C. Springs or Ft. Collins? (Denver, Colorado Springs: appointed, transplants, low crime)

[poina]

Good Day All,

After 22 years in the Mid-East, we are looking forward to returning to the U.S.

Having narrowed our choice to Colorado, we are finding it difficult deciding on CS or FC. We also looked at Boulder, as they seem to fit the liberal side of us, after being in a sea of conservatism for a long period. However, it just feels too expensive in this new economic era. I should add I'm retired and thankfully don't have to look for work in this environment.

The outlying neighborhoods appeal to me, Monument, Woodmoor, Black Forest. I get a sense that it would be possible for more space, but priority #1 is high schools.

If anyone has an opinion about schools in these areas or other areas of CS and any comparison between CS and FC it would be much appreciated! Thanks

[otowi]

High schools are generally good here. Which one to recommend would depend on what you're looking for.
I haven't been to FC for awhile, but I went to school there. It is a college town. Smaller than CS. Other than the students, most people there tend to be upper middle class or higher, while there is more of a full spectrum in CS. I think the scenery it prettier in CS, but both are nice.

[echo98]

Originally Posted by otowi

High schools are generally good here. Which one to recommend would depend on what you're looking for.
I haven't been to FC for awhile, but I went to school there. It is a college town. Smaller than CS. Other than the students, most people there tend to be upper middle class or higher, while there is more of a full spectrum in CS. I think the scenery it prettier in CS, but both are nice.

what full spectrum. everyone in cs is military. it is a town of anonymous suburban lifestyle. to me everyone is mostly white with a crew cut that doesn't want to pay taxes.

i feel like one of very few ethnic, private industry, young professionals. every young person is in a branch of the military. every old person is a military retiree.

personally, i would go denver or denver suburbs in colorado. everything is convenient: airport, job diversity, good parks and trails, big events, close drive to ethnic enclaves, foreign films, and as long as you live near your job, not a bad commute at all. and for a big city, it is not overcrowded, decent traffic, moderately progressive, low crime, and very affordable.

[vfrpilot]

Monument has 2 high schools> Lewis-Palmer and Palmer Ridge. Both are top rated by GreatSchools.com. District 38 does have financial problems, but seems to be getting by without cutting services such as music or bus service. We live in Woodmoor North so our daughter will attend Palmer Ridge in 3 years. Woodmoor South is within Lewis-Palmer boundries.

[Cupcake77]

Originally Posted by echo98

what full spectrum. everyone in cs is military. it is a town of anonymous suburban lifestyle. to me everyone is mostly white with a crew cut that doesn't want to pay taxes.

i feel like one of very few ethnic, private industry, young professionals. every young person is in a branch of the military. every old person is a military retiree.

personally, i would go denver or denver suburbs in colorado. everything is convenient: airport, job diversity, good parks and trails, big events, close drive to ethnic enclaves, foreign films, and as long as you live near your job, not a bad commute at all. and for a big city, it is not overcrowded, decent traffic, moderately progressive, low crime, and very affordable.

With the exception of the military, I thought Colorado Springs was mostly Californian and Texan transplants. Used to be a nice place. I would avoid moving there.

[iknowftbll]

OP, just flip a coin. You can't miss with either of these two cities!

[Carrera32]

There's no question that CS is a very politically conservative town, as witnessed by our just completed mayoral election. The conservative candidate (supported by outside TV ads by the ultra conservative Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity) took 57% of the vote vs 43% for the independent/moderate/liberal (depending on who you talk to). This is comparable to the 60/40 split for the Republicans in the last presidential election. CS is also socially conservative, but a lot of that appears to be in the background or of less influence in recent years (Focus on the Family is headquartered here, as well as a number of large religious right churches). As Cupcake noted, there is a very strong military presence, which adds to the conservative vibe and a very strong anti-tax of any kind philosophy.


Boulder is definitely the liberal center in the state, but very expensive, followed by Denver. Can't speak to Fort Collins.

All that said, my wife and I moved chose Colorado Springs as our retirement destination last fall, and haven't been disappointed, though we are moderate to liberal, politically and socially. We live in a liberal leaning area (Old North End; downtown, just north of Colorado College), so it's not hard to find kindred souls. There are plenty of other outlets for our leanings, but we accept that we're in an uphill battle most of the time. We've had no overt confrontations over politics or religion or other controversial social issues. People here are friendly and civil. There's a definite live and let live philosophy here, or at least that's what we've found so far.

Check responses on my earlier thread titled: Can a moderate to liberal couple find happiness in Colorado Springs?

[mtngigi]

Please don't listen to people who say "everybody" is military, or conservative, or whatever. There is a good mix here, it's just that some groups have louder voices than others. You'll find what you want, whatever town you choose to live in. Ft. Collins is nice, but it is more of a college town, and IMHO, I don't think it's as pretty up there as it is in the Springs, though I could be biased. As Carrera32 says, it has worked out just fine for them. And every old person is definitely NOT retired military ... not that there's anything wrong with that.

[hollyt00]

It's funny, I'm the only Texas transplant (if you count the last place I lived, I was born in WY but for years considered myself a Chicagoan) I know, and the two families I knew from California- one moved back years ago, the other planning to move back... I've never really noticed the vibe of cultural conservativism, I don't quite get all the comments (ever) about the huge military complex here, save the turnaround I get from the students I teach, I just don't see and haven't experienced this vibe that people continually try to express about the Springs. I have lived on the westside, down near Ft. Carson, live currently downtown, and work out east, so I consider myself fairly well acquainted with the area.


but what do I know, I've only lived here for ten years Maybe I don't hang out enough around town, I just live here.

I like what mtngigi says