Possible move to Durango?

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by NW Crow

45% of all Durango area HOUSEHOLDS do get by, such as they can, on household incomes of less than $50,000.

As a single person, the amount of income you need depends on what you consider decent / acceptable housing and what your level of discretionary spending is. Plenty of people make it work for them in Durango area on modest incomes. Not perfect, not easy, harder than most places but you can make it work. In part by passing on $1000+ per month apartments and overpriced restaurant food. Frozen pizzas and home cooked burgers are not huge sacrifices relatively speaking IMO.

In the 138 total listings on craigslist right now there are 4 1 bedrooms offered at above $1000 and no 2+ bedroom is that expensive per bedroom. Are all the other offerings here non-decent? In the eye of the beholder. Going thru other purchasing channels may be more expensive, but there are options that are not as pricey. In rooms and shares there are 75 options listed, most at between $400-600 per month.

Some of the people that I see and hear who complain about the high cost of living do things that make it harder: car payments on a fancy car that is only few years old, eat out 5+ times per week, fly to see family and vacation somewhere even more expensive several times a year, spend $50-$100-more on alcohol and / or drugs per week, have fancy toys, pretty much buy whatever they want til the credit card is maxed out, etc.

All quite correct. My observation of the resort town residents, especially the newer transplants, though, is that the indulgent lifestyle that you describe above is exactly what they EXPECT, and what they think that they should be entitled to. That is why so few of them last in places like Durango. The reality of the harsh economic environment collides with their expectations (and their checkbooks) and they have to return "to the world" to make a living. I've watched that go on for over 40 years. The faces changes, but the economic realities don't. Increasingly, the terms "resort town" and "long-time resident" are becoming absolutely mutually exclusive.

[Idunn]

Take a good look at a map of Durango. Proximity, especially in contemplating a bicycle for everyday use, will be key.

Ideally, I would look within and choose accommodations somewhere in the small neighborhood which is bounded by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the southwest, and Fort Lewis College to the northeast. The college resides on a plateau above town and basically all their's once started up the hill, but you'll get the idea. Back in the day there were small houses and apartments that some students rented close to the base near E 8th Avenue. In this greater area as well a good number of quite lovely homes on tree-lined streets verboten to anybody without healthy purses.

The thing is most of the restaurants and pubs you speak of are probably located near the main drag of US 550—south of where it crosses the Animas River. Thus your life will not only be more pleasant in that area, but far easier in getting around if near where you'll most usually be.

Beyond that, you are probably realistically looking at using public transportation, or more easily your own vehicle, to get around. It has been awhile, so I cannot exactly say; maybe there are some good options in apartment complexes up Florida Road. But again, almost certainly requiring something other than a bicycle. Can't say what exists there now, but if commuting into town it will be distinctly easier if in from east or west on US 160, or even further south on US 550.

While there are businesses in Durango all the way up US 550 to its northern terminus, as said most of your favored employers are likely centered down south. If you find something up north, then fine, and possibly could live in the vicinity. But if possible take a good look at that town in person before making such a decision. Durango resides in a scenic location, but essentially runs south to north along a fairly narrow river canyon. US 550 is by and large the one practical avenue from north to south, and heavily congested in season. Living and working on opposite ends of that town is likely something you do not want to do on a regular basis.

Beyond all that, a fine idea of yours. A great place. Just be prepared to pay for it in a number of ways.