Louisville bound? (Boulder: neighborhoods, to live in, military)

[footballchik]

I am in the process of researching everything about Louisville/Boulder. I hope to move my family, including two small children, to the area next year. I am very happy with what I've seen/read so far regarding 'things to do' during temperate months, however, other than skiing, what is the winter like? Does everything shut down? Is it so cold that people just don't go out, or do people still take their kids to the park, etc. Any info you have would be helpful, especially as it relates to young children. Thanks!

[Katiana]

You're in for a huge surprise if you think everything shuts down for the winter. There are more warm, sunny days than cold snowy ones. By warm, I mean into the 50s, at least.

Yes, people take their kids to the parks. They also take them to the rec centers for swimming, classes and so forth.

I would recommend you check out some weather websites.

[footballchik]

Yeah, I've always heard that the weather is mostly mild- I guess my question is more of a cultural nature. People aren't generally outdoorsy where I live currently, especially not in the winter months.

The rec center looks beautiful; I reviewed their fall catalogue and they offer a ton of things to do. Do most residents use the rec center? Is that the hub of activity for kids? I love that slide in the pool! I appreciate any insight you can give me. Our first visit to the are won't be until February so I want as much info as I can get...

[suzco]

Originally Posted by footballchik

Yeah, I've always heard that the weather is mostly mild- I guess my question is more of a cultural nature. People aren't generally outdoorsy where I live currently, especially not in the winter months. . .

Overall, Colorado is an "outdoorsy" kind of place. Louisville included. Maybe it's just because it'a a place where it often feels good just to be outside. (Have no fear, plenty of people here don't ski.)

The weather isn't necessarily mostly mild; do a search here on the forum, you'll find plenty of threads debating the weather. But it's frequently sunny and beautiful, whether it's warm or cold.

What's your question of a cultural nature?

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by footballchik

Yeah, I've always heard that the weather is mostly mild- I guess my question is more of a cultural nature. People aren't generally outdoorsy where I live currently, especially not in the winter months.

The rec center looks beautiful; I reviewed their fall catalogue and they offer a ton of things to do. Do most residents use the rec center? Is that the hub of activity for kids? I love that slide in the pool! I appreciate any insight you can give me. Our first visit to the are won't be until February so I want as much info as I can get...

I don't know about "most residents", but the rec center is popular, especially with people with young kids. My kids aren't young any more, and we don't use it much these days.

[Micktooth]

Nothing really "shuts down" in the winter except for the outdoor pools There is plenty to do all year round, even if you don't ski. The sun is usually out and it can be relatively mild, of course it can be really cold as well, but being Colorado, this doesn't seem to keep people indoors. The rec center is a lot of fun, my son is 16 and he uses it a lot. You will love it here in Louisville. Where are you moving from?

[Bradburn1]

To give you some idea of the culture here: if it's over 45 degrees and sunny (in the winter, probably about 70% of the time it's like this), you will see people wearing shorts.

[footballchik]

Thanks for the info everyone. I currently live on Long Island, NY. I am interested in Louisville because I want to live in a town that has a sense of community. Here everyone drives everywhere, and, though I wouldn't say people are unfriendly, they mostly stick to themselves. Traffic stinks everywhere you go, but what really gets me is the impossibility of walking or biking on public roads around here. There are no trails and many motorists are extremely aggressive- even when it's a mom in a crosswalk with a three and five year old- : (

[footballchik]

Oh, a couple of other questions- I know the area is generally liberal, though Louisville may be slightly more conservative, but how do most people feel about the military? Also, Mapquest says it would take about 40 min to get to Buckley Airbase- is that accurate?

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by footballchik

Thanks for the info everyone. I currently live on Long Island, NY. I am interested in Louisville because I want to live in a town that has a sense of community. Here everyone drives everywhere, and, though I wouldn't say people are unfriendly, they mostly stick to themselves. Traffic stinks everywhere you go, but what really gets me is the impossibility of walking or biking on public roads around here. There are no trails and many motorists are extremely aggressive- even when it's a mom in a crosswalk with a three and five year old- : (

Louisville most definitely has a sense of community. I have written about this extensively here on CD. You can do a search using "Louisville". There are lots of festivals and other community events. Many neighborhoods (such as mine) have neighborhood parties, a 'hood e-mail, play groups, etc. I hope you move here; it sounds like you'd fit right in.