Colorado's Eastern Plains (Pueblo, Greeley, Sterling: 2009, insurance, buying)

[wade52]

For most folks, any thoughts of Colorado probably revolve around the mountains. For some reason, I'm fascinated by the dry plains east of the Rockies. Towns I've driven through like Limon, Rocky Ford, Sterling, and Lamar almost seem like a trip back in time.

What's life in these small towns like? Does their relative isolation mean difficulty in getting the kinds of service for routine repairs like plumbing and electrical that city dwellers take for granted? Is social life pretty much centered around the local HS athletic teams like it seems to be in midwestern small towns?

[StealthRabbit]

I spent a lot of time in Haxtun, Wray, Peetz when I was a kid (relatives there + my dad's business)

services were fine, but sometimes you need to wait for parts. And you drive (weekly / monthly) for serious shopping. With online commerce things should be better, but finding repairmen is tougher these days. The residents tend to help each other out, and yes the local schools and churches are a rallying place. The cafe and hardware (co-op / feed) store are central places to connect. I find the people very capable and helpful. There is still serious 'brain-drain' in rural communities, and I don't see it getting a ton better, tho many folks are 'returning home'. Jobs just aren't there, and not everyone can telecommute. Not sure what the 'new' economy is going to do to these places, but if it got REALLY rough I'd rather be there than in a city. (at least you won't go hungry or get robbed)

[la junta econ devel]

Janb....

Small towns in Eastern Colorado have a great way of life and a great attitude. Used to referee football out here and had the privilege of working Haxtun/Stratton two or three times. Great schools and great programs.

Couldn't agree more...in fact the Rocky Mountain News wrote an article which points that out very nicely. It happens to be about La Junta, but it is probably true about most of the towns on the Eastern Plains....in fact, probably most of the small towns in this Great State.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/06/griego-economys-down-but-la-junta-isnt/

[ToekneeR]

I have lived in the La Junta area for about 10yrs now, and I am amazed on what this small town has to offer. We have a Junior college, theatre, bowling alley, National Historical Site, top of the line schools, decent workforce, airport, golf site, swimming pool, hiking trails, canyons (small but cool), dinasour track site, surrounding fishing sites, and I could go on and on. I have never had any problems finding employement here, and the climate is awesome! I would recommend this place to anyone!!

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by ToekneeR

I have lived in the La Junta area for about 10yrs now, and I am amazed on what this small town has to offer. We have a Junior college, theatre, bowling alley, National Historical Site, top of the line schools, decent workforce, airport, golf site, swimming pool, hiking trails, canyons (small but cool), dinasour track site, surrounding fishing sites, and I could go on and on. I have never had any problems finding employement here, and the climate is awesome! I would recommend this place to anyone!!

Can you post some pics of your city, we would love to see them. It would be a nice break from always seeing pics of the front range.

[bco24]

I grew up in Brush. Life was pretty boring, simple and quite. There isn't much to do when you're in high school, find the occasional party or go to Fort Morgan to cruise main or hang out at a friends house. Even when you are old enough to drink there isn't much of a change in the night life, there are 4 bars in downtown Brush, but I heard that either one of them or two closed down. Usually people headed to Fort Morgan, but there bar scene isn't much better, sometimes Sterling also. There is one movie theater in Brush, but usually doesn't get the newer movies till later. There wasn't really a problem with getting repairs, getting into a wreck and waiting for the insurance people to come out there was kind of a wait. Shopping was the only real kinda hassle because online buying hadn't hit full force yet, but usually we had to drive to Greeley, which was an hour away but they did build a super walmart in Fort Morgan which helps. Yes the town is centered around the HS athletics, especially football. Other than that growing up in Brush wasn't totally bad, I live in a much larger town right now, and go back to Brush to visit my family as much as I can. When things get to hectic around I head back and like to feel the calmness of the plains that surround Brush.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by ToekneeR

I have lived in the La Junta area for about 10yrs now, and I am amazed on what this small town has to offer. We have a Junior college, theatre, bowling alley, National Historical Site, top of the line schools, decent workforce, airport, golf site, swimming pool, hiking trails, canyons (small but cool), dinasour track site, surrounding fishing sites, and I could go on and on. I have never had any problems finding employement here, and the climate is awesome! I would recommend this place to anyone!!

This sounds like it was written by the Chamber of Commerce, especially when you read the last two sentences.

[la junta econ devel]

Okay thanks to Josseppie, McGowdog and Vegas Pilgrim here is first try at pix posting. Will put some others on the Pueblo/Southern Colorado thread later.

First one is Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center


This is view of Otero Junior College Campus.....note world famous Koshare Indian Museum in lower center....round section is the Kiva.


Municipal swimming pool, water slide and Potter's Park...home of Tiger Baseball. At top right is the old Bay Valley Plant that closed in 2006 costing us about 150 jobs....but we are coming back.


Aerial of airport, golf course and 1500 acre industrial park north of town. City is in background (top)

At right of runway is the La Junta Raceway.....vintage Porsche, Vets, etc Races......schedule on www.lajuntaevents.com

[Josseppie]

Very nice pics!

[treedonkey]

Yes, nice photos... although it's obvious that the saturation has been bumped way up.. .hence the bright green grass everywhere.

That said, I also feel that the eastern plains have an under appreciated sense of romance and tranquility to them, although I would not choose to live there. I can't wait for summer to take day trip jogging and cycling ventures out there though...