Why Colorado Isn’t the Western Paradise You Think It Is
My journey to Colorado, like many others, didn’t occur naturally; I didn’t grow up here, yet I married into a family that did. But if I had moved here, say 20 years ago, when cost of living was more reasonable, and I didn’t have substantial savings or a good job, the challenge would have been immense. This drastic change in lifestyle is a testament to the emerging costs that come with living here.
Eastern Bias and the West
The influx of easterners and Texans into the West, particularly Colorado, has brought with it a sardonic, judgmental 'us versus them' mentality. People in Colorado often complain about newcomers, yet they fail to realize that the vast majority of them are a generation removed from the Midwest, East, or Texas. It's this Eastern-versus-Western rhetoric that fuels tensions and perpetuates a sense of unwelcoming.
A Complex Landscape of Influx and Displacement
Many Easterners and Texans, upon moving west, come armed with a self-proclaimed "pioneer" spirit, wearing stickers and license plates that assert their perceived proud lineage. However, this is a fa?ade: there are few true natives left in Colorado; the majority are either newcomers or a single generation removed from their origins in East or Midwest states. The true descendants of Colorado are Native Americans.
The Real Estate Market and Greed
The real estate market in Colorado is not dictated by individuals from Midwestern or Texan backgrounds; rather, it is driven by the greed of current homeowners who price their properties beyond what is affordable. This unbridled greed has contributed to high housing costs and an increasingly restrictive living environment.
Time to Move Back Home
Midwesterners and Texans, it's time to reflect and move back home rather than continue to whine about the influx of Westerners. You're in the West, so why not be part of it? If you genuinely believe that Colorado and California are not part of the West, perhaps you should take a moment to reflect on the flora and fauna that define the region.
A Call for Understanding and Inclusion
Outside of price tags and geographical misunderstandings, there is a broader call for Easterners and Texans to embrace their new surroundings and the Western lifestyle. We need to recognize and integrate our diverse backgrounds to create a more inclusive and understanding community.
So, if you've come to the West looking for peace, quality of life, and a sense of belonging, embrace the change and join the community with an open heart and open mind. The West is not just a physical landscape but a state of mind, and it’s waiting for its residents to grow and change with it.