Montrose, potential move, how bout it?

[Name Redacted]

Employment opportunity for my spouse has entered the chat. Like the idea at first blush. Love to visit the western slope. Kinda far to skiing compared to our current 10 min drive but not too unlivable. But this county (summit) is starting to really wear on me finally. Almost 30 years and I have definitely fought the negativity for a long time but when presented with this option it seemed like a viable alternative to the ski tourist town lifestyle.

Anyway, besides the wonders of methamphetamine what are some of the pros/cons of the area? Of course Ridgway is on the table too, but the wife deserves a shorter commute if possible.

[SkiLyft]

Spent a month in Montrose for medical school rotations back in . Sleepy / Odd vibes for sure… seems lots of long time locals who are just weird. My attending pointed an AR at my head while showing me his firearms (dead ass, I shit you not). Needless to say I passed on the job offer when it came.


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[ex-powderbroker]

move

[leroy jenkins]

Its not bad, I'm here now. The town park mnt bike trails are actually super fun, although small. Theres amazing dirt biking in weird clay hills outside of town, like video game type terrain for dirt biking if thats your thing. For skiing, Telluride is a haul, and you'll fight traffic, but marble is hardly any more time given equal traffic, and often less because there won't be any traffic at all, and the drive will be pleasant, and the skiing uncrowded.

I can say, the housing rental market is fucked here, I mean its fucked everywhere but uniquly fucked here, I mean in some ways its this pocket of afordability close to much more expensive places, but its also been a low demand housing market for a long time, meaning not much new construction and by new i mean like, 10 or 20 years. Newer houses are around, but I was amazed when I was looking for a place how many horrible trashholes were shown to me by people expecting a decent amount of money. $2k for a two bedroom but hey be really careful with the toilet cus if it gets clogged the unfinished dirt floor basement drain will back up with sewage and make shitmud. I would advise buying a home or renting in one of the newer apartment buildings. Decent houses are out there, but expect to look for a while.

If you are into aviation at all, it is a good place for that.

People here seem pretty nice for the most part. Not too many radically left or right, just decent folks.

[leroy jenkins]

Spent a month in Montrose for medical school rotations back in . Sleepy / Odd vibes for sure… seems lots of long time locals who are just weird. My attending pointed an AR at my head while showing me his firearms (dead ass, I shit you not). Needless to say I passed on the job offer when it came.


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My experience both contradicts and confirms this oddly enough... I get an ok vibe from this place overall, only met one real weirdo here, but yea, that wierdo pointed his ar at my head while showing it to me. God I wonder if it could have been the same guy. Its a pretty small place and he's been here for years.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

A bonus is that you can hang out and be friends with Leroy, that alone should seal the deal.


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[AlpiNord]

Employment opportunity for my spouse has entered the chat. Like the idea at first blush. Love to visit the western slope. Kinda far to skiing compared to our current 10 min drive but not too unlivable. But this county (summit) is starting to really wear on me finally. Almost 30 years and I have definitely fought the negativity for a long time but when presented with this option it seemed like a viable alternative to the ski tourist town lifestyle.

Anyway, besides the wonders of methamphetamine what are some of the pros/cons of the area? Of course Ridgway is on the table too, but the wife deserves a shorter commute if possible.

As I understand it, Montrose is aggressively ramping up medical and assisted living facilities which should influence some of the 'attitudes' in the area. The access to a lot of outdoor options in all directions without tons of people, year round is a huge plus. The flight options out of the updated airport offers better access, too, compared to Durango and Gunnison, or you can get to GJ.

A colleague's son & DIL moved there from Boulder and loves the reduced cost of living and quick access to hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, etc. Ridgway is a tourist zoo in the summer, but still has a good vibe.

[leroy jenkins]

A bonus is that you can hang out and be friends with Leroy, that alone should seal the deal.


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Aren't you going to threaten to dox and swat me?

Or did you decide breaking the law to harrass me isn't a good look, especially maybe these days?

[Name Redacted]

Good stuff guys, no "hard-No's" yet. haha. We would probably buy a small townhome or something initially, but there are some badass barndominiums around there that are super tempting!

Yeah, the outdoor stuff around there would for sure keep us busy enough. I'd honestly probably ski less in the winter, but summer activities would be longer so that's an OK tradeoff I guess. We'd be seeing two properties in Summit so if I really wanted to be close to skiing on the weekends I could be. But to be honest, I'm pretty over skiing around here. Abasin has always been my escape but that place is changing quick and not for the better.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji6][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]Aren't you going to threaten to dox and swat me?

Or did you decide breaking the law to harrass me isn't a good look, especially maybe these days?

