Colorado is as known for its wildlife as its craft beer and altitude; and while there may be no lions or tigers, there are plenty of bears and other majestic creatures roaming the plains and mountain sides.
If you’re a newcomer to the Centennial State, experiencing the Rocky Mountains starts with understanding the local animals and coexisting with a variety of creatures. Learning about them all certainly takes some time (Colorado is home to nearly 1,000 species), so let’s start with five of the most renowned:
The American Bison
Thanks to conservation efforts, the American bison is easily spotted in Colorado if you know the hoofed hotspots (such as Genesee Park, where you can often see them while driving on I-70). These animals can weigh more than 2,500 pounds and reach heights of 6.5 feet, making them the largest land animal native to North America.
Bison are inquisitive and may approach people because of curiosity, but don’t mistake this for friendliness! These beasts are wild, unpredictable, and extremely fast when scared or angry; they can run up to 40 miles an hour. In other words, much faster than you!
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
No Colorado wildlife list is complete without mention of bighorn sheep, a species designated as the state animal in 1961. Known for their agility and grace, these animals are usually only found in rocky areas of the mountains; and are often seen climbing boulders and (seemingly) defying gravity.
The signature feature of bighorn sheep is, unsurprisingly, their big horns. Unlike antlered animals, these sheep do not shed their horns annually and they continue to grow. In fact, they can get so large that a pair of horns on a ram can weigh 30 pounds!
Black Bears
While it’s not impossible for a grizzly or brown bear to find its way into Colorado, most experts agree that black bears are likely the only bears in the region (although they can come in various shades of color). If you’re an avid hiker, mountain biker, or camper, there’s a good chance you’ll see one eventually. To be proactive, hike in groups, wear bells to warn bears that you’re approaching, and carry bear spray just in case.
In general, black bears aren’t interested in bothering people, although food makes them much more motivated and audacious. On the off chance one confronts you, talk in a normal voice, give the bear plenty of space and an escape route, wave your hands above your head, and back away while maintaining eye contact. Never run away or climb a tree; bears are far superior in these areas.
It’s often recommended to play dead if you’re attacked by a brown bear or a grizzly, yet black bears are different; if one charges you, fight back! Use rocks, sticks, water bottles, keys, or anything else as a weapon.
Mountain Lions
You can live for 100 years in Colorado and never see a mountain lion, but — chances are — several of them will see you! It’s not unheard of for one of these big cats to wander into the suburbs, even though you’re far more likely to see one if you’re in the foothills, woods, or mountains.
Mountain lion attacks are rare; they’re most likely to attack when they’re rabid, starving, or cornered. However, some mountain lions will go after cats or dogs, which means you should never take your pets (or small children) into areas with high cougar activity. Mountain lions may also attack if they are with their kittens; never approach a cub, no matter how cute they are.
If you’re ever approached by a mountain lion, use your coat or backpack to make yourself seem larger, yell, wave your arms, and throw whatever you can. If you have small kids or pets, pick them up and then return to a standing position. Back away slowly and give the cat space to leave. Do not run or turn away. Just as with a black bear, if a mountain lion attacks, fight back any way you can.
Coyotes
Coyotes are everywhere. They most often live on prairies, in forests, and in the mountains and foothills, but it’s common to see one running alongside a busy road or roaming the walking trails near residential neighborhoods.
It’s extremely rare for a coyote to pose a threat to people (and their small size makes it unlikely for them to do any serious harm even when they are aggressive). They may, however, pose a threat to pets. If you live near open space, never let your chihuahua or cat outside alone, especially at night. Coyotes are good jumpers and climbers, so fences don’t always deter them.
Even so, pets are not a main food group for coyotes. They are opportunistic hunters and far more likely to go after rabbits, birds, squirrels, mice, and easier-to-catch prey.
Living in Colorado means co-existing with wildlife. To do this seamlessly, keep these tips in mind and keep a camera in your car; you never know what you might see.
