Does a city like Boulder but without the ultra-liberal vibe exist?? (Denver: homes, college)

[munchie585]

I love many of the great things I've heard about Boulder- the restaurants, hip vibe, beautiful climate, etc. I am not interested in an ultra-liberal, ultra opinionated, hippie-elitist community. Can anyone recommend a town that may be nice for three young (mid 20s), conservative, middle class entrepreneurs to move too? We run our own business so jobs won't be a problem, we just want a gorgeous place to live with a great nightlife, young population, and plenty of things to do. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

[denverian]

Originally Posted by munchie585

I love many of the great things I've heard about Boulder- the restaurants, hip vibe, beautiful climate, etc. I am not interested in an ultra-liberal, ultra opinionated, hippie-elitist community. Can anyone recommend a town that may be nice for three young (mid 20s), conservative, middle class entrepreneurs to move too? We run our own business so jobs won't be a problem, we just want a gorgeous place to live with a great nightlife, young population, and plenty of things to do. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

There's a reason why liberal towns are more fun! I love Boulder and all the crazy ( I mean that in a good way) people. Sometimes I think I'd like to live there, but too far from work in Denver.

I guess Ft. Collins would be less liberal and still a college town with nightlife. I've never been there, so maybe someone else could give you more info. on FTC.

[SheridanL]

You don't say how far west, north, east or south you want to be.

If you don't care, I'd say Aspen, Vail or Evergreen.

Evergreen being closest to Denver.

[NickMan7]

I'm not sure you'd find exactly what you're looking for along the Front Range if you're looking for a conservative city. Much of the area (Denver-Boulder) is on the more liberal side and you may have difficulty finding what you're looking for.

As far as nightlife, you'd most likely have to go into either Denver or Boulder, both of which are more liberal than conservative (although hippie-elitist is definitely more Boulder).

You might try mountain towns (which hits the beauty aspect of your criteria) if you don't mind winters at elevation and a more conservative mindset amongst locals (not including tourists - you will find people of every faction).

[tfox]

Originally Posted by munchie585

I love many of the great things I've heard about Boulder- the restaurants, hip vibe, beautiful climate, etc. I am not interested in an ultra-liberal, ultra opinionated, hippie-elitist community. Can anyone recommend a town that may be nice for three young (mid 20s), conservative, middle class entrepreneurs to move too? We run our own business so jobs won't be a problem, we just want a gorgeous place to live with a great nightlife, young population, and plenty of things to do. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Denver. Yes, it's not a perfect comparison, since it's six times larger than Boulder in the city alone. It doesn't have quite the accessibility to the mountains as Boulder either. Also, despite the size difference, the two core cities are sometime-rivals, but frankly urban Denver offers everything Boulder does, and then some.

Politically, Denver is just as Democratic as Boulder, and has its share of hippies and liberals, but unlike Boulder Denver far more live-and-let-live attitude when it comes to politics. Republicans are welcome; in fact nobody cares much about party affiliation provided that you have the same live-and-let-live attitude.

Despite this, Perhaps you're looking to replicate something of that smaller city feel. In that case, I'd say look at Fort Collins. Fort Collins is a bit like two towns in one: the southern part being generic suburbia (think Lafayette in Boulder County) while the northern part of town reminds a bit of Boulder at times with the college town feel plus historic downtown area (called Old Town). FC itself is still a bit left of center, but a lot more balanced politically. I'm sure you'd find plenty of friends there from all over the spectrum.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by tfox

the southern part being generic suburbia (think Lafayette in Boulder County)

Not for good or bad, must interject; of all the communities in Boulder County, Lafayette is about the least generic suburbia. There's a complete range of housing, from poorest of the poor trailer parks to multi-million dollar golf course homes and multi-acreage horse estates. It's one of the old coal-mining towns, with an old town area. It's walkable. There's Waneka Lake and Coal Creek Trail. It's probably the most "diverse" of Boulder County communities.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by suzco

Not for good or bad, must interject; of all the communities in Boulder County, Lafayette is about the least generic suburbia. There's a complete range of housing, from poorest of the poor trailer parks to multi-million dollar golf course homes and multi-acreage horse estates. It's one of the old coal-mining towns, with an old town area. It's walkable. There's Waneka Lake and Coal Creek Trail. It's probably the most "diverse" of Boulder County communities.

I agree. It's "diverse" in the true meaning of the word: rich and poor, multi-cultural anglo and hispanic, diversity of housing styles from suburban tract and the above that suzco mentioned to old miner's cottages, and much more.

Now to the OP's question, I agree with those who say for nightlife, either Denver or Boulder. Ft. Collins is, IMO, just too college town. Boulder has a lot more besides CU.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by suzco

It's probably the most "diverse" of Boulder County communities.

Okay, granted (you probably know more about Lafayette than me) -- my point was that Fort Collins was a bit of a hybrid between sububan and college town, with Prospect Road being the dividing line between the two.

[munchie585]

Thanks for everyone who posted information about Boulder, I think we are pretty convinced it won't suit us. We heard some nice things about Monument... does anyone have any information on that city? We like the Colorado Springs area as well.... but may want something a little smaller outside of CS.

[jonny_quest]

Originally Posted by munchie585

I love many of the great things I've heard about Boulder- the restaurants, hip vibe, beautiful climate, etc. I am not interested in an ultra-liberal, ultra opinionated, hippie-elitist community. Can anyone recommend a town that may be nice for three young (mid 20s), conservative, middle class entrepreneurs to move too? We run our own business so jobs won't be a problem, we just want a gorgeous place to live with a great nightlife, young population, and plenty of things to do. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

If you find this place, anywhere in the US, let me know. I'm right with you that Boulder would be perfect if not for the in-your-face ultra-liberal politics.