If you’re looking forward to taking the step into homeownership or purchasing your next property, you may be interested in the benefits of buying a brand-new home. As you begin your search for the perfect place to call home, consider Independence Neighborhood. Conveniently located within 45 minutes of Denver, our conservation community in Elizabeth, Colorado offers the tranquility of nature while providing easy access to the city. We’re proud to offer stunning new properties by the best builders in the nation, including Dream Finders Homes. Interested in a Dream Finders home within our community? Here’s what you need to know about this top-quality builder:
The Dream Finder’s Difference
Dream Finders builds in several states, and we’re excited to have this builder bring their expertise to our neighborhood. The company is locally operated but publicly traded, offering the resources of a large firm combined with high-quality customer service. The Dream Finders team is deeply committed to their customers, and you’ll enjoy a client-focused experience from the very beginning. This builder places a strong emphasis on personalization, and buyers are encouraged to take their time when selecting the features and finishes of their new home. As you move forward in the buying process, you may have an opportunity for a one-on-one meeting with a design consultant to go over every detail of your new investment. The team strives to ensure buyers’ complete satisfaction, so you’ll have the opportunity to examine numerous options to bring your vision to life.
Dream Finders in Independence
If you’re considering a Dream Finders home within Independence, you’ll have five spacious floor plans to choose from. The builder has three distinctive architectural styles for buyers to consider, so you’re sure to find an option that suits your design preferences. Dream Finders floor plans in our community range from 2,082 square feet to 3,626 square feet, offering ample space for most households. Each plan is intuitively designed and crafted with care, so you’ll truly look forward to spending time in your new home.
If you’ve been dreaming of purchasing a beautiful place of your own, Independence’s new homes are ideal for any lifestyle. Our conservation community provides everything that modern homeowners are looking for: our location on a former family ranch is a respite from city life, but Denver is just a short drive away when you’re ready for a faster pace. We’re excited to partner with four exceptional builders, including Dream Finders. When you’re ready to learn more about the process of building your brand-new home, please contact our team. We’d love to welcome you to the community so you can enjoy life in Independence Neighborhood.
If you’re hoping to purchase a home while interest rates are still historically low, now may be the right time to move forward with your home search. For those who prefer an abundance of open space and access to nature while still enjoying proximity to Denver, our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, offer the best of both worlds. Independence Neighborhood is what many homeowners dream of: we’re tucked away just southeast of Denver, where residents benefit from the comfort of a small-town feel while being just a 45-minute drive from the city. Our brand-new homes are crafted by the best homebuilders in the nation, one of which is Joyce Homes. We’re excited to partner with this outstanding builder, and here, we share more about Joyce’s legacy and commitment to excellence:
What You Need to Know About Joyce Homes
Founded in 1990 right here in Colorado, Joyce Homes is proud to offer semi-custom builds in the Denver metro area. Scott Moberg, President of the company, brings a lot of talent to Joyce Homes. Although this local builder is smaller than other recognizable names, it offers unparalleled attention to detail and homes that are anything but cookie-cutter; perfect for those who crave distinctive design. Within Independence, the spacious floor plans by Joyce Homes start at $940,000.
What to Expect From Your New Home
Joyce Homes has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. This builder’s commitment to quality shines through in each of their projects, which is why we’re so excited to have them build within our conservation community. When you buy a Joyce property, you can expect a home that’s immersed in the latest technology and intuitive, eco-friendly infrastructure. Since the Joyce Homes team is committed to unique designs and customer satisfaction, you’ll have an abundance of opportunities to customize every aspect, making the home truly your own.
When you’re ready to move forward with finding your next home purchase, be sure to explore new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. Independence Neighborhood has much to offer, including hundreds of acres of open space, unbeatable amenities, and gorgeous homes to suit any lifestyle. Regardless of what you have in mind for your dream home, there’s an option for you by Joyce Homes within our one-of-a-kind conservation community. Interested in learning more? Please contact us to discuss availability and learn more about the building process.
