Medium-Sized Cities in CO?

[scott-02]

Grand Junction Perhaps

[Nadine]

Originally Posted by Idunn

How about Leadville?

Seriously. At an elevation of 10,152 it is unlikely to ever get too warm for you, being the highest incorporated town in the United States. Expect cool summers and cold winters. Compared to it someplace like Canon City is going to be miserably hot. Leadville is also situated square in the mountains and enjoys admirable vistas. As one of the premier mining towns of the previous century it has the legacy of many large and ornate Victorian buildings, particularly along the main street.

As you didn't mention, the cost there may be a factor. Real estate prices have been escalating of late due its relative proximity to Summit County and its outrageous real estate, and Leadville becoming a more affordable bedroom community. But it is very much a proper town in its own right, and also the county seat of Lake County.

Leadville is still a little rough around the edges but is gentrifying fast. There is a Safeway grocery in town but you may find some of the shopping you wish to do somewhat removed in towns such as Silverthorne. Not sure about a movie theatre in Leadville, but most everything you could wish in Summit County.

This recommendation based primarily due your preference in weather, and maybe this even a bit extreme. But should you like it and manage to overlook real estate prices that appear ridiculous at first glance, you could make a home which is sure to appreciate in value. If renting for too long, you will probably be gradually priced out of the market. But also the possibility of the many good jobs in Summit County that many do commute to.

And don't forget that, among other notables, Leadville once the home of the 'Unsinkable' Molly Brown.

Lived in Leadville and I loved it but you have got to like cold. Lots of interesting history other than Molly Brown. HAW and Baby Doe Tabor, Bat Masterson among others. Most shopping that is not there is done in Salida and on down the canyon to Canon City, Pueblo or across east from Buena Vista in Colorado Springs.

Meant to say earlier. Canon city is not IN the mts but sets at 5400 and can be into the Wet Mountains in 5 to 10 miles. So close enough. Closest skiing is probably Monarch west of Salida. But many hiking, trails real close. Arkansas River runs thro with rafting and fishing.

[esya]

Leadville is isolated and depressing in the winter; but the Park county area south of there is a bit more thriving. Neither area has major retail. I would say Durango, Canyon City (it is dry but close to salida mtns and pueblo commerce) and Grand Junction or Montrose, which is western slope. Be prepared for a less than urban ambiance.

[Nadine]

Originally Posted by esya

Leadville is isolated and depressing in the winter; but the Park county area south of there is a bit more thriving. Neither area has major retail. I would say Durango, Canyon City (it is dry but close to salida mtns and pueblo commerce) and Grand Junction or Montrose, which is western slope. Be prepared for a less than urban ambiance.

Canon City not Canyon City. Spanish spelling with a ~ over the first n. My PC don't spell Spanish It doesn't know how to put it over a letter. Actually Canon City is not any dryer than Colorado in general. We are an irritated area because of the Arkansas River. Thus we are quit green compared to some. Colorado Spring, Pueblo and Canon City form sort of a triangle. All close to the same distances from one another. Also Canon is not close to the Salida mts, (not sure what mt range you are referring to) But Salida is closest to the Sangre De Cristo Range and just west is the Saguache Range, which is Moharch Pass on top of the Continental Divide. Canon City is close to the first range on hiway 50 the Wet Mountains. Leadville maybe depressing to some but if you are a skier or into other winter sports and love the mountains, it is heaven. No, it's not for the city slickers.