Relocating to the Front Range This Summer? Start in May

Most of the relocation clients I work with each summer made their first call in May. There's a reason: summer moves to Colorado look simple from a distance, but the Front Range market moves fast, and the families who land well are the ones who started planning at least six to eight weeks out.

Here's what to focus on this month:

Narrow your search area before you fly out

The Front Range is bigger than it looks on a map. Before scheduling a tour trip, get specific about:

• Commute tolerance — Boulder, Denver, DIA, or a hybrid setup
• School priorities — St. Vrain Valley, Boulder Valley, and Adams 12 all have very different feels
• Lifestyle — trail access, walkability, community amenities, acreage

Plan one focused tour weekend

A productive Front Range house-hunting trip looks like:

• Friday afternoon: drive the top 2–3 neighborhoods at rush hour
• Saturday: tour 6–8 homes with built-in breaks
• Sunday morning: revisit the top 2 and walk the neighborhoods on foot

I handle the scheduling, the route, and the lunch recommendations. You handle the decisions.

Get pre-approved with a Colorado-savvy lender

Out-of-state pre-approvals sometimes miss Colorado-specific items — HOA dues, metro district taxes, and well/septic considerations in rural pockets. I'll connect you with lenders who write Front Range loans every day.

Understand metro districts and HOAs

Many newer Front Range communities (especially in Erie, Broomfield, and Thornton) sit inside metro districts that add to your effective tax rate. This isn't bad — it's how amenities get funded — but you need to know the number before you fall in love with a house.

Build in a "soft landing" plan

Summer closings are competitive. Sometimes the right move is:

• Closing in July, taking possession in August
• A short-term rental for 30–60 days so you're not house-hunting under pressure
• Leaseback from the seller so they can find their next home too

My promise to relocating families

I've helped families move to the Front Range from Texas, California, the Midwest, and the East Coast. The goal isn't just to close on a house — it's to make sure you wake up in month three feeling like you chose the right community.

If a summer move is on your radar, let's set up a 30-minute call this week. May planning makes August moves easy.