Welcome back!! I second whomever said get a one week "extended stay" place so you can look yourself. I lived in Thornton for a few years not far from 120th/Washington. It was OK but I'd never go East of I-25 again. Just my preference. And yes, there are definitely sketchy parts of Thornton & Federal Heights! We live in Broomfield (120th/Sheridan) now. The (road) cycling from Broomfield up to towns like Erie, Longmont, Niwot, etc is great - lots of low traffic, "country" roads and/or roads with good shoulders. The routes also offer great views of the Flatirons and foothills.

Traffic in the greater Denver area sucks!! Another reason we live West of I-25 is so we can avoid it at all costs. My husband and I work downtown so we take Federal to work and 36 home. They are a little bit better but it still takes us 35+ minutes to go 16 miles. If you can live close to work or even work from home, do so!!

Again, welcome back! If you need other info, let us know.