Independence in Elizabeth, Colorado, offers beautiful new homes with views for miles. Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.
Outdoor games are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to spend time with family. From the tried-and-true favorites of tag and hide-and-seek to the sweat-inducing badminton and volleyball, there are all sorts of ways to have a blast on the backyard grass.
Now that we’ve officially entered spring and summer is around the corner, here are a few of our favorites:
Ladder Ball
Ladder ball can be played one-on-one or on teams of two. If you have a large family or friends visiting, you can set up a round-robin tournament so everyone has a chance to participate. The object of the game is to get your ball on one of the ladder’s rungs; the lowest rung is worth the most points, making it your ideal landing spot.
While the game comes with standard rules, it also allows for player autonomy and the freedom to make up rules while ignoring others. You can play up to as many points as you want and assign any point value to the rungs as long as you’re consistent throughout the game. It might be smart to make your throws worth five points and your opponents’ worth three, but they’ll probably catch onto that right away.
Croquet
Croquet is a summer staple that even young children can enjoy in the backyard. It’s a beloved game that goes back hundreds of years and was even an event in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. While croquet only made a single appearance at the Olympics, it picked a historic one: the 1900 games were the first to allow female athletes to compete. While there are different versions, golf croquet is played with a mallet and various colored balls with two, four, or six players. A course of seven hoops is set up, and on each turn the ball must be struck by the face of the mallet and make it through each hoop in a sequential order. The first player to run through all hoops wins.
Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is a simple game that makes it a good choice for families with young children. The object of the game is to throw the bocce ball closer to the target than your opponent. Points are awarded each round and the winning team must win by at least two.
Bocce ball is most often played on teams of two, but it can be played one-on-one or with up to eight people (four players per team). Flexibility with the number of players makes it the ideal game for all sorts of occasions, ranging from lazy Saturday afternoons to birthday party extravaganzas.
Four Square
A game that transports you back to the playgrounds of yore, four square is fun, active, simple, competitive, and requires little equipment and setup. As long as you have a rubber ball, a flat surface, and a piece of chalk to draw the boundaries, you’re ready to play for the coveted king spot.
One of the best aspects of four square is that it offers all kinds of variations, including:
• a pirate version where players must close one eye
• a spinning version where players must spin around after making contact with the ball
• an airball version where players must jump each time they hit the ball
• a flamingo version where players must stand on one leg throughout the game
You can adopt an already-established variation or create your own.
The great outdoors is a wonderful place to spend time with family. Try one of the aforementioned games, embrace other traditional favorites, or invent one yourself. The sky is literally the limit.
Independence in Elizabeth, Colorado, offers beautiful new homes with views for miles. With a focus on sustainability and purposeful amenities, the growing community offers a one-of-a-kind way of life to this generation and beyond.
Hundreds of households in Superior and Louisville are still contending with the devastation of the Marshall Fire. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new home, there’s no question that you’ll want to ensure that your property is protected from fire and other natural disasters. A house is the largest asset for most individuals, so triple checking that safeguards are in place will serve you well in the event of the unexpected. Here, we share suggestions about how to protect your home and belongings from fire damage, so you’re as prepared as possible.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Before you seal the deal on your brand-new home, you’ll need to provide your lender with proof of homeowners’ insurance. If you have an agent that you trust, now is the time to reach out and let them know that you’re starting the process of shopping for a property. During this consultation, your agent will walk you through the process of what you’ll need covered and answer any questions you may have. In addition to protecting the structure (which is required with a mortgage), you may be interested in supplemental coverage to include flood insurance and additional personal property limits.
Video Catalogue Your Belongings
You may not realize how valuable your personal belongings are until you look more closely. If personal items are included in your insurance policy, be sure to take a thorough walkthrough of everything you own. Although it’s important to write down the exact specifications of your valuables (such as brand, model, date purchased and serial number), it’s wise to record the inventory list room by room and back the video up to a secure location. In addition to the video recording, consider making an itemized spreadsheet that includes the nitty gritty details of each item. With the digital receipts of your home inventory, you’ll give yourself the best chance of full coverage in case of tragedy.