There are myriad ways to celebrate the changing of seasons. For DIY enthusiasts, redecorating your home with seasonally themed accessories is a great way to usher out the summer and welcome in the fall. Spruce up your living space with these simple, yet beautiful decorations that are easy to make in just one afternoon.
Autumn Wreath
Since fall kicks off the holiday season and provides ample opportunities for entertaining, decorate your front door so it sends a warm first impression to all who enter. Creating a front-door wreath is an inexpensive way to jazz up the face of your house. Purchase a wreath from any craft store and select your favorite fall-focused items. Take it a step further and invite friends over for a wreath decorating party.
Pumpkin Lanterns
Carved pumpkins are cute and charming but often lose their appeal after Halloween comes to pass. Instead of carving witches and ghosts into the faces of these lovely orange bulbs, create lanterns with a few easy-to-use power tools. Remove the top and empty out the insides, like you would when traditionally carving. Next, drill holes in various spots around the entire pumpkin. Place an artificial or authentic candle inside, and voila, you have a fall-themed lantern lighting the front porch or back deck.
Fall Garland
Like holiday garland, fall garland can cheer up any mantelpiece, staircase banister, or entry-way table. Make your own by fastening pinecones, apples, sunflowers, and twigs to a base of wire and lay upon whatever surface you wish. Get creative with the placement of your autumn garland and decorate the mailbox, outdoor lanterns, porch railing, and more.
Baskets and Bowls
Nothing says autumn quite like baskets placed around the home and filled with a cornucopia of harvest produce. Make a dining room table centerpiece with a gorgeous basket filled with miniature pumpkins and gourds. Fill pretty, golden bowls with apples, pinecones, or colorful dried corn. This is a straightforward and simple way to bring fall into common spaces and create a festive vibe.
Natural Vases
Pumpkins, squashes, and other autumn gourds come in various shapes and sizes. Cut these produce items in half to create natural vases for dried or living flowers of all sorts. Make enough space for a few florist tubes and place marigolds, sunflowers, and Indian paintbrush for a gorgeous, fall-colored arrangement.
Leaf Chandelier
Instead of filling mason jars with lights, place leaves in the clear vessels to create a pretty, fall-focused chandelier. Drill holes through mason jar tops and string a rope through each to hold them in place. If you want a beautiful outdoor lighting feature, fill each jar with battery operated string lights and orange leaves for a beautiful glow.
Decorate your new home in Elizabeth, Colorado, with these pretty fall decorations. Inviting the outside indoors is a wonderful way to enjoy the changing of seasons. Contact us to learn more about our outdoor-focused community at Independence.
Did you know that underneath our cities, highways, and neighborhoods lie thousands of strands of fiber-optic cables? What was just the figment of one’s imagination a half-century ago is now in most homes, schools, and businesses. The internet has improved our quality of life in myriad ways, including fostering global connections, saving lives through medical intervention, advancing science, technology, medicine, and so much more.
Even now, with so many working from home as the pandemic stretches on, being able to rely on your internet connection is a must. Here’s what you should know about fiber-optic internet and how your new home in Elizabeth, Colorado, is fully equipped with a high-speed connection.
What is Fiber-Optic Internet?
We often consider fiber-optic as a new kind of technology; however, the use of this type of cable dates back to the 1970s, when it was implemented in telecommunications. Roughly ten years later, fiber optic cables were laid across the ocean to connect the U.S. and Europe. This allowed for information to become more sharable, and thus, fostered expansion, development, and progress.
As fiber-optic became increasingly affordable and the world wide web became a must-have for industry, recreation, and safety, internet service providers that previously used dial-up, DSL, and cable began to replace out-of-date wires with fiber.
Getting Into Your Home
The “last mile” is extremely important when it comes to fiber-optic internet. There are a few different options for getting fiber optic from its last stop into the home or business. For example, fiber optic cables can connect to a network terminal, a street cabinet, or run directly into one’s home.
High Speed Internet at Independence Neighborhood
In addition to numerous amenities, including pocket parks and the future fitness center, pool, and community gardens, Independence provides access to high-speed, fiber-optic internet to every homesite. You can easily work, live, and play all in the same area.
