Posted: 12/22/2006 5:47:26 AM EDT
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This summer I’m planning a trip to Colorado to look for property (no house for now) for a future retirement home. I do not know the state very well, and I’m seeking advice regarding what areas I should visit. I choose Colorado because I want to live in the mountains in a truly beautiful setting, but in a climate more moderate then found further north. However, if there are other states you believe I should consider, please let me know. I’m looking for at least 10 acres and more if I can afford it. Since I ‘m a firearm enthusiast, a county which allows CCW and has at least 1 good rifle range/club is a must. My wife is a swimmer, so a nice community indoor pool will make her happy. Finally, I’m not interested in living close to a large ski resort or the liberal major cities. So, what areas do you recommend? |
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bring lots of money. Anything in the mountains is expensive. Not many places i know meet your requirements. Any pools are generally in yuppie country. I have a line on some land near idaho springs. Theres a range just up the road. The problem is it needs to be rezoned so you need to buy it outright. PM me if you'd like further details. |
I'd look in either Montrose or Delta on the Western Slope. Thats where I'm going. I don't know your price range, but I saw a house in Delta on 88 acres, bordering BLM land for $329K. 10 acres of raw land probably could still be found cheaply. |
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Thank you for the replies. I want a nice view of the mountains, and expect to pay more for it. My price range is in the 100K area, for just the land. I know finding undeveloped land with a nearby pool is going to be a problem. By the time I actually retire, the likelihood of a nearby community (and pool) will have increased. So I don’t see the pool issue as critical now, whereas, new rifle ranges are not generally being built (at least not in my area). |
You've been quite helpfull in many of my posts regarding with my relocation out to GJ. The only bust I see coming will be associated with the oil/gasindustry. I have seen nothing that even inclinates that the oil/gasindustry will be slowing in the next two years. Do you see otherwise? |
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I’ve been looking at maps of Colorado, and the Delta/Montrose area mentioned looks interesting. By “Western Slope”, exactly what are you referring too? Thanks for the help Map: www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/us_2001/colorado_ref_2001.jpg |
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The "Western Slope" is basically anything west of the Continental Divide. The "Front Range" is the area just to the east of the mountains, ie, Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, etc. The Front Range is the most populated area and they believe Colorado is the big cities along the mountain. The eastern plains and the west slope are more rural and "looked down upon" by the big city people and esp. the politicians. The Ridgeway area is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to live there, but alas, it's expensive. And growing.  There's a nice lake and state park there and 10 miles south is Ouray. A beautiful little mountain town with a fantastic hot spring pool. Check it out some time.Delta/Montrose would be a good compromise but you'll be living in semiarid desert with a view of mountains many miles away. Still not bad though. |
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exactly what he said. the western slope is the other side of the mountains. There are 3 colorado's (actually 4) The front range (which includes the plains), the I-25 corridor. Lots of people, lots of jobs, this is where everyone lives. There are affordable places around, but generally expensive, depends on what exact area. The mountains. No jobs, lots of rich people, lots of snow, very expensive. ridiculous actually. The western slope. Delta, montrose, Grand Junction, etc. More laid back, very energy dependent for jobs. (look up the town of Parachute took 20 years for it to recover, and it's basically now an old folks home. Value of houses went from 100k (in 1986) to basically zero overnight when they shut the main plant down. ) Warmer, less snow than mountains. HTH |