Thinking about Denver area vs Albuquerque NM

[grfxdsnr]

OK, New Mexico is doing a might fine job of convincing hubby and I to move there. BUT, Colorado is running neck and neck.

Hubby has ms. Can't stand the cold, can't stand the heat. Both states have medical marijuana. Jim is preferring Colorado because he'll be able to get his meds easier than NM. Too cold and Jim hurts pretty good. Too hot and he melts. But, the weather is just a small factor in our decision.

Give me a few good reasons why Colorado would be a better place to live. I should add that Jim's spinal cord doctor said Colorado is a better place in his opinion for Jim.

Jim's doctor believes Colorado offers the best in terms of weather, opportunities, etc. He couldn't say enough about it. He even said Colorado is closest to heaven.

Plus Denver is building a brand new VA center with a spinal cord facility which is a HUGE plus.

OK, give it to us. Good bad and the ugly. No knocking Nm though please. I am not looking to cause any arguments. We just want to know all about both states before we make this huge move from Illinois. We're thinking Colorado Springs or Denver.

grfxdsnr Reviewed by grfxdsnr on 02-25-2010. Thinking about Denver area vs Albuquerque NM OK, New Mexico is doing a might fine job of convincing hubby and I to move there. BUT, Colorado is running neck and neck. Hubby has ms. Can't stand the cold, can't stand the heat. Both states have medical marijuana. Jim is preferring Colorado because he'll be able to get his meds easier than NM. Too cold and Jim hurts pretty good. Too hot and he melts. But, the weather is just a small factor in our decision. Give me a few good reasons why Colorado would be a better place to live. I Rating: 5

[lampost]

As far as beauty goes, they both right up. Both on the same chunk of land so pretty similar. I think the area found in Northern NM is probably the most beautiful in country.

But really we're almost talking about imaginary lines here! They both have what you need. Although MMJ has come a lot further in CO I think. I don't think NM has dispensaries, or didn't very long ago. So, you'd probably have to get hooked up with a caregiver until you can grow your own, if that's what you're going to do!

Why don't you come out for a visit. Could see both in a few days!

I have a friend in Albuquerque. I'm not a big fan. However, a family member live in Santa Fe and it was amazing although he eventually moved back to CO.

People in this forum are probably going to be biased toward CO. You will never know until you come see for yourself. Everyone is different.

[denverbear]

where abouts in Ill. are you comming from...are you a Bears fan...??
I myself am from Ill. and love living in Colo.

[CannnaLady]

I had a patient who worked as a nurse in Albuquerque and she got fired for having a medical marijuana card. Which is why should moved to Colorado
as for scenery I like colorado better. There is better snowboarding here and more places to hike of diversity. New Mexico-aside from taos (which is beautiful) all looks the same to me.

[DirtayeSanchez]

Denver and CO Springs enjoy a fairly mild winter. I moved here in February ten years ago. I serioulsy thought that there must be another Denver in CO because it was 65 F and basically t-shirt weather. It's been pretty cold this year though.

I think the Springs may be a little more conservative than Denver. Plus, if you have access to the VA in Denver, being closer would probably be good. I use the VA here. I have very few complaints.

It gets really hot here in the summer but high altitude relief is ~ 30 minutes away. The mountains are perfect in the summer.

My vote would be Denver but I hope you have great luck no matter where you end up. :rastasmoke:

Peace

[grfxdsnr]

where abouts in Ill. are you comming from...are you a Bears fan...??
I myself am from Ill. and love living in Colo.

Of course we are Bears fan! Is there any other way?

Thanks everyone, keep it coming please. The cold and snow, we are used to but could do with less if you know what I mean. This year has sucked for everyone in terms of cold and snow. It's snowing in places no one expected!

So tell me, the snow average is higher in the Denver area than here in Chicago which surprised me a little. Our snow stays and never leaves for months unless we get that one day where it melts, kind of. I hear your snow usually melts quickly due to the sun. True?

