Cortez is an outdoorsman's dream come true!
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3/11/2021
I moved out to Cortez, Colorado after a 30 day trip around the US. Of all the places I visited, this was the place I deemed best to move for a multitude of reasons. It hasn't disappointed at all as since I've moved from Pennsylvania, I've never been happier or healthier.
Cortez is a small, western town but is an outdoor recreational dream. The county has over 60,000 archeological sites, a National Park, a National Forest, and two National Monuments. The close, day trip driving options also provide endless adventures in all 4 states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah respectively without the extreme high cost of living found typically elsewhere.
Cortez also provides many wonderful local parks and an amazing Recreation Center (where I got into the best shape of my life thanks to the 6,200 feet in elevation) with a 2 story indoor swimming facility. It's something you'd expect from a much larger city. The amount of Federal land surrounding the town and county are a dream for any hiker or outdoorsman. There just isn't anything that can compare going from beautiful sunny desert to huge pine forest with the bluest water I've ever seen.
If you don't get out and explore almost every weekend, you truly are missing out, especially the Native American ruin sites. While the town might not be as esthetically pleasing as other tourist towns, it makes up for it with a lower cost of living and a more relaxed, quieter setting. Plus, the town continues to makes efforts to improve as it's gotten better each year I've been here.
Cortez, Colorado has been the best thing to ever happen to me. The other reviews here seem terribly misleading of the true charm of the town. Perhaps they don't get out much and would rather be entertained by overpriced restaurants or clubs.
If you love the outdoors and exploring, Cortez is a dream come true. ??
Brian | Mancos, CO