Pros and Cons of Living in Durango?

[NW Crow]

Fwiw, there are several casinos within an hour of town (and I think they still offer shuttles if you want a ride). Sky Ute casino has a bowling alley. There a fair amount of local live music (though very repetitive) at some of the bars. Occasionally get lower level traveling artists. Fort Lewis brings in some bigger shows maybe once or twice a month.

For organized senior hiking, http://seniorsoutdoors.org/


If you want a place a bit more of a pulled together downtown than Bayfield (though it really isn't a bigger community overall), could look at Pagosa Springs. But that does more than double the drive to Durango.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by NW Crow

Fwiw, there are several casinos within an hour of town (and I think they still offer shuttles if you want a ride). Sky Ute casino has a bowling alley. There a fair amount of local live music (though very repetitive) at some of the bars. Occasionally get lower level traveling artists. Fort Lewis brings in some bigger shows maybe once or twice a month.

For organized senior hiking, Seniors Outdoors! – A club for active seniors


If you want a place a bit more of a pulled together downtown than Bayfield (though it really isn't a bigger community overall), could look at Pagosa Springs. But that does more than double the drive to Durango.

I always preferred Farmington for some reason. Probably because it was more wide-open. Those mountains make me claustrophobic as heck.

[mary_228]

I visited Durango during the big fire in June. As a tourist, it was rather alarming! Missed the train ride to Silverton due to the fire/road closures. Water levels were so low that rafting was no enjoyable. Flights were very expensive.

[redfox1311]

Thanks for all the information. We are thinking hard about Ridgway it seems like the perfect small town.
I little more affordable not so touristy. Anyone have any thoughts on pros and Cons of Ridgway?

[StarrySkiesAbove]

Ridgway is in a spectacular setting with fantastic views of the San Juan mountains. Housing will be more limited, especially in the town itself. During the summer and fall months it is quite touristy and very busy, especially when trying to cross 62 to get from one side of town to the other.

You will be very car dependent, there is a small market in town but selections are limited and prices are higher. You will need to drive to Montrose (about 25 miles away) for most goods, medical and services. In the summer there is a nice little farmers market in the park.

[brightdoglover]

Ridgway is certainly much smaller than Durango and doesn't have 550 down the middle. There are traffic-slowing things and crosswalks and the MPH is 25 so it's more of a walking town than it used to be. "Touristy" is certainly subjective. There are certainly summer tourists but nothing like Durango. I think Durango is some 20,000 people? And Ridgway is about 1,000.
I try to use local services and people (dentist, chiropractor) but do go to Montrose maybe once a week if a doc appointment or grocery run. The local market is very pricey and lacks good meats and such. I use it for running out of coffee or milk or something, otherwise it's Montrose.
Please feel free to DM me for more details. I love to booster Ridgway!

[Masterful_Man]

I was in southwest Colorado again recently.
I managed to get up and visit Ouray this time which really took my breath away, absolutely beautiful & dramatic scenery. I plan to visit again sometime in late spring.

I've pretty much settled on Durango due to everything it has to offer in ammenties and its proximity to the outdoors and mountains, although Ouray has more dramatic views.

[NW Crow]

You can get pretty dramatic mountain views in the north and northeast parts of La Plata county, parts of Florida Mesa, some spots in town. But yeah Ouray is hard to match for immediate visuals.