Adjusting to Fort Collins,Co from Phx. Az. (Denver, Boulder: environment, work)

[Katiana]

It sounds like you have met up with some really tough cookies. I agree with gimme it. Perhaps your daughter could also try sports. We had a nice group of parents on my kids' gymnastics teams, who, while not close friends, did all get along and do things socially with the team. OTOH, you may meet up with the same type of folks in the Brownie troop.

[hello-world]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

It sounds like you have met up with some really tough cookies. I agree with gimme it. Perhaps your daughter could also try sports. We had a nice group of parents on my kids' gymnastics teams, who, while not close friends, did all get along and do things socially with the team. OTOH, you may meet up with the same type of folks in the Brownie troop.

pittnurse -

i wonder whether you and your family may appear to be "more conventional" than some single parent situations might appear to SOME PEOPLE - maybe more people in some communities - and so you were more readily integrated? and maybe things were different 15 years ago in louisville than they are now in littleton or ken caryl? not that matt stone ("south park"...and a from littleton) is necessarily any measure of anything, but he and trey parker do poke at some of what littleton/columbine are like and i'd only imagine it's not for no reason (it seems to jibe with some of what we talk about on these threads, e.g.). personally, i have found that people can be more generally discerning of other's situations if those situations seem a bit different from the norm around here, and that efforts at initiation of some things can come with lots of smiles and promises that don't turn out as they seem to at least TEND more to in other places i've been.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by hello-world

pittnurse -

i wonder whether you and your family may appear to be "more conventional" than some single parent situations might appear to SOME PEOPLE - maybe more people in some communities - and so you were more readily integrated? and maybe things were different 15 years ago in louisville than they are now in littleton or ken caryl? not that matt stone ("south park"...and a from littleton) is necessarily any measure of anything, but he and trey parker do poke at some of what littleton/columbine are like and i'd only imagine it's not for no reason (it seems to jibe with some of what we talk about on these threads, e.g.). personally, i have found that people can be more generally discerning of other's situations if those situations seem a bit different from the norm around here, and that efforts at initiation of some things can come with lots of smiles and promises that don't turn out as they seem to at least TEND more to in other places i've been.

Well, I guess we are conventional in the sense of a two parent family, but there were single mothers, single fathers, divorced and remarried parents, mothers who came w/o fathers even if they were married, and all sorts of perumtations in the girl scout parents, the gymnastics parents, and even the church parents. The only one of these things I'm still remotely involved in is the church, and I really don't see a difference after all these years. I was just offering some suggestions of what worked for me.

[hello-world]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

Well, I guess we are conventional in the sense of a two parent family, but there were single mothers, single fathers, divorced and remarried parents, mothers who came w/o fathers even if they were married, and all sorts of perumtations in the girl scout parents, the gymnastics parents, and even the church parents. The only one of these things I'm still remotely involved in is the church, and I really don't see a difference after all these years. I was just offering some suggestions of what worked for me.

i think it's good you offer your thoughts, too. to me, they look like good suggestions.

[fire_flyer]

Hello all,

I know this thread has been dead a while, but I couldn't resist adding my .02. I grew up in So Cal, moved to Corvallis, OR then Washington back to Oregon then to Fort Collins. I travel a lot. Like some I've very familiar with international travel. Colorado is interesting and it has an interesting dynamic. I would not say that F.C. is stand-offish like many big cities. I'm somewhat outgoing and I chat with people in postal lines, grocery store lines, bank lines and just about anywhere else I can find humor is being temporarily stuck. I've been in F.C. for 10 years with the exception of a jaunt to New Mexico for 18 months.

Interestingly, FC is not so unfriendly as some have experienced and voiced here. When I was working out here on temporary assignment I found people very helpful with directions, ideas of what to do and interesting things to see. What is more difficult is getting to know people better than just the superficial "hello, how's the weather?, or How about those Broncos, Avs, Nuggets, Rockies, Eagles (insert sports team here)?" People in CO seem to have a high affinity for their sports teams. So as I am trying to point out it's a little hard to get past that initial more superficial conversation. So what's up with this?

After talking at length to either native coloradans or long timers, I have found that the dynamics of the 'front range' along the mountains from approximately Colorado Springs to Fort Collins has had an explosive population growth similar to one in the mid-70s from what I hear. My point with this is that this was a mainly agricultural area (what others are calling red-neck or white bread, whatever..). Now there is an influx of new people from all over that are bring with them different then local dispositions. Now the local/native types have become frustrated with the influx and the rude people moving in so they've kinda shut down ( because of meeting not so nice types) until they get to know someone and find out that they are nice/ friendly/ neighborly. So for you frustrated folks, please be patient and like one person said s/he has a few great friends after a bit of effort and time. The friendships are worth it when you get to know people. If you guys are not familiar with the CNN ratings for Fort Collins you can catch up here. FC doesn't have the double digit population growth of Las Vegas, but articles like this have promoted big growth.
MONEY: Best Places to Live: Fort Collins, Colo. - Jul. 17, 2006
MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2006: Fort Collins, CO snapshot


Now I'm not forgetting the college crowd. There is an atmosphere of college roudiness that happens here that happens in many, if not all , college towns. Urinating on the walls and other not-socially-acceptable behavior is frowned upon. That's why there was an article in the Coloradoan. You think it doesn't happen other places? Even where you are from? There are strict rules for parties also. Fines on first offense and more serious penalties for additional offenses because the city doesn't want the college students to ruin the city and family atmosphere. Far more strict than Oregon State in Corvallis, OR.

