Which areas in Colorado would be a good fit for me? (Denver: ski resorts, 2013)

[FlyingFartlek]

Hello all!

I currently live in northwest Ohio and I don't like it at all. It's boring, flat, conservative, ugly (unless you like miles and miles of corn and soybean fields), and I don't enjoy my job. People also like to run you off the road and shout things at you while you are running or cycling, so that sucks. It has been a dream of mine to move to Colorado and I'd like to start exploring my options.

I just graduated from college in May 2013 with a degree in mechanical engineering, and I am an avid runner and cyclist like I mentioned above. I'd love to live in an area with plenty of roads and trails to run and cycle on (with more emphasis on running) and quick access to the mountains. It would be nice to live somewhat near ski resorts, and in an area that isn't too conservative. Also, I'd prefer not to live right in a big city like Denver or in a tiny little town that doesn't have a lot of shopping, restaurants, things to do, etc.

It seems like Boulder and Fort Collins might be good fits, but what would you guys recommend? Are there certain places with higher concentrations of engineering jobs than others?

Thanks for the help, it is much appreciated!

[StealthRabbit]

Golden (NREL) or Boulder for decent ME jobs and ez access to Mtn recreation.

Ft Collins has a very tight job market for ME's, but worth looking at. It is another Hour from 'Downhill Skiing', as you have to drive through Golden to get to the most accessible snow hills.

Give Colorado Springs a look as well, better quality of life and access to outdoor recreation.

[FlyingFartlek]

Does Colorado Springs still have the eco-friendly/organic food/healthy-lifestyle vibe that I've heard Boulder has? I've heard that it's pretty conservative there, which is something I'm trying to avoid (though I'm not sure if the rumors are exaggerated).

I guess it's worth mentioning that my girlfriend is looking for civil engineering jobs as well, so any areas with opportunities in that field would be good as well.

[Idunn]

Overall, Colorado Springs tends to be more conservative than Boulder. But not that one couldn't have a happy home there. Neighborhoods—and the exact location and circumstances of a home—are just as important, if not more so, than the region. So perhaps consider greater Denver as well, as much of the Front Range is suburban, and then more a question of choosing the suburban neighborhood that best suits.

As oft advised in this forum, you might begin by looking for the position(s) first, anywhere from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins. Then perhaps before, but certainly after to a greater depth, investigate prospective neighborhoods in the area to feel if an applicable fit.

BTW, Boulder to Fort Collins offers the most ready access to Rocky Mountain National Park and that region of the Front Range Mountains. Boulder to Denver (particularly western suburbs of Denver) offer most ready access to the major ski areas in Summit County via I-70. More locally, the small ski area at Eldora is worth considering. More than a few live in nearby Nederland and commute into Boulder.

[bongo]

I too would say find the jobs and the location falls into place!

IF you had a job, Gunnison/Crested Butte area would be perfect- a liberal/eco-friendly/organic runner's & bicyclist's dream! Mt. Crested Butte has great skiing.

Good luck with the job search!