Topic: Moving to Colorado??

[TwoTired]

The wife is talking about a transfer to Longmont  Colorado.  I know the weather will be quite different from San Jose, CA.  I remember the cold and snow from growing up in Illinois.  But, I haven't lived there since 68.  The wife grew up in San Fran and we've lived in CA her whole life.  So, she's never had snow visit her or had to drive in it.

Anyway, any info on the area, taxes, housing, climate, R/C air fields/clubs, etc. would be appreciated.  Would it be a good place to retire to?

I did visit a friend in Frisco many years ago in September. I got the impression it was the best time of year for the area and we enjoyed the whole time we were there (about a week or two).  So, we have fond memories of the experience.

Of, course the people at the Longmont workplace have pretty much glorified the place.   But, I'm seeking second opinions. 

Think the state could stand 10 more SOHC4's?

Thanks, for comments!

Cheers,

[cb650]

All we need is someone else from the land of fruits and nuts .
Well atleast youll bring the right bikes. 
I know of a couple r/c fields around.  Other than directions around denver and where not to be is all I can help.



                    Terry

[csendker]

So, she's never had snow visit her or had to drive in it.

I don't know much about the Denver area, but I do know about snow (being as I'm from Buffalo...).  Front-wheel should make it through most anything, I ran an '82 Ford Escort (manual tranny) for 140K miles through just about anything (including 36" overnight dumps) and never got stuck.  Just remember to floor it when you start to slide out (pull through the slide) which is backwards from rear wheel sliding.  You probably don't want rear wheel unless you like sliding.  4-wheel is helpful, but you still need them on the ground to do anything.  I've seen a lot of people hang up their SUV on a drift and floor it thinking it will magically take off.  Maybe they're trying to melt it or something.  And 4-wheel won't do squat on ice; you slide just as far with the same control, or lack thereof.  That said, it's an acquired art that should come easily, just take it slow and you'll get where you want to go.  Dirtbikes can take on snowmobiles for the straightaway, but you're totally screwed when it comes time to turn at the end of the field.  Don't ask...

And shovelling snow sucks.

[Gordon]

Can't help you with housing and taxes, as Longmont is a very different market than Denver, but I can tell you I absolutely love the weather here, and all the twisty mountain roads and canyons can't be beat.  It definitely gets cold in Winter, but normally doesn't snow all that much, and when it does, it usually melts within a couple of days.  Last Winter sucked, though, when we had several snow storms a few weeks in a row and the roads were icy for two months straight.  Other than that one incident, I ride all year.

The biggest negative to moving to Longmont is you'd only be 10 miles away from Heffay.

[78 k550]

The biggest negative to moving to Longmont is you'd only be 10 miles away from Heffay.

LMAO LOL
It is a great state to live in. Sorry cant help on the area mentioned. You should be able to find most of all that info online.
Then you can swing by and pick through my 550 parts

Paul

[TwoTired]

Well, thanks for your kind words.  If she actually gets a job offer, we'll probably tour the area in person.  What's the best and worst time of year to do that?  I was thinking the Southern part of the state might have a nicer climate.  But, she wants to keep working.  So, it's where ever the job is.

 Cheers,

[firecracker]

Buddy moved there a few years ago.   He and a co-worker do the whole cafe-conversion thing in their spare time.  Here's a link to their website - http://www.motocafe.us

He would be the "Freeekin' Eeediot"  Go to the Bikes for Sale page to get his contact info.  Tell him "Kyle sent me" and see where THAT get's you!   

Seriously, though.  I'm sure he could give you an idea about where to live/where to avoid, etc.

Good Luck!

[TwoTired]

Do they salt the streets when is snows in Colorado?

[Gordon]

Do they salt the streets when is snows in Colorado?

They apply Magnesium Chloride in liquid form in anticipation of a significant snowfall.  It's supposed to be less harmful to surrounding vegetation and less corrosive to metal, but there are skeptics.  I don't think it gets used often enough around here to cause much of a problem, anyway, but maybe in the higher elevations. 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

TT,

Have you applied to take the Texas/California carpet bagger immigrant test yet?  . I moved here from Kentucky 8 years ago and have never regretted it. (I snuck in through Kansas so I didn't take my test). I'm in Colorado Springs at 6860 feet 1 hour south of Denver. We are a high desert type area. Climate is fantastic. 2 seasons - the beautiful winters and the rest of the year. Mostly dry and void of most insects. Rains a little. More in the summer afternoons. Snows some but not like the mountains. 4 wheel drive not necessary but can be helpful. I have a 1 wheel drive 91 Acura Legend and do fine. Some winters I put my snow tires on but usually not. The mountains take most of the snow. Melts fast usually due to the amazing blue skies and sunshine. I look out my window and the mountains are right there. This is the Front Range area along I-25 from New Mexico to Wyoming. South of The Springs is Pueblo. It's +10 degress always, dry and brown. Not for me!

Housing depends on where you live in CA. From what I understand the Californians say you get twice as much house here for your money. The areas north of Denver have very fast growth. Many new large subdivisions. I'd assume that taxes should be less than what you're used to.

Do you know what clean air looks like? Do you know what clean water tastes like? I didn't until I moved here!

That settles it - you're just going to have to come visit. I consider myself semi-retired (non semi-retarded! ) and really love it. Most of the people have a very positive attitude due to all the nice things about Colorado. See you soon.

Jerry