Mountain Project Logo

best Front Range cities?

Original Post
fossana · · leeds, ut · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 13,313

I'm currently living in Bishop but would like to relocate to a more urban setting for non-alpine season (Oct-Jun). I am able to work remotely so as long as I have decent internet bandwidth and low latency I'm good.

WISHLIST ITEMS
- >/= 30 min to trad climbing, road riding, and trails (preferably no driving for road rides)
- Indie film theater or film series
- Internet &/or biotech companies fairly close (in case I lose my remote working arrangement)
- Asian food/grocery stores
- Reasonable real estate prices (considering buying)

I'm familiar with Boulder & Lyons. Are there any other places I should consider? thanks

Justin Compton · · Erie, CO · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 785

Longmont's close by and way cheaper then Boulder, I've been living here close to the downtown area of Longmont since April and love it so far. Not as crowded as Boulder and the traffic isn't as bad.

Evan S · · Denver, Co · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 510

It's pretty obvious, but Ft. Collins is on the come up, although it's a little more driving to climb than other FR options. Other than there and Boulder and it's outlying communities, north west Denver (Golden, Louisville, Laff, Erie, Westmisnter, etc.) is your only real choice. There are many other fantastic places in the state but they are much more isolated - as in - not much high tech work or indie fests. For buying property at any sort of decent price, Boulder and Lyon's are out. Erie/Lafayette seem to be some of the last motes of reasonably priced real estate around here. South Denver is alright and closer to the Splatte, but it's just plain and simple more of a haul to really get anywhere from down there. Good luck.

edit: I'm sure someone will bring up Colorado Springs. While it is logistically and strategically well placed, you'll find the culture is VERY FAR away from it's neighbors to the north. Maybe I'm just biased because my ex-girlfriend was from there and I spent too much time there, but, yeah. Probably not what you're looking for.

Kirsten KDog · · Edgewater, CO · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 80

Golden meets most of youre criteria as well. I love Golden and how it still has somewhat of a "small-town feel" but is central to everything(but maybe I'm biased because I live there and love it!!!)

Erik W · · Santa Cruz, CA · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 280

Louisville is the hidden gem around here. I loved living there. Only reason I came back to Boulder was because I love commuting about on my bike. Going climbing is about the only time I use my car nowadays. It's great to be able to meet friends for food/drinks on short notice and just zip over on your bike. But Louisville is great in terms of quite community, easy access to everything you need, and relatively reasonable prices (compared to Boulder).

Phil Lauffen · · Innsbruck, AT · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 3,113

I grew up in colorado springs and can't recommend it ahead of boulder. The climbing within 30 min is mediocre(Garden of the gods, cheyenne canyon). Also the indie film scene isn't that great... Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think given your reqs Boulder(and nearby area) is your best bet. Longmont or Louisville have reasonable real estate prices. Boulder does not have reasonable real estate prices.

Patrick Manitou · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 145

In defense of Colorado Springs, it might be true that there are 550,000 culture-less neo-cons and fundies here, but they stay out east in sprawlarado. If you live downtown, on the westside, or in Manitou, it feels a lot more like a town of 50,000 awesome, community minded artsy and outdoorsy types. The two sides of town couldn't be more different, but fortunately, we get the good side- the one abutting the limitless and uncrowded trails (compared to Denver-Boulder), pretty damn good climbing, and a huge swath of Pike National Forest.

I'm not saying we're the high point of culture in Colorado, but it's actually not bad. Great music scene, alright art scene, alright indie movie venues.

The music scene here really is top notch in a lot of ways, especially if you like alt-country, folk, roots, etc.

Oh, and we've got round about 500 climbs within the city limits, and a short drive to the south platte and shelf road.

Fat Dad · · Los Angeles, CA · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 60

Different question, but why move to CO during the winter when you have bouldering at the Milks/Sads/Happies, Red Rocks, etc. all winter long plus Lee Vining ice nearby?

Monty · · Golden, CO · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 3,540

Golden

  • 5 mins to Clear Creek
  • 2 mins to Table
  • 15 mins to Morrison
  • 25 mins to Evergreen
  • 25 mins to Eldo
  • 40 mins to the South Platte

+ you can get 3 free beers a day at coors brewery...

and no CU students
Andrew Gram · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 3,725

Golden and Louisville sound like the best bets.

