Thinking about moving to Denver/Denver Area (Aurora, Boulder: ski resort, rent)

[swalter83702]

So, my boyfriend and I have been talking about moving to a "central" location. I currently live in Boise ID, have always been a sporty NW gal. have travelled the world. My boyfriend currently lives in Houston, TX, has always been a southern boy, went to UGA. Is a city boy.

I need the mountains and rivers. He needs the city. So, we think Denver will be a great middle ground for us.

We're both in our early 30s. I have an alaskan malamute, cat and 3 chickens. He has 2 cats. I'm realizing I may not be able to move with my chickens. (sounds funny, I know. But dang, nothing beats fresh eggs)

I've been told I'd love Boulder. But when I look into it, the sticker price kind of takes my breath away. I have a really nice set up here in Boise, so I'm pretty spoiled. A 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, in the historic district of Boise, with foothills as my backyard, 16 miles from our local ski resort, a half hour away from some of the best whitewater in the US And my mortgage (which I just refinanced) is now only $740/month. I know, I'm spoiled.

I've only been to Denver once, so I don't know much about the neighborhoods. I guess what I'm looking for is somewhere affordable but with character and charm. In terms of price range, between the 2 of us, we could probably afford a $200K home. Or $1200-$1400/month rent (obviously cheaper is better). A location where there are close local pubs....I like a good IPA, would be great. And local charm is always more welcome than chains for me. Green and sustainability is important to me, so any knowledge of CSA's, local co-ops would also be great.

Close to trails for hiking and mt. biking is a bonus.

Think small city girl with a Portland mind set. My boyfriend will go anywhere I'm happy

Thanks for your help!

[brightdoglover]

Isn't Boise a city enough for him? It sounds like OP is more than a little well-set-up in all regards.
And Houston... hardly a charming city of character, right?
You sound very happy where you are. So he'll go anywhere where you're happy, right?
Maybe he should join you in Boise for some set amount of time, and then if he really insists and you're willing, then move.
Also, how about jobs?

[wanneroo]

I'd stay in Boise, sounds like a great lifestyle at a great price. I had a friend that moved up there from LA and he loves it.

Denver Metro is well over 2 million people now and the mountains and rivers are not as accessible to Denver. Good skiing and water is 1.5 to 2 hours away with crazy traffic on weekends making those times even worse.

Denver has all the big city problems with crime, air quality, higher costs, etc.

Denver was a lot of fun when I was a kid 15-30 years ago, but it's pretty darn big now and I don't think is any more exceptional than other cities.

[Mike from back east]

Either the OP posted a spoof or this is one of the oddest postings yet in our COLO forums. If the OP is for real, I have two things to say:
- Boise is the right place for you. I've been there, it's fine. No need to move.
- Consider a new boyfriend (a city boy with cats? hmmmmm)

Boulder, right or wrong, has long been stereotyped as a place full of dope smoking hippie trust-funders and wild college crowds. Remember, I said "right or wrong" and Boulder's reputation, like all stereotypes, is mostly a lot of hot air with a germ of truth to it. It's also a job-creating powerhouse of a place with a ton on high-tech and big name firms. It is noted for being a tightly controlled zoning environment and I don't think chickens would fly (haha) in that town.

Denver might work for the two of you, but my first thoughts is "why bother."

[swalter83702]

Oh, believe me, my first choice would be to stay in Boise. I'm just trying to find a compromise. But believe me when I say that I'll be showing him these responses to validate my original plan.

As for work. I'm a marketing contractor for HP. I already work remotely, and can work from anywhere. So, I'm not tied to a location based on work. He is "in-between" jobs. Looking to leave his company that he's owned for 7 years and get back into the IT world, in which he has a degree in. Boise and Boulder both can give him that.

The reason for the compromise is that he would be leaving his entire family that currently lives in Houston, and a mother who is very, uhh, "influential" about life decisions. Therefore, direct flight home are a bonus. But I know in the long scheme of things, it really shouldn't matter. But we have to discuss everything, as at least one of us would be uprooting for the other. Also, we felt that moving to a neutral location would likely be the best thing for our relationship. We've never lived in the same city. We've been long distance dating for a year and a half. We met playing Ultimate Frisbee in Atlanta, have even travelled to Prague for the World Championship of Ultimate.....We are fortunate that we are both able to travel with ease to see each other whether it's to Boise, or to Houston.

Don't get me wrong, he loves Boise.....or at least he says he does. I do think of lot of what he struggles with the lack of diversity.

We're going to be in Boulder this weekend, and were thinking of cruising through some of the Denver neighborhoods. If I could get some areas that you think would be most fitting for a young couple, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by swalter83702

his entire family that currently lives in Houston, and a mother who is very, uhh, "influential" about life decisions

RUN....to the relationship forum and search out the threads on such matters

[HomesByAmyZ]

Actually, you can have your chickens in Aurora/Arapahoe County (as long as you don't have an HOA forbidding it). There are a lot of nice neighborhoods in the Denver metro area that are not as affordable as Boise, but still quite affordable. Job growth here is booming!

[ktqtp]

I would not move here from Boise, but that's just my opinion...

[davebarnes]

For your boyfriend
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/search?query=rmiug%20jobs

For your boyfriend
Throw Momma from the Train - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For you
I'm OK, You're OK - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia