Small Towns in Northern Colorado Rank High for Resurrecting an '80s Nostalgic Childhood Experience
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In the heart of Colorado, two towns - Lafayette and Louisville - are standing out as ideal locations for children to experience an "80s-style childhood". This is primarily due to their environments that encourage outdoor play, roaming freedom, and minimal screen time, contrasting the modern trend of screen-centric activities and hyper-supervision[1].
According to a survey, both towns rank among the top three in the U.S. for offering neighborhoods and communities where children can enjoy this free-range lifestyle. The communities foster an atmosphere that promotes outdoor play and neighbourly interaction, mirroring the carefree play and freedom that characterized the 1980s childhood experience[1].
This cultural shift involves a safer environment for children to explore their surroundings, roam freely, and engage in outdoor activities, rather than being confined indoors or overly supervised[1].
Key factors contributing to this revival include a strong sense of community, safety, and an emphasis on outdoor play. For instance, in Lafayette, parents can let their kids enjoy splash pads, trails, and wide-open parks without worrying about proximity to careers. Louisville, on the other hand, offers a charming downtown, top-tier schools, and an unmistakable sense of safety[1].
Shaun Martin, owner of We Buy Houses In Denver, stated that families today are not just chasing affordability, but also a feeling which Lafayette and Louisville deliver[1].
The right age for unsupervised play, according to most parents, falls between 9 and 11 years old. Interestingly, only 6% of parents defined an '80s-style childhood as walking to school alone. However, 76% of parents feel their neighbourhoods are safe enough to let kids roam, while 24% wish for a stronger sense of security[1].
Parents surveyed also noted that an '80s-style childhood is defined by "independence with boundaries" (66%), less screen exposure (33%), and playing outside unsupervised (18%). Additionally, 18% of parents long for a stronger sense of community for their children, and 27% want more time in nature for their children[1].
Golden was the only other Colorado town to make the top three, making Lafayette and Louisville among the best towns in Colorado for raising children with a freedom and fun reminiscent of the 1980s.
For those interested, the full infographic and survey can be viewed at webuyhousesindenver.org.
[1] Data sourced from the survey conducted by We Buy Houses In Denver.
- Families in northern Colorado towns like Lafayette and Louisville are prioritizing an '80s-style childhood for their children, which involves outdoor play, independence, and a strong sense of community, as reflected in a survey conducted by We Buy Houses In Denver.
- The community atmosphere in Lafayette and Louisville supports a lifestyle that encourages outdoor activities for children, offering amenities like splash pads, trails, and parks, making it ideal for raising children with a 1980s feel.
- In addition to the outdoor appeal, both towns boast top-tier schools and a charming downtown, as in Louisville, adding to the overall lifestyle and home-and-garden appeal for families.
- Apart from the appeal of abundant outdoor events and the community, parents also value the safety and arts scene in these Colorado towns, making them top contenders for families seeking an '80s-style childhood for their children.
