@Xanthan: I live in Thornton right now. I'm in a cute little house in the friendliest neighborhood I've ever experienced. When I was in an apartment, things were mild... occasionally you'd see children causing a bit of chaos but neighbors minded their own business. This neighborhood is somehow full of children but there is no chaos... my neighbors are constantly bringing me food and buying things for my new baby. Its strange to me to have neighbors with a sense of community, because I did not experience that anywhere else I lived. I kinda feel like I'm slacking in reciprocation lol
Locally, there are a lot of things for me to do socially... the comic shop I used to work at is a few blocks away, and they host events and let people just come hang out whenever, with plenty of games available to play. There are a few farmers markets with great food. Lots of small-business style restaurants that treat you like family. We're not too far from Denver, which is a bit more hustle-bustle-y... there is a bit of a homeless problem, but they're almost always just nice people down on their luck. I've never been afraid when in Denver. We have an amazing local music scene, and local shows are very cheap. Bigger acts often roll through on the cheap as well, and play smaller venues so you can get up-close and personal with them.
As Moody said, our weather is rather unpredictable... but to me, that means you're not stuck with unfavorable conditions. If it snows, its usually melted by the next day or two.
The mountains are gorgeous, and whenever we drive up, I feel a bit healthier. My sinuses clear up, I can breathe better, and there is a good mental clarity that comes from being far from other people. Camping in the mountains is simply lovely.
Its worth mentioning that marijuana is legal, not that everyone doesn't know that already. If you're ok with that, its great, but I can see how it might be annoying if you're not. There are an abundance of dispensaries... like a LOT. My husband and I both partake to ease our anxiety, so its very convenient if you use for medicinal purposes. Its also easy to get CBD for medicinal use as well (its the only thing that takes the edge of my migraines.) If you get yourself a med badge, there are tons of job opportunities in that field, and they can pay very well. Its also not hard to avoid contact with marijuana, its not as though everyone is walking down the street smoking... but its nice to be aware that its a thing I guess.
Ping me, Devil Daddy, ping me.