Helping to grow our hometown talent
Independence, a residential conservation community located near Elizabeth, Colorado, recently hosted a filming project with a group of local, Elizabeth High School students. Accompanied by EHS film teacher, Mikayla Hirsch, and Internship coordinator, Leanne Cook, students were invited to spend a day learning about a variety of career opportunities in trade industries such as land development, contracting and construction management, as well as water management, storm drain management and road construction.
The field trip was funded by the Homegrown Talent Initiative grant, a program aimed at helping students in Elbert County understand the breadth of career opportunities available to them, beyond the more traditional fields they’re exposed to with typical high school curriculums. The goal of the program is to empower local students to pair their in-classroom learning with potential career paths they can pursue post-graduation.
The crew from Elizabeth High School’s EZTV came along to capture video footage throughout the day and to film question-and-answer sessions with key stakeholders. These included conversations between students and Tim Craft, founder of Craft Companies and developer of Independence, providing an in-depth look behind the scenes at what a career in development looks like and how to become a developer.
They also had the chance to speak with Richmond American Homes Project Manager, Tom Shumway, who provided the students with an overview of the construction process from the homebuilder perspective.
The day concluded with on-camera interviews featuring two Independence residents and a representative from Scott Contracting. The students also toured Independence’s state-of-the-art water reclamation and sanitation facility which contributes to the conservation efforts by purifying water for reuse and features the highest level of water recycling in the state.
The footage the student film crew captured will be edited into an educational video to share with fellow students to shed light on the many career options in the trade industry available to these young adults.
Elbert County resident, David Eddy, who helped secure the Hometown Talent Initiative grant, said they hope to utilize future funds to offer new programs for local students including internships, concurrent enrollment and certificate programs the students can use once they’ve completed high school.
Tim Craft summed the day up well by saying, “All of us at Independence enjoyed the chance to connect with local students and give them a better understanding of the many fulfilling career paths available to them post high school—specifically the trades that allowed us to bring our community to life.”
If you’re on the search for ways to spend some quality time with the family at home, it’s hard to beat a classic movie night. Each of the floor plans in our beautiful new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado offer living areas that are ideal for settling in to watch your favorite films. If you’re ready to add some new favorite movies to your list, here are a few of our favorite flicks that are perfect for family movie nights:
The Sandlot (1993)
If you love a good coming-of-age tale, The Sandlot won’t disappoint. This all-American story features the trials and tribulations of the new kid on the block, Scotty Smalls, as he forges new friendships in the neighborhood. Centered around bonding through baseball, this movie is a great pick for a summer movie night.
Moana (2016)
For a feel-good, girl-power story, put Disney’s Moana on and get ready for an inspiring ride. Unlike many original Disney flicks, in Moana there is no Prince Charming. Instead, you’ll encounter a brave young lady who is tasked with saving her Polynesian village from blight. Called by the ocean, the protagonist Moana must return a mystical relic to the goddess Te Fiti.
Matilda (1996)
Matilda is a whimsical story named after the protagonist, a girl from a troubled home who uses reading as an escape from reality. She faces many struggles along the way, from her narcissistic parents to a principal who rules by intimidation. However, she teams up with her favorite teacher and uses her gift of telekinesis to change her life for the better.
Troop Zero (2019)
Viola Davis, Alison Janey, and Jim Gaffigan come together in this quirky, heart-warming film about space exploration, Birdie Scouts, and the power of friendship. Christmas Flint is a middle school girl with dreams bigger than her small Georgia town – she wants to visit outer space. When NASA comes to town looking for a Birdie Scout troop to document for its golden record, Christmas will stop at nothing to get involved. Troop Zero is an inspiring family film that encourages young girls and boys to dream big, live their truth, and be compassionate to one another throughout the journey.
Despicable Me (2010)
If you have young children, Despicable Me is an animated movie that’s funny for the adults, too. Steve Carell voices Gru, a supervillain intent on carrying out an ambitious evil plan. He adopts three orphan girls to use as part of his diabolical plot, but ends up becoming attached to his new family. The cooky yellow minions and Gru’s harebrained scientist assistant make this film all the more charming and fun for the whole family.
Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future is an ‘80s sci-fi flick that’s widely considered to be a classic. The main character, teenage Marty McFly, and his quirky scientist friend team up to experiment with time travel. The result is Marty being transported to the 1950s and meeting his parents when they were his age. Tasked with guaranteeing they end up together to ensure his future existence, this tale is a wild ride from start to finish.
