I Moved to the High Desert…and I’ve Never Liked the Desert

Oh, the Desert

I have never been a desert person. I’ve visited deserts in the United States, Ecuador, Australia and Dubai, and not once did I picture myself living in such a dry environment. And yet here I am, living in the high desert! And I love it!

When my husband and I decided to move out West, we were searching for the perfect fit for our family. Initially, the high desert wasn’t even on our radar. (And honestly, what even makes a desert high? Extra desert-y vibes?)

How We Landed in Salida

Luckily, I have a 20-year-long friendship a friend who lives in Salida, Colorado. She knows me. We had lived together in the U.S. Virgin Islands and in Steamboat Springs, and she simply said:

"You guys would love it."

Coming from someone who understands me well, and also identifies as a beach person, that made us pause.

At the time, we were trying so hard to move to Steamboat Springs, but nothing was clicking. We had connections, people willing to help, and yet it felt impossible to find housing. I even signed my son up for the Montessori school lottery there, and his application just disappeared into the interwebs.

Then we started looking at Salida, and everything fell into place almost effortlessly. This was a major game changer. We realized we were on the right path.

Finding Our Community Instantly

From the moment we arrived, we felt something different.

We stepped out of the moving truck, and our neighbor walked right over and invited us to her daughter’s birthday party which was happening two days later. It was the most immediate and unexpected welcome!

We fell into a community of like-minded people with kids the same ages as ours, and we’ve been embraced ever since. I quickly lost track of how many people said "Welcome to Salida!" when we told them we were new, and that warmth continues to amaze me.

And guess what? Turns out there are lush trails with moss and ferns just 20 minutes from our house. And for at least three months a year, the river has such a laid-back, beachy vibe and I almost forget I’m in the high desert at all.

The Real Lesson

This story isn't about Salida. It’s about following the signs and being still enough to notice them in the first place.

You never really know where life is leading you, until you arrive and realize your life was circling it, all along.