[Reenster]

I have lived in both New Mexico and Colorado. They both offer some great benefits, so it comes down to what is most important to you.

There is some beautiful places in New Mexico and also alot of nothing. The cost of living is great there especially if you move out of the metro areas a little. For the same amount of income you can live much better in New Mexico than in Colorado and that is a huge plus. I have heard that there is some supply issues in New Mexico for Medical Marijuana, perhaps because so much of the state is remote.

I can not say enough wonderful things about Colorado, this is home for me. It is beautiful here, it has a active music scene, the cost of living is going up but still affordable and the people are outstanding.

It comes down to what is the most important to you. I am sure if you pick Colorado you will not be disappointed.

FYI, I am from Upstate NY orgianally and I do not miss those winters. Over all the winters in the Denver Metro area are no where near as cold or snowy than those in Chicago and certainly alot less windy :jointsmile:

[grfxdsnr]

Thanks Reenster!

[denverbear]

Of course we are Bears fan! Is there any other way?

Thanks everyone, keep it coming please. The cold and snow, we are used to but could do with less if you know what I mean. This year has sucked for everyone in terms of cold and snow. It's snowing in places no one expected!

So tell me, the snow average is higher in the Denver area than here in Chicago which surprised me a little. Our snow stays and never leaves for months unless we get that one day where it melts, kind of. I hear your snow usually melts quickly due to the sun. True?

don't tell anyone back in Ill. but the weather here in Denver is usually 15 to 30 degree's warmer here then in Chicago...but if you want snow and cold weather then you take a 30 minute drive to the mountains..lol...most snowfalls bypass the metro area but hit east of town and head east and North...but this is just our own privite secret...

[Sandia]

Sandy,

I went to college in Colorado and have an intense passion for the state. I currently live in the Albuquerque area now with my family.

I have that "urge" to relocate to Colorado just about every month. With that being said, I still come back to New Mexico. This is purely by choice. If I had a "perfect world"....I would maintain residences in both CO and NM. Unfortunately I can't do that.

I go up to Monument CO (just north of Colorado Springs) every month so see my best friend and his family (retired USAF guy). I can make it up there in about 5 hours from Albuquerque.

My brother lives in Denver and loves it there. I do as well. There is an "urban renewal" in his area just off of Pearl street and it is NOT like I knew it back in the 80s when I went to school. Very cool, very pretty, very fun.....but there is something that keeps me coming back to New Mexico. I have no earthly idea why, but NM does grow on you.

The MMJ situation in Colorado is, by leaps and bounds, "easier" than NM. Remember, NM is a brand new state for the program. For example, Colorado has "dispensaries" very similar to California (UGH....not a fan of the state....sorry if I offend). From my brother's house, there are 4 dispensaries within walking distance. Additionally, there are more dispensaries than liquor stores according to him (anecdotal evidence). In NM, the situation is VASTLY different. No dispensaries, very few producers.....but remember that the program is VERY new in NM.

Either choice would be a good one for you and your hubby. BOTH areas have pluses and minuses. One thing I do know, is that Albuquerque has a VERY good VA hospital. Many friends are vets as well and have tremendous accolades for the hospital. I am not sure how Denver's VA center is....I know that it is a concern for your hubby.

As for the climate issue.....Denver/C-Springs area (aka front range) is not what "outsiders" seem to think. The altitude is HIGH....the fact that it is a mile above sea level has a different effect on snow than you are probably used to in IL. The snow tends to "sublimate".....not much of the "Brown heaps" that you may be used to when spring comes around back east. Most of the time (again MOST) of the time the mountains tend to get a decent amt of snow while the front range is "spared" the brunt of the precipitation. There are times that they get a bunch but for the most part, it is not an issue.

Just some thoughts from my end Sandy......

Best of luck in the search. Either way, I am sure you guys will be happy!

Regards,

Sandia