Live near the Rocky Mountain states? Need opinions!

[Reality]

I am going to be moving in the near future and I have been considering the Rocky Mountain states as well as well as states near those areas.

I am not really interested in living in large cities nor in cities right next to large cities. I would prefer a smaller town that is 1-2 hours away from a large city. I am not bothered by hot or cold weather so that's not an issue.

I plan to travel and visit a lot of areas after the first of the year before moving, but would love to hear any suggestions, comments and thoughts from any of you who live in areas like this and are happy with where you live.

 

[SlammedZero]

Idaho resident here. Depending on who you ask, this region is either Pacific Northwest or Mountain West. Either way we do border the west side of the Rocky Mountain range. Honestly, I know the stereotypes Idaho gets, but this is a very wonderful place to live, especially if you're looking to not live in a big city. Boise is the biggest city in Idaho, by far, and it is more of a medium sized metropolitan area. It is growing like crazy here though. What kind of geographic area are you interested in living in? There is pretty much everything here. High desert, farm land, forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes. Only thing we are missing is ocean-side property. Weather here is also a 4-season guarantee.

I posted a thread a few months ago talking about my desire to live in a big city, but honestly, Boise is fantastic (it's heading to big city status anyway haha). Idaho is fantastic. If you have a family it is super safe here. If you like the outdoors Idaho has everything you could ask for. It's a very progressive state.

 

[CouchCoach]

Idaho resident here. Depending on who you ask, this region is either Pacific Northwest or Mountain West. Either way we do border the west side of the Rocky Mountain range. Honestly, I know the stereotypes Idaho gets, but this is a very wonderful place to live, especially if you're looking to not live in a big city. Boise is the biggest city in Idaho, by far, and it is more of a medium sized metropolitan area. It is growing like crazy here though. What kind of geographic area are you interested in living in? There is pretty much everything here. High desert, farm land, forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes. Only thing we are missing is ocean-side property. Weather here is also a 4-season guarantee.

I posted a thread a few months ago talking about my desire to live in a big city, but honestly, Boise is fantastic (it's heading to big city status anyway haha). Idaho is fantastic. If you have a family it is super safe here. If you like the outdoors Idaho has everything you could ask for. It's a very progressive state.

I second this. Lived there for 3 years and topography and weather were great. If I didn't have family in Texas, Idaho would have been where I retired.

I am sure it has changed since I left there in 96, but Boise was the perfect size and because of the time zone line, in the summer it would stay light until 10. And the outdoor life was unmatched with hiking, rafting and skiing < an hour away.

 

[Runwildboys]

I have no personal experience, but I've heard good things about Bozeman, Montana.

 

[Reality]

Idaho resident here. Depending on who you ask, this region is either Pacific Northwest or Mountain West. Either way we do border the west side of the Rocky Mountain range. Honestly, I know the stereotypes Idaho gets, but this is a very wonderful place to live, especially if you're looking to not live in a big city. Boise is the biggest city in Idaho, by far, and it is more of a medium sized metropolitan area. It is growing like crazy here though. What kind of geographic area are you interested in living in? There is pretty much everything here. High desert, farm land, forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes. Only thing we are missing is ocean-side property. Weather here is also a 4-season guarantee.

I posted a thread a few months ago talking about my desire to live in a big city, but honestly, Boise is fantastic (it's heading to big city status anyway haha). Idaho is fantastic. If you have a family it is super safe here. If you like the outdoors Idaho has everything you could ask for. It's a very progressive state.

I added Idaho to my list not too long ago as it does seem like it would be a great place to live.

As for what area, I am really want to move near the mountains.

 

[CouchCoach]

I have no personal experience, but I've heard good things about Bozeman, Montana.

Isn't that where ksk got his ewe? I've heard they have good Mail Order Sheep.

 

[nobody]

Some of the smaller towns just west of the initial ridge-line of the Rockies in Colorado would be something to consider. Gorgeous scenery, a bunch of great places to visit not far away, not too populated, fresh air. If I were to move from Texas, that's where I'd pick.

 

[Reality]

Some of the smaller towns just west of the initial ridge-line of the Rockies in Colorado would be something to consider. Gorgeous scenery, a bunch of great places to visit not far away, not too populated, fresh air. If I were to move from Texas, that's where I'd pick.

Do you have an specific towns in mind?

 

[Melonfeud]

I added Idaho to my list not too long ago as it does seem like it would be a great place to live.

As for what area, I am really want to move near the mountains.

Vail Colorado is the mountains thats pretty much laid out in a long narrow valley with the ski slopes further up behind the town proper, that valley is so narrow ( as I recall seeing it) you could shoot an arrow from your compound bow across it, but it's a hi-dollar A.O.