Contact us today to learn more about our thoughtfully planned neighborhood and our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado.
Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City in 1882 when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square. This event spurred others around the country, however, Labor Day didn’t become a federal holiday until 1894. During the Pullman Strike, US Marshalls killed 13 people participating in the protest. President Cleveland promised to reconcile with the labor movement and unions to ensure that workers experienced improved conditions, fair wages, and appropriate hours. Thus, Labor Day was born.
Now, we are afforded the opportunity to celebrate a day off work with parades, fireworks, and picnics in the great outdoors. This year, host a Labor Day cook out for your loved ones in celebration of our ancestors’ resilience and determination. Here are a few tips:
Pick a Theme
To ramp up the holiday spirit, choose a fun theme and ask guests to accessorize accordingly. For example, ask everyone to dress patriotically, or dress as their favorite film character. People are bound to have some good laughs and great conversation over their costumes.
Additionally, this gives you a way to decorate your tables, signage, and lawn. A few balloons, tablecloths, and streamers will really spice up the vibe. Hang battery operated string lights to keep the festivities going into the evening.
Set up DIY Lawn Games
Give your guests a few activities to enjoy while the party gets going. This gives folks an easy way to meet new people and mingle over a shared activity. From life-size Yahtzee! to backyard dominoes, there are plenty of simple yard games that only take a few hours to make. Craft these ahead of time and set them up at various places around the cookout.
BYOB Side Dishes
As the host, you’re sure to have your hands full at the grill, so be sure to ask guests to bring their favorite Labor Day party side dish. Create a spread sheet and share with partygoers to ensure that there are no repeats. Set up a table and cooler beforehand where side dishes, snacks, and desserts can be placed. Be sure to provide little cards so guests can identify their dish. Go one step further and offer recipe cards so fans of a certain dish can take home a new recipe for next year.
Plan One Group Activity
To bring your crew together, plan to have one group activity like kickball, a 3-legged race, or even charades. While guests may initially feel a little silly, it’s a fantastic way to break the ice and have everyone lighten up. Labor Day is meant to be fun and enjoyable, so turn up the excitement with a little friendly competition!
At Independence, we cherish our close-knit, family-oriented community, which is why we’ve designed a neighborhood that has ample outdoor gathering spaces and miles of trails. We’re more than just new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. We’re a place to grow your social circle, invest in one another, and be stewards of this land we call home. Contact us today to learn more.
National Honeybee Day occurs each August on the 21st. This day seeks to raise awareness for the honeybee – just one of 946 types of bees found in Colorado. The honeybee is just one of the many pollinators contributing to agricultural success and diversity. Because of these reliable insects, as well as other species such as butterflies and beetles, we have an abundance of fruit trees, flowers, and produce, pollinated because of the winged-creatures’ hard work and perseverance. Insects pollinate approximately 70% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of the world’s food crops. Without pollinators, humankind would struggle to exist, as would many other species that live off plants, flowers, and insects.
If you’re a gardener interested in adorning the outdoor space of your new home in Elizabeth, Colorado, consider creating a pollinator-friendly garden that includes habitats for both honeybees and native pollinators. Flower beds, greenhouses, and even vegetable gardens can be planted to create a pollinator habitat and allow these crucial insects to thrive. Here are some simple tips for creating pollinator and honeybee friendly habitats in your garden next planting season.
Choose Flowers that Attract Bees and Pollinators
Honeybees enjoy native plants like wildflowers specific to the area. In Colorado, plant Rocky Mountain beardtongue, blanket flower, prairie coneflower and bee balm. To really boost your wildflower game, plant Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, also frequently unflatteringly called “stinking clover” or “skunk weed”. It’s not as fragrant to humans as it is to bees – they go wild for this flower. Herbs, berry bushes, and flowering fruit trees are other wonderful options to plant if you prefer a more organized aesthetic.
