New Age Community- Boulder (Denver, Colorado Springs: best city, rent, crime rate)

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by POhdNcrzy

Tom, I like your post here. But I'm a little sketchy on your New Age-y credentials after reading this bit here.

Boulder is a massive energy point. Can't you feel it?

I don't have that many new-age credentials, here's what I can offer so far. Please let me know what I'm missing :-)

It will take several weeks to adjust and feel this! Reasons: Coming from a smaller, less dense market (Flagstaff/Sedona), Boulder/Denver is "a shock" to one's consciousness at first due to the population density and traffic. It takes time to adjust. And, it's east of the Continental Divide, and further east ... so the magnetoreceptors in the brain have to adjust to the decrease in magnetic declination. Indeed, I've gotten lost 3 times (i.e. in not knowing which way north is), and I never get lost out west.

And, increased positive ions given the location downwind from a 14,000 mountain range. Plus, the mercury retrograde ended on May 30th, but the so called "storm" following the retrograde expires on June 15th, 2009. And, we're experiencing an atypical upper level low pressure system over the SW US, resulting in record rains in Colorado.

As for the congestion, how do we get more people riding bikes such as in certain European cities? The City leaders have done a GREAT job of making the City walkable and bike friendly, but people still don't get out of their cars. And I don't just mean for recreation - also for commuting. This is a psychological question on changing people's habits. I fear for the worst scenario, that the only way people will ride is when gas jumps to $10 a gallon after some world crisis. If this happens in January w/ cold temps, the nation is in trouble. Bike to Work Day is June 24th, I think?!

[POhdNcrzy]

Originally Posted by Tom Lane

The City leaders have done a GREAT job of making the City walkable and bike friendly, but people still don't get out of their cars. And I don't just mean for recreation - also for commuting. This is a psychological question on changing people's habits.

Great observation, Tom!

Some of my theories for why this is the case:

1. The population in Boulder who are genuinely committed to progressive, "conscious" goals is really a small fraction of the population, less than 20% without a doubt. One of the strangest things about Boulder is the middle-aged women there who dress like upscale hippies, but upon further inspection are revealed to be posh conservatives from very wealthy families.

2. People don't feel safe biking around Boulder (except on the limited network of bike paths). I sure didn't and feel amazingly lucky never to have been seriously hurt biking around town there. (I was hit by a car there on two separate occasions in about 15 years of infrequently biking around town.)

3. Truth is, cars is how we get around. The bicycle is not at all a viable substitute. The reasons are obvious if you give it some thought or try to give up your car and bike everywhere you gotta go instead. What we need are creative solutions like jitney type services instead of giant polluting diesel buses going on very limited routes and taking all day long to do it! I also support your idea of closing certain streets in Boulder to automobile traffic, that's a great idea! (But good luck getting getting that put in place!)

[Neditate]

In response to the previous post that reads "What we need are creative solutions like jitney type services instead of giant polluting diesel buses going on very limited routes and taking all day long to do it!"
Hmmm... great idea. And guess what? Boulder has it covered. (BTW it's been in place for quite a few years!) FYI:
Boulder Transportation, Buses, Taxis, Airport Shuttles, Special Transit Boulder Colorado | Boulder Magazine's Boulder Visitor's Guide Online

HOP SHUTTLE SERVICE - Hop aboard the HOP for quick, convenient service to downtown Boulder, the Hill, CU and Twenty-Ninth Street Mall. Bike racks available on all shuttles.

SKIP, LEAP, BOUND, DASH, JUMP, BOLT AND STAMPEDE

SKIP shuttles run along Broadway from Greenbriar Boulevard and Fairview High School to Lee Hill Drive.

LEAP shuttles run between Pearl Parkway, Manhattan Avenue, Eisenhower Drive and Fairview Road.

BOUND shuttles run along 30th Street between 28th Street and Jay Road, and Baseline Road and Broadway.

DASH shuttles run from the Boulder Transit Center along South Boulder Road connecting Boulder, Louisville and Lafayette, stopping every 30 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon.

JUMP shuttles run along Arapahoe from the Boulder Transit Center to the Lafayette Park-’n’-Ride.

BOLT travels along the Diagonal Highway between Boulder and Longmont.

STAMPEDE runs every 10 minutes along Colorado Avenue between CU main campus and University Research Park with stops at East Campus and nearby neighborhoods.


So there ya go!

[seethelight]

Originally Posted by megan044

I am a mid-western looking to relocate to Colorado in the fall. I'm considering the Boulder area because of all the events, seminars and gatherings based around new age beliefs.
I'm single and in my mid-twenties looking for a place that has night-life but also a welcoming, laid-back, take a day-at-a-time kind of feel to a place. I'm really tired of chain restaurants, big-box stores and people that are stuck in jobs they hate and a life that does not bring them happiness.

Is there such a place in Colorado that exists? From what I'm read and heard about Boulder, it could fit my description. The only negative is that it's very expensive. I can only afford it if there is a place for another freelance photographer in the area. Anybody know anything about the photography market there?

