Railroad buffs take note: Milliken was named after railroad official John D. Milliken.
The town of Milliken got off to a rough start in the early 1900s when much of the town was destroyed by fires
Railroad buffs take note: Milliken was named after railroad official John D. Milliken.
The town of Milliken got off to a rough start in the early 1900s when much of the town was destroyed by fires. The town had not yet recovered when the Great Depression hit, devastating the economy even more. But perseverance paid off in its recent history. Since the year 2000, the town has nearly doubled in size. Less than an hour's drive north of Denver, you'll feel worlds away from the big city in the small town of Milliken. Roughly 5,600 residents live in the town's 5.7 square miles, enjoying the four distinct seasons at its 4,700-foot elevation. The town's rapid growth in this century has been paradoxical to the real estate slump of the early 2000s in much of the country, and you won't have problem finding places to live in Milliken that are newer construction.
The majority of Milliken's homes are owner occupied, so start early when looking for a rental apartment. Your best bet is to select a reputable property management agent who has access to the area's multiple listing service. Your agent will let you know what properties may be coming available that fit your needs long before they actually hit the market. In addition, your property management agent can pre-approve your application to rent. Simply fill out the form and provide proof of identity and income. When your ideal new home becomes available, you and your agent can proceed quickly with final approval so you don't risk losing out to another party who is further along in the application process.
Mild seasons make any time of year suitable for moving to Milliken. Keep in mind that Chinook winds blow during March and April, and may make moving large pieces of artwork and furniture a challenge. Summer afternoons during July and August often bring summer thunderstorms with lightning, hail and heavy rain, so moves are best accomplished during the morning hours during those months.
There are quite a few neighborhoods in Milliken to find that place you've been dreaming about every night. Don't go into your search cold, instead do your research and be prepared! You'll be much happier not wasting time looking in areas, and at places, that don't fit with what you really want.
East Milliken
Settler's Village: This neighborhood surrounds Sappington Park, where you'll find walking trails and natural open space. Townhouses for rent in the area have 3 bedrooms and average 1,500 square feet. Single family homes sit on lots less than 5,000 square feet and average 1,500 feet in size.
Colony Pointe: Immediately west of Settler's Village, Colony Pointe surrounds Erlich's Park that is the site of the community's annual fishing derby each May. The neighborhood is also home to Hillsboro Skate Park, featuring wedge ramps, quarter pipes, a half pipe, stairs, grind rail and more. Homes in Colony Pointe average about 1,500 square feet on 7,000 square foot lots.
North Milliken
County: The area on Milliken's north side is agricultural community with parcels 20 to 40 acres or more in size. Look for one bedroom apartments for rent in small, privately-owned complexes set on a farm or ranch. Single family homes in this area range from 3 to 5 bedrooms with an average size of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. This is an ideal area to find a duplex for rent.
Blehm Waterway Estates: Situated on the eastern side of the Mad Russian Golf Club, Blehm Waterway Estates features custom luxury homes on large lots. Homes upwards of 4,000 square feet with 5 or more bedrooms sit atop half-acre parcels within a few blocks of the golf course. The Mad Russian has a pro shop and event center that supplies catering for your special event.
Villas at Mad Russian: Immediately south of Blehm Waterway Estates, Villas at Mad Russian offer homes up to 3,000 square feet on lots less than a quarter acre. Some homes back to the golf course and other green areas for a picturesque view of the course framed by distant snow-capped mountains.
Town Center
Centennial Farms: This neighborhood is one of Milliken's newer neighborhoods. It has homes ranging from 1400 to 1800 square feet with one and two-story floor plans and 3 or 4 bedrooms. The subdivision backs to natural areas along the Thompson Ditch with walking trails along the water.
Frank Farm: Look for 3 or 4 bedroom single family homes in Frank Farm. The houses average 2,000 to 3,000 square feet and sit on lots with sizes from 7,000 square feet to 9,000 square feet. Look for pocket parks in Frank Farm, including Milliken Fitness Park. The park has 10 fitness station and a 1/8 mile trail for walking or jogging. Florence Park and Mountain View Park have additional amenities such as softball fields and play structures.
Milliken Town: Although much of Milliken has been built since 2000, Milliken Town neighborhood features homes of yesteryear. Charming cottages built in the early 1900s feature Victorian style and quaint cottages with shady lots averaging .25 acre. Prices vary widely in this neighborhood depending on whether or not the home has been restored or is awaiting loving attention. Look for townhouses for rent in this area as well as a small, privately-owned apartment complex.
South Milliken
Peregrine Creek: Spacious lots of more than 1.25 acre hold homes of around 3,000 square feet. The neighborhood has been developed since 2010 and features hiking trails and natural areas. The creek runs along the east side of the neighborhood.
Beef and Beans
While Milliken has a number of community events each year that include a December Festival of Lights and and Easter Eggstravaganza, one event is unique to the town. The annual Beef and Bean Day celebrated each August dates to the 1930s. The event features a parade, fireworks, community barbeque and live music. Vendor booths, games, contests and a pancake breakfast are all part of the fun. The event began during the Great Depression when Milliken was hit particularly hard and a full meal was in short supply.
Go Fish
Milliken residents love getting outdoors and you'll find plenty of places to do so. The city lies at the confluence of the South Platte and Big Thompson rivers, so get your Colorado fishing license, gear up and head to the rivers or lakes within the city. Lakes such as those in Centennial Park, Fireman's Park, and Erlich's Park fill in April when spring melt brings water to ditches and streams that feed the lakes. Fish are stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife several times a year.