Provide Fundamental Elements for Survival
Pollinators, including bees, need elements besides pollen to thrive. They need water, space, and shelter, as well. Plant your bee garden so that flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees are flowering at various times throughout the year. Grasses, shrubs and trees provide nesting and shelter space for bees and other pollinators. Including a variety of plants, mostly native species, is the best way to keep your pollinator habitat well-stocked.
In the early season after Colorado’s last freeze, plant early-season flowers, like nodding onions, prairie smoke, and blue flax. Then, as the temperature and ground warm up, plant mid-season flowers and flowering trees. Late-season plants include the wildflowers mentioned above, as well as many others. For a complete list of seasonal pollinator plants, check out this list.
Location, Location, Location
The same rules that apply to real estate apply to a bee habitat. Where you plant your garden is crucial in the quest to attract and retain pollinators. Honeybees and other pollinators, like moths, butterflies, and wasps, prefer sunny areas with larger groupings of the same plants as opposed to random plants interspersed throughout the yard. Group plants together and ensure that stand-alone beds are close to any potted plants and flowering trees. Pollinators will work more efficiently if gardens are large, connected, and sunny, rather than having to move around to various areas searching for plants.
Bees and humans are at a tipping point in their symbiotic relationship. Honeybee populations, as well as native pollinator populations, are on the decline due to habitat loss and pesticides. Our interwoven food system desperately needs honeybees to come close to feeding a burgeoning global population. In short, we need each other. To do our part, we can cultivate spaces that are safe and healthy for bees and other pollinators so they may have plenty of habitats in which to survive and thrive.
At Independence Community in Elizabeth, Colorado, our aim is to keep bees and other pollinators healthy by cultivating beautiful flowerbeds throughout our neighborhood. Our Pollinator District partnership with Butterfly Pavilion ensures that the landscape throughout the community provides a rich habitat for both people and pollinators. We encourage residents of our modern, new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado to create their own pollinator habitats so that we can protect the bee and everything it has to offer.
Gathering with friends and family is good for the spirit and soul. Nothing brings a group together like a potluck party, complete with delicious food, generational recipes, and a comfortable atmosphere. Now that it’s safe for in-person, group get togethers, how about hosting a potluck that fosters community and connection? Here are some tips for hosting the ultimate potluck.
Where Does the Potluck Tradition Come From?
Two theories exist that explain the origin of this community meal. The first theory references a North American indigenous communal gathering called “potlatch”. The second theory cites the word’s appearance in a 16th century English work in which it was used to describe food provided for unexpected guests. These travelers would benefit from “the luck of the pot”.
Still others speculate that potluck gatherings in America gained popularity during the Great Depression. Community members would make a dish with ingredients they had on hand or crops they were able to harvest and share with neighbors. This group collaboration allowed for nutritious and balanced meals at a time when money and food were tight for many.
Rinse Expectations Down the Drain
A potluck is very different than a dinner party. The latter can be organized to coordinate courses, encompass a theme, and have complementary flavors, drinks, and desserts. However, a potluck invites members to bring their favorite dish, be it a main, a side, a dessert, or drink. In order to have a fun, laid-back potluck, release control and shift your focus from food to friends. Don’t try to ensure that each course gets covered or that everyone brings something different. Part of the fun is sampling a broccoli casserole recipe that was passed between Kansas farming families and sampling one that uses vegan cream of mushroom soup.
Provide the Main Dish
To ensure nobody leaves hungry, take responsibility for cooking the main dish, be it a meat, fish, or vegetarian option. Tell guests what the main course will be and encourage them to bring whatever they want to accompany it. If time permits, prepare the main dish ahead of time so that on the day of the potluck, you can set up, destress, and relax before guests arrive.
Create a Communal Space
In the summer months, hosting an outdoor potluck around large picnic tables is one of the best ways to bring people together and enjoy the great outdoors. String up twinkling lights and create wildflower centerpieces for a gorgeous aesthetic. Set up a table nearby where guests can place their dishes and offer a few warming plate options for hot dishes.
