Anyone from Colorado or Maine here?

[N7YA]

My wife and i have a 5 year plan to get the business going and get the living hell out of Vegas forever. We have narrowed it down to a few prereqs...and i mean narrow.

We want a slow and secluded town, low crime, nice people, decent cost of living and scenery, no "small town" nosey neighbors or douchey suburbanites with a false sense of entitlement. I know we can find what we want. We have narrowed it down to CO and ME. The preferable areas are southeastern coastal Maine (i was born there, but only in the farthest northern reaches, my wife lived in the southern part), or the mountains/foothills of Colorado.

We want a liberal minded place that cares about the local enviroment, but no patchouli drenched hippies banging down my door trying to get us to allow a drum circle in our front yard. Also, no ultra apple pie, penis truck driving redneck hell either...just cool folks who will smile and say hi, but basically leave us alone and wont get weird ideas about us when we do the same for them.

Oh yeah, easy on the antenna ordinances too! :yes:


Now that i have listed all this crap, does anyone have any suggestions?

[KC2UGV]

Why have you limited yourself to those two states?

I ask, because (This get's old I know), WNY fits the bill for everything you are looking for:

* Liberal-minded place
* You can go from Big City to Sticks in 20 minutes flat by car. 1.5 hours by bike, and about the same by mass transit
* Our NYS senator (Mark Grisanti) is head of the Environmental Commission, and has been working hard on the area
* Little to no antenna ordinances in most places (There are some, like Amherst)
* Buffalo has a reputation for being one of the most friendly places (It's all of WNY, for the most part really)

If the snow bothers you, to be honest, most other places get plenty more than we do. The summers are generally gorgeous, winters can be harsh, but usually aren't so bad.

We have two sports teams of note (Sabres and Bills), plus a minor league baseball (Bisons), a soccer team, and an avid roller derby following :)

Some of the most gorgeous scenery one can find in this region.

Cost of living is some of the lowest in the nation. Unemployment is on the low end as well.

Just, you know, food for thought.

[WØTKX]

Well, I do like Denver OK. Nederland is in the foothills, and it's pretty laid back. Ft. Collins? It's far less of a "cow town" than Greeley, and it's pretty nice. Boulder is pretty weird, and a bit crowded... but nice otherwise. CO Springs is awfully right wing in a lot of ways.

I bet you'd like Nederland CO a lot. Fairplay is up in the mountains, but it's decent there. Be prepared, this place is full of very active folks... always amazes me when I travel how much skinnier most folks are here. ;)

[N7YA]

Why have you limited yourself to those two states?

I ask, because (This get's old I know), WNY fits the bill for everything you are looking for:

* Liberal-minded place
* You can go from Big City to Sticks in 20 minutes flat by car. 1.5 hours by bike, and about the same by mass transit
* Our NYS senator (Mark Grisanti) is head of the Environmental Commission, and has been working hard on the area
* Little to no antenna ordinances in most places (There are some, like Amherst)
* Buffalo has a reputation for being one of the most friendly places (It's all of WNY, for the most part really)

If the snow bothers you, to be honest, most other places get plenty more than we do. The summers are generally gorgeous, winters can be harsh, but usually aren't so bad.

We have two sports teams of note (Sabres and Bills), plus a minor league baseball (Bisons), a soccer team, and an avid roller derby following :)

Some of the most gorgeous scenery one can find in this region.

Cost of living is some of the lowest in the nation. Unemployment is on the low end as well.

Just, you know, food for thought.

Well, we simply started with those two states, were open to most northeastern states, and i do know that WNY is beautiful. Ive had my fill of CA, the west coast, really...and no TX! Just not for me. Snow doesnt bother me, its been a while but i grew up shovelling the shit so no worries, and as a Senators fan, going to Sabres home games would be interesting. Hmmm, ill throw it by my wife and see what she says. Thanks for the info!

[KC2UGV]

Well, we simply started with those two states, were open to most northeastern states, and i do know that WNY is beautiful. Ive had my fill of CA, the west coast, really...and no TX! Just not for me. Snow doesnt bother me, its been a while but i grew up shovelling the shit so no worries, and as a Senators fan, going to Sabres home games would be interesting. Hmmm, ill throw it by my wife and see what she says. Thanks for the info!

