Thinking of moving back to Denver from NC (Littleton: car rental, rental)

[lovesunnydays]

I know there's currently a similar thread for the opposite direction - Denver to back East in DC, so lol, here goes a competing thread for the reverse. We lived in Littleton for a year (having moved from New York City) and then moved back to the East coast to be closer to family. Ironically, nc was more of a culture change for us from nyc than littleton! My interests are in green living, and while there is a small community with similar interests here in NC, I found a lot more people on the same wavelength in CO in terms of eco friendly efforts, public transportation, organic food stores like Whole Foods. NYC is not known as a "green" city, but they did have public trans, farmers markets, vegan restaurants, etc. Here in NC, the town of Cary near where I live is advertised as a bicycling community, and in this past year, I've barely seen cyclists whereas in Littleton, on the greenways and paths, you see tons of cyclists, including the whole family with the little ones pulled in trailers. Or in stores, bringing my own bags, people here give me looks whereas in Littleton, the cashiers were friendly and supportive about using bags I brought. In general, most people in nc look at me like I'm nuts when I try to talk about public transportation and sustainability. I told one guy from a car rental service my next car will be a hybrid, and he said he couldn't give up his V8 engines. Now I know the school car line in Littleton looked like a secret service convoy of big SUVs but at least there is a light rail system in place. On a more minor note, we (and our pets) are also getting eaten alive by bugs and ticks in nc. I've found I can take the winter cold in CO better than the heat and humidity here in the south.

Just wondering if anyone has any experiences moving away from somewhere and then moving back, as in how people react when you come back. My mother thinks it will be a little embarassing and maybe we shouldn't go back to the same exact school and area, but for my daughter's sake, she is very excited at the idea of returning to the same elem school she attended in Littleton, and I'm hopeful it will be an easier move/transition for her to go back into a familiar school and area where she already had friends. I think kids are pretty easy going and accepting at her age (10). Plus I had some friends there, too, and I doubt anyone will care if we moved away and then returned. Anyone had a similar situation?

[rusty289]

My family just moved back to CO last month after moving to be closer to family last year. We really liked CO but thought the kids would really benefit from having family close by. Couldn't find work for a long time (Florida!) eventually found something 8 hours away from family. Stayed there 6 months and hated it. Still no jobs by family by then so decided to move to PA where there would be more opportunity and other side of family. Hated that more! There were jobs but cost of living was more than here. We decided to move back because we needed to recover from the past year and it pays more here and costs less. Go figure. Kids were pretty excited to be back. Fell right back into life here. We won't be living were we lived before because new job is other way but they kids still have friends we get together with.
People were pretty surprised to see us but we're ex military so moving is what we do anyway. I have to say that I never realized how much I like the intellectual side of Denver. You can have a conversation about a lot of things here and people usually can relate or at least understand what you are saying. The other 3 areas we lived people's conversations amounted to what they watched on TV. Outside activities were frowned upon. Taking a walk was silly and they couldn't figure out why we would be missing walking/biking trails. don't even get me started on the nuclear energy tower disaster map they sent home in the school paperwork!
Our original plan was to move to NC because it would be half way between the two families. It is pretty there but haven't stayed there more than a day. It doesn't sound as nice as I have imagined! It is nice to be home although the only thing missing is family close by but for now this is what we needed and who knows, maybe I can talk them into moving here instead!
Good luck on whichever place you decide!

[JourneyCC]

Come on back, we've all done the wrong thing with the right intentions, and have it not work out like we thought. CO is the best

[Moonwalkr]

You hardly see people outside in NC because it's muggy during the day, and upon dusk you'll be eaten alive by mosquitoes (they don't bite during mid-day because it's too hot!). I do have to say that Wake county has some nice schools, but once you step out of the Triangle area it's like a huge step back. There are a bunch of farms (some organic) in NC, and they do a lot of Co-op sharing and things like that. You may want to look into that. Now to be honest, I don't think people in CO would mind if you come back. If I were to return to NC, I'm sure people would talk, because the gossip down South is definitely incessant.

[Antlered Chamataka]

Originally Posted by lovesunnydays

I know there's currently a similar thread for the opposite direction - Denver to back East in DC, so lol, here goes a competing thread for the reverse. We lived in Littleton for a year (having moved from New York City) and then moved back to the East coast to be closer to family. Ironically, nc was more of a culture change for us from nyc than littleton! My interests are in green living, and while there is a small community with similar interests here in NC, I found a lot more people on the same wavelength in CO in terms of eco friendly efforts, public transportation, organic food stores like Whole Foods. NYC is not known as a "green" city, but they did have public trans, farmers markets, vegan restaurants, etc. Here in NC, the town of Cary near where I live is advertised as a bicycling community, and in this past year, I've barely seen cyclists whereas in Littleton, on the greenways and paths, you see tons of cyclists, including the whole family with the little ones pulled in trailers. Or in stores, bringing my own bags, people here give me looks whereas in Littleton, the cashiers were friendly and supportive about using bags I brought. In general, most people in nc look at me like I'm nuts when I try to talk about public transportation and sustainability. I told one guy from a car rental service my next car will be a hybrid, and he said he couldn't give up his V8 engines. Now I know the school car line in Littleton looked like a secret service convoy of big SUVs but at least there is a light rail system in place. On a more minor note, we (and our pets) are also getting eaten alive by bugs and ticks in nc. I've found I can take the winter cold in CO better than the heat and humidity here in the south.

Just wondering if anyone has any experiences moving away from somewhere and then moving back, as in how people react when you come back. My mother thinks it will be a little embarassing and maybe we shouldn't go back to the same exact school and area, but for my daughter's sake, she is very excited at the idea of returning to the same elem school she attended in Littleton, and I'm hopeful it will be an easier move/transition for her to go back into a familiar school and area where she already had friends. I think kids are pretty easy going and accepting at her age (10). Plus I had some friends there, too, and I doubt anyone will care if we moved away and then returned. Anyone had a similar situation?

I've been buggering myself hard on getting back to NC. I wish I were the reverse you

[movedoften]

I am most likely moving back to Denver for the third time in 15 years. As far as worrying about what people might think becasue you came back is beyond ridiculous.
That should not even be a consideration in your decision. Most people will applaud you for your courage and wisdom to do what makes you feel good. Living in different cities and regions gives you great perspective on what you want and don't want.
By the way, I lived in Raleigh in the late 90's and thought it was a great place. I do happen to think that on balance Denver is about as good as a city as there is to live in right now.

Cheers and good luck.