I’m living rent free in your head for things I never threatened or did, again you’ve got me confused with someone else. I think you’re a harmless buffoon. Obviously, you moved to Montrose.


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[N1CK.]

Good stuff guys, no "hard-No's" yet. haha. We would probably buy a small townhome or something initially, but there are some badass barndominiums around there that are super tempting!

Yeah, the outdoor stuff around there would for sure keep us busy enough. I'd honestly probably ski less in the winter, but summer activities would be longer so that's an OK tradeoff I guess. We'd be seeing two properties in Summit so if I really wanted to be close to skiing on the weekends I could be. But to be honest, I'm pretty over skiing around here. Abasin has always been my escape but that place is changing quick and not for the better.

We're looking for property in Summit. Frisco specifically. LMK!

[fastfred]

Employment opportunity for my spouse has entered the chat. Like the idea at first blush. Love to visit the western slope. Kinda far to skiing compared to our current 10 min drive but not too unlivable. But this county (summit) is starting to really wear on me finally. Almost 30 years and I have definitely fought the negativity for a long time but when presented with this option it seemed like a viable alternative to the ski tourist town lifestyle.

Anyway, besides the wonders of methamphetamine what are some of the pros/cons of the area? Of course Ridgway is on the table too, but the wife deserves a shorter commute if possible.

did I write this post? I feel like I did crazy shit man
we should get together

same exact boat man

I feel like it's 50% me and 50% the massive change that has happened to summit in the past 30 years which gives me a big chip on my shoulder
lots of pluses being here lots of pluses pulling the plug and moving on

there are a ton of houses between ridgway and ouray but super overpriced (in my opinion) for a 1980's cabin in the woods, look at log hill village too and the list goes on and on but I don't want to talk about it openly on the internet

and yes the meth and politics of the west slope are aweful and bring the quality of life down many notches BE SURE TO TELL YOUR FIRENDS HOW BAD IT IS AND HOW MUCH IT SUCKS ON THE WEST SLOPE YOU CANNOT TALK ABOUT HOW SHITTY IT IS ENOUGH THEY EAT LIBERALS ON THE WEST SLOPE AND METH HEADS WILL ROB YOUR HOUSE

this summer I was driving from ridway to junktown and I was amazed at how awesome the drive was, no assholes no shit bags diving an occasional speed racer but since it wasn't that busy so they could cruise on by

[east or bust]

Paging snowaddict

If I'm not mistaken he moved from the SLC area to Montrose a few years ago.

[adrenalated]

Good stuff guys, no "hard-No's" yet. haha. We would probably buy a small townhome or something initially, but there are some badass barndominiums around there that are super tempting!

Yeah, the outdoor stuff around there would for sure keep us busy enough. I'd honestly probably ski less in the winter, but summer activities would be longer so that's an OK tradeoff I guess. We'd be seeing two properties in Summit so if I really wanted to be close to skiing on the weekends I could be. But to be honest, I'm pretty over skiing around here. Abasin has always been my escape but that place is changing quick and not for the better.

You guys should 100% look at areas between Ridgway and Montrose rather than Montrose proper. It's getting more expensive but still cheap compared to Scummit. I have a good buddy (splitboarder that I think you know from back in the day) that lives in Loghill Village and they love it there. 20-30min into Montrose depending which side of town you're going to.

Skiing - especially on the south side, Telluride is your closest. Not sure about the traffic complaints above, that's not a complaint I hear from my buddy. T-Ride is a fantastic mountain but they think VERY highly of it. Passes are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. You might want to budget for a sled; we have a lot of great sled access stuff off Hwy 145. Obviously Red Mtn is within striking distance too for touring but that zone gets a lot more traffic (as does Ophir, etc). I know that some folks in the Montrose area do CB, Powderhorn, Marble, etc. as their primary. You're kinda looking at an hour minimum drive no matter what.

MTB - lots of variety, lots of new stuff going in. I haven't ridden much on that side but the best alpine riding in the state is the Juans, no question. You can pretty much ride year round.

Moto - you'll be stoked. Tons local, easy access into the desert or high alpine. Again, pretty much year round.

Lifestyle - it's a conservative, old West kind of area but there's a bit of everything. Hippy enclaves, etc. I think you guys would generally find that you can fit in just fine. I suspect it's like my area in that people are generally friendly and cordial. Montrose is big enough that you won't have to travel too far most of the time to get the things you need. Specialized healthcare you're still going to Denver, but most anything else you can buy in town or worst case a quick run up to Junction.

LMK if you come down to the area for a visit. I can put you in touch with G and maybe run up over a weekend and take a moto ride with ya.