I've tried to address many of the posts in this thread. Being a transplant who has lived in big and small town I agree with many feelings expressed here. It's just a little different, but people are people. Others had mentioned play dates. Unless you know people well, my friends with children are very leery to let their children go with someone they don't know well. In my observation, I think that many people here are more educated and more cautious about people in general. Why does education play into it? Because educated people tend to be more aware of social crimes and do not want to subject their families to anything that could be harmful. So being a little stand-offish until they get to know people is more common. I'm not trying to open a can-o-worms here. Maybe it's because many of the people I've met are from bigger cities and are bringing big city skepticism to a medium-small size town. Whether it's big city mentality (I also have this bias) or education, you just need to be patient to make those friendships and, like me, they may be very rewarding. Another thing is people get caught up in their own world. Running to work, home, soccer practice, karate practice, night school, or whatever. Don't mistake being busy (especially coming from the midwest) for being mean, not so nice, or unfriendly.

On a lighter note there are groups that assist with meeting aside from the common ways listed by others. I hate it when people always say 'church' also. Not everyone is religious and even for those who are many do not go to church. So I have found some meet-up groups that are fun, easy and no pressure to participate in. meetup.com is the site. There are groups for almost every person in different age groups married and single alike. There are groups on philosophy, books, cars, drumming, paganism, bicycling, outdoor activities, FC social and sports club, coffee groups. I have gone to coffee, FC social & sports club, and bicycling (road and mountain). I have met nice people each time. The people at these functions are often just wanting to do the same thing others on this thread have talked about. To meet new people. These social meetup groups are all separate and are run by local people within that group. They plan social activities and you can suggest to even organizers new events. There are several couples who attend the FC social & sports club-hikes, happyhour, trips to denver, live music, snowshoeing, snowboarding or skiiing. Seriously, lots to do. If you get into town and want to have a coffee and find out what's around here, what going on or what intersection has photo ticket cameras give me a call. I'd be happy to be available to share what I know get to know some new people.

Hope this sheds some light. As I said when I started, it's only my 2 cents. I hope I didn't offend anyone. That was not my intent.

Take care,
Kenneth

[hello-world]

Originally Posted by fire_flyer

Unless you know people well, my friends with children are very leery to let their children go with someone they don't know well. In my observation, I think that many people here are more educated and more cautious about people in general. Why does education play into it? Because educated people tend to be more aware of social crimes and do not want to subject their families to anything that could be harmful.

great post. seems really balanced.

as for this bit (that i quoted), it seems that this really might have a bit to do with it, while maybe less exposure to "different people" (than you might find in NYC, e.g., where people might be leery, but more readily determine what's dangerous and what's not?) may play a part. as in, people are aware of "things happen", but maybe have less - or different - exposure towards "sense" of what's alright and what's not relative to the "sense" people have in places where there's been more of a variety of people and "things happening" for longer. i also think there can be an immediate "assumption" of people from this or that region or state due to stereotype, in part due to many people moving in or living here that have not necessarily really spent enough time in some other places to know them better than the "stereotype". maybe there's also more of a type of person that's attracted to and retained by the area. geez, i hope i'm not stereotyping too much...

either way, i think it's also easy to dwell TOO much on the negative and lose patience. seems to me a decent place going through some growing pains worth considering, sometimes.

[Katiana]

After talking at length to either native coloradans or long timers, I have found that the dynamics of the 'front range' along the mountains from approximately Colorado Springs to Fort Collins has had an explosive population growth similar to one in the mid-70s from what I hear. My point with this is that this was a mainly agricultural area (what others are calling red-neck or white bread, whatever..). Now there is an influx of new people from all over that are bring with them different then local dispositions. Now the local/native types have become frustrated with the influx and the rude people moving in so they've kinda shut down ( because of meeting not so nice types) until they get to know someone and find out that they are nice/ friendly/ neighborly. So for you frustrated folks, please be patient and like one person said s/he has a few great friends after a bit of effort and time. The friendships are worth it when you get to know people. If you guys are not familiar with the CNN ratings for Fort Collins you can catch up here. FC doesn't have the double digit population growth of Las Vegas, but articles like this have promoted big growth.
MONEY: Best Places to Live: Fort Collins, Colo. - Jul. 17, 2006
MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2006: Fort Collins, CO snapshot

I am a fairly long-timer myself, 27 yrs here, going on 28. This growth phenomenon did not happen overnight. It happened relatively slowly and over time. I don't see Ft. Collins as much different than when we moved here. I also disagree that the majority moving in are "rude". I still see it as more of a college town phenomenon. Lots of turnover, all the time. Champaign, IL was the same way 27 yrs ago, and it hasn't grown much in the last 40 yrs (I am not exaggerating).

