Location, location, location...

[JudyB]

We have been thinking about where we will relocate in about 5 years or so, when we can retire. We had settled on a place in Colorado (westcliffe) that is right up against the Sangre de Christo mountains, primarily for climate (similar to ours now) and proximity to mountain hiking/backpacking. The temps are familiar to us, but the lack of precipitation 14.5" annual is worrying to me especially in light of the fires that are ever more prevalent in the area, not to mention water availability in general. We had hoped that this would be a perfect spot, as numerous other mountain areas are within a day's drive, and this is what we love (other than of course, the bonsai). We are now considering Oregon, and Washington. We are happy with cold, don't care for heat, and don't mind some snow. Small towns are ok, Big ones, not so much. Any ideas from you guys out there??? If there are spots in Colorado that get more rainfall, I'd still like to wind up there...
Thanks!

 

[coh]

Check out:

http://prism.oregonstate.edu/pub/prism/state_ppt/colorado300.png

There are places in Colorado that get a lot more precipitation per year, but the vast majority of that falls as snow during winter and spring (and probably those are higher elevations and western mountain slopes). I don't know if there are any maps that show just summer rainfall, you might want to try googling that. Boulder gets closer to 20" annually from what I've seen.

 

[fourteener]

Lived in Colorado for 15 years. Estes Park,Nederland, Northglenn and Lamar. My reccomendation would be where my parents moved. Woodland Park. 20some miles west of Colorado Springs. In the mountains at a good altitude to have cool summers. Away from the western slope to avoid the mass of snow. Good access to the city and Chaffee County for outdoors adventure( aka yamadori hunting) Better access than Westcliff, still out in creation. We know the Alpaca people in West Cliff!!