Sorry, misread your post (When you narrowed it down, you said pre-reqs, and not places) :)

[N7YA]

Well, I do like Denver OK. Nederland is in the foothills, and it's pretty laid back. Ft. Collins? It's far less of a "cow town" than Greeley, and it's pretty nice. Boulder is pretty weird, and a bit crowded... but nice otherwise. CO Springs is awfully right wing in a lot of ways.

I bet you'd like Nederland CO a lot. Fairplay is up in the mountains, but it's decent there. Be prepared, this place is full of very active folks... always amazes me when I travel how much skinnier most folks are here. ;)

We did a couple of shows at Belly Up in Aspen a few years back and i was entranced with the place....until i looked at how much it costs to live there. Yikes! Ill have to look up Nederland and Fairplay, maybe take a roadie up that way to scout it out. I could stand to be a bit more active. Mountains and trees are a HUGE plus in my world...i bet the elevation is great for DXing too. As i mentioned, wind and snow doesnt bother me, i learned to drive on black ice in Alaska so it would be a case of relearning the winter ways (and taking a couple of seasons to thicken up my desert blood, when i moved here from AK, my blood was like tar!).

I have a buddy in Boulder who recently escaped this putrid, godforsaken pit of satans diarreah. He is a much happier man. By the way, check out this site, http://www.bestplaces.net/ ...type in your town name and see the stats. And just so you know what im talking about, type in Las Vegas, NV...i really hate it here, my soul dies a little every time i open the garage door.

[N7YA]

Sorry, misread your post (When you narrowed it down, you said pre-reqs, and not places) :)

In all fairness, i did say we narrowed it down to those two states, so you were right.

Theres 48 others....well, minus TX...and CA....and likely much of the midwest...and no west coast...ok, a FEW more states. Nothing against them, i just cant seee us in a few of those for any reason, a few others because they dont have what we want, and others because we havent really explored them as an option very well. Like i said, were just starting to toss this around.

[KC2UGV]

I was actually quite surprised to see Buffalo rank #2 here: http://www.bestplaces.net/docs/studies/americas_top_relocate_cities.aspx

[n2ize]

Why have you limited yourself to those two states?

I ask, because (This get's old I know), WNY fits the bill for everything you are looking for:

* Liberal-minded place
* You can go from Big City to Sticks in 20 minutes flat by car. 1.5 hours by bike, and about the same by mass transit
* Our NYS senator (Mark Grisanti) is head of the Environmental Commission, and has been working hard on the area
* Little to no antenna ordinances in most places (There are some, like Amherst)
* Buffalo has a reputation for being one of the most friendly places (It's all of WNY, for the most part really)

If the snow bothers you, to be honest, most other places get plenty more than we do. The summers are generally gorgeous, winters can be harsh, but usually aren't so bad.

We have two sports teams of note (Sabres and Bills), plus a minor league baseball (Bisons), a soccer team, and an avid roller derby following :)

Some of the most gorgeous scenery one can find in this region.

Cost of living is some of the lowest in the nation. Unemployment is on the low end as well.

Just, you know, food for thought.

Actually if you want to enjoy rural or "remote" living most of upstate New York fits the bill. In particular counties like Essex, Fulton, Hamilton and Washington counties which extend through much of the Adirondack region are vast, scenic, and quiet. When I passed though there last I felt as if I was passing through a remote part of Alaska. Friend of mine has a camp up there. He can stay up there for a month and encounter nary a soul.

[KG4CGC]

I think you'll need to go across the border into Vancouver.

[W3WN]

A lot of Western PA, especially once you get a little ways from Pittsburgh, Erie, or the Johnstown-Altoona, might fit the bill as well.

That said, if you're looking at Colorado, talk with Randy K0RCC (of the This Is True newsletter). Also, although we're a little out of touch, Don W0DM is a pretty good guy, he might have some info or suggestions as well.

[NQ6U]

I think you'll need to go across the border into Vancouver.

Vancouver is a great city but it's not what he's looking for: "a slow and secluded town, low crime, nice people, decent cost of living and scenery, no 'small town' nosey neighbors or douchey suburbanites with a false sense of entitlement." Except for the part about the nice people, scenery and no douchey suburbanites, at least.

