Medium Size Mountain Town

[Idunn]

Lots of smaller towns along the front range, although it feels as if they are all coalescing into one big metropolis. So maybe first to decide if you want to be near the mountains or in them?

If within, I can't think of anything of even 8,000 populace in size. Maybe, but in aggregate there certainly are. Actually, Durango would, although not exactly in the mountains. Otherwise the towns of Summit County, such as Frisco, would exceed 8,000 in total. Particularly if you factor in the tourists.

In amenities, shopping, relative ease to Denver, etc., you'd be hard pressed to do better than somewhere in southern Summit County. High academic standards as well. Super duper skiing and recreation also. The one caveat would be high real estate costs and how you actually intend to live there.

But of course they need teachers, so you can probably figure something out. As with more than a few others, due costs, your residence might end up in a town such as Leadville. But it has a rustic, small town feel.

Chances are you'd probably find it easier to live and work in one of the larger towns along the front range. But do you want to?

[vfrpilot]

The Front Range is not actually Colorado, but you can almost see it from there.

Rats! Now I live in Kansas

I am looking for a town with the small town atmosphere but still has all the amenities of a larger town. I have heard great things about Boulder, but I think it might be too large and too expensive.I would like a town that is at least 8,000, but no more than 50,000 people. Location can vary, as long as there are mountains

.
Try Woodland Park. It's a beautiful town west of Colorado Springs in the mountains. It just got a new Wal-Mart and cost of living is still practical. It's about a 20 minute drive to COS for large town amenities.

[jorhyne]

Originally Posted by vfrpilot

It just got a new Wal-Mart

That is definitely the clincher, a new Wal Mart.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by jorhyne

That is definitely the clincher, a new Wal Mart.

They almost always have what you need.

[colorado native]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

They almost always have what you need.

If you need cheap plastic crap and no local economy.

[Katarina Witt]

The last I checked, they employed locals. Every retailer imports a lot of stuff from China.

[erinkmorse]

I think you should check out Castle Rock. It was voted by Family Circle as the number ONE place to live in the nation. It is part of the Douglas County education system which is fantastic. Lots of brand new schools. I am a Realtor in both California and Colorado. Castle Rock has the small town homey feel. It's located halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs.

[colorado native]

Originally Posted by Idunn

Durango... although not exactly in the mountains.

?
So, you haven't been to Durango, then?

Durango Colorado Realty with Prudential Triple S (http://www.prudentialtriples.com/regional-information/durango.php - broken link)

[vfrpilot]

That is definitely the clincher, a new Wal Mart

I only said that to give an idea of the size of Woodland Park. Nothing else was implied.

[Idunn]

So, you haven't been to Durango, then?

Yes, I have. And of course it depends on one's definition. While there are certainly mountains near Durango, and the town nestled within hills, I'd say, to the north, the real mountains do not begin until past Hermosa. So by that definition Durango about as much in the mountains as Boulder.

As for being in the mountains, Silverton would be the dictionary definition.

But mileage varies, and by some measures Durango enough in the mountains for some.