N. Cal. single mom looking to relocate (Colorado Springs, Fort Collins: real estate, crime rates)

[jtcpost]

I'm a single mom of a 2-year old who is looking to relocate from Northern California. I have lived in CA most of my life but am open to moving out of state for an improved lifestyle and lower cost of living. I am able to keep my current position and work from home.

My question is whether or not Colorado Springs would be a good fit for me and my son.

Here are the specific reasons I am looking to relocate:

1 - Cost of living - as a single mother, I am finding it very difficult to live within my means here. It's the typical "Californian moving to afford more house for less money"

2 - Schools - I'm wary of the state and future of CA public schools and looking for a good solid education for my son without having to pay for private instruction.

3 - Crime/Safety - I currently live in Oakland, a high-crime urban environment with pockets of very nice neighborhoods (if you can afford the real estate). I love the cultural diversity but am worried about our safety and tired of the violence. I understand that crime and safety issues can be everywhere, but I would like to live in a relatively safe neighborhood where I feel comfortable letting my child play outside.

Here are a couple of my worries:
Climate change - I have not lived in a climate where it snowed for more than 1 or 2 days a year. I'm wondering how much of an adjustment this will be and whether I would be able to tolerate the winter months. Are there other former Californians who have relocated here? What was your experience?

Lack of family/friends in CO - All my immediate relatives live in Southern California and an aunt in AZ. The rest live in Hawaii. Would I be isolating myself? Is it easy to meet and network with others in CO Springs? Is there a community of single parents here?

Would love to hear feedback or any other suggestions.
Thanks!

[Mike from back east]

It is certainly cheaper here in COLO SPGS, lots to pick from all over the area.

Schools are very good to excellent here. Better schools Districts are D20, D38, D12, D8, and D49. Main city is D11 which has good to excellent, depending on the particular school.

Crime rates are surely lower in the vast majority of this area. There is one area most of us would tell you to avoid and that is down near Citadel Mall on the south end of town. Streets like S. Murray or S. Academy or S. Chelton are often in the news due to criminal activity. Still, it's nothing like the horrors found in parts of Chicago, Los Angeles, East St Louis, etc. I've been to Oakland a few times over the years when I visited the Army base there (since closed) and though it had some rough parts, I always enjoys my visits, especially the food at Spenger's Fish Grotto up in Berkeley. In 1974 we honeymooned at the Holiday Inn along highway in Emeryville.

Climate here is dry, not humid; officially "alpine desert" with 12-14" of precip per year. Snows at times, every few years we get a real dumper of the stuff, but it usually melts quickly. Millions live here along I-25 from Pueblo to Fort Collins, i.e., snow/weather can't be that bad, eh. Winter's are usually sunny and with the dry air it feels comfortable. You'll adapt.

There are mom's groups on meetup. There would be some isolation, it depends on how much you pursue new friends. Others on here will have to address the question about single parents.