Valerie Skorka Westmark

Golden holds a special place in my heart. Of course, all of us think of Coors when you think of Golden, my Grandfather worked at the Coors Ceramics division. Or maybe you think of the School of Mines or the top rated Golden High School, my mother and both of my children graduated from Golden High.

I think of all of these and more. The charm, friendliness and daily/weekly year round activities make a Golden a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

There is the Golden Farmers Market, Buffalo Bill Days, the Annual Halloween street walk, Art Fair, and Christmas, so much going on!

I read a review about a con of Golden being the housing costs. I suppose rent and housing costs might be a bit higher than other Colorado cities. But please keep in prospective, this is a college town, the School of Mines being highly rated, you are nestled at the bottom of gorgeous foothills and table mountains, your access to Denver, Boulder and the mountain resorts and ski areas is amazing. Plus with the upcoming light rail, your access to around town just expanded.

What other city can offer your kids the chance to grow up small town, tubing on Clear Creek, hiking and biking around town, noted school scores, all tied up in one beautiful city.

Golden is one amazing place to call home.

I have lived in Idaho Springs for about four years now. I am a Colorado native and must say that I love calling Idaho Springs home. The charm, friendliness and unique experiences from shopping and dining in the town are a must experience. A do not miss is the Heritage Museum and Visitors Center and Argo Gold Mill. Take your kids on a field trip to one of many museums, gold panning, ice cream at the local shops and finding a unique souvenir from this mountain town is a sure way to create a lasting memory.