Peace

Perhaps 40 years ago Boulder was more of a new age community, and I was here then for a brief while, however today, Boulder is no more new age than any mid size community that has a Whole Foods, siome yoga studios, Buddhist center and shops that sell Tibetan stuff. To me, new age is aligned with nice, conscious people, and that isn't what Boulder has shown me. Of course there are many exceptions, and yes there are many nice people here, perhaps I just haven't met them in the past five years.

Having lived in Boulder for the past five years, I would say that this community is unlike any that I have liived in, and not necessarily in a good way. Although I do volunteer work, where I have met the nicest people, this community is the least friendly on average than anywhere I have lived, which includes the D.C. area and a suburb of Boston.

Once a community is thought of a "cool" you know the "cool" is over. Most of the people that I have met are more concerned about the outdoors, hiking and biking than other people. A strange phenomenon I have observed is that on average, from all the people that I have met, people here seem unable to talk about anything other than the weather, the outdoors, how much they are looking forward to their me time. There is a slogan on some bumper stickers here that says "keep Boulder weird." Boulder is weird but not in the way the bumper sticker suggests.

If I had it to do all over again I wouldn't have moved here, although I realize that being in a place, any place, contains valuable lessons that are ripe for learning, if you have the presence of mind to realize that where ever you are you can learn things and that is valuable.

Boulder new age....no way.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by megan044

I am a mid-western looking to relocate to Colorado in the fall. I'm considering the Boulder area because of all the events, seminars and gatherings based around new age beliefs.
I'm single and in my mid-twenties looking for a place that has night-life but also a welcoming, laid-back, take a day-at-a-time kind of feel to a place. I'm really tired of chain restaurants, big-box stores and people that are stuck in jobs they hate and a life that does not bring them happiness.

Is there such a place in Colorado that exists? From what I'm read and heard about Boulder, it could fit my description. The only negative is that it's very expensive. I can only afford it if there is a place for another freelance photographer in the area. Anybody know anything about the photography market there?

Peace

Originally Posted by DressageRider

I will join the chorus and say, you need to visit Boulder to see if it fits your needs. From your brief description, it sounds like you are describing a utopia that does not exist. (A place where everyone loves their jobs? Sign me up!) And Boulder also has big box stores and chain restaurants -- but that isn't all it has.

It is a great town, but it might not be as relaxed as you might like. Another place I thought of when I read your description is Asheville, NC.

Come visit!

Add another "Alleluia" to the chorus. Come and visit. Also agree that you are looking for utopia. I was just about to post the same about the big box stores and chain restaurants. Home Depot is the anchor store to Boulder's "upscale" 29th St. Mall, along with Macy's, a national chain. Yes, there are indie stores in Bldr, but not so many of the "Mom and Pop" type places you might be hoping for. You know, the kind that will let you bring your money back later if you've forgetten your wallet, etc. Boulder's not that kind of a town.

As far as the "laid-backedness", well, it depends. Not too many jobs like that. Most employers expect an honest day's work for a day's pay. Most places expect you to show up when you're scheduled, or call in/arrange a sub.

I think the photography market is pretty saturated, but it doesn't hurt to try. Boulder is not *that* expensive, compared to other Front Range cities.

Originally Posted by Tom Lane

<snip>

As for the congestion, how do we get more people riding bikes such as in certain European cities? The City leaders have done a GREAT job of making the City walkable and bike friendly, but people still don't get out of their cars. And I don't just mean for recreation - also for commuting. This is a psychological question on changing people's habits. I fear for the worst scenario, that the only way people will ride is when gas jumps to $10 a gallon after some world crisis. If this happens in January w/ cold temps, the nation is in trouble. Bike to Work Day is June 24th, I think?!

Well, "certain European cities" where there is a lot of biking, such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, and others I have been to have flatter terrain and a more moderate climate than Boulder.

[cisco2007]

I think that you should check Boulder out. No place is a Utopia but it may be the closest thing to it for you. Boulder is quite expensive however there are surrounding areas that are more affordable. You are young therefore perhaps you may find a roomate situation. Colorado University is located in Boulder so there are always roomate situations to be found (just do your homework) When I was your age and living in Boulder I did that a couple of times and it worked out great! Be smart and listen to your gut Good luck! Ps....I am an artist and have to a hire a photographer every couple of monthes to keep up my portfolio...perhaps you can make some $ doing artist's portfolio's? just a suggestion to think out of your box

[lighteagle]

After living in 8 states including Manitou Springs, CO, I'm looking to spend my final years in Boulder and am visiting in 2 weeks for a look over. Tell me why Boulder wouldn't be right for me -- I've been into alternative spirituality for 40 years, the arts most of my life (have just published a new book, "Art and Spiritual Transformation"), have been interested and involved in environmental issues since helping organize the first Earth Day in New York City, am into organic foods and alternative health, am interested in cutting edge sciences aimed at solving current global problems, have been a meditator for 40 years, am a retired university professor, and am fed up with high pressure cities like New York and Atlanta. I'm going to see Boulder again (I was there in 1969) and know it has changed, but I now live in a city where NO ONE thinks like me. Any ideas who/what I should check out on my upcoming visit?

