Re: Snow, Cold, Ice, Glbt Boulder??? (Denver, Colorado Springs: real estate, hotels, YMCA)

[silence do good]

I am a 49 year old not exclusively heterosexual man with straight, gay, and bisexual friends. I live in an upstate NY city with a very weak economy and very long, dark, icy winters with heavy, long lasting snowfalls. People are generally down to earth and friendly here--possibly because most are poor. Though we have a world class art museum and great historic architecture most of the bright young and progressive people run away from here to greener pastures ASAP. Our city is documented as one of Stephen King's favorite inspirations because of its creepyness. We had pop 100K in 1950 and now only 60K!!! There was a bumper sticker at one time advising the last person leaving town to "Turn the lights out."

I have been seriously considering a long term if not final relocation to Boulder, Colorado, primarily because of its status as one of the leading Buddhist centers in the U.S. [aka "New Tibet"]. Boulder apparently is one of the top rated communities in the US and has a lot going for it. It also looks like a good inland refuge in these days of increasing climate change. I've learned that your winters are sunny, but on average you have over 80 inches of snow. I also hear that Colorado is a very conservative "Red state" and that recently two apparently gay men were physically attacked by two U. Colorado students. Housing is also an issue.

My burning questions about Boulder:

1. Do you have any Single Room Occupancy Hotels [SRO's] for new resident starters--or rooms at the YMCA to begin?

2. How cold can it get in Boulder in the winter and for how long? Do you have much ice in winter and if so how long does it generally hang around? Does the snow tend to last long? Is snow promptly removed from sidewalks and streets?

3. I will not have a car. How practical is living in Boulder in winter without a car?

4. I am very liberal and progressive and I value counter-culture and New Age.
Is it likely to be SAFE or a hassle hanging out with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender folks and going to their gathering places in Boulder vis a vis Colorado conservatives? If so I'll take my $ and my talents elseware.

5. What's the fine art scene like in Boulder-painters, sculpors, etc?

PEACE BE WITH YOU--SDG

[Katarina Witt]

I can answer questions 2 and 3.

2. It is not usually cold in Boulder or anywhere in the Denver metro area for more than a few days at a time, depending on how you define cold. Winter, defined as snow season, can start in September (any time in Sept) and last until the first few days of June, though it is rare to have snow past early May. In the fall months, there are weeks and weeks of warm sunny weather between the snowfalls. There is generally snow on the ground on Halloween. Even in winter, it is mostly warm (50's) and sunny. Snow does not usually last more than a few days, with rare exceptions. Snow removal from the streets is a major joke, and a major source of dissatisfaction by the residents. Removal from the sidewalks is the homeowner's/resident's responsibility; it is supposed to be done within 24 hrs of cessation of snow. That doesn't always happen.

3. It is pretty easy to get around in Boulder w/o a car anytime. You can also take the bus to Denver, to the airport and to Eldora Ski area. There is Greyhound service to Grand Junction, possibly other places as well.

[tfox]

1. There is is at least one hostel in Boulder and I suspect more. It's called Boulder International Hostel and there's always a lot of new internationals staying there. The conventional hotels in Boulder aren't really all that expensive, though, and if you want cheaper, it's easy enough to stay at a cheaper place along Hwy 36 for a few days while you're looking for another place.

2. Please see Pittnurse's post. Winter in Boulder is not all that bad.

3. Please also see Pittnurse's post. There's probably more people going w/o cars in Boulder than anyplace else in Colorado.

4. Boulder is very welcoming of people of all persuasions. I wouldn't judge Boulder by the antics of a couple of drunk college freshmen. There may be some intolerance among a few students, but overall Boulder is a welcoming place and I'm sure you'd find its progressive culture quite to your taste. Politically, Boulder (the city) is notably progressive -- local politics largely consists of battles between Democrats and third parties like the Green Party. Though there are a few token Republicans around town just to keep the debate going.

5. (Arts) It's pretty good -- there are some galleries and museums and I think the community of Boulder's demographics are supportive of the arts. That being said, I think the art scene in Boulder is pretty tiny compared to that of Denver.

[silence do good]

Dear pittnurse70 and tfox,

THANK YOU so much for your kindness in your detailed and courteous replies to my inquiries about Boulder. I'm now more interested in relocating to Boulder than ever.

Although Utica is slowly recovering from economic collapse we remain one of the most regressive and politically apathetic cities in the US. --no wonder Stephen King comes here in disguise for ideas and often places a character "from Utica NY" in his novels! ---not too mention months of darkness, persistent ice and wet snow in winter with temps that can go down to -20 for a few days. There are a few saving graces. The region is beautiful, housing costs some of the lowest in the US, and a world class art institute in the middle of downtown. If you like Gothic places, conservative politics and want to get in on the real estate ground floor w min investment come to Utica--SDG We also have some good colleges--SUNYIT is set on an 800 acre campus, is quality education, very safe and uncrowded.

[AngelicaCaliay]

I plan to live in Colorado Springs, and am a straight person, but you can consider me a friend. I am the live and let live type of person. I believe al should be allowed to live the life they were given. I hope you enjoy your move. Angelica

[breaksraver13]

I too am also concerned about this......me and my partner are planning to relocate there next year.........Boulder is not in our list of places to look at.......any other places to recommend......preferably in a lower Cost of Living city/town

[dolphins]

Hi, we are from NY (Long Island) and we are looking to leave due to overpopulation, unaffordable housing, and poor quality of life. I would like to find a nice city in the southwest. I am considering Colorado, northern Arizona and northern New Mexico. I am looking at the southwest because I would like to be near the mountains and for the low humidity. Does anyone know of any area in these three states where there are seasons (fall leaves), but not too long of a cold snowy winter? Definitely the fall season with the leaves but a very very mild winter??
Thank you!

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by dolphins

Hi, we are from NY (Long Island) and we are looking to leave due to overpopulation, unaffordable housing, and poor quality of life. I would like to find a nice city in the southwest. I am considering Colorado, northern Arizona and northern New Mexico. I am looking at the southwest because I would like to be near the mountains and for the low humidity. Does anyone know of any area in these three states where there are seasons (fall leaves), but not too long of a cold snowy winter? Definitely the fall season with the leaves but a very very mild winter??
Thank you!

Try somewhere in New Mexico. You may find Colorado's winters too harsh, given your criteria. I am from Pennsylvania and I don't find them bad at all, but then, I loved the winter in Champaign, IL, which is harder than Denver's.