Prep Your Home
Although many wildfires start and spread quickly, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your home against fires. Always keep at least one fire extinguisher on hand, and make sure that it’s in good condition. Most fire extinguishers will last 10 years if properly stored. Be sure to follow safety guidelines for cooking and smoking, and have your smoke detectors inspected annually. Smoke alarms should be placed in each room and hallway on every floor within the home. For an additional level of protection, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in each bedroom of the home. Keeping the yard tidy and free from debris and dead vegetation is also recommended to deter fires.
When you begin the process of searching for your dream home, protecting your new investment from fire is probably the last thing on your mind. However, preparation is key to ensuring that you’re doing everything you can to keep your future property safe from fire devastation. If you’re ready to find a new place to call home, we’d love to have you join the community at Independence. Top-tier home builders in Elizabeth, Colorado, have partnered with us to offer incredible floor plans that are ideal for every age and stage, and we’re excited to show you what we have available. To learn more, please contact our team.
Colorado is among the most beautiful states in the nation, and many residents cherish the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors here. If you appreciate wide open spaces and starry skies, you’ll love our gorgeous new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. Located in quiet Elbert County, but still close to Denver, the Independence Neighborhood is an excellent place for soaking up nature’s beauty. In addition to our extensive hike and bike trails, we also offer plenty of open spaces that are perfect for stargazing. Looking ahead, 2022 will be a fantastic year to view these upcoming astronomical events:
April 22-23: Lyrids Meteor Shower
On April 22, the Lyrids meteor shower will begin. This meteor shower has the potential to make for a great viewing experience, especially if you have the chance to watch from a dark location after midnight. Lyrid meteors often leave a bright trail of dust that glows for a few seconds after the meteor shoots through the sky.
May 6-7: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
If you miss the meteor shower in April, you’ll get another chance in May. From May 6-7, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will be on display, and may produce up to 60 meteors per hour. Although its best activity will be seen from the Southern hemisphere, the dark skies of a waxing crescent moon will still offer an incredible show in the Northern hemisphere.
May 16: Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse is a sight to behold, and one will be visible on May 16 at roughly 7:30pm MST. A total lunar eclipse only happens when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. As a total lunar eclipse occurs, the moon will gradually darken and take on a rusty or red hue.
July 13: Supermoon
2022 will have three supermoons, one of which occurs on July 13. Supermoons are the result of the full moon phase coinciding with the moon orbiting in its closest position to Earth. When the full moon is located closer to our planet, its face looks larger and brighter. Head outside at 12:38pm MST, you won’t be disappointed!
August 27: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On August 27, Mercury will reach its greatest eastern elongation (27.3 degrees from the sun). When Mercury is in this position, it’s easiest to view from Earth. A telescope isn’t necessary–just look for the planet in the western sky as sunset approaches.
December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower
Although there will be several minor meteor showers this year, they pale in comparison to the Geminidis meteor shower. This is widely considered to be the most awe-inspiring shower, with up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at peak activity. Even though the light from the waning gibbous moon will block many of the meteors, others will be so bright and abundant that a dazzling show is still likely.
If you appreciate the tranquility that stargazing provides, you’ll love the abundance of opportunities to marvel at the planetary events occurring this year. Stargazing is best enjoyed in a dark environment that’s not polluted by city lights, and the open space at Independence Neighborhood (or the comfort of your own backyard) is ideal. Our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, offer modern living with small-town charm surrounded by nature. To learn more about what makes our community exceptional, please contact our team.
