Starting over - any ideas? (Denver, Colorado Springs: relocate, military, budget)

[jodanna]

I'm a military wife and husband is heading BACK to Iraq for another long year. I don't work nor do we have kids to restrict places in which to lay my hat for this adventure. Sadly the time spent away from my spouse these past 4 years - have only seen him maybe 4 months out of those long years, due to the war has taken a huge toll on my 20 year marriage. Not to belabor personal trivialities, he told me this past weekend he wants out of the marriage and has proceeded in the separation process. Trust me, it makes no sense, but none the less it provides an opportunity for me to go anywhere in part two of my life. Career wise, I haven't worked in many - many years and will need to start from square one and re-educate myself and find my place. As far as my interest I like cool weather, coastal areas, mountain ranges. Also, enjoy snow sports; snowboard - snow-kiting and a broad range of outdoor activities. Plus my dog needs a lot of outside time in which to burn her energy. Note she is a pit-bull breed, so I'm aware of certain areas and the breed specific legislature that exist within it's confines.

Thoughts so far: CO: Ft Collins, Durango Bolder, outside of Denver limits. UT: Salt Lake City area due to closeness to winter play. Another forum poster mentioned ID: Boise and this I'm checking out as well. Lastly I'm also looking at CA: San-Luis-Obispo area or northern coastal regions. If I could swing it I'd make my way back to England but with the exchange rate as is and their economy flatter than a bad hair day it's not feasible. I've thought about NZ and even NW Canada to relocate.

Cost of living is an issue, and for the next 3 years my support will consist of a rent cap of 1k/month. I've traveled all over the world and find that I don't desire the limited culture extremities of many smaller towns but yet I'm not yet driven to those areas that have more than enough affluent culture wealth in its faces and places for artificial mentalities.

Lots of personal information in this thread, I hope it affords a clear idea where I'm at and what I'm seeking. I would welcome all suggestions to areas within your state and any others that come to mind. Thanks so much.

[kosnebbear]

Sorry to hear what you are going through. I am from Nebraska and we have a very nice state. We are friendly and willing to help out when asked. I don't know what you are looking for, but the cost of living in Colorado is much higher than it is in Nebraska. Take a look around Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island. If you need help just send me an email and I will help you find some web sites that can help you find jobs and a place to live.

I am a retired military member and have been married now for 35 years. My wife was a military wife for about 22 years of my military service. Right now she is at home watching our last son who is about to go off to college. I am working for the United Nations in Kosovo and this is my second tour. Almost went to Iraq this past fall, but this position opened up and my wife told me that I needed to go back to Kosovo and not to Iraq.

Let me know what you want and take a look at Nebraska, we are great people. If you do come to Nebraska, you are welcome to come meet us in person and maybe my wife and you can become friends and go do what women like to do best,


SHOPPING.

Bob Hester
kosnebbear@yahoo.com

[Crackerjack]

Jodanna, I feel for you. The pain you and your husband have had to endure is more than I can imagine. Your husband is probably going through psychological stress that can bring on major changes in his personality. It isn't uncommon with the military subject to all the stress wars cause. My thoughts and condolences are with you. Sometimes what seemed like a closed door will open up a new and even better path. It takes time to heal, but afterward, your life may be better than you ever thought possible. The main thing to do is don't live in the past. Live in the now. Try to enjoy as much of life as you can. Get outdoors and experience nature. Focus on new goals.

Of the cities you mentioned and with your budget, I would look to Fort Collins. Boulder, Durango and San Luis are great places but not for the truly budget minded. You might also look around Colorado Springs. It isn't an expensive place to live and you are close to enjoy all the mountains. Regardless, like the saying goes, "Don't worry, be happy!" rings so true. Good Luck on your search and life!

[2bindenver]

Thank you for your time and dedication to our military service.

Google Pit Bull bans for cities and towns that have legislation in place like Denver.

[jodanna]

Kosenbbear thank you for the kind hospitality. My husband hit his 20 year service mark a couple months ago and in most of that time military life has been very good for both of us. But ever since 9/11 it's been shy of hell. He has been to Afghanistan 2x, and Iraq this last round. I understand Kosovo has it's own headaches within the military community. I wish you well and will certainly take a look at your friendly state.

Crackerjack and 2bindenver thank you for your input. I'll take a closer look into Fort Collins and keep my eyes open for BSL issues.