We're on our way to Springs! (Denver, Colorado Springs: hotel, neighborhood, place to live)

[Zandar]

My wife and I are moving from Orange County, California, to Colorado Springs, and we couldn't be more excited! Although, you may be less than excited to gain another couple of Southern Californians, but we promise not to bring any BMWs.

So, what am I in store for that I don't already know about? There's the snow, of course, and the fact that everyone calls the 25 "I-25." Aside from that, I'm ignorant of what I should look out for. Any ideas?

[CalifDreaming]

Hi....Im on my way Sunday! I too am excited and its going to be a total change!!
cheryl

[Rawlings]

Originally Posted by Zandar

My wife and I are moving from Orange County, California, to Colorado Springs, and we couldn't be more excited! Although, you may be less than excited to gain another couple of Southern Californians, but we promise not to bring any BMWs.

So, what am I in store for that I don't already know about? There's the snow, of course, and the fact that everyone calls the 25 "I-25." Aside from that, I'm ignorant of what I should look out for. Any ideas?

Welcome to the great state of Colorado! There's a fun little post on the general Colorado forum that goes something like, "Guide for Californians moving to Colorado." Check it out.

Anyway, you're gonna love the Springs. It's A LOT like Orange County, IMO. In fact, the Denver Post did a study a few years back of the source of immigration to Colorado. Most newcomers to Denver were from all over the place--but the Springs mostly fielded Orange County families. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, that's where James Dobson is from.

Colorado is simply an easier place to live for families than California. Orange County is better than a lot of California places--but outside of the OC it's tough livin'. The great thing about CO is that it's like a giant, more rugged, cheaper, and less populated version of the OC.

Enjoy!

[Zandar]

Thanks for the link! It was informative and amusing, despite the subsequent forum-trollery.

[Rawlings]

Originally Posted by Zandar

Thanks for the link! It was informative and amusing, despite the subsequent forum-trollery.

Yes, I suppose it did get a little messy. It might be a taste of what's to come for you in the Springs.

Anyway, here's another link that measures the political/cultural similarities between the OC and Colorado..

Is CO as full of self-centered jerks like CA?

[Minz]

Originally Posted by Zandar

My wife and I are moving from Orange County, California, to Colorado Springs, and we couldn't be more excited! Although, you may be less than excited to gain another couple of Southern Californians, but we promise not to bring any BMWs.

So, what am I in store for that I don't already know about? There's the snow, of course, and the fact that everyone calls the 25 "I-25." Aside from that, I'm ignorant of what I should look out for. Any ideas?

My cats and I moved here in February from TX and haven't looked back. We love it here. Things you can be prepared for are:
--friendly people
--locals refer to Colorado Springs as "The Springs" and Pike's Peak is "The Peak"
--great weather; I have encountered a few snowstorms (missed the blizzards) but it really did melt off the next day when the sun came out
--beautiful views...how can one have a bad day when there is such a great view of the mountains;
--I have encountered gas stations where they actually ran out of gas, never experienced that in TX...but just drive a bit further and you'll find a station that has gas;
--wine isn't sold in grocery stores, you have to go to the liquor store, not sure if that is how it is in CA.

We love it here!! Best of luck...have a safe trip! MINZ

Have a safe trip! Minz

[Thunderbird]

My husband is there today. Wish I could of gone, but I have to work.
He took a jet flight straight from Ontario to COS. Took around an hour and was a nice flight.
I'm currently waiting for him to send me some pictures via email - depending on if the hotel connection works well with his laptop.
He said it is very pretty there and hardly any people around. (That's a comparison to the people around here.

He is also going to try a drive at rush hour tomorrow and see how that goes.

I'm starting to get anxious now....

[Rawlings]

Originally Posted by Thunderbird

My husband is there today. Wish I could of gone, but I have to work.
He took a jet flight straight from Ontario to COS. Took around an hour and was a nice flight.
I'm currently waiting for him to send me some pictures via email - depending on if the hotel connection works well with his laptop.
He said it is very pretty there and hardly any people around. (That's a comparison to the people around here.

He is also going to try a drive at rush hour tomorrow and see how that goes.

I'm starting to get anxious now....

http://www.isellcoloradosprings.com/real_estate/colorado-springs-real-estate/downtownx.jpg (broken link)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/db/DowntownSprings.jpg/293px-DowntownSprings.jpg (broken link)

http://www.callforhelp.com/images/splash.jpg (broken link)



http://www.springs.tv/images/parade_crowd2jpg.JPG (broken link)

http://www.springcreekneighborhood.com/media/woman_flag_dog01_65820728_3.jpg (broken link)

Boy are you gonna love it here!

[Thunderbird]

Thank you Rawling! Now if you could just post some scratch and sniff COS pics,
I'd be in business. ;-)

[Rawlings]

Originally Posted by Thunderbird

Thank you Rawling! Now if you could just post some scratch and sniff COS pics,
I'd be in business. ;-)

Oh. Actually, they are! Give it a try!

Sorry. Bad Colorado humor, I guess. Seriously, Colorado smells good. It just does. Fresh--you know what I mean?

Are you thinking about moving out here? What's the main reason?