Move to Mountains?- Edwards (Vail), Fraser, Other? Or stay in Denver? (Aspen: cul-de-sac, crime)

[dj32]

I haven't been on this board in years- and hoping my fellow City-Data friends will help me with this conundrum that I have. I will try not to be too wordy, while still giving you some background.
We've lived in Denver for 13 years, currently live in a close-in upscale suburb with great schools. Most people would think we are crazy about thinking about moving. We have 2 small children and a nice house on a cul-de-sac in a desirable neighborhood.
However, for the past several years, we've talked about moving to the Vail Valley- our daughter is in a rather competitive ski program, we are both stable work at home professionals (I work for a global consultancy and my husband has his own consulting firm) so we actually HAVE good jobs- which the reason most people are prohibited from pursuing this dream. I yearn for something smaller, with outdoor activities and a slower pace. Until this year, we have not been able to contemplate this given the housing market but things seem to be moving up in our little city and there is very little inventory for the first time in years so we actually may be able to sell for a fair price (hopefully).
Soooo, until this year the dream was Vail. But fter several 5 hour commutes home from the mountain last year and horrendous weekend ski traffic and just overall competitiveness of the parents up there (well, the parents from here that go up to Vail for ski club), we decided to take a year off and try Winter Park. We have loved Winter Park- the vibe, the program and the fact that it is affordable for something nice. The views are amazing too (more so than Vail I think). So, my husband and I tossed around the idea of Fraser- but I think it may just be TOO small.

Anyway, I could go on and on- but am I living in a fantasy world? We aren't getting any younger, as our kids and if we are going to do it, I really want to do it before our daughter hits middle school. Is there another town you would recommend? We can't be too far from a major airport as we do travel for work about 1x per month and every few months for pleasure (so Steamboat, Telluride would just be too isolated). Comments welcome- I am really struggling over this.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

What else do you do besides skiing? Do you want to have shopping, restaurants, theater, etc. readily available? How important is the quality of schools to you?

I suggest that you look at what kinds of things are important to your quality of life, other than "smaller, outdoor activities, and a slower pace". Then, go spend time (i.e. a week or so) in some of the mountain communities you are suggesting and see what actually living there would feel like.

You mentioned Edwards in your title. Have you considered Silverthorne? It would be a lot closer to Denver, and certainly a lot closer to Vail. What about ski clubs in Keystone, or Breck, or Copper?

[dj32]

I like having the world class concerts, good restaurants, festivals, culture that Vail attracts. But, I don't like pretentious-ness (but I live in a pretty high falutin' place now that I feel uncomfortable in)
That is why I am worried about Fraser Valley. It is much closer to Denver but just worried I'd feel bored.
Schools are important- but I don't want to go to Vail Mountain School- we researched (and toured) schools in Eagle county -there are 2 good charters, one small Catholic school that seems good and a couple public options. the Elem school in Fraser is good- but not sure about the middle and high.
I have never spent much time in Silverthorne - other than the outlets. I am not a huge fan of skiing at Breck, but the town is cool.

We've spent tons of time talking to people who live in Vail Valley ,I feel like that is probably the right choice over Fraser, I just want to be around some more grounded people and hoping that is the case up there.

[Dogmama50]

I live in Avon, we moved back here a couple years ago, but also lived here 15 years ago. Neither my husband or I ski, we live here because we love the mountains, the people, the sense of community, lack of crime and traffic, great activities and the general attitude or more so the lack of attitude. Like many of the everyday people that live here, we choose to be here, it is more costly, but we're happy. Much of the pretentiousness comes by way of some tourists, most of the wealthy locals just act like the rest of us, we all shop at the same grocery store, volunteer to the same charities and eat at the same breakfast spot, there isn't a big social divide.

Edwards is a nice community, housing prices have dropped a bit, Singletree and Homestead are desirable places to live and reflect that in price. Eagle is very family oriented and truly a great little town, there are some very nice homes in Eagle Ranch for a fraction of what they sold for 5 years ago. If my husband didn't have to be in Vail by 6:45 am we would be living in Eagle, we still may move down there, winter can be long when you live at 8150 and Eagle is usually about 10 degrees warmer.

