Evergreen and Boulder (Idaho Springs: house, to buy, schools)

[clancy]

Hi everyone!
This is my first message on this board. We are considering moving to CO and would like to know what you think the differences are between these two towns. Seems like there is a lot going on in Boulder, esp. with the U. Is Evergreen just a pretty but sleepy town?
Thanks for your replies,
Clancy

[elemental]

Hello Clancy. During August, I visited Evergreen at the behest of a friend who had an idea of the areas we might like. There was a road called bear creek canyon - or something of that sort - that had a river running alongside it with homes directly behind. We saw people fishing in their front yards! Evergreen was rather elevated so it would be colder earlier there, but the smell of pine and fir trees permeated the place. It smelled like Christmas in August! The homes had acreage and overall, a much more of a rural feel than Boulder. In "town" there were a number of stores and a jumping bar. It was however, far from the towns we were used to and that much change was difficult for us to come to terms with. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, privacy and love wildlife, it's a real nice place to call home. You could literally disappear in Evergreen... Boulder is 180 degrees from Evergreen. It's happening, politically and socially active, tends to have communities where there is high levels of involvement in the schools and various causes. People choose Boulder for these reasons and the urban feel along with proximity to so many outdoor activities. It's not the fittest city in the country without reason... ) Plan a trip where you can spend a few days in each. You'll know you're in the right place at some point and there you will throw down some roots. Good luck.

[clancy]

Dear elemental,
Thanks for your info-loaded reply. Having always lived near the big cities, incl. NY and LA, Evergreen really appeals. It also appears to be cheaper to buy a house there. Boulder, in the foothills, anyway, is mostly older homes, so you depend on a remodel to get the amenities you want. Did you find a town to your liking? Hope so.

[KSchafer]

I agree that Evergreen and Boulder are totally different towns. I was just in Evergreen last month and it is quaint for a visit or retirment in a very quiet area but not the place to move to if you need to work and not have a long commute or need to live in a city with more than two streets. In fact, someone who worked in Idaho Springs and encouraged me to check out Evergreen where she lived said "Idaho Springs has one street. We have two in Evergreen." Personally, I prefer Idaho Springs because of the mountains being right up on you, the hot springs and the cute town...but just to visit, not live.