I have family in Pueblo area. Thinking about locating there. I'm interested if any members live in the Pueblo area and their comments on the community, lifestyle, cost of living, etc. Also, how long is the season?
camac while I'm not a native we did live in Denver for 10 yrs from '93 - '03.
I'm thinkin Pueblo is a similar elevation and climate to Denver (maybe a bit drier overall)
A lot of Colorado riders never garage their bikes and just ride the eastern flatlands instead of the mountains in winter (that's what we did). I'd say you'll find 5 or 6 decent riding days in a month even in January and February. If you use heated gear even more...............
From Pueblo you'll be within day ride striking distance of Soooooooooooooooooooooo much beauty you'll be there decades before you see it all or even most of it!
Camac, as Katfish said, we ride year round here on the front range of Colorado. Elevation runs 5-6k feet, but that only means we get cold nights. Most of the snow hits teh mountains, and the winds here on the plains create a condition where it often never comes over teh range to us here. So, its not uncommon in winter to have a 3-4 foot snow storm in the mountains, and have 70-75 days with sunshine here on the front range.
As for Pueblo, its a working class town, with a state university. Fairly low crime rate, more sunshine and warm weatehr tahn even Denver, which is 100 mile north. Colorado Springs is about 40 miles north, with a lot of shopping and cultural events. Not a lot to the sought, unless you head down to Santa Fe, or Taos.
Some great riding from Pueblo. Head west into the mountains and and you have some of the best riding in Colroado for a day ride. If you just want a 100 mile putt, or less, head up to Cripple Creek and back. Dont forget to feed the gambling habit while there. lol
Riding southwest to Sangre deChristo mountain range, you will aslo experience some awesome riding. Head over to Alamosa or continune on to Durango, and you will one hell of an enjoyable ride. Especially if you turn north up Million Dollar highway from Durango to Montrose....one of the best rides in the entire state, as many here have stated.
There is a good size lake, Lake Pueblo, not far out of town. If you like to boat or fish, its a really great lake for teh area, as the 2nd or 3rd largest lake in Colorado. I take my boat down there from Denver a couple times a year. A lot of fun.
Housing and cost of living is pretty good too. Much lower than Denver or Colroado Springs. A seperate area, West Pueblo, is actually about 8 miles from Pueblo, and is also more expensive. But, its much closer to the lake, if that means anything to you.
The Royal Gorge is closeby near Canon City. Supermax prison is also closeby, not that you will want to go there, of course. lol Just a claim to fame for the area.
I have considered retiring down there when/if the time comes. Home prices are low, lots of sunshine year round, and warmer. It is still small enough to feel comfprtable, but big enough to have a Harley shop! (Outpost HD)
Hope this helps you get a feel for this area.
Dennis
Camac,
Dennis the Menace nailed it just about perfect. I live in Canon City which is about 35 miles west of Pueblo.
While not the cultural mecca of Colorado, Pueblo does have a pretty good HD Dealership, a couple of good
indies (Chazwick's comes to mind) and is big enough to provide any and all services (Medical, shopping,
recreation, etc..)
It is also the location of the Colorado State Fair which brings in some pretty good entertainment
every year.
I prefer cities just a little smaller, but a person could do a lot worse than Pueblo.
You guys are lucky. I'd like to live anywhere along the front range; from Estes Park to Pueblo. (although it is much, much hotter in Pueblo in the summer).
I live in Cotopaxi which about 75 miles west of Pueblo, and they are telling you right. My son lives there and seems to like it.
SR
Thanks a lot for the informantion and advice.
Quote from: sandrooney on April 10, 2009, 02:46:13 PM
I live in Cotopaxi which about 75 miles west of Pueblo, and they are telling you right. My son lives there and seems to like it.
SR
Hey Sandrooney....I'll be coming back across 50 when I return from the Moab area on a summer trip around the first of July. I seem to remember some cabins we camped in around Cotopaxi back in 86-87 on a Colorado trip. Any good camping still around there? I've been across 50 a lot of times but usually never stop between Montrose and La Junta except for gas maybe.
HDSlowride,
Lots of good camping in the area, and several campgrounds with cabins. I am right on the river as you come into Cotopaxi from the west. My office is also right on the river there big Oakley Construction sign in front, stop and say hi.
SR
That would be cool, thanks.
I live in Alabama and try to take a two week camping trip every year. Most years we end up going through some part of Colorado toward Idaho-Wyoming-Montana-S.Dakota. This year is going to be a Canyon exploring trip with Zion-Bryce-Canyonlands-Arches. I'll miss going over Beartooth....I always try to work it in but not this year.
Dennis, pretty much captured it. My Father in law lives in Pueblo west, right off Pueblo resevoir/state park. He refers to the area as High desert. Seems the wind blows there a lot, but other than that. it would be a fine place to live. I purchased 30 Acres, 5 miles east of Durango and plan to retire there when the day comes. I was born and rasied in the Highlands ranch area and you couldn't give me a house and expect me to live in that rat race. Southwestern Colorado has a lot to offer!!!
Mike
Damn Mike, I live in Highlands Ranch and.....well, okay I see what ya mean. lol I have to avoid the soccer moms on cell phones to get out of the neighborhood just to ride.
When I trade in my 19 foot Maxum, we are going for a 26-30 foot cruiser and plan to dock it at South Marina. We like Lake Pueblo really well, lots of fun down there. Will try to make it down for Memorial Day for fireworks and some sunshine next month. After all these weeks traveling to Chicago, I need some sun and a tan!
But, I need to get my motor to 103 first, sometime.
Dennis
Dennis, you have to admit that the traffic where you live is horrible. My Dad lives 3 miles south of County line rd, off of university. Growing up there, there wasn't much past where my pops lived until you got to Caslte Rock.
Yes I to like Pueblo resevoir, I actually had plans to retire in Pueblo west area. I had 9 acres, close to the resevoir. Found the 30 acres just east of Durango, sold the 9 acres in Pueblo West back in 2006. Needed to offset the cost of the 30 acres. As you know I live in Oklahoma now. I absolutely hate it, you have been here and I am sure you felt the same.
Good luck with the 103 build-when are you planning to tear her down? I may be in your neck of the woods end of May-1st of June for some RR.
Shot, over! :wink:
Mike
Might want to look into a few other things. . .
Taxes
Vehicle reg costs
insurance costs (vehicle, bike,homeowners)
property taxes
is there personal property tax?
Will your retirement be taxed by the state?
Well. . . . that's all I can think of right now. . . .
When I found the acreage/cabin in Arkiland. . . I didn't check into alot of that.
Altho we were in the Jax,FL area. . . vehicle/bike ins is higher in the rural area we are
in cuz of state 'limits'
We now have 'state tax'
State does not tax 1st $6000 of retirement. . . does after that
Property taxes are alot less. . . but we have a personal propert tax
The cabin is 748sqft. . .the house in FL was 2300sqft. . . we pay ALOT more for the cabin for homeowners.
But. . . would I make the move if I had to do it over ? ummmm. . . . probably. . . I really didn't care much for NE FL.