Having lived in Durango since 1979 I am just full of ideas. I think there are two things you may want to consider...how REALLY serious are you about foaming and what is your outlook on a future social life.
First off, while I love Montrose as a community and Grand Junction to a much lesser extent the passes between Ouray & Durango are a genuine problem. Due to my law practice I had to drive up to Grand Junction about once a month for over 30 years. Gloriously scenic and a thrilling drive but if are just trying to get from here to there a real pain in the a**. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to drive plus any delays due to weather and the always present construction work. Unless you have an iron constitution a one day trip to Durango & back just isn't practical.
OK, heres where I come in with my snotty Durangatang uber alles that you get when you have spent entirely too much time here. I love going to Chama, I love the train, I love the green chilie but not only is it very small with very limited basic services (large competitive grocery stores, medical help, reliable electrical power...seriously, check the travails of Jay on Dead Horse Saloon, etc.). From what I've heard it also a very insular community that really doesn't accept "outsiders". I have never liked Pagosa Springs...there is just too much of a gap between the rich with second homes and those just scraping by at Walmart. The shrinkage of the middle class is all too obvious in Durango but its always been much worse in Pagosa Springs.
Hold on to your flame throwers it gets much worse. With all due respect to the gentleman from Farmington the prices may be lower and if budget is your prime consideration then that may be a choice. However the hour drive to Durango is definitely a pain (and I'm a member of Sam's Club, thank you) and the town has a definite rough around the edges oil patch feel about it (Light the flame thrower!). Bayfield can be a good choice at only 20-30 minutes away but its getting almost a pricey as Durango.
If you are really interested in living and breathing steam then Durango is the place. Just being able to take off a casual hour to wave at a train or two is worth the problems that Durango obviously faces (namely $$$, or lack thereof). You can get an annual pass for about $200 (same for the C&T) and ride the train any day, or every day if you should choose. And it doesn't require "a trip". From my place its about 7 minutes including parking if you hit all the lights wrong. Chama is about 2 1/2 hours away if you follow all the silly ass speed limits.
And your social outlook (NOW, TORCH HIM!!!) Durango has a very active and eclectic social life. Its easy to find and meet people if you work at it...and then there's GURLZ...but even I fear to tread this area. If you are in the middle of a divorce maybe establishing a relationship is the last thing on your mind but maybe some day...(BURN BABY BURN) then I think Durango offers a wide range of choices.
But a word of caution...my area of legal specialization was personal consumer bankruptcy and a very common theme was that Durango didn't work out. Too expensive and not enough income, or that living in Durango just wasn't worth it...holding down three jobs, long snowy winters and the very real physical and social isolation.
So there you have it...look at the Durango Herald ads, check out Zillow, ask yourself if you want to meet people. And how much you REALLY want to sit in traffic and hold your ears and smell the smoke as the 481 gets between you and your dental appointment.
So there's the gospel from Husker Hank, Duranatang.
Now where is that fire retardant (or better yet fore PROOF) suit I just bought down at Farmington at Sam's Club???
Hit Post Message & consider myself toast.
Husker Hank
Durango CO