If hosting indoors and space is limited, set up multiple round tables and encourage a musical chairs dining experience. As guests arrive, pass out nametags with numbers or other identifying factors on them. During each course or at various points in the evening, encourage guests to find a new table based upon their alphabetical or numerical identifier. This way, everyone gets to chat and people have the chance to make new friends.
Provide To-Go Dishes and Recipe Cards
Buy a stack of compostable clamshell dishes so guests can pack a to-go plate. There is always leftover food at a potluck and your partygoers will certainly appreciate getting to take home portions of dishes they didn’t get to sample or recipes they loved.
Leave recipe cards on the table and encourage friends to write down the recipe for the dish they brought. At the end of the night, host a random swap in which they can trade amongst themselves, or pass each card to the left.
Hosting a potluck is a great, low-stress way to have a dinner party that is fun for the host and guests. Sharing meals together around the table is part of the human experience we long took for granted but appreciate again in an entirely new way. Independence Neighborhood offers ample gathering space for residents to host potlucks and social gatherings. Contact us today to learn more about our artfully planned neighborhood.
There’s so much to see and do in our colorful state that it could take more than a lifetime of exploration to experience it all. From secluded, sleepy mountain towns nestled deep in the Rocky Mountain range to historic destinations that depict Colorado’s fascinating, wild history, here are some of our favorite weekend destinations close to Independence Community’s new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado.
Buena Vista, Colorado
When summer temperatures climb, we like to head to the beautiful river-town of Buena Vista. Book an epic rafting trip with one of the town’s notable outfitters and bounce over class III and IV rapids on the Arkansas River. Take in the stunning scenery of Brown’s Canyon while enjoying the crisp water that can cool anyone down on a hot summer day. Spend cool evenings strolling down Buena Vista’s main thoroughfare for dining, drinking, shopping, and more.
Gunnison, Colorado
Just four hours from Elizabeth and a half hour drive from Crested Butte sits the charming town of Gunnison, Colorado. Located at the bottom of several valleys, this central Colorado mountain town is often overlooked in favor of more famous locales like Breckenridge and Aspen. However, Gunnison has plenty to offer in the way of breathtaking beauty and exhilarating outdoor recreation. Spend the day hiking the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and experience our state’s very own miniature Grand Canyon. Camp along Blue Mesa Reservoir and wake up to a serene sunrise and sparkling blue waters. Fly fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, and more await the outdoor enthusiast in Gunnison.
Crested Butte, Colorado
While this adventure-hungry mountain destination is bustling and busy during ski season, summer offers an equally ideal time to experience the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Load up your mountain bike, pack your hiking gear and head to Crested Butte for some of Colorado’s best and most challenging mountain biking trails that are also home to deer, elk, and the occasional moose! If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the 401 trail, known for its steep climbs and hard-earned downhill. For family-friendly adventure, take the ski lift to the top of Mt. Crested Butte and absorb the stunning panoramic views and fresh mountain air.
Creede, Colorado
Trade in high elevation pine forests for rocky canyons and small-town charm by traveling to Creede, Colorado. Originally, historic Creede was a hunting ground for the Ute tribe who camped throughout the Upper Rio Grande Valley. When silver mining began to boom, western expansionists put down tent stakes in Creede to strike it rich. Now, this quiet outpost remains a favorite travel destination for Coloradans looking to learn more about our state’s rich history and for backcountry enthusiasts seeking adventure in the surrounding 900 square miles of rugged, western landscape of Mineral County.
While there are many, many more mountain towns that call this state home, we hope this list will get you started. Travel off the beaten path to enjoy peaceful hiking trails, historical main streets, and learn more about local culture and life throughout the state.
Because of Colorado’s rich natural beauty, adventure awaits around every bend. At Independence, in Elizabeth, Colorado, we value the land and the lessons it can teach us. That’s why we’ve designed a neighborhood centered on conservation and community. For more information about new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, contact us.
With interest rates still at historic lows, it may be an excellent time to purchase a home. If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a homeowner, you may be wondering whether a brand-new home or a fixer-upper is your best choice. Interested in exploring the pros and cons of each? Here, we share more about each option to help you determine the right path forward. If you love the idea of new construction but prefer the peace and quiet of nearby green space, Independence’s new homes offer the best of both worlds.
