Getting your player ready...
Lost behind the hoopla of Denver’s hot real estate market is how much of that heat is coming from aged-55-plus buyers who are deciding to live along the Front Range, rather than in tired retirement spots like Florida and California. If you want concrete proof, come see what’s happening at master-planned Anthem Ranch in Broomfield: six newly designed, eye-catching Toll Brothers ranch-style models on view – but already 103 of those homes sold, many of them to people who never saw a model before they got involved.
“What’s happening now is really amazing,” says Leslie Reed, who’ll be on hand with Melanie McKenna today to show you those ranches. “We’re actually seeing some buyers who end up purchasing over the phone, never being here.” That’s right in line with a new ranking by CNN/Money Magazine this month, listing the nation’s “Best States to Retire” – showing Colorado as the No. 2 most ideal location in the country – rated way, way ahead of Sunny Cal and Florida. Nice weather is a factor, Money says – but also lower crime, better health care, and a more nurturing fiscal climate to make retirement dollars go further. McKenna and Reed say those factors pale in comparison to a Colorado lifestyle that appeals to a new generation of 55-plus buyers, 40 percent of them coming from out of state. “Many of these people aren’t retired at all,” says McKenna. “They ski, hike and bike, and they like being close to Boulder for the shopping and the trails into the foothills.” At Anthem they have 48 miles of trail and 735 acres of open space right on site, along with a resort-styled community center with indoor-outdoor pools that generate loads of events and clubs. For that “younger” market, Toll Brothers has 14 plans showcased from six ranch models, representing three collections. “You’re going to see a much younger, more contemporary approach to design,” adds McKenna. “These Toll Brothers interiors are wide open and luxurious.” All of that was looking good to Robert and Sharon Mitchell from Orange County, California – out checking details on a new home they purchased the day before, putting them close to a daughter who has already moved to the area from California. Like all of the most recent buyers, the Mitchells are carefully planning their move – anticipating that their Anthem Ranch home won’t be completed until late in the year. “If you want to be part of this, you need to tour the models now and let us help you make plans,” Reed adds. What happens if you wait to see what the market looks like next year? “You’ll miss a great opportunity,” says Reed. Take I-25 north just past 470 to Highway 7 (Baseline Road to Boulder); head west three miles to Lowell; then south a mile to Anthem Ranch Road and Toll Brothers’ model center. WHERE: Anthem Ranch by Toll Brothers, six new ranch models to tour in age-55-plus master-planned community with 48 miles of trail, 735 acres of open space, resort-styled community center, easy access to Denver, Boulder. 4118 San Luis Way, Broomfield; I-25 north past 470 to Hwy 7, west 3 mi. to Lowell, left (south) 1 mil to SECOND entrance to Anthem Ranch Rd., right 1 blk. (Or from Broomfield, take Lowell north)
