Tell me about Colorado

[truebluegreen]

4. Denver has some light rail,

it was supposed to be expanded into the Boulder area but cost overruns (let's privatize!) have slowed if not stopped that. There's a good bus system, locally and with links to neighboring cities.

Boulder is beautiful but an expensive place to live. "Open space" requirements around the city have prevented cookie-cutter overdevelopment but have driven up housing costs inside. Purchasing a home can be very challenging; but I don't think the rental gap is as large. I am not as familiar with Denver but there are some nice neighborhoods near downtown and in the Cherry Creek area that appeal to me: older areas with some gentrification. Driving in Denver can be a nightmare; the freeways aren't big enough to accommodate the traffic, but then I spent 25+ years in East Jesus, Idaho so traffic is not something I'm used to.

There are other options, in particular Louisville, located maybe 15? miles from Boulder along the Denver/Boulder Turnpike (hwy 36). In recent years it has been rated among the most livable small towns in the US: a "city center" with cafes and activities and galleries, walkable etc. In general the trail system is extensive throughout Boulder County. BTW, the "open space" is referred to earlier is not designed for recreational use, although there is plenty of that. It was designed to preserve the agricultural nature of the out-lying areas, and to prevent overdevelopment.

I was born and raised in Boulder, left for a long time, returned in '04 for about 5 years and then left again. I'm not really a city person but Boulder is a nice city (so's Denver). It's nice to see healthy people all around, there's plenty to do; it can be a little smug--I mean, SF it is not--but all around a very nice place.

Also one that is currently having some real issues with water. An extreme drought last year, and another relatively dry winter this year...this is trouble. It is dry there to start with (maybe 12-16" per year) and there are a lot of people along the Front Range now. It's hard to say what will happen if this keeps up.

I could go on, if you have more specific questions just PM me. Good luck.