Move to Colorado? (Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder: how much, house prices, employment)

[trainedtraveler]

Hi All,

I am contemplating on moving to Colorado, but there are a few concerns such as the weather and the cost. I checked out Sperlings, but I wanted people's perspectives in conjunction with statistics. Is there a way to move to Colorado cheaply (other than an RV)? And, where should I move in Colorado? I have heard people suggest Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. I prefer to be in an area in or near nature because I prefer a quiet atmosphere over the city lifestyle, but close to a gym/health club, parks, health food stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Co Ops, etc). (I have no children). Any suggestions/ideas you may have would be helpful!

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by trainedtraveler

prefer to be in an area in or near nature because I prefer a quiet atmosphere over the city lifestyle, but close to a gym/health club, parks, health food stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Co Ops, etc)

The only place that I know of is outside Boulder and you will need a lot of money for a house. Over $1M.

[Mike from back east]

Everything you want is found in COLO SPGS at far more affordable prices than Boulder or the Denver area.

Use realtor.com or zillow to check house prices. Look in my favorite zip code, 80920.

Since you failed to quote a budget, we can't offer much advice.

[TCHP]

Colorado is a very large place with a broad range of living expenses, so we might need to narrow it down a bit more to really help out.

With health club, parks, health food stores, trader Joes, Whole Foods, you will be more limited to the predominately larger cities along the Front Range area. I see you have posted some in forums in the northeast US. Population density in Colorado is significantly different than a lot of those areas and those types of amenities are typically only found in resort towns or in cities. We lack large numbers of quaint satellite towns within 30 minute drives of larger city centers to allow you to live someplace very quiet, in the near proximity of nature, but also be a short drive to city features. So a better definition of what constitutes near nature and in a quiet area will also help us help you.

Along with that might also be a description or idea of what you consider nature. Colorado is a very arid state and nature here can appear quite a bit different than the way many advertisements make it appear. Lush is not typically used to describe our area. Also, while the Rockies are quite grand, there are still vast expanses of space between the mountain ranges of flat parks full of grasses blowing in the wind.

Employment prospects, unless you are bringing a job with you, may also drive location as well. Again, the density means that most employment is found in the areas around the major metros. So there is another factor.

[NW Crow]

How close to those stores?


Manitou Springs might give you the mix you want.

[McGowdog]

Originally Posted by trainedtraveler

Hi All,

I am contemplating on moving to Colorado, but there are a few concerns such as the weather and the cost. I checked out Sperlings, but I wanted people's perspectives in conjunction with statistics. Is there a way to move to Colorado cheaply (other than an RV)? And, where should I move in Colorado? I have heard people suggest Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. I prefer to be in an area in or near nature because I prefer a quiet atmosphere over the city lifestyle, but close to a gym/health club, parks, health food stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Co Ops, etc). (I have no children). Any suggestions/ideas you may have would be helpful!

Sounds like California to me.

[brown_dog_us]

OP, we need a bit more info to help you:

How much do you want to spend on housing?

What do you intend to do for income?

Are you willing to drive 15-30 mins for the amenities you desire?