If you’re looking forward to enjoying a movie night with your loved ones, the movies mentioned here will certainly make for a memorable night. Regardless of which films you choose, they’ll be all the more fun to watch in your brand-new home in Independence Community. Our gorgeous new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado are designed with charm and provide ample indoor and outdoor space. To learn more about availability, please contact our team.
Spring has arrived, bringing tulips, daffodils and the perfect time of year to enjoy outdoor, socially-distanced activities with neighbors. If you’re ready to become a homeowner in a tranquil community that’s commuting distance to a major city, look no further than Independence Neighborhood. Conveniently located less than an hour from Denver, we offer an excellent variety of floor plans designed by the best home builders in Elizabeth, Colorado. Our homes feature spacious lots and an abundance of community amenities that make it easy to soak up some sun. Need some inspiration for outdoor activities? Here, we share a few of our favorites to try this spring:
Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic pastime that individuals of all ages will enjoy. Due to the setup of this game, it’s easy to socially distance while still benefiting from some friendly competition. To play, you’ll need to set up a court. This should be a rectangular area approximately 8-10 feet wide and 40-45 feet long. You’ll also need two cornhole boards, pitcher’s boxes, and foul lines. To learn more about court setup and scoring, please visit this site.
Outdoor Movie Night
If you have access to a projector, an outdoor movie night with friends is the perfect way to enjoy a balmy spring evening. Collaborate with neighbors to find a movie that’s been on your watch list, and set up a comfortable seating area in the backyard.
Stargazing
Colorado night skies are always a sight to behold, but they’re especially mesmerizing in the quiet setting of our conservation community. There are several must-see planetary events occurring this year, and our stargazer event lawn provides the ideal setting for marveling at the stars. Whether you choose to set up a stargazing party on your front porch, in your backyard, or at one of our community amenities, you and your neighbors will love the opportunity to take in the incredible sights.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a game that’s best enjoyed by a small group, generally featuring two to four players. Like cornhole, this is a simple pastime that only requires a few materials for setup. You’ll just need metal stakes, two sets of horseshoes, and chalk or string to set the foul line. You can find more information regarding the scoring system here.
With longer days and pleasant weather ahead, it’s time to start planning outdoor activities to experience this spring. When you’re a homeowner in our beautiful community, there’s a plethora of socially distanced pastimes that you can safely enjoy with neighbors. If you’re ready to explore the brand-new homes crafted by premier home builders in Elizabeth, Colorado, please contact our team to arrange a showing of a model home.
Image: Arlington model home kitchen in Colorado
Richmond American is a homebuilder offering ranch and two-story floor plans at Independence. We had the chance to interview their Sales Associate, Jennifer, about what stands out to her about Independence. See what she had to say!
The Area
What I like most about working at Independence is opening people’s eyes to another beautiful part of Colorado. As an Elizabeth local, it’s so much fun to help people find an appealing new place to call home. Many house hunters have never visited the area and are pleasantly surprised that we are just 10 minutes from downtown Elizabeth.
Residents also love being able to live near rolling hills and open spaces. Life here allows you to slow down a little bit and enjoy time together. I especially love being in a place where the stars are so visible at night!
Community Feel
The vision that the developer has put into place to foster a family-friendly community stands out to customers, and the neighborhood’s rich history is apparent when arriving at the community.
The original Bentley family Victorian farmhouse is still present. The family bought a kit to build a farmhouse that came in multiple boxes. They even had to take their horse and carriage on multiple trips to pick up all of the boxes that contained their new home! This house is being restored in a very respectful way and will ultimately be a coffeehouse that is open to the public. There are also 100-year-old barns that are being restored, and one of these barns will serve as a fitness center. Homeowners will also enjoy a community pool and dog park.
Independence identifies as Colorado’s first conservation community; the neighborhood was designed to enhance the land and preserve the existing environment. Approximately 40% percent of the land will be left as open space in an effort to cause minimal disruption to natural wildlife. Employees and homebuyers alike are looking forward to the upcoming neighborhood star gazing lawn and community vegetable garden. The masterplan has its own water and sanitation district to help focus on water conversation. Considerable thought and planning went into making this a sustainable community and making it a better place without disturbing the footprint.
The atmosphere here has a thoughtfully designed, vintage flavor with a wide variety of homesite sizes. This is not a not a cookie-cutter community. The streets at Independence are curved to provide variety and views of the rolling hills.
Richmond American Homes
Our architects put a lot of thought into the open concept and design of our floor plans, which impresses buyers as soon as they step into our model homes. A lot of people don’t realize that’s what they are seeking until they see it in person. Homebuyers especially love the Arlington floor plan and the abundance of ways to personalize their home, including an optional finished basement or fireplace and a multitude of desirable kitchen and bath features.
