It's hard to fathom it - but housing costs have exploded in Denver area

Having a "few acres" in an area directly served by mass transit is going to be by a reliable RTD bus service. Somewhere along the Boulder Denver corridor. But a few acres is going to be well in excess of $1.5MM.

Golden has light rail - and I think it is an awesome town. A few acres is again going to be very pricy.

Maybe the best more Affordsble slternative -Castle Rock - it's a short drive to Denver light rail mass transit from Castle Rock. Beautiful town.

Also - you should look at Niwot. Just outside of Boulder.

There really are no great choices for young families with limited income.