Is Colorado what I expect? (Denver, Colorado Springs: job market, schools, tax)

[Luvs2Trvl]

In the Denver metro area (Denver and all surrounding suburbs sprawled out) you're not really going to have fantastic air quality, some days are better than others. If you drive a bit into the mountains you can definitely smell the crisp/freshness of the air so maybe look at areas at the base of the mountains (Golden, Morrison, Evergreen) which may give you as close to what you are describing as you can get in CO. These areas would still be reasonably close for commuting to Denver for work and the cultural/recreational activities you are seeking.

[jim9251]

Ouray has that crisp clean mountain air you think of, unless there's a forest fire or dust storm.

[ryanek9freak]

Originally Posted by cmartel2

colorado has been infested with californians who have driven up the price of housing beyond what anyone who actually holds a job could usually afford.

ding ding ding!!

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by jifie

Now in our travels we were able to spend a few days in Switzerland, in the alps, and we both agree it is the most amazing place we have ever been. The views and the atmosphere was incredible. Now, obviously we wont find anything quite like Switzerland in the U.S.,

Huh? Have you ever been to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Grand Tetons, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Cascades, Mount Rainier

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by jifie

I've done quite a bit of research over the last few years, and I am planning on visiting this October for a week.

Based on your original post, your research obviously hasn't prepared you for anything in the western U.S.

Basically it's like this:
- most mountains in the western US have cold, crisp and clean air, even in California
- the least populated states are Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, each of which has spectacular mountain ranges
- the greenest mountain ranges are to be found in Oregon, Washington State, and the panhandle area of Idaho, so if you want green, that's where you need to look
- certain parts of other Rocky mountain states are also quite green, even in Colorado, but it varies from year to year
- the largest mountainous wilderness in the continental US is the Selway-Bitterroot/River of No Return in Idaho, which is 14,600 sq. km, it is called the most rugged mountainous area on the planet and is 1/3 the size of Switzerland. There are no power lines, no inhabitants, no dwellings, no industry of any kind in this area.


It seems you are obssessed with the purity of the air. Well, I've lived or camped in some of the remotest areas in the continental United States, where there is 0 pollution. And to be completely honest, I don't notice any difference in air quality between those places and any of the mountain areas in Colorado, California, etc. If you think the air in the Swiss Alps is pure, then you'll think the air in the Colorado Rockies is pure too. Denver has smog and pollution, but it doesn't reach the mountains that are within viewing distance of Denver.

[jifie]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

Huh? Have you ever been to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Grand Tetons, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Cascades, Mount Rainier

I have lived in Montana, been to yellowstone, yosemite, and sequoia n.p. Ive also driven through the cascade mountain range(at night) but nothing I've seen has rivaled the Swiss alps so far.

Originally Posted by 80skeys

Based on your original post, your research obviously hasn't prepared you for anything in the western U.S.

Basically it's like this:
- most mountains in the western US have cold, crisp and clean air, even in California
- the least populated states are Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, each of which has spectacular mountain ranges
- the greenest mountain ranges are to be found in Oregon, Washington State, and the panhandle area of Idaho, so if you want green, that's where you need to look
- certain parts of other Rocky mountain states are also quite green, even in Colorado, but it varies from year to year
- the largest mountainous wilderness in the continental US is the Selway-Bitterroot/River of No Return in Idaho, which is 14,600 sq. km, it is called the most rugged mountainous area on the planet and is 1/3 the size of Switzerland. There are no power lines, no inhabitants, no dwellings, no industry of any kind in this area.


It seems you are obssessed with the purity of the air. Well, I've lived or camped in some of the remotest areas in the continental United States, where there is 0 pollution. And to be completely honest, I don't notice any difference in air quality between those places and any of the mountain areas in Colorado, California, etc. If you think the air in the Swiss Alps is pure, then you'll think the air in the Colorado Rockies is pure too. Denver has smog and pollution, but it doesn't reach the mountains that are within viewing distance of Denver.

I currently live in the western U.S., and, as already stated, I have lived in montana, so I am familiar with the western U.S. I appreciate your input though, thank you.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by jifie

I have lived in Montana, been to yellowstone, yosemite, and sequoia n.p. Ive also driven through the cascade mountain range(at night) but nothing I've seen has rivaled the Swiss alps so far.

So all you've seen so far are the most popular and heavily visited tourist destination spots. You haven't been backcountry or to the lesser-visited places.

I currently live in the western U.S., and, as already stated, I have lived in montana, so I am familiar with the western U.S.

Seems like you've missed a lot of the western US. Go take a look at the Sawtooths, the Wind River Range, the Selway-Bitterroot and the San Juans, and then let us know what you think. I myself have camped, hiked and backpacked throughout the Rocky Mountain states, from New Mexico up to Idaho and Montana, and up around Seattle. There's a lot more to see than just the popular tourist destinations.

[jifie]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

So all you've seen so far are the most popular and heavily visited tourist destination spots. You haven't been backcountry or to the lesser-visited places.



Seems like you've missed a lot of the western US. Go take a look at the Sawtooths, the Wind River Range, the Selway-Bitterroot and the San Juans, and then let us know what you think. I myself have camped, hiked and backpacked throughout the Rocky Mountain states, from New Mexico up to Idaho and Montana, and up around Seattle. There's a lot more to see than just the popular tourist destinations.

So are you saying that all those areas you mention are similar to the Swiss alps?

[formercalifornian]

Originally Posted by CMartel2

I highly doubt you're going to find things less expensive than they are in Maryland there. Colorado has been infested with Californians who have driven up the price of housing beyond what anyone who actually holds a job could usually afford. Take a look and see what you think.

Also note the cultural amenities of which you speak are not going to be so prevelant in Colorado mountain towns.

Having moved to Colorado from Maryland, I can confirm that the OP will, in fact, find housing much more affordable here. A significant reduction in taxes will also be a very pleasant surprise.

[Bideshi]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

Having moved to Colorado from Maryland, I can confirm that the OP will, in fact, find housing much more affordable here. A significant reduction in taxes will also be a very pleasant surprise.

I don't like to be a party-pooper, but taxes have only one way to go and that is up, and soon.