10 Things You Never Expected to Miss After Leaving Colorado

Here are 10 things people often never expected to miss after leaving Colorado:

1. The Beautiful Weather – Colorado enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year with comfortable temperatures in spring, summer, and fall, which is rare in many other states that have more rain, humidity, or cloudy weather.
2. Outdoor Splendor – The state offers unmatched natural beauty, from towering mountains and canyons to rivers and plains, providing endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, biking, and other outdoor activities that are hard to find elsewhere.
3. Like-Minded Outdoor Enthusiasts – Colorado has a strong culture of people who love outdoor recreation, making it easy to find friends for activities like hiking or skiing, which can be difficult to replicate in other places.
4. Bike-Friendly Culture – Many miss the extensive bike lanes and the generally supportive environment for cyclists that Colorado offers, which is often lacking in other states.
5. Craft Beer Scene – Colorado’s influential craft beer industry offers a wide variety of local brews, from IPAs to barrel-aged sours, which many miss when they move away.
6. Local Food and Agriculture – The availability of fresh, high-quality local produce, beef, and honey is something people miss, as these are often cheaper and more accessible in Colorado.
7. Abundance of Chiles – The widespread use and availability of chiles in Colorado cuisine is unique, and many find it hard to find similar flavors elsewhere.
8. Skiing and Snowboarding – Colorado’s world-class ski resorts like Vail, Keystone, and Breckenridge offer some of the best powder and slopes, which is a major loss for winter sports enthusiasts.
9. Infrastructure and Utilities – Colorado ranks high for infrastructure quality and utility costs, including public transportation and high-speed internet, which can be disappointing to lose when moving to other states.
10. Small-Town Charm and Local Businesses – Particularly in places like Grand Junction, people miss the quaint shops, local restaurants, and the small-town feel that is hard to find in bigger cities or other states.

Additionally, some who have moved to mountain towns in Colorado found the isolation, house maintenance, and distance from amenities challenging, which contrasts with the vibrant community and convenience they previously enjoyed in places like Denver. Sources:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxj0cIweRpg
2. https://www.movoto.com/guide/co/leaving-colorado/
3. https://kool1079.com/colorado-things-youll-miss/
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/Colorado/comments/3tpw7s/miss_you_colorado/