Tell me about Colorado

[Kristy!]

DH and I have been feeling restless lately. We're thinking that we're tired of our area (we both live within 10 minutes of where we grew up) and are considering moving. The problem is, where do we go? We don't want to live in a big city, but would either like to be just outside of one or in a smaller city. I like having seasons and have no desire to move to the south. For some reason, Colorado keeps popping into my head. I would like to plan a trip out there to look around, but I'm completely clueless. Can anyone give me an idea of what different areas are like and places to avoid? I know this is pretty vague, but it's just the beginning of it all. I'd appreciate any help!

[AnnaBanana]

I kinda grew up in Ft. Collins which is in northern CO in the foothills. Definitely has seasons and is a big enough city to have things to do while still having that "small town" feel. It's home to CSU which gives it a sort of young, hip thing while still maintaining a really family-like atmosphere. No high rises - lots of houses and parks. Plus, Colorado in general is super clean and very conscious of the environment. Estes Park is like 45 minutes away maybe, and Denver is about 1 hour straight interstate.

 

Here are some pictures of my dad's house there - not the best, but might give you an idea.

 

This is the "Old Towne" Center with a bunch of shops and stuff:

 

The view from my dad's yard (which is outside of Ft. Collins, actually) - kinda shows where you are in relation to the mountains.

 

Green in the summer (FI picking apples, lol):

 

Street view (No idea how I got this):

 

Horsetooth Reservoir which overlooks Ft. Collins:

 

Heading towards Estes Park:

 

Hope those help some!

[Andi]

Kristy! you can come visit Erika and I and check it out!

 

I do love ft. collins as anna mentioned above (that is where I went to college) but I grew up in a suburb of Denver and now live in a different suburb of Denver. we LOVE IT (although I do hate the snow!). DH and I are about 15 minutes to red rocks and about 20 mins (in the other direction) to downtown denver.

 

what else do you want to know? i can fill you in !

[Kristy!]

Thanks for the info Annie! And providing pics, even better!

 

I was hoping you'd jump in here Andi! I should come out and visit you guys, it'd be so much fun.

 

I feel like Chris and I are getting really old really fast here. We don't have much of a social life and we're turning into couch potatoes! I want an area that has some stuff going on and encourages activity. I hate commuting 2 hours each way to NYC for my job (hello, that's a part time job right there!), and I don't even really like my job. Chris is so frustrated with his and would like to leave. He's in finance, so even though it's not the best market for it, he can get a job anywhere.

 

This is when I wish we hadn't bought a condo. If we're lucky, we'd break even. But, the housing is definitely cheaper out in the Denver area. I've been addicted to realtor.com today.

 

Ah, here are some questions:

 

*I was thinking Denver, but what other areas would make sense? (I can add looking at Fort Collins to the list, thanks Annie!)

*Do the different suburbs around Denver have different personalities, or are they all pretty similar?

 

So many thoughts running through my head right now. Thanks again girls!

[AnnaBanana]

No prob!

Hm, my step mother JUST had a house built on the outskirts of Denver. If you want any specific questions about buying in that area, please PM me! I can bug her for info since she just finished going through it!

 

Colorado sounds like a great alternative to you!

[Erika J]

Kristy - great news, I grew up just north of Chicago and moved to colorado 12 years ago and love it, dont think I will ever move. EVER!

 

I could go on and on about the different suburbs and neighborhoods. But bottom line it is Colorado. Denver is not a big city, I live technically in the city in a great neighborhood (new) with lots of young people. Either with kids or with out, but most everyone has a dog and is outside all the time.

 

I have been an avid skier since moving to colorado and love to spend the weekends in the mountains.

 

I also lived in Boulder for 4 years. It is a great social city with tons and tons to do. (an many NP's for you).

 

Let me know if you have more questions.

[Kristy!]

Thanks Erika. I think we just need to get out there to get a feeling for the area. Great tip about Non-profits in Boulder. How far is Boulder from Denver? I think a smaller city is more up our alley, so I'm glad to here you say that Denver isn't huge (which I was pretty sure it wasn't). You may be hearing from me about a get together at some point.

 

By the way Andi, I saw Kristi and Paul last Thursday. We went out for Indian food. I'm so in love with them.

[Erika J]

Boulder is 31 miles from Denver. Super close.

 

Denver is going to feel very small to you and Chris since you are used to other cities.

 

I think typically, boulder is pretty liberal, then Denver, then Ft Collins and Colorado springs is furthest to the right. But there is a mix of people everywhere.

 

I also have a friend who is in Non profit in Colorado maybe she can suggests some places to look for jobs.

[Kristy!]

Very cool! I want a small feel. I'll so over NYC and its big hustle and bustle. I want stuff to do, but not in a concrete environment. Also, thanks for the political heads-up. I know you know I'm more conservative, so I appreciate that.

 

I think hubs and I need to seriously start on this journey. I'm ready to go now! Too bad about 300 things need to happen before we can. I'll keep you posted. And thanks all! (Feel free to keep posting stuff though!)

[LadyTrunck]

Yay! I grew up in all surrounding areas of Denver, and am ITCHING to move back. We need to wait until the economy gets a little better though so it will be easier to find jobs and such.

 

I am guessing Andi lives in Golden? maybe not but thought I’d give it a shot.

 

FI wants to move downtown when we move back, but it’s not logical to do that with our puppy, as he will need a yard (and another Papillion to play with!). We are considering Wash Park (kind of pricey, about 15 min from downtown, cute neighborhood feel), the up and coming Highlands area (a few miles east of downtown, great food, getting trendy, but safety may be an issue a little because of the neighborgood), Capitol hill (same as Wash park, not as pricey, but safety can also be an issue there, about a mile or so from downtown), DU area (near wash park, cute neighborhood feel).

 

There are also the suburb options- Highlands Ranch (ALL of our friends live there, but it’s a little too far south for us, and we want a bit of a more urban feel), Golden, Littleton, Lakewood, Cherry Creek (we’d consider if it weren’t so pricey)….and many, many other cities in all directions.

 

Bottom line is, Denver is the best city!! There is a ton to do there all year round. I’m currently living in one of the prettiest places in the world, a mile from the beach, and I still want to move back! Good luck, and as the other ladies said, any questions feel free to ask!

 

When I move back, we all have to get together! I would love it!