Suggestions of small towns with great mountain views in Colorado (Denver: unemployment rate, safe neighborhoods)

[Gallie Gal]

I am interested in postings from people living in Colorado with suggestions of small towns with good soil for gardening, trees, and great views of those gorgeous Rockies. Thanks.

[Katarina Witt]

The climate makes gardening a challenge in most parts of CO, but it can be done. In years past we have put up a lot of food; hopefully will be able to do the same this year. Check out this website for information about soils, growing season, etc.

Colorado State University Extension

You have a good view of the Rockies all along the I-25 corridor, and many miles to the east as well. There aren't a lot of small towns along the Front Range; most are the cities (from north to south: Ft. Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and their suburbs. Some people feel Castle Rock is a small town, but it is also in that corridor between Denver and COS.

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by Gallie Gal

I am interested in postings from people living in Colorado with suggestions of small towns with good soil for gardening, trees, and great views of those gorgeous Rockies. Thanks.

Anything in the mountains has a very short growing season, some as short as 2 weeks. So you'll have to aim for prairie cities on the Front Range.

Most of Colorado is desert or high prairie and crops or gardening is done with irrigation so if that works for you, then continue further.

All the Colorado pictures you see with lush green forests and burbling streams are up above 8000 ft and few people live up in that elevation on up as winter hangs around for up to 9 months of the year.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

A lot of the soil on the Front Range is mostly clay, so to get "good soil for gardening" you have to add stuff to it. We had a compost pile where we put all of our vegetable waste and grass clippings and after a year or so we had some great dirt for the garden. Katiana's suggestion of the CSU Extension is an excellent source for information.

[2bindenver]

Which Are America's Best Small Cities?
Money magazine named Eden Prairie, Minn., as the best small city in America for its safe neighborhoods, low unemployment rates, and school system. Check out the rest of the list.
Best Places to Live 2010 - from Money Magazine

Fort Collins is on the list.

['M']

Estes Park has spectacular views of the mountains, but the gardening is minimal because of the short growing season. Although there are some gardeners who have mastered our climate.

[2bindenver]

Not that the OP is watching anymore...I'd pick Fountain.