Our Dream Relocation to Colorado: The Reality Behind Mountain Life

Eight years ago, we transitioned from the Denver suburbs to a more secluded mountain town near the Rockies as my partner approached retirement.

Relocation to such a remote locale was filled with unexpected challenges, particularly in accessing essential services.

Whenever I share our location with others, they often exclaim, 'That sounds incredible!' I can’t deny the allure of breathtaking mountain vistas and trails just outside our door.

We had long aspired to move from city life to the Heart of the Rockies, having frequently vacationed here. The allure of a slower, more nature-centered lifestyle was irresistible.

In 2017, as my spouse neared his work tenure, and I secured remote work, we acquired a lovely two-acre plot with scenic mountain views near Salida, a town housing about 6,000 residents.

Grocery Shopping: A New Kind of Challenge

Our picturesque town is a tourist hub complete with numerous accommodation options. This influx of visitors, though beneficial to the local economy, complicates routine life.

We quickly learned that if we spotted something we needed at the store, we had to act fast and purchase it immediately as items vanish by the weekend due to tourist influxes.

Finding basic grocery items such as yogurt or common condiments became surprisingly difficult, a stark contrast to our previous suburban life where stores were always well-stocked.

Healthcare: A Distant Necessity

Before moving, we reviewed the local healthcare setup; the town's medical center seemed sufficient with its range of services. Yet, actual experiences revealed sparse access to specialists causing long waits and travel to Denver or further for specialized treatments.

While we're thankful for our local medical services, the aging process brings concerns over these limitations into sharper focus.

Connectivity and Communication: Unforeseen Problems

Living farther from city infrastructure, we hadn’t anticipated frequent service disruptions. Our county has few fiber-optic lines, making us susceptible during any infrastructure damage.

Disruptions in connectivity halt daily activities, causing complications like non-functional gas stations and ATMs, as well as emergency response delays.

Local government efforts are ongoing to address these concerns, yet outages remain a worry.

Embracing the Imperfections of Mountain Living

Despite these ups and downs, we cherish our decision to live here. The lifestyle allows skiing and hiking to be an intrinsic part of our day without the hassle of traffic.

The smaller community has fostered strong local connections, more meaningful than in our past suburban life. We don't foresee calling another place home.