[Moving2CO]

Here's a piece of advice... it's what you make it, there are plenty of people in the world and many with whom you can befriend that fit your values and personality. I don't believe that in one city/state ALL people are the same, that is in fact untrue and is streotyping. In my current town, Scottsdale, AZ the stereotype is that everyone is rich, snobby, and plastic, etc... this is not true as there are lots of people who down to earth and not flashy; and those I gravitate to.
Bottom-line: It's all in your head... "you can't change the world, but you can change yourself"

[hello-world]

Originally Posted by Moving2CO

Here's a piece of advice... it's what you make it, there are plenty of people in the world and many with whom you can befriend that fit your values and personality. I don't believe that in one city/state ALL people are the same, that is in fact untrue and is streotyping. In my current town, Scottsdale, AZ the stereotype is that everyone is rich, snobby, and plastic, etc... this is not true as there are lots of people who down to earth and not flashy; and those I gravitate to.
Bottom-line: It's all in your head... "you can't change the world, but you can change yourself"

i think you're right in that not all people are the same, and that a lot of a lot of things is what you make them. though, i would say that in some places there can be a culture, and that common threads can run through the culture, and so it might take a little more patience for some people to "make of it what they can" in some places. there may be more of a sort of general culture for someone to sort through to find "theirs" or to "become" in some places than others. to take it to one sort of extreme example, i imagine, say, the dalai lama running with the rat pack and their friends in las vegas. maybe he could do it (though maybe he wouldn't), but it might be a bit of a stretch if he did. maybe too simplified, as some people wind up in places because they sort of have to and may not as easily be able to change course if it's that far removed for them. but, the basic idea in my own view. to me, it would seem that a bigger city or sectors of it might tend to be more "inclusive" than some can be. denver might be a stretch for some people, much as NYC might be a stretch for some people. personally, i wouldn't expect for someone to just throw out their old personality because they are having a harder time finding their niche in a place, and i would hope that a bigger palce might be accomodating and varied enough for enough people. though i agree that with some time, maybe a lot of time, you might think people should be able to adjust to and find "their people".

[fire_flyer]

Hi PittNurse,
I'm a bit confused on your posts. Not trying to flame anyone, but you said you have never lived in FC, but in your reply to my post you say you've been here for 27/28 years. Just curious, because FC is different than the neighboring cities because of the college, high-tech business, restaurants, events, and many other things.

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

I have never lived in Ft. Collins, but I have lived in other college towns and found them a tad unfriendly.

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

I am a fairly long-timer myself, 27 yrs here, going on 28. This growth phenomenon did not happen overnight. It happened relatively slowly and over time. I don't see Ft. Collins as much different than when we moved here. I also disagree that the majority moving in are "rude". I still see it as more of a college town phenomenon. Lots of turnover, all the time. Champaign, IL was the same way 27 yrs ago, and it hasn't grown much in the last 40 yrs (I am not exaggerating).

Of course it didn't happen over night, but 15 years ago HP was out buy itself surrounded by a farm land and a ranch and now we've got a giant target and mall going in across the street. 10 years ago we had A Wallmart, now we have a 2 SuperWallmarts. One north FC and one between FC and Loveland. Off Hwy 34 we had an outlet mall and that was a big deal, now we've got the new fancy mall Centerra (sp?) across the interstate (I-25) from the old outlet mall. 10 years ago we didn't have the Budweiser events center with big name musicians, hockey games, rodeos and much more going on there. This type of growth is not common to most places. From this web site:
1980 Census of Population and Housing
1980 total city population of FC was 65,000, now it's about 130,000.

Fort Collins-Loveland, CO MSA Population and Components of Change
The population in 1980 for the Loveland and Fort Collins area was 150,000 now it's 276,000 as of 2006. It's basically doubled in your 27 years.

PittNurse, I didn't say a "majority" of people moving in are 'rude'. But some that have move in have been rude and have effected the openness of the local people or even new transplants. One bad apple can spoil the bunch. But truth is it's not a bad apple or person, but a perceived bad interaction. If you try to say "hi" to your neighbor and they are running off with something on their mind or on the phone it can be perceived as 'rude' or a bad interaction. That's why I suggested in my previous post to exercise patience before passing judgment.

Another thing for anyone moving here to consider is that if you live near the college you will be impacted more by the influx of students each fall and the mass exodus in spring. And whatever other shenanigans that may go along with the students. I live in south FC near Harmony and hwy 287 (College Ave). The people down here to not even talk about the college students. The impact is quite low. Choosing where you live in FC can greatly effect your perspective on interactions with the neighbors. When my friends and I choose to go down town FC on a thursday, friday or saturday we know it's going to be with CSU students and all the good and bad that may go with that. As PittNurse said, that doesn't change much.

Hello-World, thanks and I agree with your comments.

Moving2CO, I think you're right on. I dig your quote. It's applicable to many parts of our lives. Also, I have heard the stereotypes in Scottsdale, but I really like it there. The people I met were definitely down to earth. Nice clubs, too, if you're into that.