[livecontent]

Only you can decide, Professor. I have lived in Boulder; I have lived in New York City, and I have worked in DC. To me Boulder is not a relaxing place. It has the high pressure of ego competition and is worse than the other places I lived, because it denies its own arrogance and pretension, to the point of denying free speech of alternative opinions.

Many people in Boulder are comfortable with the security of "group thinking". That is a big problem with higher education institutions and the community that surrounds them; it wants all the students and all the teachers to think the same way. The university community wants to equate education and knowledge with course completions and degree attainments--it is not always the same. If you want to live in a place where everyone "thinks like me", then there will be nobody to learn from your ideas, or challenge your thoughts.

Livecontent

[CCCVDUR]

Originally Posted by livecontent

Only you can decide, Professor. I have lived in Boulder; I have lived in New York City, and I have worked in DC. To me Boulder is not a relaxing place. It has the high pressure of ego competition and is worse than the other places I lived, because it denies its own arrogance and pretension, to the point of denying free speech of alternative opinions.

Many people in Boulder are comfortable with the security of "group thinking". That is a big problem with higher education institutions and the community that surrounds them; it wants all the students and all the teachers to think the same way. The university community wants to equate education and knowledge with course completions and degree attainments--it is not always the same. If you want to live in a place where everyone "thinks like me", then there will be nobody to learn from your ideas, or challenge your thoughts.

Livecontent

Great post and I strongly agree -- although I am very sorry to continue to read posts such as this. I prefer Liberal Cities, yet in places like Boulder and Santa Fe if you disagree, then you're apparently not part of the club. I got banned from talk radio message boards in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, because I offered a west coast version of Liberalism, which is quite different than the Midwestern version (the West Coast version is more Libertarian, as we have less of a problem with growth and big box stores).

In Seattle, all points of view are represented, and people of different faiths, ethnicities, and political parties mix together, even around the University of Washington. With the exception of Las Vegas, I haven't seen this in the American Sountwest (Boulder, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe).

In Vegas, I remember the angry conservative talk radio listener in Vegas, meeting the liberal talk radio host at a public appearance. and they joked around and did not clash. In regards to these issues, I'm very curious about Durango, CO - "the little Boulder," where you see "the real Colorado and not Kansas" (i.e. from Boulder). Durango is a liberal city in a conservative county. The original poster might check out Durango and other Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona towns while they are visiting.

Overall, Sedona-Flagstaff and Durango are my favorite places in the Southwest, because they offer inspiration for creative work, but career opportunites are limited, and Arizona's economy is down. On the other hand, the AZ legislature under State Sen. Russell Pearce (Mesa) is slashing impact fees so the state might make a comback!

That said, I don't have any problem about Boulder's political philosophy or the people ... I just express where I disagree and try to be polite ... It's OK to disagree because our country has a proud tradition of Constitutionally protected free speech, even in Boulder!

[lighteagle]

Thanks folks. Any opinions on the other side? Frankly, though I was a university teacher, I never "fit in" there either because I wouldn't play campus politics and taught what I wanted to teach, which my students liked, but the university didn't. I've always been my own thinker and that won't change no matter where I live. At present, I'm in a city of one million+, mostly Republican and "born again" Christians. I'm content to let folks think the way they want, but that means I have no one with whom to disucss great philosophical ideas, the magnificence of the arts, the critical issues of the environment and the stupidity of our present economic system. The exception is the internet, where I communicate with people all over the world.

What I like about Boulder: the climage (which is 1 degree cooler than where I am, but much dryier), the mountains (I'm a Capricorn, so love mountains), its seemingly intelligent approach to environmental issues, its emphasis on healthy living, its reputation as an artistic community, the apparent diversity of spiritual perspectives represented there (where I am now, all you have is the religious right). I'm not afraid to challenge people to think. I've been doing that all my life. Even in grad school, I challenged my professors, several of whom ended up pursuing new interests for the remainder of their careers as a result. I was a good teacher because I made my students do their own thinking and challenged their creativity.

I don't follow any one spiritual tradition and have studied many, but I'm most influenced by the teachings of the Tibetan, Djwhal Khul. Also Vedanta, esoteric Budhism, neo-Platonism, Ageless Wisdom. Will I find many like minded students in Boulder?

What I might like less about Boulder is its lack of ethnic diversity, but I've had that many places over the years, and once I form friendships, they continue for life. With Denver nearby, there is more diversity that can be drawn upon as desired. When I lived in Manitou Springs, CO, I encountered the same kind of right wing thinking I find where I am now, with Colorado Springs as a major center.

Looks like I will be in Boulder when the arts/crafts show takes place in July.

Thanks for the above responses. Any more thoughts?