Relocating from SC to CO (Denver, Fort Collins: house, buy, college)

[Fuzz]

The cheapest you can go is the Dillon Valley East area in Dillon (just south of I-70). It's not the nicest area (houses/apartments are kind of run-down), but rents and prices are probably the lowest of any of the nearby towns/areas. Many ski bums I know live there.

[breaksraver13]

Ok.......so we are taking a 10 day trip to Colorado in Mid October......I'm so excited......I'm afraid I won't leave.......is this a good time?.........Not too much snow yet..right?

[Fuzz]

Unfortunately, I'd say mid-October is not the best time to visit. You'll be coming just after fall, so you'll miss the mountains draped in golden aspens, but you'll be too early for snow, so you'll miss the snow-covered tranquility of winter.

Usually the snow storms are starting around mid to late October in the high country. Weather-wise, it is hard to predict. Last year (2006), a huge storm dumped almost a foot of snow in the mountains in mid September. And then it warmed up, and there was no snow on the ground at Loveland Pass (12,000') on October 7. Two weeks later, on October 21, a snowstorm dumped 15 inches in the same area. Two years before (2004), while there wasn't a huge snowstorm, there was enough steady snowfall that by October 9, some of the higher mountain areas had several inches of snow on the ground. Bottom-line, you never know what you'll find. Come prepared for all kinds of weather.

[Tom Emmerling]

Ft Collins is a college town and there is plenty of work here for you. As far as housing, you could get into a new townhome for that price and even a smaller house in the older neighborhoods. We do not have that much crime here so the older neighborhoods are not scary. We are about 1.5 hours to the nearest decent ski area but it is an easy trip with the interstate, and even a train to take you there.

[breaksraver13]

Sorry.....but.....what kind of train?
Local train?? Amtrak?? How much is that?????

[Fuzz]

While Ft. Collins may be a nice town (I've only visited for a very short time), if you're a big skier, it may not be the best option. The closest ski area will be tiny (relatively) Eldora, about 1.5 hours away (in good weather) as mentioned. The other "main" ski areas will be over 2 hours away.

If you can make it work, I'd suggest still looking in the mountains first. Then in the Denver/Boulder or the Western Slope (Glenwood Springs) area. And then finally in places like Fort Collins.

[lorearch7]

Have you considered Colorado Springs..a little farther to skiing but hiking is closer, plenty of salons and more affordable.

[breaksraver13]

Originally Posted by lorearch7

Have you considered Colorado Springs..a little farther to skiing but hiking is closer, plenty of salons and more affordable.

It is another place that I have considered. How are the winters? I have heard that you don't get as much snow?

Also does anyone have any input on the Idaho Springs area? Seems to be about 30-45 min from Denver and Ski resorts, but looks a little small.

[MaddieClaire]

Just want to say hello!
I recently moved from Aiken, SC to Denver.
You're gonna' love the mountains and ski resorts here!

[breaksraver13]

Hi, Maddie, what do you do for work in Denver?