Pay much lower than in New York. MUCH lower.

Yes, another weird thing about Colorado as a whole. Housing is way expensive relative to pay. Just the reverse is true in Austin TX, for example.

But, forgive me, OP. I didn't read the rest of your posts before I started in. If you're looking for alternative energy work and that kind of lifestyle, Boulder is definitely the place to be. It's like northern CA without the ocean and with lots of cold air and beautiful mountains. Think Westchester with an even higher IQ and more of a social conscience. Canislatrans is right! You could have a great time there. Hard to believe that Boulder and Denver are in the same state.