Possibly moving from ski resort to Boulder (Evergreen, Niwot: rent, health insurance)

[surfmom]

My head hurts thinking of having to leave my beloved village in the mountains but, financially, after 15 years and losing everything in the market, it looks as if we have to go back to the 'real world'. Where to settle? I don't think I can 'do' Boulder, it's too spendy and too much traffic; though I love the vibe of the Farmer's Market etc. I've checked out Niwot and Lyons, haven't been to Nederland which in my mind would be the best fit but how realistic would it be for my husband to commute to work in Boulder? He's a chef and works nights.
How is the job market anyways? It sucks in the mountains. Restaurants pay the max of 15/hr and I'm not making much more working in an office. Housing is less. We pay $1,200 incl everything. I'd love some real world feedback from people who don't have $$ to buy houses but earn a living and that's what pays for their rent etc.
Thanks!

[Neditate]

I'm sorry you are being forced to move.
Many people commute to Boulder from Nederland - it's no big deal. Boulder Canyon is well maintained in the winter. And there's bus service (RTD).

[qfrost]

I'm sorry as well. From what mountain resort are you moving from? We've tried several different plans to explore settling into our dream location, which would be in a mountain resort, but have always concluded that the lack of business opportunities must be the deciding factor.

[surfmom]

Originally Posted by qfrost

I'm sorry as well. From what mountain resort are you moving from? We've tried several different plans to explore settling into our dream location, which would be in a mountain resort, but have always concluded that the lack of business opportunities must be the deciding factor.

When I first moved here I kept hearing over and over again that you better come w/2 million and expect to leave w/1 million. It's an exaggeration of sorts but there is truth in the saying. I've narrowed my search and if we go down to the front range, Nederland is the only option as far as I can tell.

[qfrost]

Originally Posted by surfmom

When I first moved here I kept hearing over and over again that you better come w/2 million and expect to leave w/1 million. It's an exaggeration of sorts but there is truth in the saying. I've narrowed my search and if we go down to the front range, Nederland is the only option as far as I can tell.

Interesting. I've never heard that saying, but I could see the reasoning behind it. Nediate call tell you all sorts of info on Nederland - are you saying it's the only town/city that still has a true mountain feel and close enough to commute to the front range job markets? What about Evergreen?

[Neditate]

LOL - I've never heard that saying before either
I moved to Boulder with little more than $500 in my pocket and left 15 years later with a hell of a lot more.

[qfrost]

Originally Posted by Neditate

LOL - I've never heard that saying before either
I moved to Boulder with little more than $500 in my pocket and left 15 years later with a hell of a lot more.

Sign me up to that program!!

And surfmom, which mountain town are you going to be leaving?

[surfmom]

Ah, heck if you'd talk to me in '04 I would have been better off than now, lost telecommuting job which was irreplaceable here, then lost the house, other property, health insurance for my fam & phone associated w/job......downsized, now finally working 30 hrs and it's still brutal trying to make ends meet when Rudi's bread costs 5.25 at the local store. And regular daycare is 900/mo full time. Not Waldorf or Montessori, just a local non-profite, awesome daycare.