Relocating: Small but leftist towns? (Denver, Boulder: for rent, schools, prices)

[libmom]

Hey there,

We are currently Denverites, wanting to relocate to a smaller (not tiny!) town in Colorado that has a strong Leftist, Democratic, Liberal, Peacenik, Hippie .... get the picture?... element. Are there any? What's the vibe in Durango? Salida? I love Manitou but it is too attached to C.Springs for my taste. Two young kids in tow, good (public/charter) schools are a plus.

[Shuffler]

are you done with the Front Rage? Boulder is the logical 'fit' for what you're after. Not sure about SW CO or Western Slope...seems to be a fairly 'free spirited' feel among the local working stiffs in T-Ride, the 'Butte, Durango...but to a lesser degree if you're after real political activism and a larger population with similar views & interests.

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by libmom

Hey there,

We are currently Denverites, wanting to relocate to a smaller (not tiny!) town in Colorado that has a strong Leftist, Democratic, Liberal, Peacenik, Hippie .... get the picture?... element. Are there any? What's the vibe in Durango? Salida? I love Manitou but it is too attached to C.Springs for my taste. Two young kids in tow, good (public/charter) schools are a plus.

Sounds like you're pretty set on the SW corner of the state, otherwise I'd suggest somewhere like Lyons or Boulder. Schools in the BVSD are apparently very good too.

[multitrak]

Colorado Election Results

2006 colorado election results, particularly the traditional marriage and marijuana legalization statewide amendment initiatives, and the domestic partnerships referendum, pretty well highlight the counties that make up colorado's "liberal" belt.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by libmom

Hey there,

We are currently Denverites, wanting to relocate to a smaller (not tiny!) town in Colorado that has a strong Leftist, Democratic, Liberal, Peacenik, Hippie .... get the picture?... element. Are there any? What's the vibe in Durango? Salida? I love Manitou but it is too attached to C.Springs for my taste. Two young kids in tow, good (public/charter) schools are a plus.

I thought you were looking in California, like you wrote in this post:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/calif...able-town.html

Or was it Washington, like in this post?

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...ffordable.html

Do you work?
What is your budget for rent or housing price range?

[libmom]

Libtrak, thanks for the link -- that is really helpful!! (and eye opening!)

And Charles, we are looking in all of the three states (my pref is WA, the wife wants more sun and warmth), thus the three posts. Sorry to confuse!

Boulder and Aspen fail my "affordable" litmus test which is why I am seeking other areas.

[WanderingCajun]

Lots of people use city-data forums to rule out/rule in 2 or 3 likely areas. These forums are a good way to do that. I wonder why someone would bring that up in sort of an accusing way? Very odd. I am looking at one area right now but sure don't want someone trailing along behind me if I want to examine another area as well!!! Many people are sort of desparately seeking a good area for their kids. They may be unrealistic, yes, and if I saw maybe 20 posts in 20 cities, I might think the person was too scattered to be considering anything! But 2 or 3? Seems reasonable.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by libmom

Libtrak, thanks for the link -- that is really helpful!! (and eye opening!)

And Charles, we are looking in all of the three states (my pref is WA, the wife wants more sun and warmth), thus the three posts. Sorry to confuse!

Boulder and Aspen fail my "affordable" litmus test which is why I am seeking other areas.

Have you actually checked housing prices in Boulder? I think there is a link in Mike's index. I know several of us posted prices for the Boulder area just a little while back. It may be more affordable than you think.

[Shuffler]

Boulder and 'affordable' is a matter of one's financial means. Boulder County, on the other hand, should offer something...but cities like Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette...they are far from 'Leftist', therefore not real good options.

[TropicanaRose]

If you like the mountains, you might want to take a look at Nederland.