Here lately I have felt the call to head west. Some where in the Rocky Mountains. Colorado would be the most logical since my Dad, sisters, niece, aunt, and uncle live there. Although I wouldn't count out Wyoming, or Montana. I actually lived in CO for several years growing up. Moved away when I got old enough, my reason being my dad didn't know anything. Turns out he's always right. My wife and I have really been talking of taking the big leap within two years. I'm ready to chase Elk and Mule deer instead of whitetails, Geese instead of ducks, and awesome mountain biking trails instead of the little trails we have here. Our plan is to keep piling money into savings and have at least 60k and debut free when we make the move. More if we can swing it. Only part we do not like is moving away from friends and "some" family. I have been at my job for nine years now. To be honest it scares the crap out of me to leave into the unknown. Even though I would be able to find a job in my field pretty easily. My wife graduated from RN school a few months ago so she is set no matter what. Then we have our three year old son. He would be five by the time we plan on moving. It would be perfect for him school wise verses making friends then moving him away. Sorry for all of the rambling, just need someone to tell me I'm not crazy. Have any of you ever just packed up the family and took off? What was it like? Biggest struggles? I always thought Del Gue was right, since the first time I stepped foot in the Rocky Mountains, they are the marrow of the world. Thanks for reading.
If my wife wasn't so tight with her family, I would be GONE. This area has nothing more to offer me. I love it at times, but you can't buy land, the cities/towns economies are going downhill, crime rate is going up, etc., etc., I'm regretting staying in one location my whole life. I'm not completely unhappy, don't get me wrong, but part of me really wants to know what else is out there. Hopefully when we're older, I can at least move somewhere part of the season. I say do it. Don't look back.
I have been on the verge twice. And by on the verge, I mean I was setting things up for the move. The first was to be to Denver. But then I met my current wife. That kinda stalled those plans. The second was to Seattle last year. I had already discussed the transfer with the boss, and the wife was on board because her best friend lived in Seattle. But then my wife got pregnant, and her best friend all of a sudden moved back to LA. That was the end of that. I know I don't belong in LA. The only thing keeping me here right now is family, and with a kid now, it makes it just that much more difficult to move across the country. The grandparents complain enough about not seeing us right now, and we are only 2.5 hours away. We still toss around the idea, as the mountains have always called to me, but at the moment, I don't see us going anywhere in the foreseeable future. My advice is go to if you have nothing holding you back. More than likely, you will not regret it, and if you do, you can always move back.
Most of our family lives in OK. The only problem is, my son sees my dad more then he has seen the other three combined. It's something we have been wanting to do for a few years now. I definitely don't want to move without plenty of $$$ though. Just feel there isn't much left here for us now. The plan is to be there in two years by the time I'm 30. Hopefully it all works out. I don't want to look back in 30 years and say I should have moved and never did.
Don't lump the entire state of CO as a "liberal weenie state". Denver and Boulder, sure, but the vast majority of the state is quite conservative. The western part of CO actually wants to secede and form their own state for this reason.
Illinois is a train wreck liberal weenie state but it's pretty much all because of one county. So, even tho' the rest of IL would like to carve off most anything north of 1-80 and east of I-39.... the fact is... that Illinois is a liberal weenie state. As long as Colorado is run by liberal weenies.... it too is a liberal weenie state. (with plenty of liberal weenie laws)
It sounds like you and your wife are in a good spot in your lives/careers to pick up and move and also being able to move before your little one starts school...I would do it in a heartbeat!
Most know my thoughts on this. I'm going. Period. If I don't get the residency in Alaska, it will be either New Mexico, South Dakota, or Montana but only as a stopping point to Alaska. I will move there. Eventually if I ever settle down, get married, have kids etc I may consider moving back around family in Kentucky.... But I have none of those obligations nor will I anytime soon. So I'm as good as gone.
4 more years and my plan to semi- retire will take effect. Yes I will be Colorado bound and maybe own buy a small resort with cabins you rent out by the week.
This is correct. The residents of that liberal weenie state are slowing taking it back also. The western slope is where I would want to be. It's a slower life once you cross the divide. My family lives in between Denver and the Springs. Those two areas would be the easiest places to find work. Anywhere close to those mountains and family would be perfect.
I don't think I'd ever want to go back if I lived in one of those states. I'd love to move to Montana, I don't think the wife would though. Colorado still has warm summers and not near as cold that's what she enjoys.
I have lived in a few towns on the western slope. LOVED IT! The Hotchkiss / Paonia area is awesome. Beautiful, great hunting and fishing. Spent a bit of time in Grand Junction and Telluride as well. Truth be told though when / if I move back west it will be Wyoming or Montana possibly even Idaho without a doubt. I fall asleep each night dreaming of my time up there. The Wind River Range, Tetons, man oh man. Long story short, go for it!!
New Mexico or South Dakota would be 1-2 year stops max as a stepping stone to the hospital I hope to work for in Anchorage. I could always just move up there anyway and take a job elsewhere, but I want to have my cake and eat it too so to speak.
Western slope is by my favorite. There is a place called Grand Mesa that has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Of course you couldn't live up there, but I could get close. There is nothing like those Rockies.
I don't presume to know your personal beliefs and please excuse me and ignore this if it is contrary to your heart but if it were me and I wanted to know if it was the right thing to do I would ask a Higher Authority. Folks here can sure tell you the pluses and minuses of the location but only One knows if it's right for you and your family. An earnest prayer can get you some good answers! After that if things sort of just fall into place then there's your answer. If they don't then it's decision time.