[WØTKX]

Well, I moved here in 1990. Been all over the state, lived in the mountains and the Front Range Metro. Perhaps the North Park area?

Never mind, eh? :dunno:

[N7YA]

We also have to consider that we will need to fly into the nearest airport, rent a car and drive out to the town we finally have our eye on to scout it out and get a feel for it. I suspect we will do this several times. Which, of course, is fine since we will be staying in B&B's and consider it a vacation. I also ran NY state by her, and since ive been there, i can vouch for how beautiful the western part of the state can be. Things to think about for sure.

[N7YA]

A lot of Western PA, especially once you get a little ways from Pittsburgh, Erie, or the Johnstown-Altoona, might fit the bill as well.

That said, if you're looking at Colorado, talk with Randy K0RCC (of the This Is True newsletter). Also, although we're a little out of touch, Don W0DM is a pretty good guy, he might have some info or suggestions as well.

PA is always cool, but ive been going there every year for the past 25 years and, while i always enjoy it, it never really made it onto the radar. My mom lives in Carlisle and she is scratching at the walls to get out of there...too apple-pie, big truck, conservative for her rebellious liking. But i really like the history there, and the countryside is incredible.

Thats one thing i forgot to mention, i love history, particularly US/NA history since my family was part of it going back to the 17th century. The entire east coast is flush with great historical sites, but im really drawn to New England for some reason. I have to consider what my wife wants as well...so far, we both agree on either ME or CO...so far.

[N7YA]

Well, I moved here in 1990. Been all over the state, lived in the mountains and the Front Range Metro. Perhaps the North Park area?

Never mind, eh? :dunno:

You have some great suggestions, i didnt know you lived in all those places...you are pretty much my Colorado go-to guy! And, of course, when we do out scouting trip up there, we should swing by and meet you.

[N7YA]

No matter what, i really appreciate all you guys jumping in there and tossing ideas my way....what a great Island we have here!

[rot]

Well I live close to an airport (RDU).
The other stuff...hmmm...on political thought...hmmmm...my voting block is about 400 to 500 peeps. 10 to 15% of us are D's. Lots of God fearin' going on...but at my level of ruralness it isn't big day to day deal. I do have some very nice Repub neighbors though...I must admit. They have allowed this socialist commie pinko to integrate nicely without regret...we try to all play nice and I trust my kid with them as theirs with me...
and then we have a few full blown nutters...but there ya go.

3 hours to the Banks or the mountains is a sweet deal IMHO...but call me after Irene tracks by and/or passes...I might recall this position.

Hope you find what you are looking for...makes life nice to have a nice home in an area you like...fer sure.

rot

[KG4CGC]

Asheville NC.
A LIBERAL OASIS IN A SEA OF REPUBLICAN HYPOCRISY.

[rot]

Asheville NC.
A LIBERAL OASIS IN A SEA OF REPUBLICAN HYPOCRISY.

Asheville rocks..:agree:

[WØTKX]

Well, I wouldn't say Aspen, unless you have a lot of $$$. Best description of the place? A bumper sticker I saw (no pic, unfortunately) that said "For a small town, there sure a lot of A**holes here". True dat. Even Carbondale (where I worked) was a bit ridiculous. I had a gig with a dying ISP that went under, as one of the owners was (unknown to me) embezzling the crap out of the place, and it got shut down.

I presume you don't really want to live in a "ski-town", as they are very expensive. And crowded with tourists. Crested Butte is the coolest ski town. It just ROCKS though it's remote. I lived in Summit County... Breckenridge/Blue River area(s). My rent controlled "full time residents only" efficiency was $850 per month, and that was a DEAL. I loved living there, but was part of the "resort underclass", which got really old. Once ski instruction became a sales job for private lessons with rich clients, it was time to GTFO.

