Erie Colorado Evolves

by Paula King, Erie Real Estate

Erie Village is a popular housing option in Erie, Colorado

Erie, Colorado is one of the fastest growing communities in the greater Denver/Boulder area.  When the new elementary school opened last year, the enrollment was already over capacity.  Now, another new elementary is slated to be built in the Canyon Creek subdivision and will open as soon as 2011.

Erie Village is a custom home community set near Old Town Erie that is composed of Victorian and Craftsman exteriors with all the modern interior finishes.

The local park at Erie Village contributes to the sense of community.

It is encircled by walking and bike trails and has three parks within its boundaries. 1233 Tyler Place.com is a perfect example of the blend of old and new.  Front porches are a must here and neighborhood gatherings happen throughout the year.  Prices range from the mid-200′s for a patio home to $695,000 for a newly constructed main floor master with mountain views, backing to open space.

Erie, a Denver suburb, is equidistant from both Boulder and Denver; an easy 20 -30 minute commute.  It has a wide variety of housing choices.  There is the golf course community of Vista Ridge on the southeast corner, where home prices range from the high 200′s to over $1 million and boast breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Erie has won awards for its city planning and is on a building frenzy.  Since the opening last January of the new library and recreation center, a church has broken ground, a Walgreens is opening within the month and the new 40+ acre town park is underway.  The Old Town is located on Briggs Street and contains a block of historical and not so historical structures.  The Erie Historical Society just received a grant to do further study on what buildings should get historical designation.

There has been a flury of building activity on the southern tip of Briggs (SoDo?).  Handsome brick buildings across from the new park are grouped together to link the Old Town with the New Town.  A dental office, Liu’s Chinese (a local favorite), sports store, bank and salon have all taken space, with a bar-b-que coming soon.

Erie is also is pursuing a Request for Proposals for an economic development marketing plan.  Because of its location, cost of living and quality of life, it is the perfect area to attract aerospace, bio-science and renewable energy business.

Erie is growing an 14% per year in population.  The town trustees’ Economic Development Plan of 2007 proposed goals of “expanding retail/commercial development; providing opportunities for residents to pursue ‘meaningful employment’ in the community; creating an environment conducive to starting and maintaining successful businesses; and, building a reputation for Erie as being a town of quality locations for living, working and business,” per the ERIE REVIEW.  They are certainly on the right track.