a large city is non-existent, or prohibitively expensive. You can't shoot near the city anyway.
Aloha_Shooter
05-02-2015, 11:52
I'm a couple months from PCS to Ft Carson, these towns sound nice but puts the commute at near 50 miles one way. I would like to have a few empty acres nearby (owned/leased or not, could just be friendly neighbors) where I could shoot.
Any recommendations? I've heard a wide range of recommendations but nothing really seems reasonably close to CS/Carson. Land doesn't have to be good for hunting I'm talking about plinking or shooting 50-100 for load development (groups/Chronographing).
Honestly, your best bet is to plan on doing your load development at the Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex on Fort Carson. If you're looking to shoot on your own land, you're going to have to bite the bullet and plan on being a good 45+ miles away.
Made the offer, wish us luck. Should know my noon tomorrow if they've accepted.
It sounds like we need an Elizabeth meet up sometime in the near future. :)
It sounds like we need an Elizabeth meet up sometime in the near future. it sure does. Quite a few of us in the area.
Best of luck in sealin' the deal....on the new digs.
Bumping this thread as I can't sleep. Too much on my mind, we are under contract on a house in north Elizabeth. Would have been nice to have a little more land, but he house is $120k cheaper than any other house we've looked at the past 6 months.
Hoping everything goes well with all the inspections.
Nice. Closer to Delbert Rd?
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.