Ridgway Colorado Real Estate

For many years, even decades now, there has been a small and quiet migration from urban areas to rural areas. An improved lifestyle drives families to seek out small communities where they find lower crime rates, better schools with smaller class sizes, room to breath and stretch out, and a sense of community and the ability to make a difference. In Colorado, the added benefits of great views, clean air and water, and a wide range of outdoor activities draws thousands. This movement has been labeled New Ruralism. The key factor enabling relocation is individual wealth. Throughout history, people have fled the country for the promise of prosperity of the city. Even today, wages are generally superior for the majority of workers in large metropolitan areas. However, many have prospered to the point of being able to retire with the means to locate wherever they choose. Others continue to work via the new electronic infrastructure that frees them from having to maintain a physical presence. And others are able to find work in growing small towns meeting the service needs of the New Ruralists. If you are looking at joining the flight, some consideration should be taken before making a move. Visiting an area, for the longest periods of time possible, will help give you a feel for the character of town. This is especially essential of you are looking to purchase or start a business. Attend church, shop, go to public meetings, talk with folks at the Chamber of Commerce, scope the bulletin board at the grocery or hardware store to see what is happening in town, subscribe to the local paper and the paper from the nearest service town, get a map from a local real estate agent and drive around neighborhoods, drive from where you'd like to live and the nearest large service town to see if that is an acceptable trip, visit the service providers you will need (doctor, horse stable, bookstore, restaurants, school, etc), check flights from the nearest airports, and spend hours in front of the post office, library, or local coffee shop. Earned income will most likely drop and job opportunities are generally limited. If you are relocating because of a job you may have a leg up, but check to see if similar opportunities exist if this one falls through. If you have a job, what is the employment scenario for your partner? If buying a business, consult with someone. In Colorado right now, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade is partnering with the Small Business Administration to provide business consulting. The local Chamber of Commerce will know where else to get advice. In any case, will a drop in income be unaffordable? A slower pace of life can benefit one physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. However, if you have an active social life, will you really enjoy or be able to adapt to the quiet or solitude? My daughter wouldn't. Samba classes may not be available, but perhaps you'd take up knitting or join a book club. The quality of the local theatre may not match the productions you previously enjoyed, but you have a greater chance of participating. Bars might close at nine or ten. If shopping is a passion, how far is it to the nearest mall? In our area, people make a five hour pilgrimage once or twice a year for a weekend of consumerism. The adjustment period to a new lifestyle varies with the individual. A friend of mine's advice went something like, "You just moved here and you've got to understand something about this area. For the next two years you need to just listen. After that you can agree with people. And in five years, you can think about offering an opinion." Clearly an exaggeration, but I have often seen transplants throwing their opinions around without having done the least investigation into the history of a given issue. The place you are moving to is already wonderful, that's why you chose it. You should enjoy its idiosyncrasies for a while before you begin to attempt repair. It's always safe to complain about the weather, but throw in a few praises about the community, history, beauty, or some such thing. Many take the opportunity to build a dream house. I've done it and can attest to the joy of creation. Others have had the most miserable experience possible. Read books about the process and seek advice from everyone. Interview professionals. Be as involved as possible. Without question, consider resale in the design, location, and finishes. This may be your dream house, but will it be the next families. I graduated from high school in San Diego, CA and have lived in metropolitan areas and small towns. I'll take a small town any day. If you choose wisely, you might like it too.

All opinions expressed are those of the author and no other. If you notice any error or omission please contact me so that I can make corrections.