You might also consider Denver. It is definitely not optimum for really close access to climbing, but it is still less than 30 minutes to the Boulder/Golden climbing areas, and just a bit over 30 to get to the close parts of the South Platte - which I much prefer to the climbing around Boulder or Golden. The old historic neighborhoods near downtown are fun, mostly reasonably priced, and you have much better access to big city type of things like film series. Denver has an extensive bike trail system, much of which is not shared with cars. Federal south of Alameda has a lot of really good Asian markets and restaurants. The main thing with Denver is to avoid the soul crushing suburbs that surround the urban core.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Andrew Gram wrote:Golden and Louisville sound like the best bets. You might also consider Denver. It is definitely not optimum for really close access to climbing, but it is still less than 30 minutes to the Boulder/Golden climbing areas, and just a bit over 30 to get to the close parts of the South Platte - which I much prefer to the climbing around Boulder or Golden. The old historic neighborhoods near downtown are fun, mostly reasonably priced, and you have much better access to big city type of things like film series. Denver has an extensive bike trail system, much of which is not shared with cars. Federal south of Alameda has a lot of really good Asian markets and restaurants. The main thing with Denver is to avoid the soul crushing suburbs that surround the urban core.
I could never live in Denver...traffic sucks all the time (not as bad as back east), it's 10 degrees hotter in the summer, they plow for crap in the winter, no or expensive parking, expensive housing and it's either smoggy or smelly or both at the same time.

Of course not living there I miss out on all the good things and just mostly get the passing through crap. Close proximity to sports and bars/food is nice.

That being said there's a Boulder hating thread here too if you want to know what sucks about Boulder. Just replace the "smog" with "douchebags" and drop the temperature part and they'll be about equal. Not having that Commerce City smell though it good enough for me...barf.
fossana · · leeds, ut · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 13,313

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the suggestions.

I like the idea of being able to have a loft in Denver, but the time to get out of town is definitely a trade-off.

Kevin Landolt · · Fort Collins, Wyoming · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 585

There's great climbing around Fort Collins - a cool indy film plex - kick as breweries - a community oriented vibe down town - great coffee-shops and eateries - CSU - Just as close to lumpy and RMNP as Boulder - Vedauwoo is just up the road - good bouldering and sport up Poudre Canyon - lots of trad up at Greyrock - more affordable than Boulder - Great backcountry skiing up Cameron Pass...

I like it.

Andrew Gram · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 3,725
Scott McMahon wrote: I could never live in Denver...traffic sucks all the time (not as bad as back east), it's 10 degrees hotter in the summer, they plow for crap in the winter, no or expensive parking, expensive housing and it's either smoggy or smelly or both at the same time. Of course not living there I miss out on all the good things and just mostly get the passing through crap. Close proximity to sports and bars/food is nice. That being said there's a Boulder hating thread here too if you want to know what sucks about Boulder. Just replace the "smog" with "douchebags" and drop the temperature part and they'll be about equal. Not having that Commerce City smell though it good enough for me...barf.
That all sounds pretty cynical. Traffic isn't that bad, and isn't really bad at all anytime aside from rush hour. It isn't very smoggy as big cities go, and not smelly except around downtown bars at closing time when they put out the trash - or I suppose Commerce City though I have no idea why you would spend any time there. Parking is only expensive in downtown and cherry creek, but street parking is free and not hard to find in the nice historic neighborhoods around downtown. Housing isn't particularly expensive either unless that is what you want - rent is cheap in Capitol Hill, Baker, etc. and buying is reasonable unless you are buying something really special.

A downtown loft will definitely cost $$$ though.
Guy Kenny Jr · · Boulder, CO · Joined Nov 2008 · Points: 10

South Boulder is where I'd like to be. South of Baseline and you avoid CU students and traffic. Close to Eldo/ and flatirons/ riding out the door, although Mt biking sucks in boulder because of old people who like to hike. Expensive.

Longmont has a cool downtown but it isn't close to any climbing. 40 minutes or so to rocks. good riding, and closert to Hall ranch for mt biking. If you consider Longmont I have a pal who is a realtor there, he knows the ins and outs of the rental market. Send me a note and I'll give you his contact info. 1/3 the cost of Boulder.