Richmond American offers seven floor plans at Independence, and a versatile upstairs loft comes standard on the two-story floor plans. So many people are working from home these days, and we have a number of plans that offer a convenient main-floor study. A welcoming front porch is also included on every Richmond American home in the neighborhood. The opportunity to choose from hundreds of fixtures and finishes with personal design assistance at our Home Gallery™ is another amazing aspect of building a dream home.
I see homebuyers from every stage of life being drawn to our flexible floor plans and expect this to be a thriving, multi-generational community.
This article was provided by Richmond American Homes.
If you’re on the search for a beautiful home within an idyllic neighborhood, you’ll love the opportunity to become a resident of the Independence Community. Our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado are nestled among 1,000 acres in a conservation community, so homeowners enjoy the tranquility of nature while Denver is just a short drive away. If you’re ready to buy as we approach warm weather, following these maintenance tips will help to ensure your home is in great condition through the spring and summer seasons for many years to come:
Lay Mulch and Prep Gardens
Planning to test out your green thumb? Mid-to-late spring is the ideal time of year to lay mulch and prep your garden. Aim to lay mulch when the weather is warm enough to allow the soil a chance to reach a consistently warmer temperature. If you’re planning to plant seedlings, start with a thin layer of mulch initially (you can always add more later, if necessary).
Clean Outdoor Appliances
When you’re ready to soak up the sun out on the back porch, grilling provides the perfect opportunity to take dinner outside. As the weather warms up and you find yourself outdoors more often, be sure to give your grill and other outdoor appliances a thorough cleaning. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned the grill, you may need a degreaser to cut through built-up grease and grime.
Get an A/C Inspection
As temperatures continue to climb, your HVAC system will be ramping up its workload to keep your household comfortable. It’s recommended to have your air conditioning unit inspected once per year by a qualified HVAC professional, and late spring is an excellent time to schedule an inspection. However, if you’ve just purchased a new home, the HVAC inspection can wait until next year. Another perk of buying new!
Install or Inspect the Irrigation System
If you want to keep your yard green all year round, irrigation is a must. Use this time to have an irrigation system installed and programmed, or have the system inspected if it’s an existing part of the home. Once it’s ready to go, you’ll benefit from a beautiful yard that makes it a joy to spend time outdoors.
Homeownership is an exciting step, and there’s no question that you’ll want to protect your investment for years to come. Adhering to maintenance schedules will help you ensure that your property remains in great condition throughout the seasons. If you’re interested in becoming a homeowner of a new property, don’t miss out on the Independence Community. Our one-of-a-kind community is located in a quiet town, and our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado are designed with energy efficiency and modern living in mind. Several floor plans are available, so you’ll find an option to suit every stage of life. When you’re ready to explore the possibility of life at Independence, please contact us to arrange a showing of a model home.
If you’re looking for a home with plenty of room to play outdoors with a manageable commute to a major city, you won’t want to miss out on the Independence Community. Our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, offer everything you need to live in comfort, including spacious lots with room for gardening and less than an hour’s drive to Denver. Interested in testing your green thumb once you become a homeowner? Here, we share inspiration for starting a raised garden in your own backyard:
What is a Raised Garden?
A raised garden is the perfect solution for those who live in the city or suburbs. Installing a raised bed will allow you to enhance the look of your yard and save space while you’re at it. Raised beds are also a convenient option for beginner gardeners, as they’re easier to maintain and benefit from improved drainage. Early spring is the ideal time of year to begin your gardening endeavors, and a host of fruits, veggies, and herbs will thrive in our state’s semi-arid climate. When you’re ready to get started, there’s a plethora of raised bed options to choose from. DIY raised beds are a fun weekend project, but kits and ready-made beds are also available.
What to Grow in Your Garden
● Leafy Greens. Several types of leafy greens grow exceptionally well here, and planting in early-to-mid April is ideal. If you love salads, try your hand at growing lettuce, chard, and kale.
● Herbs. Herbs are great for adding flavor to a variety of dishes, and options such as parsley, chard, and dill grow well during early springtime.
● Root Vegetables. Root veggies such as carrots, beets, and radishes should be planted approximately four weeks before the last spring frost.
● Transplants of Cruciferous Veggies. Vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts will likely do best when transplanted instead of seeded at this time of year.
● Perennial Flowers. If you’d like to add some color to your backyard, perennial flowers such as hollyhocks, columbines, and delphiniums should be planted during the spring.
Raised gardens make a great addition to the yard and are perfect for planting in the springtime. If you’re looking for a home with a spacious yard that will accommodate your gardening plans, look no further than our new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado. Independence Community has plans to feature a community garden with raised beds (in accordance with minimal design guidelines), so you’ll also have the option to grow outside of your yard if you’d rather keep the space for other activities. When you’re ready to explore the possibility of becoming a homeowner in our one-of-a-kind conservation community, please reach out to our team.
