up and coming mountain town (Denver, Boulder: ski resorts, real estate, 2010)

[kyle19125]

There probably isn't an example, but can someone think of a Colorado mountain town that isn't insanely expensive to live in? I'm actually not a wealthy Californian, rather a moderate income, soon-to-be refugee from a grimy east coast city. I have a lot of experience as a waiter and bartender, though currently am a retail store manager...so figure I can land most anyplace. Buying is probably out of the question, since I'd need something for less than $100K... so will need to rent. An ideal place for me would be progressive, artsy, not too touristy, more Subaru than Ranger Rover.

[Coloradoan]

Pagosa Springs might be what you are looking for. Rentals are still reasonably priced, however buying would probably start at about $200k for a very basic home. Unlike Vail or Aspen, most of the millionaires around here are driving 10+ year old Subarus or Toyotas and proud of it.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

There probably isn't an example, but can someone think of a Colorado mountain town that isn't insanely expensive to live in?

If you're relying on local income--they are all too expensive. That's why so many of the natives who grow up these towns leave. Front Range cities are full of people who grew up in Colorado's small mountain communities and were forced to move to the city to make a decent living.

[steveco.]

The silverthorne and frisco areas I thought were still fairly reasonable considering they are so close to major ski resorts. Not sure about the others but I have heard that montrose is nice too

[CTC]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

There probably isn't an example, but can someone think of a Colorado mountain town that isn't insanely expensive to live in? I'm actually not a wealthy Californian, rather a moderate income, soon-to-be refugee from a grimy east coast city. I have a lot of experience as a waiter and bartender, though currently am a retail store manager...so figure I can land most anyplace. Buying is probably out of the question, since I'd need something for less than $100K... so will need to rent. An ideal place for me would be progressive, artsy, not too touristy, more Subaru than Ranger Rover.

Leadville might be the one exception. It is very cheap (I payed 400$/month in rent a few years ago). There are some cool people there and a better art scene recently due to some people who brought the NPR translator in (they even have a small film festival)

If you have good waiter experience, you could find good paying work at the nearby resorts at Vail/Beaver Creek etc.

heck, a good friend of mine makes 400$ in tips on a good night, at a fancy place in Vail

for 100k, you might even be able to find some fixer upper on the east side of town

Leadville in a magical place (if you like the mountains)...has a college,a nice book store, nice coffee shop and a couple of decent places to eat..and the best views bar none.

and is very real and down to earth..amazing Victorian architecture too.

worth a visit if you want to live cheap in CO

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by steveco.

The silverthorne and frisco areas I thought were still fairly reasonable considering they are so close to major ski resorts. Not sure about the others but I have heard that montrose is nice too

Silverthorne and Frisco (and Summit County in general) are not really "up and coming". And Frisco is quite far from "reasonable" -- it is among the most expensive areas in the county (rivaling Breck). The cheapest housing in the area is in Silverthorne and Dillon, where a 1-bedroom condo will run around $100K-$115K. Problem is, the cheaper areas will be more touristy as well (think second homes for Denverites and rentals for out-of-towners). Renting in Summit County however is very doable and can be inexpensive.

As CTC said, Leadville is the nearest decent-sized town that can be considered "up and coming", although it has struggled since the mines shut down. Now with the Climax mine restarting in 2009/2010 however, many people are looking for Leadville to be a "happening" place once again. Keep in mind though that it is quite a commute from Leadville to resort areas like Summit County (45 minutes) or Vail (60 minutes).

That's the catch-22. If you want to make decent money in retail or as a waiter/bartender, you'll want to live close to a more developed/touristy area. But if you want a more undeveloped, non-touristy place, there probably will not be as many job opportunities.

[CosmicWizard]

jazzlover wrote:

If you're relying on local income--they are all too expensive. That's why so many of the natives who grow up these towns leave. Front Range cities are full of people who grew up in Colorado's small mountain communities and were forced to move to the city to make a decent living.

Unfortunately this well established trend is not limited to Colorado. Cities and/or larger population centers everywhere are populated by an influx of people from the nearby rural areas due to the same reasons you cite above.

kyle19125...I've noticed that whenever my intention to do something is really strong, that things always have a way of working out fo rme. I imagine that would be the case for you too. A strong and clear intention is almost magical!

blessings...Franco

[Idunn]

Unless you go way out on the fringes it is going to be expensive anywhere near mountain resort areas of Colorado. Summit County is one of the most expensive areas in the state; many locals, such as police and firemen, are not strictly as they've moved their residence to distant towns such as Fairplay or Leadville for lower housing costs. But even there the influx has significantly raised real estate prices.

Many of the resorts, certainly within Summit County, bring in large numbers of migrant workers to fill the lower paying positions. This in part because the locals who might do them cannot afford housing nearby, whereas others accomplish this by living many people to a house. It is almost certain that many of these workers do not have legal residency within this country.

Not a happy scenario for you. But something possible. If you're really determined you can probably live anywhere you desire, although in time you may come to adjust not only your priorities but also yourself. Possibly a good thing.

Two areas you might consider those near Silverton and Nederland.

Due the recent ski area Silverton is beginning to grow into the resort the others have long since become. But its very isolated location in the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado mitigate against this to an extent. Also that its ski area will probably always be mostly of the extreme skiing variety. It is a small and quaint, old Victorian mining town. Modern amenities are beginning to pop up, in step with real estate prices. Technically speaking you are already priced out of this market, but you have a lot better chance there of being creative and working something out. You might really like it.

Nederland is just within the foothills of the Front Range, a reasonable commute down the canyon to Boulder. Lots of jobs in Boulder and this reflected in part in higher real estate prices in Nederland. You might choke on that but if you are willing to move some distance further up into the mountains you might swing it financially. Nederland is still a small community with the continued strong influence from the hippies that have called the area home for many decades. Certainly a mix here, and maybe one you'll like.

Good luck.

[CosmicWizard]

Idunn wrote:

Due the recent ski area Silverton is beginning to grow into the resort the others have long since become. But its very isolated location in the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado mitigate against this to an extent. Also that its ski area will probably always be mostly of the extreme skiing variety. It is a small and quaint, old Victorian mining town. Modern amenities are beginning to pop up, in step with real estate prices. Technically speaking you are already priced out of this market, but you have a lot better chance there of being creative and working something out. You might really like it.

Kyle19125, if you like isolation, you might really enjoy living in Silverton. There is no easy way into or out of town. Travelling in any direction requires travelling over 10,000 ft mountain passes on a very winding mountain road. The scenery will knock your socks off however. Relative to most other mountain towns, the real estate is a bargain. The keyword here is relative, and even the bargains are rather expensive.

blessings.....Franco

[marie_co]

You know if you really want to live in the mountains there are ways to make it work. Maybe you won't be eating out very often or buying new clothes every month (or year) maybe you give some things up to live in the mountains but if it's important to you find a way and do it.

You can find rentals all over the place, you might have to settle for something small and out of the way but you are in the mountains.

I agree with jazz though, it's unfortunate how many of us have been priced out of our hometowns.