Looking to move back to the mountains (Denver, Colorado Springs: rent, how much)

[gberry]

I am originally from North Eastern New Mexico (right on the colorado border) and moved to texas on a whim. I am tired of the heat, the lack of scenery, and that "texans are better than everyone attitude". I've researched several towns in colorado and am having problems figuring out where would be my "best bet". Employment, cost of living, and recreation are my largest criteria as I am a single 23 year old rancher's daughter. I love the cold and have bulldogs that hate the heat, so a mild climate would be ideal. I would be moving by myself so a friendly community is a must... Some towns I am thinking of are Craig (is average rent really $1000 +?) and Canon City (employment roadblocks).

[bluescreen73]

As someone who moved from Colorado to Texas I know what you're going through. Funny you should mention Craig. That's where I lived during my middle and high school years. I don't know how much rent is but with heavy natural gas drilling activity in the area, $1000 a month wouldn't surprise me.

Also, I strongly urge you to visit Craig before deciding to move there. It's not a mountain town, it's a high mountain desert. The only mountain you can see from town, Black Mountain, is part of the Elkhead Mountains. They are about 20 miles north of Craig, but their summits are low by Colorado standards...around 11,000 feet.

The few trees that are in the western part of the Yampa Valley are found along the river bed and in Craig proper. Once you get out of Craig you won't see thick forest. You'll see sagebrush, scrub oak, and cactus.

Summer days aren't as hot as Texas - 95 is extreme, but the nights are chilly - lows in the 40s and 50s are common. Winters can be brutally cold but there's not a massive amount of snow. It's not uncommon in January and February to have a few days in a row where the overnight low is -15 to -20 and the daytime highs are in the low single digits. There are areas of Colorado like Gunnison that are colder on average all winter, but Maybell, 30 miles west of Craig, holds the state's record low temperature...-61.

There isn't a very broad economic base in Craig, either. The town subsists mostly off ranching, elk hunting, the power plant, the coal mine, and folks who work in Steamboat but live in Craig.

Craig now has a Wal-Mart and a K-Mart, but the nearest mall is in Grand Junction - 160 miles West-Southwest of Craig. You're almost halfway between Denver and Salt Lake City, UT. Denver is 209 miles SE of Craig, and Salt Lake is 300 miles W of Craig. Hope that helps.

[gberry]

Thanks... I guess I was thinking that because it was close to steamboat that it'd be more "scenic" haha! I don't mind the industries as it's what I've been around having lived in Northeast, NM ... the Oklahoma panhandle ... and now Texas. The cold weather doesn't really bother me either as Raton has seen it's share of blizzards and 4 foot snows. But I am definately looking for mountains... Any ideas?

[bluescreen73]

Well if you don't mind driving an hour or two to the mountains, Craig wouldn't be a bad place to live. You've got the Elkheads to the north, the Flat Tops to the southeast, the Park & Gore Ranges to the east and the Uintas to the west.

You can easily drive up Black Mountain during the summer. At almost 11,000 feet the valley spreads out prominently below you. Above about 7,500 feet Black Mountain is heavily forested.

The terrain in and around town is hilly, and the town itself lies at 6200ft.

Now if you're looking for a more rugged mountain town, maybe Jazzlover will see this post and chime in. His expertise on Colorado far exceeds mine.

[vegaspilgrim]

In this case I'd recommend posting this on the Colorado state forum rather than the Denver forum... that's where posters like jazzlover and some other who may have advice for you hang out most of the time.

[bluescreen73]

gberry - If you're still following this thread there are some pics other folks have taken of Craig on the City-Data profile page.

This is a picture of the west side of town looking northwest toward Cedar Mountain just outside town. The big building smack dab in the middle of the screen is Moffat County High School.
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc33464.php

This is a picture outside town and pretty much shows the lay of the landscape. I'm not 100% sure but it appears to be looking north toward Black Mountain (covered in clouds).
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc13374.php

[Pyrotecman]

I highly reccomend Idaho Springs or even Georgetown. With these small mountain towns remember it means small employment opportunity. I absolutly love the nice cool weather and the really friendly people.

[gberry]

Thanks Everyone... It seams the more I look, the more I just fall in love with those "resort towns" of colorado... The scenery is unbelievable, however, not realistic with the cost of living factors... I plan to make a roadtrip this winter and get to know a few towns a little better but I am betting the dream towns are just way too expensive!

[SheridanL]

You mentioned Canon City. I live here and, we are surrounded by mountains and...we are very green here!
The cost of living/renting, etc...is very affordable.
Employment is dependant on what you are seeking. We have DOC here and, stores and such like other places.
Canon City is a short drive away from Pueblo and Colorado Springs.
I love it here and, the views can't be beat!! I am in the eastern part of town (up high) and look out my windows at the town and mountains surrounding....it's awesome!

[gberry]

I have been to Canon City several times and love the area, but I have always been curious as to the age range... Is it mostly retirees? Is there plenty of Job Opportunity for someone with an assoc in business? Just curious.