Finding a brand-new home in the northeast isn't difficult, as the area is home to several different new housing developments. Most feature homes on smaller lots, however, as open land becomes more scarce.

"The big, wide open parcels are harder to come by," says Lisa Cox, the assistant to the city manager. "People are combining two, three, and four parcels together for development."

Forrest Estates is a typical new development in the northeast, with 44 houses in the first filing and 45 houses in the second filing. The first filing is built and sold, and homes are currently under construction in the second filing, where prices range from $262,000 to $289,900 and lot sizes are around 7,500 square feet.

"They're real livable houses, all forced air heat, central air-conditioning," says Kathy Deppe, broker associate with RE/MAX 4000. "We think they're a cut above."

In addition to many choices when choosing a new neighborhood, the northeast offers nearby schools. Thunder Mountain, Nisley and Fruitvale Elementary are all in the northeast area, as is Central High School, Grand Mesa Middle School and Bookcliff Middle School, which is operating in a brand new facility, thanks to the last bond levy. The old school, which included many separate buildings connected by walkways, was completely torn down and replaced with the new building.

"We were always concerned about security," notes Principal Marty Bassett. Because of the old building's design, the school had 50 - 60 outside doors. "Kids miss being able to go outside, but safety-wise, that was an issue."

The city partnered with the school district to build the Bookcliff Activity Center, an open gym that's attached to the middle school, but designed to be used by the entire community. The Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of classes and activities, from basic pilates to toddler classes to after-school programs for middle-school students and drop-in basketball and volleyball in the evening.

"The city council realized there was a need at this end of the community." says Stacy Pike, the recreation coordinator for the facility. "There weren't a lot of recreational opportunities, so we decided to address the need."

The city isn't the only organization concerned with recreational opportunities on the east end of the valley. Last fall, Mesa County opened the Long Family Memorial Park next to Central High School between E 1/2 and F Road. Current amenities included in the park include two playground areas, three small covered pavilions, one large pavilion with restrooms, two sand volleyball courts, an in-line hockey rink, and two half-court basketball areas. All access to the park is currently off E 1/2 Road, but phase three will bring access from F Road, as well as more jogging trails, an additional pavilion, another playground area and an additional basketball court, to name just a few of the amenities scheduled for completion this summer. Phase four will bring the highly anticipated regulation size baseball diamond.

"The grand opening was very well attended," says Jessica Peterson, the director of public relations for Mesa County. "There were hundreds of people there, it got a lot of attention from people who live out there because there isn't anything out there in that end of the valley."

Although much of the new commercial development is taking place in the west end of the valley, both City Market and Safeway have staked a claim in the northeast.

There are several restaurants in the northeast, including China Jade and Roosters on 32 Road, Leon's Mexican Restaurant on 30 Road, and David's, a casual restaurant next to Safeway on F Road. Retail businesses along North Avenue are nearby, offering everything from hardware to furniture, more restaurants and a Wal-Mart.

It's possible to find older homes in the northeast area, which often have larger lots and established landscaping. Prices for older homes depend on their size and their condition, but it is possible to find homes with price tags closer to $200,000, especially if buyers are willing to invest a little sweat equity into their homes.

As developers respond to buyers' wants and offer more upgraded homes in the northeast area, home prices will continue to climb. At present, the northeast offers an opportunity to purchase new housing at more affordable prices in an area that's growing more desirable, thanks to both the city and the county's efforts to build stronger communities, while offering more recreation and services.