Here's some "in the mountains" places to check out:

Glenwood Springs-Rifle: just far enough from Aspen, a bit pricey but nice.
Gypsum-Eagle area: just far enough from Vail, also a bit pricey.
Delta-Montrose area: Warmer, more desert like. Reasonable prices.
Buena Vista: very laid back, outstanding views, reasonable prices.
Leadville: my first choice, high altitude mining town, great history, cheaper.
Hayden-Craig: just far enough from Steamboat, reasonable prices.
Fairplay: solid second personal choice after Leadville, a bit ramshackle, but up and coming.
Kremmling: laid back and inexpensive, a bit lower elevation than some.
Walden: North Park area, also cheaper, but a bit remote. Love that North Park valley.

The foothills is a different story, let me know if you are interested. Tends to be $pendier.
But Nederland is one of the coolest of those places... and tends to be good for musicians.

You may see me wind mic cords for ya yet, 'cause I'm good at that. :lol:

[W3WN]

PA is always cool, but ive been going there every year for the past 25 years and, while i always enjoy it, it never really made it onto the radar. My mom lives in Carlisle and she is scratching at the walls to get out of there...too apple-pie, big truck, conservative for her rebellious liking. But i really like the history there, and the countryside is incredible.

Thats one thing i forgot to mention, i love history, particularly US/NA history since my family was part of it going back to the 17th century. The entire east coast is flush with great historical sites, but im really drawn to New England for some reason. I have to consider what my wife wants as well...so far, we both agree on either ME or CO...so far.Carlisle? South Central PA. Too close to Harrisburg for my tastes.

Go West, young man. Lots of nice areas in Greene, Fayette and Somerset Counties. From these three you can get to Pittsburgh International in under an hour, for the most part at least.

Also, Fulton County only has 2 hams in it (one of whom has a MD address, that's where his post office is)... they'd love you in Pa QSO... just sayin'...

[W1GUH]

Despite some disadvantages, Las Vegas is pretty much a happening place -- there's lots and lots of superb talent there. Don't know what your specific knock(s) are about it, but it's possible that moving into an area that you described might leave you stir crazy without the stimulation provided by being embedded in great talent.

And, if the low cost of living associated with some rural areas seem attractive, there's a reason prices are low....the demand is low.

Was it Joni Mitchel who sang, "You don't know what you've got til you lose it."

[KK4AMI]

My wife and i have a 5 year plan to get the business going and get the living hell out of Vegas forever. We have narrowed it down to a few prereqs...and i mean narrow.

We want a slow and secluded town, low crime, nice people, decent cost of living and scenery, no "small town" nosey neighbors or douchey suburbanites with a false sense of entitlement. I know we can find what we want. We have narrowed it down to CO and ME. The preferable areas are southeastern coastal Maine (i was born there, but only in the farthest northern reaches, my wife lived in the southern part), or the mountains/foothills of Colorado.

We want a liberal minded place that cares about the local enviroment, but no patchouli drenched hippies banging down my door trying to get us to allow a drum circle in our front yard. Also, no ultra apple pie, penis truck driving redneck hell either...just cool folks who will smile and say hi, but basically leave us alone and wont get weird ideas about us when we do the same for them.

Oh yeah, easy on the antenna ordinances too! :yes:


Now that i have listed all this crap, does anyone have any suggestions?

You have pretty much described Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County in Central Virginia. We are a college town with the University of Virginia. The school and town are liberal and environmentally oriented. John Paul Jones Arena handles big concert venues and name acts. The surrounding county gets more conservative and republican, but still environmentally oriented. I am six miles south of Charlottesville and on the top of a foothill with beautiful antenna coverage (no ordinances). I just don't have what I would call a beautiful antenna yet. My neighbors are over 200 yds away on either side.

It can get toasty here in the summer, but we have three great seasons of spring, summer and fall. Winters can get cold, but snows are purely decorative and not traffic stopping! I've lived in Dayton, Ohio and north of Pittsburgh, PA. Winters there seem twice as long because of the lake effect clouds. It seems like the sun disappears in November and doesn't return until April. I was always depressed. In Charlottesville, you might get a snow storm one day, but the next is always bright and sunny! It does a lot to make winter seem shorter.

Oh ya! We have the two hour rule here. Two hours to the ocean, two hours to Wash DC and two hours to ski resorts.

[W7XF]

I think you'll need to go across the border into Vancouver.
And take the ferry over to Victoria and cut some fr∅∅tcake's coax :)