Remarkable Northern Colorado Towns Rank High for Recapturing '80s Nostalgia of Childhood
Lafayette and Louisville, Colorado, are rapidly becoming the go-to destinations for families seeking a 1980s-style childhood experience for their children. These towns, known for their artsy, family-forward vibe, great schools, and events like Art Night Out and the Peach Festival, offer an environment where kids can roam free, play outside, and grow up with a sense of independence reminiscent of 1985[1].
A survey conducted by We Buy Houses In Denver involving 3,004 parents revealed that 66% of them believe in "independence with boundaries" and 18% value unsupervised outdoor play[1]. The survey also highlighted that 76% of parents feel their neighborhoods are safe enough for kids to roam, and it's common to see children in Louisville walking together, biking, or exploring outdoors without a smartphone[1].
The key factors contributing to these towns' ranking include safe, family-friendly communities that allow children to explore their neighbourhoods freely without excessive parental restrictions. Abundant outdoor spaces and playgrounds invite children to engage in physical activity and imaginative play outside[1]. Local culture and community norms also support traditional childhood freedoms over constantly supervised or screen-centered lifestyles[1].
Shaun Martin, owner of We Buy Houses In Denver, states that families today are not just chasing affordability but a feeling that Lafayette and Louisville deliver[1]. Both towns reflect a growing desire for a slower-paced, outdoorsy, and connected childhood experience, as seen in the fact that 24% of parents wish for a stronger sense of neighborhood security, and 18% long for a stronger sense of community for their children[1].
Moreover, 33% of parents want less screen exposure for their children, and 27% of parents want more time for their children to spend in nature[1]. Only 6% of parents want their children to walk to school alone, while the majority of parents believe the right age for unsupervised play is between 9 and 11 years old[1].
Lafayette, Louisville, and Golden are the top three places in Colorado where kids can enjoy independent outdoor play, similar to the 1980s[1]. These towns, therefore, offer a unique opportunity for families to provide their children with a childhood that fosters independence, physical activity, and a sense of community, setting them up for a healthier and more fulfilling future.
[1] We Buy Houses In Denver Survey, 2022.
- Families in northern Colorado, specifically in Lafayette and Louisville, value the towns' family-friendly environment that encourages children to explore and play outdoors, similar to the 1980s.
- Local schools and community events, such as Art Night Out and the Peach Festival, contribute to the appeal of these towns for families seeking a connected and artsy lifestyle.
- A 2022 survey by We Buy Houses In Denver revealed that many parents in these towns prioritize a balanced combination of independence with boundaries, unsupervised outdoor play, and fewer screen hours for their children.
- Home-and-garden and family-dynamics in these towns reflect a community norm that supports traditional childhood freedoms, fostering a closer and safer sense of community for children.
- With a growing desire for a slower-paced, outdoorsy, and connected childhood experience, relationships between parents and children in northern Colorado towns like Lafayette, Louisville, and Golden are being redefined, creating a supportive environment for child development.
