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.
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.