Boulder or Tucson? (Denver: live, metro area, areas)

[beetpapp]

Oh geez. Boulder hands down! I've visited Tucson a half dozen times. I like the town, but I don't think I'd ever live there. And I'd definitely not choose Tucson over Boulder! Summer in Boulder can get warm, but it also means camping, hiking, swimming, biking, going to the mountains, etc. Most of the summer in Tucson, the streets are empty because it's 100+ degrees outside and everyone is huddled beside their A/Cs.

If you were talking about a town in northern AZ (e.g., Flagstaff, Prescott, etc) - then it would be a bit harder decision, as there is much more topographical similarity. But Tucson and Boulder are VERY different types of cities. I'm not dissing Tucson, I've gone there for a weekend break many times (easy trip from San Diego, where I'm from).... but like I said, I wouldn't recommend moving there.

[Idunn]

Almost certainly Boulder, CO.

The American Southwest can be beautiful but is very different from Michigan, at a minimum you should briefly visit before ever choosing it. Boulder is dissimilar as well, but much closer to what you are familiar with.

As mentioned, Tucson, AZ is more problematic when it comes to crime and Boulder would prove much safer. Not that you couldn't live safely in Tucson, but definitely a daily consideration. I would note however that this self inflicted scourge touches most areas of the US. Although Tucson is notable for being just north of the section of border that sees 50% of illegal entries (and all that comes with it). Apparently a good portion of this bypasses Tucson to settle within Phoenix, AZ, but still . . .

Briefly, lots of saguaro cactus around Tucson and other native plants of the Sonoran desert. If you love the desert it can be beautiful, although Tucson is a large city. Hot as well with little humidity, but you might enjoy a lot of pool time. If such a landscape is for you one could do worse, with crime perhaps the major consideration.

Honorable mention should be made of the high desert of New Mexico. As they say, enchanting.

Particularly for those of a liberal persuasion Boulder can prove nearly perfect. A very civilized place in the best sense of the term. No panaceas here, although you may feel right at home. It enjoys a gorgeous setting with many amenities, and ready access to the Rocky Mountains. The biggest problem you may encounter, job or no, is the high cost of living. It is anything but cheap. In this respect Tucson would be a better choice, but in most others you may prefer Boulder.

Chances are your question was rhetorical.

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by Greatday

Let's be clear: You want to legalize, Coke (Blow, nose candy, snowball), Meth ([SIZE=-1]Speed, Ice, Crystal, [/SIZE]Heroine (Smack, Nose Drops) MDMA, Mary Jane, LSD, all forms of Steroids, ?

Is this correct?

Medical Marijuana, yes, and it should be taxed with revenues going to health care for the poor. As for the others, absolutely not! They are all highly addictive and linked to permanent damage to dopaminergic neurons in the VTA region (in brain) and elsewhere, and various physiological changes within the body. Again we need to find out the genetic reasons why drug and alcohol use is a problem, and develop medications and other treatments to treat drug addicts (such as acamprosate for alcoholism).

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by Idunn

Although Tucson is notable for being just north of the section of border that sees 50% of illegal entries (and all that comes with it). Apparently a good portion of this bypasses Tucson to settle within Phoenix, AZ, but still . . .

And even up to Flagstaff, a few weeks ago 5 Mexican Nationals were arrested doing drugs in Flag, responsible for much of the (formerly) pristine College Town's drug trade.

Originally Posted by Idunn

The biggest problem you may encounter, job or no, is the high cost of living. It is anything but cheap. In this respect Tucson would be a better choice, but in most others you may prefer Boulder.

Boulder's cost of living index is 103 % - that's lower than "twin cities" Santa Fe and Flagstaff.

Any ideas as to why this is the case? Boulder does recruit new businesses, so perhaps the competition brings costs down ? Is the cost of gas less? Flagstaff is outrageous, but Santa Fe just a few cents above Albuquerque where gas is cheap.

