Hello. I'm a single, twenty-nine-year-old and am considering a move to one of several large towns/small cities. Boulder is on my list because of the outdoor recreation and focus on holistic health.

After reading the threads, I'm concerned about the cost of living in Boulder and if it's more family-oriented in activities and opportunities.

For those who live in Boulder and enjoy it (esp. those who around my age and single), why do you like it? What do you desire in city/town that Boulder meets for you? Also, what do you consider the minimum salary for living in Boulder and having time outside of work to pursue interests? ($30K?)

I'm one of those types who, after graduating from college, is just figuring out what I might like and wish to explore, so I'd like to find a place where I can afford to live and still have free time (and the opportunities) to pursue interests.

(An aside: currently, I'd like to learn more about documentary filmmaking, holistic health, polarity therapy, etc. I'd also love to take dance classes, yoga classes, etc.)

Any insights are greatly welcomed. I'm torn between just moving to a place/ taking my chances (taking odd jobs) and sitting still until an ideal job opens up somewhere else. (I'm also looking at Portland, OR and Phoenix, AZ. I live in VA.)

Many thanks, again.

If haven't tried this already, check out a website with a cost of living converter (one is posted below).

Not sure where you are coming from in VA. It looks like Boulder would be a little more expensive but it might not be by much. Phoenix is definitly cheaper. Most of Colorado is expensive. The average home price is around $250,000 typically for under 2,000 Sq Feet. If you are renting, most rentals will be close to $1,000 or more. Boulder is a little more expensive and an interesting mix. Mostly upper class, lots of college students and there is a large amount of health nuts. Another place you might check out that isn't far away and is also right next to the mountains is Golden. It might be a little less expensive. Have you visited or do you intend to?

Sorry, forgot that link:

http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html

Many thanks for the website link, lenleigh. It's a very useful site!

I've been to Denver in the summer (at the University) and enjoyed it. Coming from muggy VA, I couldn't get over how crystal clear and vibrant everything.

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Boulder during that trip but have read many positive reviews. The outdoor opportunities and interest in holistic health is very appealing.

My one concern is the cost of living. My background is in publishing and administration, so I'm not sure how far my salary would stretch.

That said, I'm seriously considering Boulder and Austin, TX, now and will probably visit each within the month. (I'll also check out Golden, based on your rec.) If I must, I'll seek short-term housing and work odd jobs in one of the cities until I find a more permanent job and home.

Many thanks, again.

Many thanks for the website link, lenleigh. It's a very useful site!

I've been to Denver in the summer (at the University) and enjoyed it. Coming from muggy VA, I couldn't get over how crystal clear and vibrant everything was.

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Boulder during that trip but have read many positive reviews. The outdoor opportunities and interest in holistic health is very appealing.

My one concern is the cost of living. My background is in publishing and administration, so I'm not sure how far my salary would stretch.

That said, I'm seriously considering Boulder and Austin, TX, now and will probably visit each within the month. (I'll also check out Golden, based on your rec.) If I must, I'll seek short-term housing and work odd jobs in one of the cities until I find a more permanent job and home.

Many thanks, again.

Hello, Boulder is a Great Town, but you will find it very pricey, more than Denver. Since your open to other places may I suggest Bend OR over Portland, which is big with awful traffic problems, not to mention the lack of sunshine. Bend has all the outdoor opportunities, lower cost of living, plus a liberal feel that you may like. I would love to live there. Good luck to you.

PS you might look at craigslist for some short term housing prices
http://denver.craigslist.org/apa/

thank you, too, coskier, for another great link!

i traveled through bend last fall and, unfortunately, didn't get to see much of it. i've heard a number of positive reviews about the city, however, and will definitely give it another look.

many thanks.