What areas in Colorado should I scout out ? (Denver, Boulder: rent, buy)

[Coast 2 Coast]

My family and I currently live in Durham, NC. After 10 years of living together in Los Angeles and the birth of our daughter, we made the move to Durham so my wife could be closer to her family. In theory at least. Her parents live outside of Lexington KY, so I wouldn't exactly call that close, although they do visit fairly often. I think she was under the impression they would move to the triangle area, but after 5 years of living here, it's become pretty clear that they aren't moving anytime soon. In fact, I'd say never.

I was reluctant to move here to begin with, but I didn't want to be selfish, as we moved around the LA area quite a bit when we rented there. It was her turn to choose and after much resistance, I finally gave in. Here we are 5 years later and I think I hate this place even more. The weather is unbearable. Also, I'm pretty apolitical, but this area seems to shove one perspective down your throat. Live and let live is my motto. My wife is more indifferent to Durham, so she's finally agreed to move. For the past 5 years I have travelled back and forth to LA for work, and have slowly built my career to the point where I can work remotely. Ideally I would relocate us back to the west coast, but SOCal is completely off the table at this point. We got priced out and are now trying to figure out a place to relocate to. This time however, my wife's parents want to come along for the ride. She is expecting our second child in the spring and spending more time with family is only growing in importance.

Sorry for the long winded backstory, but after spending time researching on these boards, I've come to realize it helps people answer more effectively.

There are a lot of things we need to consider in choosing a new place to live. My wife's top priority is to be near her mother. My mother in law's top priority seems to be a place she can enjoy the four seasons, satisfy her green thumb, and have space and scenic beauty. At the top of my list is a dry climate. I like open spaces, running on trails and detest mosquitoes. I'm an outdoor kind of guy and I can tell you that I have never spent so much time indoors in my entire life as I have here in NC. Muggy and buggy is not my thing. Colorado seems to fit a lot of these criteria and is definitely on our list.

So, the question is what areas should we check out ?

On to some more needs/priorities ...

Housing budget : 5-600k

I'd love to be near trails for biking/running, which I'm sure shouldn't be a problem (Boulder has always seemed like a place that would appeal to me but I think the housing costs are going to be a deal breaker)
If there are any suggestions of places that are similar to Boulder and/or parts a little further out that get closer to my price point please do chime in.

Good schools : I know, I know ... Who doesn't want good schools for their kids ? But, well there it is.


Amenities : While my wife and I enjoy some city amenities like going out to a good restaurant now and then, I'd say that having some scenic beauty close by is more of a priority. Urban density (Denver ?) is out of the question. Somewhere between rural and suburban maybe ? Scenic and suburban without subdivisions ? half an acre or more ?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks !

[otowi]

How about Longmont? Seems to fit your criteria....

[Arrby]

Originally Posted by Coast 2 Coast

My mother in law's top priority seems to be a place she can enjoy the four seasons, satisfy her green thumb, and have space and scenic beauty. At the top of my list is a dry climate.

These are largely incompatible requirements. Dry climates require water for gardening, so it will be necessary to know the source of your water at how you can use it. Restrictions on water use abound throughout the west.

[emm74]

$5-600K budget for you, what about for the in-laws?

[whoisjongalt]

Check out Golden. It's a lot like Boulder without the price or the attitude. It has a beautiful "small town" downtown but is only 15-20 (non rush hour) minutes from downtown. Only negative is you won't get a half acre for that price.

[Coast 2 Coast]

@otowi
Thanks ! Will check it out.

[Coast 2 Coast]

Originally Posted by Arrby

These are largely incompatible requirements. Dry climates require water for gardening, so it will be necessary to know the source of your water at how you can use it. Restrictions on water use abound throughout the west.

Agreed. We will have to figure this one out.

[Coast 2 Coast]

Originally Posted by emm74

$5-600K budget for you, what about for the in-laws?

TBD. They may live with us PT on the same property, in which case the budget would go up, or rent or buy something smaller/cheaper nearby.

[Coast 2 Coast]

Originally Posted by whoisjongalt

Check out Golden. It's a lot like Boulder without the price or the attitude. It has a beautiful "small town" downtown but is only 15-20 (non rush hour) minutes from downtown. Only negative is you won't get a half acre for that price.

Thanks ! Added to the list

[cornsnicker3]

Originally Posted by whoisjongalt

Check out Golden. It's a lot like Boulder without the price or the attitude. It has a beautiful "small town" downtown but is only 15-20 (non rush hour) minutes from downtown. Only negative is you won't get a half acre for that price.

Golden is an excellent choice. I went to college in Golden for 4.5 years and consider it my favorite Colorado town. It is pricey, but not Boulder pricey.

Some of the highlights:

1. Separate from the busy-ness of Denver, yet still close enough
2. Colorado School of Mines
3. NREL
4. Coors
5. Near I-70 and I-76
6. Excellent downtown
7. North and South Table Mountains
8. Colorado Mills Mall
9. Has enough amenities of a decent suburb, but not sprawly