[dj32]

Thanks for the replies- would love more opinions.
Dogmama, that's great to hear about the locals. I've always felt great in Edwards (love going to etown and the bookstore).
I love the views and openess of Fraser Valley but I think I may go crazy living there full time. PLus, ironically the area we'd want to live in there is on par price wise with Singletree/Homestead since they've ocme down significantly in price.

I'm completely freaked out about selling our home in Denver- even though there is very little on the market. We had a horrible time in 2008 selling in Denver and that brings back som anxiety.

[dj32]

really surprised there is no more feedback on this topic? I'll just go back to my previous strategy of sourcing the posts. There is VERY LITTLE information on living in grand county so that is why I posted this. Oh well. I am glad to be back to the board after a long hiatus.

[Colorado^]

How is the pine beetle in Grand County? Last time I was up there the area looked pretty devastated. It would make me nervous about buying property there.

I've looked at living close to the resorts, but in the end I though it was over priced. Many site the shallow cartoon population and drug culture as reasons not to raise kids there.

The resorts are just too 'me first' pushy pushy IMHO. I just couldn't deal with with that every week-end.

[delta07]

I'll start off by stating I don't live in Colorado anymore, and have never lived in the Fraser or Vail valleys, so take my opinion as just that. I wanted to chime in though because I currently live in the somewhat "resort" community of Bend, OR. I've also lived in Fairplay, CO which is a small town west of Breckenridge and just about as polar opposite as you can get.

While Bend is certainly different than many of the true resort towns in Colorado, I think it's comparable to the communities like Eagle, where the resorts are a bit away, but they still influence the area. We don't have children, but all our friends that do, love living in this community. There are plenty of things for kids to do (drugs are everywhere, not just in resort towns) and kids grow up appreciating nature rather than shopping malls. There are definitely wealthy people in resort towns, but like Dogmama stated, it's usually the tourists you feel the divide with, and not the local people.

Over the two areas, I would think the Vail Valley would be a better choice if you are afraid of the isolation factor. Winter Park and the Fraser Valley is way more isolated, IMO, than Vail (although it's been about 10 or so years since I've been there).

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by dj32

I like having the world class concerts, good restaurants, festivals, culture that Vail attracts. But, I don't like pretentious-ness (but I live in a pretty high falutin' place now that I feel uncomfortable in)

We've spent tons of time talking to people who live in Vail Valley ,I feel like that is probably the right choice over Fraser, I just want to be around some more grounded people and hoping that is the case up there.

If you have the money to live there, I think the Vail Valley is a good choice.

I had to deal with the upper crust in Vail and Beaver Creek every day. Overall most of the moneyed people there are pretty down to earth and it's a crowd that made it's money through hard work, innovation and building up a business. As a reward they built themselves a nice house, but often it is to share with family or business associates. You'd be surprised how many of these people have Ford Explorers or Chevy Suburbans in their garages rather than Range Rovers and Ferraris.

I also dealt with the Aspen crowd a bit as I would go over there for work sometimes. That's where the Hollywood, look at me, it's all about me, nosecandy snorting, i'm so green range rover driving, in analysis high falutin' trust fund or hollywood paycheck crowd resides. Aspen is all about showing off and making a big scene and Vail is not like that at all.

If you go back to the beginning of history in Vail, Vail was started and funded by a lot of self made, self actualized people who had their success and wanted to enjoy it but also didn't need to make a big scene about it. Aspen was invaded by the self righteous know it all liberal Hollywood crowd back in the 1960's and 70's.

I think Vail and the local area has a good sense of community overall. There is lots to do and also you do get a breather as tourists are really only around in a big way for 6-7 months of the year. In Edwards you are more isolated from that crowd anyways.

[dj32]

Thanks Wanneroo- I think I am sold (not that I wasn't leaning that way before).
Now, if I can only sell my house....