Need a Great City Please! (Denver, Aurora: homes, public schools, camping)

[Dania530]

My husband and I are really looking into moving to CO and would like some information on some cities to check in to. This is my dream location......a city with 4, not too extreme seasons, good job opportunities, we are a young couple with 2 kids under the age of 2 so we would like a town with activities for children and families, we also LOVE outdoor activities like hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. We would like a medium size town, not too small, but a short weekend getaway from a large city. I like snow, but looking at some pictures on here of cars being buried by snow kinda scares me. We also have a large dog that loves to go everywhere with us, so I would like a pet friendly city. Out city now has a no pet law in all of the city parks, which is not fun for him. Me and my husband have 4 days to come and check out some areas to look at. Any info would be great. Thanks!!

[mountains]

I love it here! I've lived in Westminster, Boulder, Denver (Uptown & Governor's Park areas). Any city west of I-25. Boulder is a dream & so is Golden but $$. Layfette is great too. I'd stay far way from Aurora - strip mall after depressing strip mall but it is more affordable. So is Brighton but both are farther from the mountains. I like Denver alot! Stay away from Mapleton Public Schools! (also known as Adams 1) and other areas just north of I 70 to about 84th street!

[StealthRabbit]

Loveland, Berthoud, Masonville, Estes Park, Ft Collins, Timnath, Wellington

pretty mild climate, usually better than Denver area. (I rode my bike to work everyday but 3., the last year I lived in Loveland) Best of both worlds, Can go to 'metropolis' (Denver/Colo Springs) or escape to WY (snowy Range is nice ) west of Laramie

This snow stuff is pretty rare, only every 10 yrs or so, this bad. Usually pretty mild.

[Scott Williams]

Fort Collins sounds like a place you would love!! I have two dogs myself and never have a problem finding running room. The town is exciting and the homes are affordable right now. [moderator cut]

[Colomonter]

Too many possibilities...what size town are you looking for?

[DarnRight]

My family & I also dream of moving to Co soon, we have been looking at Greeley for quite some time now & have visited once. Greeley is just as beautiful as the websites claim! Plenty of family activities offered year round & many dog runs (we too have the pet issue). From what i can tell about pet laws in the parks, you're safe as long as you clean up after them.

We currently live in Amarillo, TX & its not very pretty here & not a whole lot to do. Cost of living in Greeley is more affordable than the other cities (not that I'm not still thinking of Ft Collins). Check out the Chamber of Commerce website for both & take a look at their events for the year, many many exciting things to do! Greeley is just about 30-45 min. east of Loveland & the mountains so everything is easily accessible. Close to Denver or Cheyenne for shopping, only a short scenic drive west for the God-given beauty of the country. Hope this helps, but if you dont necessarily find what you're looking for in Greeley, try the neighboring towns if you're looking for something a bit smaller.

[CSColorado]

Most of Colorado is pretty much just 2 seasons- winter and summer. Our springs and falls are very short. We often have our first snow before the leaves start to change. We could also have snow in May and see 90 degrees in June. I love it, love it, love it here... but don't get your hopes up about having a nice long spring and fall. Spring and fall are my favorite times of year here- but they are very short.