[Jax]

There's a killer Indian food place there, at least last time I visited. Legit.

[AlpiNord]

Along with checking around Ridgway, I'd at least take a peak up 50 towards Cimarron.

[snowaddict91]

Paging snowaddict

Been here about 4 years now. A lot of good info already posted in this thread.

Real estate is kind of rough right now IMO. I moved right when things were blowing up and bought a fixer-upper ex rental pretty cheap. Mid-upper end stuff is kinda pricey for the location but the whole Western Slope is like that right now. As LJ mentioned the rental market is rough. Anything affordable gets snatched up very quick.

The meth is real. We hired a local lady to clean our house when we first moved in and found out a former tenant was in jail for Meth. Buy a DIY meth test before you close. Luckily the house tested negative.

MTB- lots of "good enough" riding around, we are slowly making progress on building better stuff. Within 2 hrs you have San Juan alpine riding, CB, Gunni, Monarch Crest, GJ/Fruita.

Moto- not a moto guy but it's pretty good here.

The whitewater park has a couple good surf waves. It is usually good most of the summer due to controlled flows from the Gunnison Tunnel.

Ski- I'll counter Adrenalated's advice a little and say I'd rather live in Montrose vs points south. Like MTB, under 2 hours to Powderhorn, CB, Telluride, Monarch, Silverton, RMP, etc. you can get a Powderhorn pass and Epic pass for cheaper than Tride and get CB, 3 days at Monarch, 2 days at Silverton, 7 days at Tride. Then you can just go where it snowed the most the night before. Just get used to driving.

Telluride is great when it snows, but it gets a lot of sun and goes to shit fast.

XC options are good when it snows.

I think you have a truck camper right? That helps a lot for this place being a home base.

Food options in town are not great but improving. Finally have a good brewery to hangout at too.

It's just fine here. You probably shouldn't make the move.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Fuck You Guys...save a spot for me.

Just remember that what makes it not awesome is what makes it awesome.

IMO, "close to good liftseved sking" is limiting. Skiing less doesn't really mean less good skiing.

But yeah, it's County. I love that, but it's not foe everyone.

Sent from a 6 m/s face melting thermal

[North]

Powersports. If you move to Montrose you must do powersports.

[Name Redacted]

Powersports are definitely on the agenda.

There are some pretty cool looking lofts being built on the river with hudge garage doors so i can pull my camper inside. Pretty sweet.

Thanks for all the info guys. Ive been driving through montrose for years but never really stopped to check it out except the brewery and gas station.

Restaurants cant be much worse than here. Everything is expensive but the food, service, etc just blows. We are pretty much just happy hour folks anyway.

I can see myself getting an epic w/ 7 days at telluride. Hitting CB some. RMP and silverton too. Not too worried about that aspect.

Fred- do you drive a green camaro?

[Shredhead]

Powersports. If you move to Montrose you must do powersports.

My best waterski bud has a Nautique on the private ski lake near the airport.
He has dirt bikes, quads, sleds and various earth moving devices.
His wife has horses too.
He skis CB and Tride on the Epic.
Aspen, LCC and Jackson on the Mountain Collective.

[Name Redacted]

My best waterski bud has a Nautique on the private ski lake near the airport.
He has dirt bikes, quads, sleds and various earth moving devices.
His wife has horses too.
He skis CB and Tride on the Epic.
Aspen, LCC and Jackson on the Mountain Collective.

That's the pass scenario I think I would have. Ironic to think I';d be going back to the epic pass.

Telling ya, barndominium. I think I have the wife sold on it.

Probably don't need to worry about making friends if I have enough toys. haha

[snowaddict91]

Some friends of ours have a sweet barndominium up on Spring Creek Mesa W of town. If it would have been for sale when we moved we probably would have bought it. If we stay here long term we'd like to buy something like that and rent our current house.

[Kevo]

Live in Ridgway and work in Montrose. Ridgway has solid community of outdoor people.

[adrenalated]

Probably don't need to worry about making friends if I have enough toys. haha

Here's the deal, there are requirements in order to live in these parts. You need to own a minimum 8 of 10 of the following:

-pickup truck (lifted, diesel preferred)
-dirtbike
-snowmobile
-revolver chambered in .357mag or .45colt
-two or more centerfire rifles and at least one shotgun
-tractor, skid steer, or excavator
-Western boots (ideally two pairs, one to get dirty and one for social occasions/in case you need to go before the county commissioners)
-livestock (plural, two or more animals)
-chainsaw (gas only)
-Carhartt jacket & cowboy hat

Failure to comply within 2 years of residence will result in an immediate revocation of your passport and deportation to Boulder with no possibility of appeal.