When Jackie Branholm, a former Brooklyn resident, decided to leave city life behind for the serenity of the Colorado mountains, she envisioned an idyllic existence close to nature. Her account of the unanticipated challenges she and her family faced serves as a cautionary tale for city dwellers seduced by the romanticism of rural life. Branholm’s story is a familiar one, echoing the experiences of many who have sought solace in the picturesque landscapes of the American West only to encounter isolation, relentless house maintenance, and the stark realities of mountain living.
In May 2019, Branholm and her husband embarked on a new adventure, relocating from the hustle of Brooklyn to the scenic vistas of Colorado. Initially, the couple was enchanted by Denver’s vibrant energy and the accessibility of outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. As new jobs facilitated their move, they rented an apartment in Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood, where they enjoyed the city’s lively social scene and proximity to the mountains.
However, their love for mountain life led them to purchase a home in Evergreen, a town 45 minutes from Denver. The couple quickly discovered that weekend visits to the mountains differed vastly from the daily realities of mountain homeownership. The 1937 house required significant upkeep, and the couple found themselves consumed by endless renovations and unexpected expenses, such as a $5,000 water filter to address hard well water issues. Branholm candidly shared, “We had over an acre of land. The yard work, renovations, and septic maintenance took up most of our free time on weekends.”
With the birth of their son, the couple’s sense of isolation deepened. The distance from amenities and the challenges of mountain logistics took a toll on Branholm’s mental health. The once-charming isolation transformed into a burden, and the loss of their support network in Denver strained their relationships. “Living in the mountains wasn’t easy… We rarely saw the friends we’d made in Denver and lost several of them,” she reflected.
The dream of mountain living began to crumble as the couple grappled with the realization that they prioritized their time and relationships over their location. They decided to sell their mountain home and return to New York, preferring a city environment’s convenience to the allure of the Colorado landscape.
Branholm’s experience is not unique. Another family, whose story was shared in a different article, made a similar journey from Brooklyn to Boulder at the onset of the pandemic. They hoped the change would offer a different kind of childhood for their children and a reprieve from the lockdown’s constraints. However, adapting to Boulder’s laid-back lifestyle proved challenging for the family, particularly the father, a self-described New York City snob.
It’s crucial for would-be mountain transplants to understand that picturesque landscapes do not necessarily equate to an easier or more fulfilling life. The reality can be starkly different from the dream, with unforeseen challenges and adjustments that can strain even the most adventurous spirits.
Relevant articles:
– We were so lonely and isolated after moving to a Colorado mountain town we went back to New York, Business Insider, Mar 8, 2024
– When we moved from Brooklyn to Boulder during the pandemic, I welcomed the change of lifestyle. The rest of my family wasn’t so sure., Washington Post, Mar 8, 2021
– Colorado dreaming? Advice for mountain transplants — Amanda Bray Hinton, Amanda Bray Hinton, Feb 10, 2021