I started prepping two years out, and yes against most advice I let it be known what my plan was. That actually worked out well for me, but won't for everybody. Nearly a quarter of my squadron was in the process of preparing to get out and it was good to have others to talk to about the process. I also spent hours and hours talking to reservist airline guys and perusing this board. My biggest advice is apply everywhere. Don't just hold out for UAL for the DEN domicile.

I'm a Colorado guy as well and commute to Philadelphia. It's not bad at all as long as you embrace the commute. The second you start feeling sorry for yourself about commuting you're doomed.

For me living near family for support is much more important than living in base. I'm going to be out of town no matter what and I want family around for when things happen while I'm away. My family is very happy in Colorado. This job is not worth living in a place you don't want to and definitely not worth moving your family around for. But that was half the reason I got out of AD to begin with. Others here may disagree, but that's the beauty of this job, lots of options.