Elbert County is home to quiet towns and wide-open spaces. Although we still have our small-town charm, according to the latest Census data, our county is the 10th-fastest-growing county in Colorado. With a growth rate of 12.9% between 2010 and 2020, it’s no wonder that the best builders in the nation are building gorgeous new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado. If you’re thinking about making the move to the Independence Neighborhood or already live in the community, here are a few local restaurant recommendations to try:
Catalina’s Diner
Can’t decide if you want Mexican food, Italian cuisine, or American options? Catalina’s Diner has it all. Offering a variety of classic and specialty pizzas and calzones, tostadas and enchiladas, you’re sure to find something delicious here for the whole family. Catalina’s Diner is conveniently located on Kiowa Avenue, so this diner is close to home for Elizabeth residents.
Buzzard’s Big Mouth Pizza
When you’re craving a great slice of pizza, Buzzard’s Big Mouth Pizza won’t disappoint. This pizza shop is beloved for its excellent selection of traditional and out-of-the-box pies, with toppings that include hot wings and taco fixings like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. You’ll also find interesting menu choices like the skillet pizza (dough-less) and comforting tortilla soup.
Bernie’s Kitchen
Comfort food feels right at home in Elizabeth, Colorado. Bernie’s Kitchen specializes in southern favorites, including crispy fried chicken, decadent burgers, and all the fixings. Bernie’s also offers breakfast, so be sure to stop in for a cup of coffee with the restaurant’s signature recipes.
El Abuelo Family Restaurant
El Abuelo Family Restaurant is one of Elizabeth’s best-known restaurants, and for good reason. This eatery serves up fresh Mexican dishes that are a hit among locals and visitors. In addition to the awesome lineup of classics such as enchiladas and burritos, El Abuelo Family Restaurant has a full bar and a list of specialty margaritas.
Since all of these restaurants are conveniently located in Elbert County, you won’t have to travel far from home to enjoy delicious cuisine. If you’re looking forward to purchasing a brand-new home in our growing county, consider Independence Neighborhood. Our new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado, are crafted by highly sought-after builders and available in a variety of floor plans. To learn more about becoming a resident, please contact our team.
If you’re looking forward to becoming a homeowner in 2022, you may be interested in learning more about the best home builders in Colorado. Independence new homes are built with care by four highly acclaimed builders, including Richmond American Homes. Here, we share more about this builder and discuss why we’re proud to work with them.
About Richmond American Homes
Richmond American Homes has enjoyed a stalwart reputation for more than 40 years. Its first single-family home in Denver was completed in 1977, and the builder now has a presence in 10+ states across the country. Richmond American subsidiaries have constructed more than 210,000 homes, and experience and attention to detail shine through in every house.
Why We Love Richmond American Homes
Richmond American Homes offers seven floor plans ranging from 1,880-3,210 square feet in our beautiful community, so there’s an option for every lifestyle.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or choosing an existing home, you’ll appreciate the stunning design details that this builder provides. When you go under contract on a to-be-built home, you’ll have the opportunity to customize every detail of your new residence. The design team will schedule a consultation with you to ensure that your vision becomes a reality. During your appointment, you’ll have the chance to peruse and select an abundance of features that will make your house feel like a home.
The design team with Richmond American Homes is passionate about ensuring an exemplary experience for buyers; your designer will walk you through the process and meet your specifications. You’ll go over your home’s every last detail during your appointment, including cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes, flooring, paint, and other special features. Once your selections have been made, your builder will get to work to make your dream come to life.
We’re proud to partner with the best builders in the nation, and Richmond American Homes brings decades of expertise to our community. With seven floor plans for Independence new homes, you’re sure to find an option that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Although the intuitive floor plans and stunning designs by Richmond American Homes will make your new property feel like a sanctuary, our neighborhood features will solidify your decision to purchase at Independence. With more than 400 acres of community hike and bike trails and parks located within 1,000 feet of every home, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature’s tranquility. Interested in learning more about availability? Please contact our team to schedule a consultation.
