Moving from the City to the Country

AspenQn · ‎06-13-2010

They say timing is everything, but it looks like my husband's company will be going through a merger and their HQ will be moving back to Texas. We definitely don't want to leave Colorado again, so contemplating early retirement and buying a place in a rural mountain community.

Has anyone done this who is a "city" girl? I grew up in Houston and have lived in Denver, Bakersfield, Dallas, back to Houston, and then back to Denver. The smallest city I've ever lived in was Bakersfield and I hated every single minute of every day that I lived there, but it was mainly because I hated the hot weather having moved there from Denver.

We are looking at small mountain town on the Western Slope which has a temperate climate (for Colorado), gorgeous mountain views and where we can have acreage with ponds to train our retrievers. There will be a fair amount of tourists there in the summer because of the wineries in the area (it has been likened to Napa/Sonoma 40 years ago), but I worry about the winters.

Anyone have any thoughts or advice?

sandy53 · ‎03-12-2010

It is so much easier now to live in a smaller community because of online shopping. Now you have access to everything. We do not eat out for entertainment, so I don't worry about which restaurants are here. Our small community has two community choral groups, an excellent band, a symphony, and the community college has good cultural offerings, too. You just have to take advantage of what is offered.

One of the difficult things for me is lack of access to a good airport. A medium sized airport is 1.5 hours away, but the connections are awful. There is a major airport 3 hours away and that's ok except in the winter when driving that far is sometimes difficult. More and more we are finding that we need to drive 1-1.5 hours for medical specialists. Medical care is something to think about.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

You'll have adjust to the idea that you won't have the entertainment options you have in the city or good restaurants, or access to friends, church, theaters. If you aren't highly social, you'd probably be content. I'm very familiar with Western Colorado and lived about 27 years in Houston. I figure ANY PLACE is better than Houston. Hated it. What city are you considering being near in Colorado? I retired to NM as did my parents (Co. Natives) to avoid the harsh winters. I know people who drive all the way from Durango to Albuquerque to use the airport and see doctors or have surgery...not convenient.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

ennui1 · ‎06-23-2013

I don't know how old you are, but you should consider access to good medical care. That gets to be a factor as one ages. Even if you are in good health, accidents happen, and if the nearest hospital is in the next state ...

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

Two years ago, DH and I moved from our lifelong city of 300,000 across the state to a village of 3,000. It has proved to be one of the best decisions we ever made.

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.

Marsha2003 · ‎03-12-2010

I agree with other posters that the most important things to me are easy access to top-notch medical facilities, an airport with flights that will work for my travel needs, fast Internet availability and reliable package delivery services. I don't need local entertainment or shopping if I have the last two.

Pickwickpapers · ‎06-24-2013

If you can manage it why not take a trial stay at the town and community that you are interested in moving to. Visit and take in the community, check out local activities, areas of interest, homes, medical facilities, etc. it might take you a few weeks or you could know immediately. Check our real estate with a local agent, visit the chamber of commerce, check out groups you are interested in, churches too if that is on your list......good luck on finding your new home!

MomCat · ‎09-12-2010

I moved from a large city to a small rural community and I LOVE it! I would never go back. Yes, it's further to shopping and medical, but everyone here manages it just fine. I'm amazed at how many elderly people live out like this. I've always worried a little about growing old in this environment, but this older population inspires me.