Co Springs, great Mt biking not so great climbing, but it is still a consideration for us. 1/4 the cost of Boulder.

Golden, good option, 1/2 the cost of boulder, great mt biking, close to tons of climbing.

Just my .02

Prod.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Andrew Gram wrote: That all sounds pretty cynical. Traffic isn't that bad, and isn't really bad at all anytime aside from rush hour. It isn't very smoggy as big cities go, and not smelly except around downtown bars at closing time when they put out the trash - or I suppose Commerce City though I have no idea why you would spend any time there. Parking is only expensive in downtown and cherry creek, but street parking is free and not hard to find in the nice historic neighborhoods around downtown. Housing isn't particularly expensive either unless that is what you want - rent is cheap in Capitol Hill, Baker, etc. and buying is reasonable unless you are buying something really special. A downtown loft will definitely cost $$$ though.
Don't get me wrong, I like Denver as far as cities go BUT I still think all those things are true. Getting around Denver in a vehicle is a pain! But considering it takes 45 minutes to cross little tiny Boulder in a car, that's no picnic either.

Denver kind of reminds me of Boulder when CU is playing a game...lot going on.
mkeown Keown · · Denver, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 35

I have lived in Boulder and a few other front range cities I must say I like Denver the most. It is way more Urban, it has some culture albeit not much. You will get more house for the money than Boulder County and pay way less tax. 15 minutes to Golden and less than 30 to Eldo. Plus when you get here I will buy you a beer to thank you for the draws I bought!

fossana · · leeds, ut · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 13,313
Bob Packwood wrote:Two words: Left Hand +1 for Longmont - Very reasonable real estate prices. - Asian food and markets (and lots of Asian immigrants living here...South Asia, East Asian, SE Asia, you name it, Longmont is diverse relative to Boulder) - Amgen (biotech) plus tons of other tech/software/hardware companies with a focus on Data Storage. - Decent access to Front Range climbing, though not nearly as good as Golden or Boulder. - 15 min to Boulder, though commuting to Boulder sucks.
I used to live in Boulder and work at Amgen. They've had some major staffing cuts since.

re: Denver lofts
They vary a lot in price. If you want one of the high-end ones near LoDo (which I don't) you'll pay quite a bit.
freddy burg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 5

I'm just gonna claim my town on here Salida. But fort C is def where its at in the great state.

Bapgar 1 · · Out of the Loop · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 85
Fat Dad wrote:Different question, but why move to CO during the winter when you have bouldering at the Milks/Sads/Happies, Red Rocks, etc. all winter long plus Lee Vining ice nearby?
Also wondering about this... though if you're looking to buy a place and stay in one spot for a bit that makes sense. Otherwise I would think that you could find a location a little further south w/ your requirements that would have more variety and temperate climbing throughout the winter season than the front range.

Since I'm a wuss and don't like being cold, this comment pertains to climbing technical rock routes during the winter.
fossana · · leeds, ut · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 13,313
brentapgar wrote: Also wondering about this... though if you're looking to buy a place and stay in one spot for a bit that makes sense. Otherwise I would think that you could find a location a little further south w/ your requirements that would have more variety and temperate climbing throughout the winter season than the front range. Since I'm a wuss and don't like being cold, this comment pertains to climbing technical rock routes during the winter.
Partly b/c I need a tax write-off. I shopped around a bit in Bishop & environs but the prices are ridiculously high for a place with no jobs.

I moved from LA to Bishop b/c I was tired of driving at least 4 hours to climb every weekend. I considered temporarily moving to Vegas for Red Rocks, but most of the locals I have spoken to say they tolerate living there for the climbing. If Vegas had a larger climbing community and tech it would be the perfect compliment to the E Sierra from a seasonal perspective.

The E Sierra trails are more limiting that the Front Range during the winter given the higher elevation and there's not a lot of road riding. I could suck it up and sport climb & boulder but I'd rather have the option of trad even if it is chilly. Also if I decide to start snowboarding again the CO Pass is a way better deal than a Mammoth season pass. The downside to moving is that I have way more friends around Bishop.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
Post a Reply to "best Front Range cities?"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.