Seeking Info about Idaho Springs CO

[ShampooBanana]

Originally Posted by Timmyy

It is definitely not closer to Denver than Highlands Ranch or Littleton. It is at least 30 miles to Denver and least a 45 mile drive to CU Boulder.

I have to give you credit though for trying to sell your little town. I will be up there for a wedding at the end of the month.

I'm pretty sure he meant driving time. These days, it would most certainly be a quicker drive during rush hours to Denver from IS than from Littleton or Highlands Ranch. Other times of the day, not so much.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by ShampooBanana

I'm pretty sure he meant driving time. These days, it would most certainly be a quicker drive during rush hours to Denver from IS than from Littleton or Highlands Ranch. Other times of the day, not so much.

Depends on the weather. There are many more nasty days up there.

[anyam22]

I like the way you love and talk about your home town of Idaho Springs. I live up the road in Silverthorne, and I think Idaho Springs is a really cute town. Full of beautiful old houses of all sizes. I don't know what price ranges those houses are in though.

But, we do have differing opinions of I70. Lord that's a crazy interstate. I call it The Drama Queen. There is always something weird happening on 70. From chicken trucks, egg trucks, pig trucks, beer trucks turning over, to boulders rolling down the mountain, multi car pile ups in winter, various hazmat closures frequently and closures in the winter that are never ending. That's why I end up holing up here in Silverthorne. And in the winter, if it's Friday and YOU want to go west or Sunday and you want to go east, well put on your patience hat because thousands of others are cramming that road to do the same. And actually, these days it's just about as bad in summertime. It will be years before something makes all that better if ever.

One other thing a person should consider when looking at any small town on the I70 corridor is that you will hear I70 at all times. I hear it in Silverthorne, they hear it in Frisco and Vail, in Idaho Springs and Georgetown and I expect in all the other towns along that route. With tall mountains framing the towns and highway, that roar is a constant. I'm barely a mile from it, and it's my always companion. After awhile, it isn't noticeable. You get used to it. But the atmosphere changes often holding in the noise in a more intrusive way. It seems more intrusive when you first move here also. That was never a deal killer for me, but may be for you

One other constant companion in the town of Idaho springs is the SIGHT of I70. It is very narrow so the highway looms over town rather aggressively in my opinion. It's a darling town though with lots of great outdoor activities nearby, the gambling, the nice old houses, cute downtown main street, decent restaurants etc. Oh, and one other geographical sort of issue there: like Georgetown, and a good hunk of Frisco, it's narrow enough that the mountains block the sun fairly early in the day. (Frisco isn't so narrow, but it's the lay of the land, there.) Seriously, if you love a long sunny day, you might should look into that. Aside from The Drama Queen that is my biggest negative about Idaho Springs.

[rnorth999]

I am intrigued by this reply as I am considering moving to Idaho Springs with my family. I haven’t lived in CO in over 10 years so I know a lot has changed. Do you have any suggestions on how to find some local residents to ask about life in Idaho Spings for a family with kids in junior high and high school? My family visited Idaho Springs last year and also visited Clear Creek High School. I really like the idea of living in a small town again but want to make sure that it isn’t so small that my kids won’t have any other kids to spend time with. I would be working in Denver, but would travel a few weeks per month and should be able to telework a few days per week when I am in town. Thanks for any feedback.

Originally Posted by KEBNER

Idaho Springs, it's where I live. This town is surprisingly close to everything. The drive to Denver for work, distance is 30 miles. Yes, it seems a long distance. However, it's closer than Highlands Ranch. It's less drive time than Littleton, that's where I lived prior. Once my car is parked, it's not necessary to drive anywhere. The grocery store, Safeway, is under half a mile from my door. Downtown idaho spring restaurants are under a mile away, Starbucks Coffee is on the corner. This town is full of history, hiking is great, small town feel, but big town living. Often, I get home and go to the gym (rec center is new, and in walking distance), go out for dinner at Beau Jo's, Mt. Prime, Westdown & Down, Tommy Knockers, have a drink and walk home. On the weekends, hike in the afternoon, watch deer, go to Mt. Evans, get an outdoor Jacuzzi at the hot springs (it's sad/yucky in the main pool, avoid it), go climbing is all over. For tourist family, its fun to see Argo Mine, drive over to Boulder, Golden is 16 miles away (canyon drive is pretty). The towns people are welcoming, this is a town that makes money on tourism. Many visitors from out of state, many skiers, I-70 is a major highway, on the other side of the hill is Central City (2 miles around the corner), which is full of Casinos. Once the town is finished with road work/ updating projects, it's going to a true mountain town that has many comforts of a large town. Right now, there is road work. This town is finally doing something to tap into its potential. As said before, it's close to many things and is mountain living. The drive to Denver is all highway, fast commute. Not to mention, close to School of Mines, close to CU Boulder, and Regis University. I love it. Btw, Jennys Market, gas station, is open 24 hours. I can gas up the vehicle anytime.

[Good Red Road]

Originally Posted by rnorth999

Do you have any suggestions on how to find some local residents to ask about life in Idaho Spings for a family with kids in junior high and high school? My family visited Idaho Springs last year and also visited Clear Creek High School. I really like the idea of living in a small town again but want to make sure that it isn’t so small that my kids won’t have any other kids to spend time with. I would be working in Denver, but would travel a few weeks per month and should be able to telework a few days per week when I am in town. Thanks for any feedback.

I would start by checking out the rec center to see what types of youth activities are offered.
In Evergreen, our daughter participates in club volleyball, martial arts and fencing, and thats all through our local rec centers. Additionally some school bus routes drop off and pick up by the R.C., so the kids will often go after school to just hang out and do their homework. I imagine the rec center in I.S will have similar programs.

I agree with the previous poster (from last May - lol) regarding the noise from I70 in I.S., also be aware that the winter winds coming down the I70 corridor can be brutal. Ask around next time you’re out there. Good Luck.