Rural 1st customers Eric and Nicole built their multi-generational home in western Colorado, realizing a long-held dream for a simpler, family-focused life. Inspired by close friends, they purchased adjacent land to create a rural compound.
The Rural Pull
Both Eric and Nicole grew up in rural settings with strong ties to agriculture. Nicole was raised in California's wine country with pigs and wanted her kids to experience 4-H. “I wanted them to be able to get a little dirty and have the mindset that it’s okay. We can clean up later,” Nicole said. Eric, raised on Nebraska farmland, was eager to recreate that environment, teaching his kids the importance of the dollar through real-life examples. Together, they sought an escape from urban Orange County, finding Montrose the perfect place to stretch out and breathe easier.
Colorado Appeal
The couple's rural Colorado town resonated deeply with Eric from childhood vacations. “The city is almost like a storybook town,” he said. “The town shuts down on Friday nights for football games. The rural lifestyle and the relationships we have here were the selling points.” It's a single high school town and serves as a community hub for the family.
The high school, where Nicole works in special education and Eric is assistant principal, is central to town life. The family values their ability to have an open-door policy, welcoming visits from friends and family and promoting outdoor activity over screens. They appreciate knowing so many people in town and the strong sense of support that comes with it.
Family at the Core
Family ties were a major driver for the Eric and Nicole's move to rural living. The couple’s close friends, Brett and Leanne, who introduced them, also live nearby on adjacent property. With Eric’s relatives already living in the area, they created a supportive multi-generational household. Nicole's mother lives in an attached home, allowing her to be close to her grandchildren. "This dream isn’t just about us," she shared.
Rural 1st: A Dream Realized
Eric and Nicole's forever home became a reality with help from Rural 1st. They describe a remarkably positive, smooth experience, highlighting personalized attention, transparency and efficiency throughout the construction process.
They see Rural 1st as a trusted partner and as Eric shared, "There was no red tape or hoops to jump through. They took care of us from day one.” Rural 1st assisted them beyond their expectations, even helping them find their contractor. "The end product is beyond our wildest dreams," Eric said.
The move fulfills their desire to recreate a rural upbringing for their children, emphasizing hard work and agricultural values like those learned through 4-H. Eric and Nicole are embracing their new close-knit community. “Our life feels rewarding to us and we are grateful to wake up every morning and experience it,” Eric said.
Interested in financing a rural multigenerational household of your own? Connect with one of our Rural 1st loan officers today to learn more.
