Medium-Sized Cities in CO? (Denver, Colorado Springs: real estate, budget, apartments)

[JillBoBill]

So, we're planning on moving. I got a list of all these cities in Colorado and most of them seem to either be sprawling metropoli (I.E. Denver) or tiny little smudges of civilation (I.E. TinCup or Dinosaur).


I figured who better to ask than people who know the place?


I'm looking for something in the mountains, sort of South in orientation, but also not near Aspen. I'd like where ever I live to at least be big enough to have a movie theater, a mega-mart, maybe a nice mall within a half-hour or so radius.

And cold! If you can't wear a scarf, it's too hot.

We were looking at Canon City - what's the weather like there?



Thanks!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by JillBoBill

I'm looking for something in the mountains, sort of South in orientation, but also not near Aspen. I'd like where ever I live to at least be big enough to have a movie theater, a mega-mart, maybe a nice mall within a half-hour or so radius.

Monument, Colorado.

What is your housing price range or monthly rent budget?
What line of work are you in?
Where do you expect to work?
Do you have kids?

[Katiana]

There really is nothing in the mountains like you describe. Monument is on I-25, between Denver and Colorado Springs. Canon City is not in the mts, but it is close to them. You can look up weather stats on City-Data and many other weather websites.

[vfrpilot]

Sounds like you're describing Woodland Park. It's a small town big enough to have a Wal-Mart up in the mountains. It's about a 20 minute drive down into Colorado Springs for your shopping fix. The home prices seem pretty reasonable too.

[Katiana]

Well, there you go!

I guess Evergreen would qualify, too, though I don't know if they have a WM, and they are not southerly. Nederland is another one, but you have to go to Boulder for shopping, Lafayette for a WM, though Boulder has a Target. Nederalnd is also north of the OP's preference.

[JillBoBill]

Originally Posted by Charles

Monument, Colorado.

What is your housing price range or monthly rent budget?
What line of work are you in?
Where do you expect to work?
Do you have kids?

We're not exactly looking to buy a house - renting is working all right for us, but we'd want a house. Apartments are horrendous. He does high-end retail management, but is looking for something more on the corporate end of things. I'm an Executive Buyer for a medium-sized professional arts supply store.

And, no, no kids. Thank God.


Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

[Nadine]

Originally Posted by JillBoBill

So, we're planning on moving. I got a list of all these cities in Colorado and most of them seem to either be sprawling metropoli (I.E. Denver) or tiny little smudges of civilation (I.E. TinCup or Dinosaur).


I figured who better to ask than people who know the place?


I'm looking for something in the mountains, sort of South in orientation, but also not near Aspen. I'd like where ever I live to at least be big enough to have a movie theater, a mega-mart, maybe a nice mall within a half-hour or so radius.

And cold! If you can't wear a scarf, it's too hot.

We were looking at Canon City - what's the weather like there?



Thanks!

We are one of the banana belt areas. But it can get hot in summer. I don't like heat and 90 is hot to me. Climate is dry. Pretty town, clean town. Biggest employer are the pens. No it does not bother us. Pueblo and Colorado Springs for serious shopping. 40-45 miles away. About an hr. radius. All prices and types of homes. From want-a-be castles to small older homes. Crime yes but not high. They used to say, church on every corner and bars in between but not really. We have our share of both. Try pcsfremontcounty.com it has been set up to lure troops from Carson but it is full of info. Yes a Wal Mart, Home Depot, Ace hardware, Coast to Coast, Chili's, Villiage Inn, Dennies, new movie theater and and old one down town. etc.

[High Altitude]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

Well, there you go!

I guess Evergreen would qualify, too, though I don't know if they have a WM, and they are not southerly. Nederland is another one, but you have to go to Boulder for shopping, Lafayette for a WM, though Boulder has a Target. Nederalnd is also north of the OP's preference.

Evergreen has a walmart and a homedepot, movie theatre etc....

Just about everything you need store wise.

The one thing it doesn't have is a whole foods or wild oats. There is a vitamin cottage though. Nearest wild oats is just down the hill across the street from colorado mills mall which is also the closest mall.

[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.

[Fruitarian]

Durango is a great town/city and seems to have some of the qualifications you're looking for. A ski town, in the mountains, but the San Juans don't get quite as frigid as the Gores, etc.

It's a college town, so there are lots of cultural activities. It has hot springs, lots of GREAT restaurants and shops (big ones, too) and, of course, the outdoor activities are almost limitless.

One possible drawback- it's FAR from Denver (about 7 hours drive) and has only regional airport service. But, it's in the most beautiful part of the state and everyone you know will be so jeallous you get to live and work in such a fantastic place!!

Hope it helps.