Moving in a year. Reno vs Colorado Springs vs Denver suburbs

[44hunter45]

Reno - There is better duck hunting in Nevada than anyone seems to think and it's fly fishing is one of the best kept secrets in the world. I would look hard at Storey or Douglas Counties. Take the extra cash flow and apply out of state.

I lived there in the early seventies so my experience isn't too relevant any more. In those days it was staunchly conservative. It is still a place where no one will get in your face for shooting your guns in the desert.

 

[mtmuley]

California
I had a very minor back surgery in January of last year and decided to take the year off and travel with the wife to look for properties. It was a fantastic experience but also an eye opener. The "grass isn't always greener" has a whole new meaning to me. Really sad how far some of these states have fallen , I don't want to turn this political, but there are PLENTY of states with the same or even worse problems than CA. All in, I'd say I I have it narrowed down to 3 states I'll consider relocating to.

Montana sucks. mtmuley

 

[HONEYBADGER]

Montana sucks. mtmuley

You can change birth certificate selections in MT now though so you have that going for you.

 

[Watts307]

Am close to retiring. Housing prices are not a concern nor is the job market. We will spend 30 to 90 days overseas each year so can avoid those months while healthy enough to travel. I enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant on special occasions. Decent medical facilities are a plus with some "old age issues" specialists available.

Have spent winters in Scottsdale and summers in Portland. Will sell both homes and buy a home in one of three cities: Reno, Colorado Springs, Denver suburb such as Golden.

For any of you with knowledge on any of the above cities, what would be your Top 3 reasons to move and Top 3 to avoid?

I have some bonus points in NV and Preference points in CO. In Colorado could immediately, upon achieving residency, have 100% odds on good elk, deer, pronghorn and bear hunts plus 10% on moose and Bighorn ewe. In Nevada, no real locks to draw with my points.

I no longer mountain hunt (picture below from a decade ago) or solo backpack hunt but can manage okay on an outfitted hunt on horses into back country. I can day hike hunt as well but not very deep and no way can pack an elk out anymore. I like to turkey hunt. Duck hunt. I enjoy fly fishing but have not done so for a decade. I enjoy day hikes. Riding horses. I don't ski anymore.

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Reno pencils out to provide about $1,000 to $2000 more a month of post-tax cash flow, mostly due to having no state income tax. That is not life-altering for us. I think of Reno as Scottsdale but 20 degrees cooler each month plus snow and forest fire smoke.

Colorado Springs is about twice the size of Reno and a bit more conservative. Near Denver if want to spend a weekend in a big city. More snow than Reno.

Denver suburb has tons of non-stop flights via DEN including 14 countries plus pro sports teams but air quality varies from good (Golden) to bad (Aurora) and have 3 million neighbors including some which have issues society is struggling to address yet those folks are drawn to Denver with its outreach services.

I will be happy in any of these three cities.

I say buy a fifth wheel and go live in all. Your retired, go travel a bit, put the fifth wheel in a KOA and get a feel for it. I moved to WY and stayed in my truck camper for 8 months. just my two cents, sorry to dig up old thread if I did.

 

[LopeHunter]

I say buy a fifth wheel and go live in all. Your retired, go travel a bit, put the fifth wheel in a KOA and get a feel for it. I moved to WY and stayed in my truck camper for 8 months. just my two cents, sorry to dig up old thread if I did.

I like the cut of your jib. My wife responds that the next Mrs. Lopehunter will likely love the fifth wheeler. So, I am not saying yes, not saying no.

 

[LopeHunter]

Following up. I retired in February 2024 and moved to our vacation house in Phoenix metro. We are spending a month in a rental in Denver. starting in 3 weeks and if we handle the winter and elevation then will buy a place in Denver. I like the medical options and flight options in Denver. Reno seemed a little "small" for us. We also visited Knoxville, TN. Felt small, too. NV and TN lack a state income tax so wanted to consider each.

I have family in MO so is a one-day drive from Denver to see them.

Appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Maverick1]

Following up. I retired in February 2024 and moved to our vacation house in Phoenix metro. We are spending a month in a rental in Denver. starting in 3 weeks and if we handle the winter and elevation then will buy a place in Denver. I like the medical options and flight options in Denver. Reno seemed a little "small" for us. We also visited Knoxville, TN. Felt small, too. I do live than NV and TN lack a state income tax.

I have family in MO so is a one-day drive from Denver to see them.

Appreciate all the feedback.

Thanks for the update!