Grilling isn’t just a summer pastime–with the right tricks of the trade, you can fire up your grill all year long. Whether you’re craving an expertly-seasoned rack of ribs or are looking to mix up your winter menu with some healthy options, the tips we share here will help you create delicious grilled dishes this winter. Outdoor activities like grilling are even more enjoyable when you have a backyard with a view, and our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, offer everything you need to fully experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
Keep Safety in Mind
Safety is the number one component to consider before you start the grill. Throughout all seasons, you’ll want to make sure that the grill is placed in a safe area at least 10 feet away from fences and all other flammables. Be sure to store fuel in a safe, dry place and stock up on additional fuel to account for lower efficiency in cold weather. When it comes to keeping the outdoor chef safe, reduce the possibility of accidents by wearing fitted clothing that can’t get tangled in the grill. If you’re grilling in snowy weather, place an anti-slip mat on the surface where you’ll stand.
Prepare For Extra Warmup Time
If you’re grilling for a crowd, avoid a time crunch by factoring in extra warmup time. During the warmer months, your grill may only need about 10 – 15 minutes to warm up. When you’re grilling in chilly temperatures, it’s possible for warmup times to take longer than usual.
Switch Up the Menu
To avoid running outside to baste every few minutes (and allowing heat to escape in the process), consider switching up the menu for the winter. Grilled pizza is an excellent choice for wintertime and could become a seasonal favorite (DIY pizza parties, anyone?). Likewise, lower-maintenance options such as fish or ribeye will cook quickly and require little attention while they’re on the grill.
If you’re looking forward to getting outside and grilling this winter, the tips mentioned here will help you make the most of the season. Although a gorgeous new home with a beautiful backyard isn’t required for great grilling, it’s definitely a perk. If you’ve been thinking about buying, you’ll love the benefits that come with our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. Located on 1,000 acres of a previous working ranch with more than 400 acres dedicated to trails, parks, and open space, our conservation community is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors because it offers an abundance of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Ready to learn more about becoming a resident? Please contact our team to learn more about availability.
Preparing to purchase your dream home? As you start planning the search for the perfect home, be sure to ask if the community offers the most desirable community features. In addition to enhancing your quality of life, investing in a home with the amenities listed here will help to preserve its value while protecting your investment down the road. The Independence neighborhood in Elizabeth, Colorado, is equipped with everything you need for modern living in a beautiful setting with views for miles. Here, we share more about what we offer and why these features should be on your checklist.
Customizable Options
One of the biggest perks of buying a to-be-built home is the ability to select custom options for your brand-new property. We work with prestigious builders who take pride in crafting stunning homes that are built to suit each buyer’s personal style. Working with a design consultant to select your home’s finishes down to the very last detail is an exciting step that makes the buying process truly special and personalized.
A Tight-Knit Community
Whether you’re purchasing your first house or looking for your forever home, the community is an aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked. Many buyers are looking to regain the sense of closeness that a tight-knit community brings. That’s part of what makes living at Independence so enjoyable – the residents here are some of the friendliest around, so you’ll benefit from a small-town feel (even though Denver is just a short drive away).
Access to Nature
Colorado’s natural beauty is second to none. If you appreciate immersing yourself in nature and taking in stunning views, you’ll want to purchase in a community that honors the land, previous generations and the resident wildlife. As a conservation community, we’ve dedicated over 400 acres to open space and hike and bike trails. Parks are located within 1,000 feet of every home, so you’ll always be near a place to soak up the serenity of the outdoors.
Proximity to City Life
Although you may prefer to come home to a smaller community, proximity to the city is an undeniable perk. When you buy in Elizabeth, Colorado, you can enjoy its small-town charm and zip to downtown Denver in under 50 minutes. Purchasing a property that offers the best of both worlds is an excellent investment that you can feel confident about.
