Living in West Colorado-especially in the mountain towns and rural areas-comes with a unique set of quirks, challenges, and experiences. If you find yourself nodding along to these, you might have been there a bit too long.
1. You’re Unfazed by Remoteness and Isolation
West Colorado is known for its vast stretches of wilderness and small, isolated communities. If driving an hour or more to the nearest grocery store or hospital feels normal-or if you’ve stopped missing big-city amenities-you’ve definitely adapted to the region’s remoteness.
2. You Plan Your Life Around the Weather
From sudden snowstorms to spring hail the size of golf balls, the weather in Colorado can be intense and unpredictable. If you instinctively check avalanche reports before a drive or hike, or have a mental calendar for wildfire season, you’re a seasoned local.
3. Altitude Sickness Is a Distant Memory
Newcomers often struggle with headaches and shortness of breath, but if you barely notice the thin air-even at 8,000 feet-you’ve been around a while.
4. You Own More Outdoor Gear Than “Normal” Clothes
If your wardrobe is dominated by fleeces, puff jackets, hiking boots, and ski gear, and you see little need for anything else, you’re living the true Colorado lifestyle.
5. You’re a Master at Avoiding Tourist Crowds
West Colorado’s beauty draws visitors year-round. If you know which trails, lakes, and hot springs are packed on weekends and have a secret list of “locals only” spots, you’ve learned survival skills.
6. You’ve Stopped Noticing the Cost of Living (Even Though It Hurts)
Housing prices in mountain towns have soared, and service workers often struggle to afford to live where they work. If you’ve resigned yourself to high rent or mortgage payments and still can’t find affordable groceries, you’ve been here too long.
7. You’re Used to Limited Food and Shopping Options
If you’ve accepted that the nearest “ethnic” cuisine is hours away, and that coffee shops and restaurants close early (or for the season), you’re a true local.
8. You’re Vigilant About Sun Protection
Colorado’s high elevation means stronger UV rays. If you never leave home without sunscreen and have a collection of hats and sunglasses, you’ve learned the hard way.
9. You’re Not Surprised by Wildlife Encounters
From bears in your garage to elk in your yard, wildlife is part of daily life. If you have stories about close encounters-and know how to bear-proof your trash-you’ve earned your stripes.
10. You’ve Developed a Love-Hate Relationship with Tourists and Transplants
If you find yourself grumbling about “outsiders” clogging the roads and trailheads, but also appreciate the economic boost they bring, you’ve become part of the local fabric.
If these sound familiar, you’ve probably put down deep roots in West Colorado-and you might just be a local for life.
Sources:
- https://k99.com/ive-lived-in-colorado-for-a-year-heres-what-ive-learned/
- https://www.colorado.edu/health/blog/healthy-colorado
- https://sheenashahangian.com/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-colorado-moving-guide/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtM8i0kbRBo
- https://matadornetwork.com/read/12-things-youll-understand-youve-colorado/
- https://koa.com/blog/7-things-to-do-in-colorado-colorado-travel-ideas/
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28927-Activities-zft12163-Colorado.html