Glenwood Springs? (Denver, Fort Collins, Aspen: co-op, hotel, homes)

[docwatson]

I may have a job opportunity in Glenwood Springs soon. I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on life there.

We are an early/mid 30s couple, a professional and an artist. We enjoy the outdoors, but not exclusively (not a ski bum); have been living in college towns the last 10 years and like the city (small city) environment, especially Fort Collins; we are moderately liberal and multi-cultural. I expected to move to a somewhat bigger city, but I did also always thought it would be neat to spend several years in a mountain town when I was younger.

I've been to Glenwood a good number of times and it seemed like a pleasant place - with 8,000 people (and Carbondale with 5,000 people down the road) not as dinky as most mountain towns, and not as cold either. The springs are a plus. I checked out housing prices and they don't seem impossible at this point in time, the town doesn't seem entirely gentrified?

Any insights as to life in Glenwood and if it might be a good place to spend 3 years or so?

Thanks!

[Dogmama50]

I think Glenwood is a very nice town. They have some nice park areas along the river, there is great biking and hiking along the canyon and there are decent restaurants and places to hang out. Should you crave the posh lifestyle hop the bus to Aspen for the day and play there. The weather is mild, they have a great rec center and pretty good shopping for this area, in fact I'll be making a Target run out there today.

[suzco]

All of my friends and relatives who have lived (or still live) in Glenwood have thought it to be a great place to live - none have left Glenwood because they didn't enjoy living there.

[docwatson]

Thanks so far - what is the atmosphere like. Is it very touristy? Working class? Ski bums / second homes? Full of transplatns? It seemed to me more of a place where people lived, even if a bit on the pricey side, than some of the other mtn towns, but my experience is limited.

[Dogmama50]

Glenwood is a pretty normal town. A little touristy in the in summer with the rafters and hikers, Sunlight is more of a locals mountain, so not a real ski bum population, not a lot of 2nd home owners. There is a good amount of people who work in Aspen and commute from Glenwood or New Castle. Glenwood is actually considered affordable for the area.

[cityflair]

I'm in Ohio. I used to live in Colorado, and have visited Glenwood. I would give my left arm to live there. Best wishes!

[jackybub4]

Is there a high need for nurses in your neck of the wood. WHat could a first year male bilingual/spanish expect to make hourly?

[wip]

I'm currently attending junior college and planning on transferring to JWU in Denver for hospitality, specifically the hotel industry. When I was younger I had family in Glenwood and I am absolutely in love with it and very much would like to move and work there. Obviously I won't actually be doing so for at least a few years, but does anyone have an idea of what the job market for that industry is in town? It's modestly touristy, so I'm assuming it won't be impossible. The Hotel Colorado specifically is what inspired my career choice, and my fantasy is to work there. Of course, I understand that setting your sights on a job that specific is unrealistic, and I'll gladly settle elsewhere in town. Please, please tell me my goal isn't impossible. If not, I'll just have to retire there, I guess.

[SheridanL]

wip,...maybe you could find out if Hotel Colorado is on the list at JWU as a co-op/internship for students. Then you could work there and get an idea of employment with them and others in the area.
I know this because my son went to, then worked for JWU's main campus in Rhode Island for 8 years. He left last year to work in Antarctica.
Anyway, just a thought and, Glenwood Springs is awesome!!!
He was a co-op placement specialist, I will ask him if he placed any students there.

[alica65]

Just wondering what it is like to actually live and work in Glenwood Springs? My husband and I are relocating from MO. to CO. in a few years so we are still in the planning stages. Is it hard to get around in the winter and how long does snow stay around ? Thanks!