Author Topic: Tell me about Glenwood Springs Colorado...  (Read 3428 times)

rebel100

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Tell me about Glenwood Springs Colorado...
« on: January 28, 2014, 09:53:13 AM »
I may have a new employment opportunity in GS Colorado, this is about an hour west of Vail off I70.  The raise should be significant (if the opportunity comes through) but the cost of living, especially housing, has me concerned. 

I would be leaving a completely paid for house and rental property (they could be cashed in of course), leaving me with $150-200K to buy something in or near GS.  But the prices out there are just crazy....plus we have no real experience in the snow (currently live near Orlando Florida where I was born/raised).

What do you folks know about the area? 

stuckinmn

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Re: Tell me about Glenwood Springs Colorado...
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2014, 12:47:39 PM »
I've never lived there but lived in Denver and visited often.  I'd move there in a heartbeat but make sure you know the decision is very lifestyle dependent.

If you love the outdoors you'd love it.  I'm not talking about Orlando outdoors and water skiing, boating and bass fishing, I mean colorado outdoors of hiking, whitewater rafting, snow skiing and fly fishing.  I point out the difference because I'm from the south and it is definitely different though I ended up loving all of those. 

Negatives are it gets cold, lots of snow (though that could be a plus if you love skiing), it is kind of isolated (a long drive from DIA).  Also, some friends from there say since it is in a valley you will get less sunlight there in certain months with the mountains blocking the sun.

You've also probably figured out it is a smaller town and I'm not sure if that is a plus or minus for you.  It has grocery stores, restaurants and a walmart so it's not like you drive 50 miles to the general store for provisions but it won't have all the stuff you might be used to.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2014, 12:50:33 PM by stuckinmn »

Numbers

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Re: Tell me about Glenwood Springs Colorado...
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2014, 04:06:16 PM »
+1 to stuckinmn general description. Though more and more chain big box stores have been opening up over the past couple of years.

I live on the front range but my wife grew up in Carbondale. The question is what do you want to know about? Any specifics?

And yes housing prices are very high. But RE taxes are not too obnoxious in Colo which, depending on the departure state, can make a difference (No idea for coming from FL though). Food a touch high on some items, but the rest of living cost should be very normal (unless you end up in an old house with lots of heat leaks).

Noodle

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Re: Tell me about Glenwood Springs Colorado...
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2014, 05:20:09 PM »
It has been a couple of decades since I lived out that way but some things don't change...

Glenwood Springs after Orlando would be completely different, which could be miserable or the biggest adventure ever depending on how you look at it. (You didn't mention if this was for a few years, or possibly permanent). It can get really snowy there, but the snow also depends on altitude and GS is lower than, say, Aspen.

You would have to learn to drive in snow, and also how to handle being in the mountains (things like when the avalanche danger is greatest.) You would learn about high-altitude cooking, too! You will be a long way from a large city if you were to need, for instance, ongoing medical care, with drives longer or impossible in the winter (sometimes they have to close the passes.)

On the other hand, it is one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of the country I have ever lived in, and the people I met were terrific. My job put me mostly with people who had lived in the area many years and it was great small-town living with, if you were willing to drive up to Aspen (about an hour away if the weather/traffic is OK) amenities that you won't find in most rural areas (art museum, festivals, etc). The people are really interesting too--a lot of people who have made unconventional choices, mixed in with some really, really rich people.  In summer, the climate is just gorgeous--sunny, not too humid, not too hot. If you like or want to try winter sports, you couldn't pick a better spot.

One thing to think about in the modern age is internet/cell-phone connectivity. That wasn't an issue yet when I was there, and I know it's a challenge for some of my relatives in rural New England. On the other hand, it's a pretty affluent area so I would guess they are better off.

And yes, the cost of housing is high. At least 20 years ago, and I am assuming it is probably still true, there was almost no affordable housing for workers in Aspen, so everyone got pushed down the valley including to Glenwood Springs. That drove up prices all over.

If it were me, I would definitely give it a go for a few years...even if it's not a long-term match, you will move on with some wonderful stories and experiences if you go into it with curiosity and enthusiasm. Good luck--big decisions ahead!
« Last Edit: January 28, 2014, 05:41:08 PM by Noodle »

rebel100

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Re: Tell me about Glenwood Springs Colorado...
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2014, 10:57:46 AM »
Thanks everyone, helpful information indeed!

I will keep you all posted if this develops into something real.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!