Atlanta to Denver (Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder: school, college, camping)

[south-to-west]

I have just decided to move to Denver to be closer to my girlfriend, who has moved out there a few months ago. I currently live in Atlanta and enjoy the social life, nightlife, diversity, and especially the mild climate. However, I do enjoy the laidback attitudes of the West, as well as the scenery. Also, I have just gotten into snowboarding . Just as in any move, I am excited about relocating to Denver, but am still nervous whether I'll like it or not. Any insight from those of you who live in Denver, or who have recently relocated to the area would be extremely helpful.

[BlueWillowPlate]

We lived in Denver for many, many years. We became friendly (and still are) with a young couple on our block who were from the South. (Atlanta, and South Carolina.) They loved skiing and truly enjoyed their time in Denver, but after they had a child, they felt the pull of Back Home, and moved to South Carolina.
They still loved skiing and visited us twice after they left. I think she maybe felt the cold a little more. (Now we've followed them, we're in northern Florida.)
I dunno, I think Denver is a great town, plenty to do and see, diversity and nightlife, and usually the winters are mild, but there are, upon occasion, the challenges of heavy snows. Spring will not be as nice as it is in Georgia.
The summers are hot, but summer evenings are usually delightful, might be a welcome change after Hot'lanta.

[south-to-west]

You hit the nail on the head in regards to springs here in GA, Cil. They are truly awesome. I just want to make sure that I won't be miserable. I was raised in Wisconsin where once the cold arrives in October, it doesn't leave until May, with no warm spells in between. I guess I'm just tramatized from previous experience living in a place with real winter weather.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

You hit the nail on the head in regards to springs here in GA, Cil. They are truly awesome. I just want to make sure that I won't be miserable. I was raised in Wisconsin where once the cold arrives in October, it doesn't leave until May, with no warm spells in between. I guess I'm just tramatized from previous experience living in a place with real winter weather.

Yes, I barely knew what spring could be like until we moved here.
My son is going to grad school in Wisconsin now and is doing okay with the winter, but then he is a Colorado boy.
Denver will definitely be a change from Atlanta, but usually there are some nice breaks of mild, open weather that help you get to June.
Good luck!

[AtlantaCruiser]

My wife and I just moved to Atlanta from Denver about 6 months ago. We wanted a little change and decided to go for it since we are young w/ no kids & most of her extended family is here. I had moved out there from DC for college.
BOY do I miss Denver!!
Negatives to Denver for you would be -lack of trees, seasons; cost of living compared to salary.
That is about it. Other than that it is a MUCH better city in my opinion. Much more managable city to enjoy and get in and out of.
Best of luck.
Oh yea, and Denver is NOT that cold! Being dry helps tons. I flew back to Denver about a month ago to see friends. I left Atlanta around 5pm and was freezing outside though the temperature was 43 degress. I landed in Denver that evening and it was only 30 degrees out YET I WAS NOT COLD!

[Bishop81]

Other than this year which has dropped rediculous amounts of snow in our streets, You will usually enjoy nice spring days right in the middle of winter, some time it will snow 4 inches overnight and completly melt by your evening commute. They say that if you dont like the weather in denver just wait ten minutes. Lots of stuff to do here you are close to the mountains which are beautiful year round.

[Dan6200alt]

No comparison that spring in SC, GA is far superior to Denver. So much more vegetation in the south. Summer in CO is much better weather-wise. Winter is a matter of taste (snow, no snow).

Im more familiar w/ NC, SC than GA, but I would think that Atlantas biggest advantage is how close it is to lots of places and things: warm water beaches something like 4 or 5 hours one direction, mountains (although nothing like CO) 4 or 5 hours in another direction, gulf and atlantic coasts of FL only 4 or 5 hours, Charleston, Savannah, etc all in that range. Even Washington DC is like 10 hours. Denver has the mountains. 5 hours gets you to, ummm, really no place different. 11 or 12 gets you to Vegas.

But I think you'll like Denver and the west in general. And if your girlfriends here, not much of a decision anyway

[south-to-west]

Great input.

Denver does seem more managable than Atlanta in terms of traffic and getting around. I know I will miss the unbelievable springs in the South, but it seems that there is a lot to be said about 300 sunny days annually and mountains.

And yes, having a girlfriend in Denver doesn't really give me that much choice in whether or not I move.

[AtlantaCruiser]

You have Moab, UT about 5 hours away. You NEED to go if you like, mountain biking, 4wheeling, camping or just to drive through Arches National Park. Coolest place I have ever been to. My wife and I have gone every spring for the last 6 years with friends.

You have Boulder, Colorado Springs, & Fort Collins within 1.5 hours (for smaller/college town). You have Santa Fe, NM about 10 hours away which is a great extended weekend trip. You also have ALL of the mountain towns which are even cooler during the summer, where the average temperature seems to be around 75 degrees.

The only thing Denver is missing is the ocean and you and I would probably get there in the same amount of time if you flew and I drove since it takes 2 hours JUST to get out of these city limits!

Yes.....I am biased. Good luck to you south-to-west hopefully the move will suit you better than it has me.

Originally Posted by Dan6200alt

No comparison that spring in SC, GA is far superior to Denver. So much more vegetation in the south. Summer in CO is much better weather-wise. Winter is a matter of taste (snow, no snow).

Im more familiar w/ NC, SC than GA, but I would think that Atlantas biggest advantage is how close it is to lots of places and things: warm water beaches something like 4 or 5 hours one direction, mountains (although nothing like CO) 4 or 5 hours in another direction, gulf and atlantic coasts of FL only 4 or 5 hours, Charleston, Savannah, etc all in that range. Even Washington DC is like 10 hours. Denver has the mountains. 5 hours gets you to, ummm, really no place different. 11 or 12 gets you to Vegas.

But I think you'll like Denver and the west in general. And if your girlfriends here, not much of a decision anyway

[Dan6200alt]

good point. I forgot about Moab, Zion, Page and the 4-corners area. Great places.