Seeking Info about Idaho Springs CO (Denver, Boulder: 2014, credit, home)

[CarolynW53]

We have been searching for property in different areas of CO and have found a few places near a town called Idaho Springs. Mapquest puts it about 40 miles away from Denver on the west side. There are a few questions we have not been able to find anwsers to on the internet and hoping someone here could help.
1. Do people live near Idaho Springs and commute to Denver for work?
2. If so, is there a train that goes a certain distance out of Denver that folks can drive to and then ride train into Denver?
3. Is the political atmosphere one that allows folks of different beliefs to co-exist peacefully?
4. Are utilities comparable in cost to communities in the four corners area such as Cortez or Durango?
5. During the coldest winter months are the roads still open so as to get into town/highways for commute to Denver?

Sincerest appreciation for any information provided.

[xxman777]

I did know one person who did that commute but I don't think it is common. During the winter the Colorado Department of Transportation does a good job of keeping most of the main routes open so it depends on how close to main roads your property is. Passes will close fairly often and chains are sometimes required on I-70, but roads in the valleys are more likely to close because of avalanches. Although there has been talk for years of building a train line up I-70 but nothing has ever been done about it. A train does go to winter park during the ski season but that will be farther for you then Denver. A light rail line is scheduled to be completed to Golden in 2014 but that is still a long drive for you. Maybe check with Clear Creek County as to what roads they keep clear or what their policy is on road clearing.

[CarolynW53]

Thank you for the information about the roads and train situation. Here in our part of AR we get snow but it is just a few inches and turns to ice quickly. We haven't a clue what it is like to live where snow can come measured by feet so this will be an adjustment but we look forward to it.

[xxman777]

Yes that will be a huge adjustment. Basically if you are in an area where they plow (you will be driving on snowpack) you will be fine. If they don't plow where you are you will be stuck. Unless it is some very rural place they will probably plow for you, but you are going to have to check with Clear Creek. Regardless a four wheel drive vehicle is probably a neccesity, and I'm not talking about a SUV. Suburu's are very popular in the mountains because they offer four wheel drive but are lighter so they are less likely to slide off the road. SUV's are only important for the added clearence but if they plow in your area you don't need it.

[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.

[BarryK123]

A 12 year old thread resurrected. is this a new record?

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

A 12 year old thread resurrected. is this a new record?

That probably is a record but is what we prefer people do rather than start a new thread.

[EastwardBound]

Really, the only place in Colorado where the political landscape isn't conducive to varying political beliefs is Boulder. You should be fine.

[Timmyy]

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.

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.

[Good Red Road]

It’s good to see some representation from I.S. When we were first shopping mountain communities about 12 years ago the natives warned us to avoid the place, but I imagine it will grow and gentrify like everywhere else.