Moving to Colorado?

“I’m leaving on a jet plane
I don’t know when I’ll be back again . . .”

John Denver has a way with words.

I’ve been checking out the literature online and there appear to be a whole lot of reasons for moving to Colorado from wherever. The most common reason for making a move occurs among the folk who want to kick the city habit.  I can get that – really.

Nine to five; five (or more) days a week; two (or if you’re lucky, three) weeks’ vacation a year. On and on and on it goes. Dog eat dog; up with the sparrows to commute into the city; home late; no time for yourself or for your family. Been there; done that.  I can understand why someone says, “No more! I’ve had it with this lifestyle! I want to get back to nature. I want to live the way I was raised. I want simplicity. I want to know my family and I want them to know me.”

So, let’s look at the whole thing from a practical side.  What will you score? Where will you lose out?

If you are looking for nature on your doorstep; if you want a kid-friendly neighbourhood and a place where old folks can live safely, then Colorado is just the ticket. Add to this low crime rates; good school districts and a range of activities to suit all ages, and you are set to go.

There must be a reason why you thought of Colorado in the first place. You grew up here or had some holiday time here? Most of the time it’s because you have some picture-perfect idea of what the West is like.  You must, however, have a realistic view of things before you actually make the move.

the East you will think the cost of housing is amazingly cheap, but folks from some of the more affordable states will not find this to be the case. Certainly, if you want to live in Aspen or Vail, you will need a great deal of money to make your dream happen.

When it comes to taxes, most people pay the same rate of tax to the federal government, but each state is allowed to set its own taxes, like sales and property tax.  Colorado, at 2.9%, has the lowest sales tax of the states that do levy such a tax.  That must be seen as a benefit!

In the final analysis, it’s about a lifestyle, I guess. Everything comes at a price. Does what you are leaving behind have more value for you than what you are coming towards? If it does, you are making a mistake. If it doesn’t –  welcome to Colorado!

About the Author:  Aaron Garcia has lived in many places across the US, including Colorado.  His desire for an outdoor, yet luxurious lifestyle attracted him to the real estate in Steamboat Springs. In his free time, he enjoys hitting the slopes on his skis and fly fishing in the Elk River.