The information given by Gretchen and Melnq8 is somewhat misleading. Actually we have seen a downward trend in positivity rate. The current rate average is 8.7% I did see the figure of 6.9% as of December 31st. It does vary greatly county to county with the highest being 14.5% and the lowest less than 2%. The governor has moved several counties from red to orange and is allowing restricted indoor dining for restaurants, in fact as many states are seeing an unprecedented increase in cases, Colorado is at least at this point doing pretty well. One of those reasons for success is we have a governor who has taken strong measures to try and curb the spread of the virus.

I would also like to correct any misunderstanding about the quality of Colorado wine. We do produce some very fine wine. The Wine Enthusiast has rated many Colorado wines in the high 80’s and low 90’s. They may not stand up to the very best French wines but certainly not shabby. I can only assume those casting doubts about the quality haven’t really tried many of the varieties available. Check out Colorado wines in the Wine Enthusiast.

Also note that housing in Denver and Boulder is very expensive.

I might suggest investigating the Fort Collins/Loveland area. Not terribly convenient for a Denver commute, but I knew people that did it when we lived there. Outdoorsy stuff closer to Denver tends to draw way too many people, which got very wearisome. So that required driving a ways to avoid crowds. We used to be on volunteer ski patrol at Hidden Valley (Estes Park) way back when, but that's since been closed. Closest ski area is Snowy Range in Wyoming. Which while not summit quality skiing, lack of crowds was a huge plus. Plenty of hiking etc in and around Poudre Canyon & Rawah Wilderness.

You might also look at Louisville, Lafayette and, perhaps, Loveland. These are smaller towns but with good amenities very close to Boulder. For southern Colorado Ouray is a a very scenic town offering much if not all of what you are looking for. Eudora is a decent ski area and close to Denver and Boulder area.

Eldora.

You’re right. It’s Eldora. Word check seems to prefer Eudora for some reason.and I’m bad about not reviewing my responses.

https://www.denverpost.com/2021/01/0...ictions-polis/ The healthcare people in CO were caught off guard apparently by the opening up. And the new very infective strain of Covid is there.

Castle Rock just south of Denver might be a possibility.

Where are your friends living and are they renting for long term? I just wonder how real estate people are handling showing apartments, etc. But good luck. It's a great state.

I've certainly tried more than my share of Colorado wine. I do have a few favorites from the Western Slope, but more often than not when I've rocked up to a random winery I've been disappointed. I'll admit that I'm jaded as I lived in Australia for seven years and the wine there and in New Zealand is lovely. For someone from Minnesota, Colorado wine might taste pretty good:)

Some good wineries/wines to check out:

Two Rivers
Maison La Belle Vie
Red Fox Cellars
Greystone (ports)

The Western Slope is Colorado's fruit basket, known for its peaches, corn, etc. You'll also find a distillery or two near Palisade.

You guys are so helpful. Let me know if you ever need info on MN.

I know it’s crazy right now, I didn’t even think of the ski resorts lowering their total capacity. Yep, work would be remote.

It is great to here you guys are headed in the right direction if that is the case, that has to feel hopeful!

This sounds wonderful, I didn’t realize it had good wine. I did assume it would be better than Minnesota’s wins though. :)

I know, Boulder especially is crazy. Around $600k median home price.

Do I need to be rich to fit in out there or something? :)

Thats too bad the ski resort in Estes closed but those areas sound wonderful. I definitely wouldn’t mind the lack of crowds at Snowy Range. The hiking looks beautiful on Google images.

Thanks, these area look great. Although I think Ouray is probably too rugged for this city guy.

Thank you! I’m surprised the median home price is as much as Boulder though.

Thanks I’ll check out Castle Rock.

Yea covid is kicking the worlds ass it’s unbelievable.

my friends are renting (1-year lease right now).

Agents still do showings but they are very scheduled and only one party of about 2 people at a time. Masks, sanitizer and such. A lot is done online as well before the showing to not waste time.

CO looks so great, I’ll make it happen somehow. Even if I have to be patient for a year or so.

Thank you! I’ll add these to my list!

Please don't worry about the median price of a house. Your need to go "somewhere" and RENT and work and find out if that is the place for you. You should be checking rental availability and prices. You can reach hiking and recreation areas from any center. Decide on EAst (Denver, Boulder,Cosprings) or WEST (Gunnison, maybe Carbondale, etc) or South (Durango). Stick a pin in it and find out how much it costs to live there and what is around it. WHERE are your budies/ Go live near them.

"I know, Boulder especially is crazy. Around $600k median home price."

That's likely Boulder County. Not the city of Boulder where the median home price is much higher.

Median home prices soar across region as Boulder tops $1.1M (dailycamera.com)

As for rent, this year old article might give you some insight:

https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental...-january-2020/

And this:

https://www.rentcafe.com/sitemaps/us...market-trends/

Yep I agree. I was hoping to get into a town hime so I could have some gym equipment but I’m just going to rent given the prices. Lots of apartments some basic gym stuff anyways.

$1.1m??? Holy smokes that’s more than lots of Calirfornia cities.

Perfect, thank you!!

Fort Collins is a great suggestion, lots going on in the college town, attractive location and central area. Longmont has buckets of new housing going up (plus or minus?) and a very nice old town, excellent city parks and recs, and the number of parks/greenways in town and along the river is amazing, many added in the past few years ((2014 Flood funds). Easy to get to Denver, Boulder, I25, etc.