Advice Needed - Relocating to a Resort Area (CO, Utah, Jackson)

[gaines1016]

Hey guys. In the very early stages of my research on possible relocation. I was hoping to get some opinions from you all.

I grew up in the midwest and have always wanted to live within reasonable distance of one of the great snowboard resorts. I think I am at a point in my life where I would like to take a serious look at this. My background:

I am 31 years old single male (no kids either). I am an architect so I will need to be able to locate a firm to work for to make this happen. I have always thought colorado was the place I wanted to be but I don't think the huge cities are for me (example - denver). I would not mind living in a place like the vail valley or similar except for the cost of living. I currently live a house/2 car garage. I like the house and I fear that I would never be able to afford anything but a rental in a place like the vail area (i dont see a $300,000+ home in the near future). I am still open to any colorado suggestions but with this in mind I have briefly looked at salt lake city or park city as options. I have never been there but I like the size of those towns and it sounds like the resorts are within 15 minutes as opposed to what I have been reading about the denver area and traffic to the resorts. I have always wanted to check out jackson wyoming as well and plan for that to be my next snowboard vacation destination regardless. It sounds like a small community but I hear it is very nice.

Basically I am looking for any opinions on a place with possible career options in my field with the ability to find somewhat affordable living and having a decent single/night life scene (doesnt mean clubs are a requirement just a community where there are actually other single people in their mid 20s-30s).

Any initial thoughts are much appreciated. It seems considering relocating to 3 different states is a bit of a daunting task. Thanks all.

[neednsnow]

Travel to where you want to go and get a taste. I need access to relatively cheap airport, so Jackson would be out for me. SLC is a great central location with a growing population base and a large number of activities. It also doesn't have the same Big City feel as other places. Like you said, there is also Park City, but that is pricey, too. You could also consider Portland, Oregon or Reno, NV. I assume there will be building still going on for some time in SLC. Denver is a messy haul to the resorts.