Commute from Golden to Boulder and Denver (Aurora, Westminster: rent, job)

[jmstanley]

I may potentially relocate for a job in Boulder, but my wife most likely would seek employment at the Children's Hospital in Denver. We would like to live in a small mountain community in which the commute would be equal distance to Boulder and Denver. Is Golden a good choice? I have read on some threads that the snow becomes the problem for some of the more rural communities, which makes sense, but what does that mean in terms of commute time. My typical commute time (in good weather now) is about 45 minutes to 1 hour during rush hour in Indianapolis. Any thoughts, advice, comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Micktooth]

Welcome! The new Children's Hospital is now farther east than the old one. This will add to a commute from the western suberbs. Golden is a beautiful town. The snow usually isn't that bad. If you are set on Childrens Hospital, the commute would be the only down side. I would assume that during rush hour it would be an hour or so.

[Katiana]

Golden is not a mountain town, though there are some people living up Coal Creek Canyon who have Golden addresses. I don't really know if there is a mountain town equidistant from Boulder and Denver. For one thing, Boulder is about as far west as Golden, but Denver is farther east. You really need to get out a map and look at it.

Regarding your wife's work, if she is interested in Children's Hospital, she should look at their website. They have a number of facilities all over the metro area, in addition to their main hospital in Aurora. They have a satellite facility in Broomfield which is expanding and moving to a different place in Broomfield.

[jmstanley]

Many thanks for the replies and advice!

[tfox]

Golden is not far from boulder, but commute would be along 93, which is a windy, 2 lane road which has way too much traffic. It's also a road that is frequently closed due to high winds, drifts, and assorted bad weather, without really a lot of good alternate routes.

Golden to the new children's hospital would be along I-70, a straight shot but lots of traffic and long distances.

If you're simply looking for a place in between Boulder and the new Children's hospital, you'd be better off looking at somewhere off of 36 (think Westminster, perhaps), though admittedly Golden offers a much more scenic experience than any of the suburbs along that route can give you.

[geogirl82]

In my opinion, Golden is a great community that gives access to both Boulder and Denver. I LOVE living in Golden. No, it's not a "mountain town", but yes it is a "foothills town". I can walk out my front door, through the neighborhood, and to a trailhead and hike mountainous terrain for hours and hours.

The winters are not too bad at all in regards to snow. Yes, we get heavy snow at times, but the sun is quickly out and melting it. For example, tomorrow's high is upper 60s and Sunday's forecast is for snow. Had no problems with heavy snow this winter.

The drive to Boulder is ~20/25 mins along 93 (more time the further into Boulder you go). I have never had bad traffic/wind problems. It's a beautiful drive. The drive to Denver is also ~20 mins +/- depending on how you go. Traffic also varies on how you go. I always take hwy 6, and it's easy. I-70 is also an easy (likely faster) way to get downtown.

I recommend driving the area's you're considering... once you see the other options, Golden will surely stand out as the best *quality of life*, yet close to both locations!

[Katiana]

My spouse worked in Golden for ~15 yrs, and found Hiway 93 was often closed in times of high winds, blowing snow, etc. When the weather is bad, even if it's not closed, it can be a challenge. That said, it is quite scenic. Most of Golden lies east of 93, and thus is not in the foothills, per se. Snowfalls vary in metro Denver acccording to which way the snow comes in; sometimes the eastern part of town gets more, sometimes the west, etc.