I spent the last 15 years of my life in New York City working for major publishing and broadcast companies. I have been fortunate to travel the world, meet phenomenal individuals and have some amazing adventures along the way. But when COVID-19 hit, it was suddenly more important than ever to be clear about what I wanted HOME to look like. It pushed me to ask the big questions, focus on what was important to me and be super intentional about where I wanted to put down roots. As you know by this column’s title, I landed here in Wheat Ridge, but the “why” behind that decision is what makes this place so special. I knew I wanted my home to be in a place where…
- Community comes easy — where people are excited to welcome you in and even more excited when they learn you are here to stay. Since I moved, I’ve been filled with gratitude in every encounter with my new neighbors. There is a down-to-earth, welcoming realness to the people here that the Midwesterner in me truly appreciates.
- Family and friends are along for the ride. I wanted to be in a place where my friends and big Iowa family could not just come for a visit, but fall in love with their stay.
- Nature is near. Like so many who make the move out to Colorado, the active lifestyle and convenient access to the mountains are perks you cannot not mention. While I do love a day trip to hike or ski, I also love just as much a midday run in one of the many beautiful local parks that you can find here.
- There is fun to be had. Admittedly, I enjoy a good meal (and a good cocktail) at my neighborhood spot. I didn’t know what that would look like being on the edge of Denver, but I easily found my way with my local coffee shop, brewery and wine bar all on 38th Avenue.
- Life is simpler. I also recognized I was ready for the small things to be just a little easier. A trip to the grocery store, an afternoon of errands, just taking a minute for yourself – all of these things seem more manageable with the mountains in view.
While the “dream location list” above pointed me to this little corner of the world here in Wheat Ridge, what is harder to put into words is the feeling that I’ve had since I first moved … it just feels like home. I can’t wait to see what blooms where I have planted.
Katie Boes is a media executive who moved to Wheat Ridge in April.
