Montrose--It's a great place to live!
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11/20/2006
Our experience living in Montrose has been completely positive. We moved here from Lincoln, NE, 27 years ago. But before making the move, we waited for a good job to come along, rather than moving first and then "taking pot luck." It's true that in most households both spouses must work, but most do anyway wherever you live. There are plenty of jobs available in Montrose, but most are not high-paying. Many are service industry positions. But if you look and are patient, higher paying jobs are here. Presently there is a need for experienced, skilled industrial workers.
We bought our present home 16 years ago and its value has more than tripled since then. This is good news for us, but not so good for those wishing to find a low priced home. I can't quote the current average home price, but for $250,000 (in 2006), you can get a decent 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1500 square foot new or newer home in a nice neighborhood. The home appreciation rate on this website is obviously incorrect, as home values are zooming.
There are many retirees finding new homes in Montrose and retirees bring bucks without taking jobs. New housing developments abound, with available housing going from older homes under $200,000 to golf course community homes upwards to nearly $1,000,000. Incidentally, this is a mecca for golfers, with 3 eighteen hole, and 1 nine hole course in town, and one, soon-to-be 3, courses south of town.
Shopping opportunities have increases manifold in recent years. Of course, there's a Super Wal-Mart, but there's also a new shopping mall and another started. This one will have a large Penney's and probably a Target. Downtown is a unique shopping experience, where one can find those special items you can't find in a mall.
There are many new restaurants--both the chain type and local, more special, one-of-a-kind restaurants. And, of course, there are all the national fast food chains. You can pay about any price for a meal. For groceries, there are 2 City Market stores, a Safeway, as well as Wal-Mart.
Come Sunday, you'll find your choice of churches--filled with lots of good folks. Contrary to the previous opinion, one finds Christianity and Christian ethics to be the norm. There are many opportunities for family-oriented activities, in the city and the general area.
And have I mentioned the view?! To the south are the fantastic San Juan mountains; to the east, smaller, closer mountains; to the northeast are the hills lining Blac
Marilyn | Montrose, CO