Independence Neighborhood is proud to partner with four outstanding home builders in Elizabeth, Colorado. Each brand-new home within our conservation community is constructed with exceptional attention to detail, including the homes by Lennar that come standard with the Everything’s Included Features that offer connectivity, efficiency, luxury and simplicity. Interested in exploring the possibility of making a Lennar home your new residence? Here, we share the details that make Lennar an exceptional builder:
The History of Lennar
Lennar began as F&R Builders in Miami, Florida in 1954, founded by Gene Fisher and Arnold Rosen. Leonard Miller became a co-owner in 1956. In 1971, Leonard and Arnold combined their names to create “Lennar.” The company has been public since 1971 and has rapidly expanded its influence to build stunning homes in multiple states, including Colorado.
Lennar Floor Plans in Independence
Lennar offers six floor plans at Independence, all of which offer versatile living spaces with modern designs and finishes to meet varying buyer needs. Ranging from 1,366 to 2,952 square feet, there’s a floor plan to suit any stage of life and lifestyle.
Unique to Lennar is the Everything’s Included promise, which includes all of the extra features at the top of every buyer’s list, included at the best possible value. This means that your new home will feature an abundance of highly sought-after features and accessories, including (but not limited to):
● Preconfigured connectivity perks, such as the Honeywell T6 Pro Smart Thermostat and Ring Video Doorbell Pro
● Efficiency upgrades, including a 55-gallon high-efficiency electric water heater and double-pane low-E windows with argon
● Granite countertops
● Full-height backsplash
● Stainless steel GE appliances
● 8’ garage doors with automatic opener and wireless keypad
● Soaring 9’ first-floor ceilings
● Full unfinished basement
● Air conditioning
Many of these standardized features in Lennar’s Independence homes are considered enhancements, so you’ll benefit from built-in savings and an impressive array of no-cost upgrades, in addition to the ability to customize nearly every detail. From the countertops to the flooring and everything in between, it’s up to the buyer to determine how to make their vision a reality.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new home built by Lennar, stop by our community for a tour. Once you choose a floor plan, the Lennar design team will reach out to begin the process of designing your dream home. Regardless of which floor plan you choose, you can feel confident that your new Independence home will be a haven within our quiet conservation community. To plan your visit to the Lennar model home one of the other home builders in Elizabeth, Colorado, please contact our team.
If you’re interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, how about starting by reducing your environmental footprint at home? While the majority of new construction communities are built with energy efficiency and the latest technology to support green living – including our new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado – there are still many ways to improve your carbon footprint and support our planet without leaving home. In addition to buying within a conservation community, here are a few steps to get you started (and remember, every little bit helps!):
Use Homemade Cleaning Products
When you’re on the search for ways to reduce your plastic usage, skip conventional cleaning products and opt for DIY versions. Many cleaning solutions are incredibly simple to make and require only a few key ingredients, such as white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Unless you’re facing stubborn stains, washing your clothes in cold water is perfectly effective at getting your clothes fresh and clean. By using cold water instead of hot, you’ll significantly reduce energy usage. As an added bonus, cold water is easier on your clothes and will prevent wear and tear. In addition to washing on cold whenever possible, aim to avoid washing after every wear to cut energy and water usage even more drastically.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
To reduce your impact on the planet, decreasing your home’s energy consumption whenever possible is a great start. A programmable thermostat will help you to almost effortlessly optimize your energy usage, while ensuring that your home stays comfortable. It’s also beneficial for the lifespan of your HVAC system and may even provide savings on your energy bills. One of the many perks of buying a new home is that they’re often equipped with a programmable thermostat and other energy-efficient features.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Leaving electronics plugged in when not in use is an energy drain that’s easily preventable. Whenever your appliances or electronics aren’t being used, switch them off and unplug them. Making this simple change a habit really adds up and will contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. This practice can also increase the life of your electronics, because the more items you have plugged in around the house, the more susceptible your devices are to damage from an unexpected power surge.
Only Use the Heater When Necessary
Although spring is quickly approaching, the mornings and evenings are still crisp. While you may be tempted to turn on the heater to warm up, try to save this for truly cold weather. Layering up or enjoying a hot beverage are often as effective as the heater at keeping you warm, and this choice is better for the environment. If you struggle with feeling cold, consider setting up draft excluders to trap warm air inside.
