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
Sandia Reviewed by Sandia on . 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