[Idunn]

Only a few years ago the cost of petrol in Albuquerque, NM was .99¢ per gallon. Not sure what it is now, although probably reasonable. Petrol in Taos, NM generally ran about .40¢ more per gallon than Albuquerque.

As in other exclusive areas the high cost of living in Boulder, CO primarily has to do with pricey real estate and rents. Food costs are likely lower than outlying rural areas (if one stays out of Whole Foods). If less than Boulder, real estate in Flagstaff, AZ isn't all that cheap either, although comparatively Boulder probably has the advantage due the greater selection of high paying jobs.

One could of course live in Broomfield, CO or other outlying suburbs and commute into Boulder, and live less expensively. If Flagstaff, perhaps someplace such as Williams, AZ. But aside from the commute, it isn't the same, is it? There is a lot to be said for being exactly where you want to be, and love.

[xeric]

I've lived in Boulder and visited Tucson a lot. For me, perfection would be Boulder placed in the Sonoran desert on the western side of the Santa Catalina mountains, 40 or 50 miles from Tucson. Then you'd have the amenities of the city itself (compact, relatively small, minimal sprawl, culture, low crime, etc.), but in an area with more interesting natural vegetation and a better climate (IMO). You could hike up from upper Sonoran desert to the higher elevation life zones you get in southern Arizona (which are more varied and diverse then what you get in Colorado), ending up in ponderosa pine forest (similar to the tops of Green Mountain/Bear Peak, but much warmer in the winter). Having mountains due east, instead of due west would translate into great sunsets. And there'd be desert and more mountains to play in in all directions.

Oddly enough, this decision mirrors one I made when I was very young. I wanted to leave Seattle and I was thinking of either Boulder or Tucson. In the end, I went with Boulder because I was really sick of the auto-oriented lifestyle in the greater Seattle area and surmised that Tucson would be similar (also, at the time I liked both cold winters and hot summers).

[xeric]

Originally Posted by Idunn

One could of course live in Broomfield, CO or other outlying suburbs and commute into Boulder, and live less expensively. If Flagstaff, perhaps someplace such as Williams, AZ. But aside from the commute, it isn't the same, is it? There is a lot to be said for being exactly where you want to be, and love.

I totally agree. If you really love a particular place you, that less expensive neighboring city down the road isn't going to cut it.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Tom Lane

Medical Marijuana, yes, and it should be taxed with revenues going to health care for the poor. As for the others, absolutely not! They are all highly addictive and linked to permanent damage to dopaminergic neurons in the VTA region (in brain) and elsewhere, and various physiological changes within the body. Again we need to find out the genetic reasons why drug and alcohol use is a problem, and develop medications and other treatments to treat drug addicts (such as acamprosate for alcoholism).

You realize that the drug cartels are mostly into smuggling of drugs other than "medical marijuana"?
'Yet, your post made no qualification on "legalizing drugs"

Clearly you are now having to back peddle.

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by Greatday

You realize that the drug cartels are mostly into smuggling of drugs other than "medical marijuana"?
'Yet, your post made no qualification on "legalizing drugs"

Clearly you are now having to back peddle.

No, you asked me to clarify my position, which I did. I'm in the communications field, and often times commentators will state, "I'm all for drug legalization," and what they really mean (as I do) is exclusively the legalization of medical marijuana.

I'm not sure why you choose to follow me around on City-Data. There's really no point in doing so especially when you know that we will always have contrary positions. I never try to change others' minds on this forum, and I always strive to respectfully disagree.

I would never live near the shooting ranges and golf courses in the Gold Canyon area (where you live, per your profile), and you would never live in Boulder. So just give this ongoing debate a rest.

[td_christensen]

Hi Thread,

Take Boulder. I lived in Longmont for 3 years and it will afford you everything you can possibly imagine at costs similiar if not less than what Tucson has. Tucson is nice .. but the novelty wears off quickly and the economics are not even close. Good luck .. what line of work are you in.

TC