If you’re ready to buy, be sure to consider the features that will elevate your lifestyle as well as protect your property value. To learn more about our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, please contact our team. We’d love to assist you in finding the perfect floor plan and beginning the exciting step toward homeownership.
With the holiday season upon us, you may be looking forward to decking out your living space with festive décor to celebrate what some call the most wonderful time of the year. If you’ve also been dreaming of purchasing a new home in the near future now is a great time to buy. Our beautiful conservation community in Elizabeth, Colorado, provides many housing options from highly sought-after builders with several spacious floor plans to showcase your seasonal decorations. Since our neighborhood is centered around sustainability, we encourage accessorizing with eco-friendly materials this year. Here, we share some inspirational ways to make your brand-new house feel like a home, while honoring Mother Earth during the holiday season:
Repurpose Sweaters to Make Stockings
In need of stockings to hang by the fireplace? Instead of buying new, consider repurposing the old sweaters at the back of your closet. Even if you’re a sewing novice, this stocking tutorial is easy to follow, and the end result will be a holiday staple that you cherish for years to come. Plus, those sweaters that you never wear anymore will enjoy a new purpose instead of ending up in a landfill.
Opt for LED Lights
Lights are a quintessential part of the holiday season. Regardless of how you celebrate, twinkling lights bring cheer this time of year. When you opt for LED lighting, you won’t have to worry about excessive energy usage. This type of lighting is energy efficient and has an impressive lifespan, so you shouldn’t have to purchase new lights very often.
Host a Holiday Décor Swap
Tired of reusing the same décor each year? Instead of purchasing new decorations, consider recruiting friends for a holiday décor swap (plus, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors!). In addition to ensuring that you decorate sustainably, this practice can become an annual holiday tradition.
If you’re looking forward to celebrating the holiday season in your new residence, using eco-friendly décor is a great way to be gentle on the planet. Those who appreciate sustainable living and contemporary details will love the remarkable balance that Independence’s new homes offer. Located on over 1,000 acres, we’ve dedicated more than 400 of preserved land to trails and open space and the latest technology to ensure a minimal carbon footprint. To learn more about availability, please contact our team. We’d love for you to join our remarkable community and enjoy all that our neighborhood offers!
If you have furry friends that are like family, you’ll want to find a community that has all the amenities you need to live life to the fullest with them. If you’re dreaming of wide open spaces to enjoy with your four-legged buddies, the Independence neighborhood offers beautiful new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado, within a pet-friendly community. Pets can enrich our lives, and that’s why our community makes it easy to have endless outdoor fun with your best friend. If you’re starting your search for the perfect place to live, be sure to consider the benefits of living in a pet-friendly neighborhood:
Access to Trails
If you and your pet currently have to hit the road to find a trail for your daily walk, you’ll love the convenience of living in a neighborhood designed with pets in mind. The hike and bike trails within Independence are perfect for both pups and humans, offering several miles to explore. We’re proud to have more trails than roads in our conversation community, and many provide stunning views of the local bluffs and overviews.
Off-Leash Dog Park
Do you have a social pet who loves to romp with others? If you’re looking for a safe place for your dog to have a ball, an off-leash dog park is a pet lover’s dream. We’re less than 30 minutes from one of the best dog parks around, with two fully-fenced acres for unbridled playtime.
Open Space for Exploring
When you’re not hitting the trails or letting loose at the dog park, the open space in our community is perfect for exploring. Our location on more than 1,000 acres means that there’s plenty of space for you and your furry friend to enjoy endlessly. When you feel like venturing out, county parks are just around the corner and offer an abundance of opportunities to immerse yourselves in nature.
If you’re ready to find a new place for you and your pet to call home, the Independence neighborhood could be the ideal choice. We offer new houses from some of the most reputable builders in the country in Elizabeth, Colorado, along with acres of open space and an extensive trail system that are idyllic for outdoor activities with four-legged friends. Ready to learn more about purchasing a home in Independence? Please contact us to learn more about availability.