Could the destination locator be right? (Denver, Colorado Springs: transplants, crime, good schools)

[Seekingcreativity]

I took a test a few times about the best location for me would be and three times Colorado has come up. I am a 26 year old single mother thinking about moving from Fort Worth, TX. I have a bachelors and I want to receive my MBA before relocating so I will have it a bit easier to find employment. I just want someone to tell me a little about Colorado; I am not too keen on a very cold environment, some of my activities I like to do is kickboxing, boxing, dancing, writing, political discussions, historical discussions, spending time with my daughter outside, football, pole fitness, reading, yoga, etc. I want to live in a diverse place where there are loads of public transportation, good schools for my daughter, (she's dyslexic and in grade school), I want there to be various places to indulge in that we can easily find events during the week, also a place not crime-ridden full of open-minded hospitable individuals. Show tell me what cha got!!

[Chatterbot]

It seems that somewhere like San Francisco would be a good fit for you.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

You could do all of those things in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Ft. Collins, or Pueblo (major cities in Colorado where most of the jobs are located). However, if you check the C-D pages for any of these cities and look at the weather data, you will find that Colorado is a cold environment. The snow doesn't just stay in the mountains. The test you took must not have had a good data base if it suggested Colorado for someone who doesn't like the cold.

You should really be focusing on where jobs are available and what the Cost of Living is in various areas. Colorado is more expensive than many areas in the midwest and the south. There have been threads on this forum about COL comparisons. Just do an advanced search at the top of the page.

[Vansan]

I can't say that Colorado sounds right for you. Let me give you the reasons:

1. You're not too keen on a cold environment. That's strike number one. Colorado has a cold winter environment, especially when living in the mountains, winter starts early. But forget the mountains.. living in the Denver area, our first snowfall this year already arrived in October.

2. I can't help but notice that none of your favorite activities include mountain biking, running, hiking, skiing, or snowboarding -- these are the activities that Colorado is known for.

3. Regarding diversity... not sure what you're looking for, but take a look at some of the ethnic percentages on any given city on this site. It probably won't be as "diverse" as New York City, for example, or many parts of California.

4. There is definitely not loads of public transit. Denver is working on making the light rail system more efficient and expansive, but there is still a lot of work to do. It's not cheap either (compared to say, Chicago or DC).

5. There are plenty low-crime areas in Colorado. It really depends on the area of Colorado you're seeking. Fort Collins is not a s large as the Denver Metro Area or Colorado Springs, thus, less crime. Some very nice areas on the south end.

6. Everyone has a different opinion about Colorado's hospitality. Colorado has a large percentage of "transplants" (those who have moved here from out of state). My first experience after moving here was very positive. It seemed that everyone I came into contact with was very nice and "hospitable." Others, however, have had complete opposite opinions viewing everyone in Colorado to be cold and stand-offish.

The great thing about Colorado is that there's always something to do, whether you live in the Denver Metro Area or a small mountain town. If you move here, make sure you do your research and are moving here for the right reasons. My own opinion, however, tells me it's not for you. Good luck!

[CAVA1990]

Southern California.

[Chatterbot]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Southern California.

Not really passing the bar on the "public transportation" bit, which is why I suggested SF.

[mic111]

Not a good fit. You can do your activities anywhere so I won't comment on those. Were not diverse and don't have loads of public transportation. Were a four season area. It's cold about half the year. Have you looked at the SF Bay area? Or maybe in Oregon or Washington?

[Mike from back east]

The only place in COLO that comes even close to having "loads of public transportation" is Denver, and IMO it's a good city for you to consider.