Examine Your Priorities
The housing market is competitive in every corner of the country, making it challenging to find a home. Although it may be tempting to put in an offer on the first home that fits your criteria (and your budget), be sure to think about your priorities before moving forward. If you want your new property to feel like home from the moment you move in, new construction may be a better fit than an existing house that needs some TLC.
Evaluate Your Budget
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home that needs significant repairs, it’s crucial to have an in-depth understanding of what the renovations will cost. Even if you’ve found a home that’s priced competitively, renovations may end up pushing the total cost above what you’d pay for a brand new home (especially when accounting for the soaring prices of lumber). If you decide to buy a property that needs renovations, a 203(k) loan (also known as a Rehab Loan) may be a practical option, as you’ll gain access to funding for renovations and the home itself in one loan.
On the other hand, a new home will provide peace of mind for those hoping to avoid renovations. New construction almost always comes with a warranty, so you won’t have to worry about additional hidden costs for at least the first year. Plus, newly built houses are constructed with the latest technology and energy efficiency in mind.
If you’re excited about the prospect of becoming a homeowner, choosing between a rehab project or new construction is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Many buyers consider older homes or fixer-uppers because they’re drawn to the price point and local amenities but end up going over budget with renovations or compromising on outdated style. When you choose Independence’s new homes, you’ll get the best of both worlds: modern features combined with an abundance of preserved open space right outside your front door. In addition to our coveted community features and cutting-edge design by our builders, Independence Neighborhood is USDA eligible. Interested in learning more? Please contact us for a model home tour.
On the search for fun ways to spend the summer? If you’re an eco-conscious household, you may prefer to stick with pastimes that are easier on the Earth. When you live in Independence Neighborhood, there’s no shortage of environmentally-friendly activities to enjoy. Our new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado are equipped with the latest energy efficient technology, and the proximity to Denver offers unlimited possibilities for entertainment. Here, we share a few of our favorite outdoor summer pastimes to try this season:
Backyard Camping
When you need a change of scenery but would prefer to stay close to home, camping in the backyard may be the perfect solution. This summer activity is great for families with young children, as they’ll be able to enjoy a new experience while being just steps away from the comfort of home. To make the camping “trip” even more enjoyable, consider grilling camping classics for a memorable dinner.
Start a Garden
Summer projects are an excellent way to encourage family bonding, and starting a garden is one of the most productive (and fun) projects to try. Many of the yards in our community are spacious enough to accommodate raised beds or container gardens. If you’d prefer to preserve every bit of space in your yard, no worries-just head on over to our community garden to test out your green thumb.
Make a Birdhouse
Elbert County is home to many species of birds. Building a birdhouse is a summer activity that will teach valuable skills, such as woodworking and wildlife care, to individuals of all ages. If you’re embarking on this activity as a family, following a tutorial (such as this one) may be a good place to start. Once the birdhouse is assembled and nestled in a tree or on the porch, you can spend the season learning more about its occupants.
Go Cycling
If you’re looking for ways to stay active this summer, cycling is a form of exercise that doubles as entertainment. Whether you stay within the neighborhood or travel to a favorite trail, bicycling will allow your family to make wonderful memories and take in the local sights. At Independence, you’ll never want for well-maintained trails. Our community is home to miles of hike and bike trails so you can enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery without leaving the neighborhood.
If you’re looking forward to quality time with your loved ones this summer, planning ahead will help you make the most of the season. The activities mentioned here are as fun as they are eco-friendly so you can feel confident about reducing your carbon footprint while bonding with your loved ones. Independence Neighborhood offers new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado that are designed with energy efficiency in mind, so it’s easier than ever to reduce your energy consumption. In addition to each home’s green details, our community is located on more than 1,000 sprawling acres and our water recycling program is unparalleled. Ready to learn more about becoming a resident? Contact us today to arrange a showing.