Living an eco-friendlier life often requires just a few simple changes. If you’d like to reduce your energy usage, consider purchasing one of our beautiful new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado. Each brand-new home in the Independence Neighborhood is designed with energy efficient features to be gentler on the environment, while providing all the luxuries of modern living. To learn more about availability and the sustainable infrastructure of our conservation community, please contact our team.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
Colorado is home to 58 mountains over 14,000 feet (known locally as “fourteeners”), beautiful national parks, and no shortage of vibrant communities and cities across the state, leaving plenty of fun for both the outdoor enthusiast and the urban explorer. With most adventures within a day’s drive away, Colorado offers the ideal outdoor adventure paradise for the weekend road warrior. Here are four of our favorite weekend road trips within a few hours of the Independence Neighborhood, our conservation-oriented community that offers beautiful new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado.
Garden of the Gods
Located about an hour south of Elizabeth in the shadow of Pikes Peak mountain, Garden of the Gods is one of our state’s most popular hiking destinations – and for good reason! With its unique rock formations and over 15 miles of hiking trails, Garden of the Gods has some of the most breathtaking scenery the state has to offer. It’s free to visit, and trails are easily accessible year-round. The Ridge Trail and the Siamese Twins Trail are among a few favorites.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Located roughly 3.5 hours south of Elizabeth, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to our country’s tallest sand mountains that stretch for 30 square miles. While it attracts plenty of campers, hikers, and stargazers, many also visit this bucket-list-worthy destination to sand sled and snowboard down the dunes. If you don’t have your own sled or board, there are plenty of rental stores in the area. Not to worry, if camping is not your thing, consider staying in nearby Alamosa to make the most out of your weekend adventure at this beautiful park and preserve.
Boulder
Located about an hour and a half north of Elizabeth, Boulder is a great place to escape for the weekend for several reasons. For one, Boulder is a lively community with a vibrant culture that lacks the fast pace city-feel of nearby Denver. Food lovers will definitely appreciate the town’s diverse scene of local restaurants and bars, with Frasca Food and Wine, Blackbelly, and Black Cat topping the list of favorites. Meanwhile, the Pearl Street Mall offers plenty of opportunities for retail therapy with its countless unique stores and locally owned shops. Additionally, Boulder is conveniently located near the Flatirons – a beautifully unconventional rock formation affording some of the most surreal hiking opportunities in Colorado.
Glenwood Springs
Located about 3.5 hours west of Elizabeth, the appropriately named Glenwood Springs is an eclectic town famous for its huge geothermally heated hot springs. Whether you are sore from a long day on the mountain or simply in need of a little self-care, Glenwood Springs is the perfect place for the ultimate relaxation-weekend. While you are there, be sure to check out the rides and explore the caves at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park!
If exciting weekend road trips and adventure are on your docket for 2021 and you’re living in one of Independence Neighborhood’s brand-new homes in Elizabeth Colorado, you won’t have to travel very far. Conveniently located within a short drive of countless must-see weekend road trip destinations, Independence also offers views for miles while planning your next trip – right outside your front door! Interested in learning more about our brand-new family oriented community? Please contact our team to learn more.
On the search for beautiful new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado? Choosing a home in an area that’s USDA-approved comes with a host of benefits. If you’re ready to buy and love the idea of living in an area with small-town charm, like the Independence Neighborhood, a USDA loan may be the perfect option to consider. Here, we share more about the benefits of purchasing a USDA-approved house.
100% Financing
If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a homeowner but the thought of saving for a significant down payment is daunting, you’re not alone. USDA loans, VA loans, and loans for military families through Navy Federal Credit Union are the only options out there that offer 100% financing for borrowers. This means that when your credit is in good shape and you meet the income requirements, no down payment is necessary to secure your loan.
Competitive Interest Rates
Since USDA loans are government-backed, this means that USDA lenders are often able to provide competitive interest rates. However, keep in mind that the rate you qualify for largely depends upon your credit profile and current market conditions.
Flexible Credit Requirements
If you’re interested in buying a home but your credit isn’t stellar, USDA offers flexible options. There’s no minimum credit score required to qualify for this type of loan, but you’ll need a minimum score of 640 to use the automated underwriting system. If your score is lower than this, no problem—you’ll just need to opt for manual underwriting.
Eligible Areas
If you’re ready to achieve your goal of becoming a homeowner without having to come up with a hefty down payment, pursuing a USDA-eligible home is an excellent option. Independence offers stunning brand-new homes in Elizabeth, Colorado, and the peaceful setting of open acreage only a 30-minute drive from Denver. Interested in learning more about Independence Neighborhood’s conservation community? Please contact our team to learn more and sign up for email updates to stay up to date on the latest developments.