Relocating to Eagle/Vail area (Denver, Grand Junction: budget, work, housing)

[movinonup2thetop]

My husband has accepted an offer in Vail and we are planning to move in the next few months. I've read that although Eagle is a beautiful area, it's very expensive...any suggestions on areas close to Vail that might be a little more cost effective for a family of 5? We're moving from Northern Michigan and would like to continue living in a place with that "small town feel" yet still has access to "big brand" conveniences.

[Idunn]

Shopping may be the easiest aspect. Most anything you might want on a daily basis you can find in Vail, although at a price. Silverthorne has a variety of factory discount stores. There is also a Target store there, and a fair number of shops in Summit County. From Silverthorne, under good conditions, about an hour's drive further to Denver, for serious shopping. Otherwise a fair distance west to Grand Junction.

Vail is of course expensive in housing, as is anything in the vicinity. You might happen upon something suitable, particularly in time, although many workers live farther removed, in substandard housing conditions, or both. Two possibilities you might consider would be Leadville or perhaps somewhere north on CO 131, from its junction with I-70 at Wolcott.

Anything north from Wolcott will be rural, but a chance you might find a suitable house at the right price.

More than a few people that work in Summit County live in Leadville; it is becoming something of a bedroom community. Although it is still relatively small and with very much the character set since inception as a mining town. This certain ambience, not to mention an elevation of 10,152 feet, might give you pause. But you might like it. Prices have been increasing there of late, but perhaps still reasonable enough. As with anything north of Wolcott, something of a commute, but unless you spend the money to live closer just a fact of life. Probably the easiest route, in avoiding Vail Pass, via US 34 through Minturn to Leadville. I'm not as familiar with that road as CO 91 from Copper Mountain, but know CO 91 is possible, with US 34 perhaps even an easier drive.

With time and ingenuity you might come up with something either in Vail or very near, which would surely make life easier and more pleasant. But the reality you'll probably have to work towards it.

Good luck.

[sunsprit]

Without knowing your budget/price range of "affordable" and "cost effective", it's hard to pinpoint which locations in the area might work for you.

It may be worth looking at East Vail, or down valley past West Vail. Otherwise, you're looking at Edwards and the areas to the West of Vail. Relatively speaking, it's all rather expensive, even as far away as Eagle. I wouldn't go any further than 15 miles or so downvalley due to the commutes involved to get to work in Vail ... although many people do so, especially the folks that commute in from Leadville on a daily basis.

Shopping is no problem ... the downvalley area has shopping centers with big box stores, and lots of other shops for all your needs. Prices are approximately comparable with Front Range pricing, so it's not worth going back East 100 miles to Denver. There's also the Outlet store malls at Silverthorne, so you have that about 35 minutes away from Vail.