If you're the active outdoorsy type then I'd place my pennies down that Durango Co. In proximity of the 4 corners A.O. Is where you'd want to enjoy some life, about how old are you anyway? Not that it's any of my bizzness in knowing, but just trying to gauge pulse,,,Ft. Collins is about the last yuppie burg on north I -25 before entering Wyoming, heck, I've always kinda liked Trinidad that's not that far in to the state when entering up from the south on I-25, but where the REAL spiritual CONNECTION is up in that western slope A.O. of the rockies ,,,real old mountain west burgs like Craig & Rifle,,, steamboat springs? I think a man would enjoy it rather well were he to have a million+ stashed in his bank account,,,But when it comes to that frozen ice,snow & killer wind chill? You can have all of my allotted share of it, Flagstaff Az. is a pretty cool A. O.Too! I'd helped worked an elk hunting camp once for my mule ,drinking & licensed game guide buddy & we'd drive all the way up there to duck hunt also,,,you'll have to pick your own suitable A.O.,,, I know this desert hardpan has gotten way past old for me, but I've pretty much already ' taken root' and it's the easiest & most comfortable plan is to remain,,, That's what happens when yer' dreams die first& then you weaken in yer' resolve

 

[Melonfeud]

Idaho resident here. Depending on who you ask, this region is either Pacific Northwest or Mountain West. Either way we do border the west side of the Rocky Mountain range. Honestly, I know the stereotypes Idaho gets, but this is a very wonderful place to live, especially if you're looking to not live in a big city. Boise is the biggest city in Idaho, by far, and it is more of a medium sized metropolitan area. It is growing like crazy here though. What kind of geographic area are you interested in living in? There is pretty much everything here. High desert, farm land, forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes. Only thing we are missing is ocean-side property. Weather here is also a 4-season guarantee.

I posted a thread a few months ago talking about my desire to live in a big city, but honestly, Boise is fantastic (it's heading to big city status anyway haha). Idaho is fantastic. If you have a family it is super safe here. If you like the outdoors Idaho has everything you could ask for. It's a very progressive state.

Eh,,,ya,Boise could be considered cosmopolitan, one thing about that state, EVERYBODY WORKS& appears to be hitting there 3 squares a day regularly,,, NOW,I think anywhere further north up around the EAGLE A.O. wouldn't be bad at all

 

[nobody]

The problem with Vail is that it becomes really busy in the Skiing months. Really busy.

Do you have an specific towns in mind?

Cripple Creek, Victor, Hartsel, Cañon City, Telluride, Grand Junction.

There isn't a shortage of great places with phenomenal views. Populations range from the hundreds to tens of thousands depending on what you're looking for. I'd even consider Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Colorado Springs is rather too populated for my taste, but the view of the Rockies and for nostalgia reasons (for me at least).

You definitely want a vehicle that can handle high altitude and very snowy conditions though.

 

[SlammedZero]

I second this. Lived there for 3 years and topography and weather were great. If I didn't have family in Texas, Idaho would have been where I retired.

I am sure it has changed since I left there in 96, but Boise was the perfect size and because of the time zone line, in the summer it would stay light until 10. And the outdoor life was unmatched with hiking, rafting and skiing < an hour away.

Topography!!! Thank you!!! I couldn't think of that word to save my life on my earlier post.

I added Idaho to my list not too long ago as it does seem like it would be a great place to live.

As for what area, I am really want to move near the mountains.

Mountains, we have those!

 

[lukin2006]

I also would like to move to the Canadian Rockies at some point. I even have found a small town that I'd move to. Mountain air is just so refreshing.

The mountains are calling and I must go - John Muir

 

[Reality]

Cripple Creek, Victor, Hartsel, Cañon City, Telluride, Grand Junction.

There isn't a shortage of great places with phenomenal views. Populations range from the hundreds to tens of thousands depending on what you're looking for. I'd even consider Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Colorado Springs is rather too populated for my taste, but the view of the Rockies and for nostalgia reasons (for me at least).

You definitely want a vehicle that can handle high altitude and very snowy conditions though.

I have looked at Telluride, Grand Junction, Durango and a few others and they all seem like good areas. My only concern about Colorado in general is that it is growing in population and I wonder how long before some of those cities start to surge in population.

I have friends that live in the larger cities in Colorado, but I really just don't care for the large cities any more. I don't mind visiting them or even staying in them for a short period, but I really don't want to live in them long term.

I have already been looking at replacing switching to an SUV with AWD and will definitely do that before I move.

 

[Reality]

Topography!!! Thank you!!! I couldn't think of that word to save my life on my earlier post.



Mountains, we have those!

Idaho is definitely on my list

 

[Paradox]

I lived in Colorado Springs from 2013 to 2017. Population boom from the weed made for a housing shortage in the whole state. Real Estate went through the roof. Denver and the Springs grew more than any other city in the country since 2013. My rent went up $400 in the time my wife and I were there. Beautiful as they are, I'd definitely avoid Colorado cities east of the Rockies unless you have a rock solid income. Idaho sounds great though, and might be more what you're looking for anyway.

 

[Tabascocat]

I second Durango. Also, look at Jackson Hole, Wyoming

 

[Reality]

I second Durango. Also, look at Jackson Hole, Wyoming

I would love to live in Jackson Hole, WY but the cost of living there has jumped considerably in recent years.

I have looked at Durango as I said and it's definitely on my list to check out.

 

[Reality]

I lived in Colorado Springs from 2013 to 2017. Population boom from the weed made for a housing shortage in the whole state. Real Estate went through the roof. Denver and the Springs grew more than any other city in the country since 2013. My rent went up $400 in the time my wife and I were there. Beautiful as they are, I'd definitely avoid Colorado cities east of the Rockies unless you have a rock solid income. Idaho sounds great though, and might be more what you're looking for anyway.

Several years ago I was looking at towns near Colorado Springs, Denver and Boulder, but as you said, the population in those cities surged and the cost of living there shot up causing a lot of people to move to those smaller towns I was looking at. It will likely only get worse in the coming years. That's why Idaho got on my list, especially eastern Idaho.

 

[Tabascocat]

I hear Utah is beautiful but that is one state I have yet to experience. I think it might be a bit too remote for me. Couer da'lene, Idaho is a nice area as well.