moving to boulder area from VT (Arvada, Lafayette: safe neighborhoods, good schools, live)

[judy1]

My husband and I and 5 year old daughter are planning on moving to either Arvada or Lafayette CO-from reading other peoples resposnses, I am a little worried about people being too religious/not friendly to outsiders-is this true? We are laid back people, who are middle of the road when it comes to politics,and we just want a change of scenery where there are good schools, friendly people, safe neighborhoods. Is there such a place? Everyone seems so negative, which is fine if it is the reality, but...help me out here please.

[2bindenver]

I think the whiners are louder at the moment. Colorado is a beautiful place and I am happy that this is where I call home.

Yes I am a Realtor, and have been for nearly 19 years...that just means I could live anywhere I wanted to....and I choose here!

[Katiana]

I don't think you have anything to worry about regarding religion. With a very few exceptions, it is "live and let live" here regarding religion.

Some people have a good experience with the natives and "semi-natives", some don't. It is true that there is some hostility to outsiders here. Right now, it doesn't seem so bad to me, but I have been here for 27 yrs. When we first came here, "NATIVE" bumper stickers were all the rage. During times of crisis such as school overcrowding, etc, the newcomers are blamed. Arvada is kind of land-locked, would probably not be too bad. I don't have as good a handle on Lafayette, even though I live close to there. The schools have a big out-migration problem (to other schools in the district) so they might be happy to have you if you send your daughter to the local schools as opposed to open-enrolling.

How did you choose these two places?

[namerg]

Originally Posted by judy1

My husband and I and 5 year old daughter are planning on moving to either Arvada or Lafayette CO-from reading other peoples resposnses, I am a little worried about people being too religious/not friendly to outsiders-is this true? We are laid back people, who are middle of the road when it comes to politics,and we just want a change of scenery where there are good schools, friendly people, safe neighborhoods. Is there such a place? Everyone seems so negative, which is fine if it is the reality, but...help me out here please.

Hi, Judy.
I am planning to move in June. If you know anyone who wants to move to Colorado and help me drive the Uhaul and split the gas. Let me know

Cheers,
G

[Micktooth]

My family and I moved to Louisville near Boulder last year from New Orleans. We couldn't be happier. I don't know what you've heard about "religion" but I've yet to see anything. You will love Colorado. Remember, you'll always hear more negative stuff online compared to positive. Don't let it scare you.

[BigCheeze]

Far from the truth. Their does seem to be a lot of religion out here (at least from the number of churches I see around) but I have never had any issues with not being accepted.

Don't forget... lot's of us X-California's out here

[dm2012]

Hi,

I am one of those "natives". In the mountains we call ourselves locals. It is no big deal, really. I guess it depends on who you meet, just like anywhere else. People get their attitudes sometimes, but it could also be seen as pride.

The state is more conservatism than some, but religiosity is mostly in pockets. Probably just like anywhere else....

I lived in Lafayette and love that town, miss it very much. It is much smaller, more rural and up north of the big city. Arvada is great also, has very good management and planning (I know a former mayor). It is more urban, busier, but still nice.

Enjoy your move! I don't belong to this site, just came across your post doing research for graduate school. Couldn't resist responding!

Diane