Considering a move to Colorado!??!!

[T4Rex.]

Guys i really am in need of some advice here...i live in kentucky and honestly i hate it...i have been thinking for a few months now about a BIG MOVE! My family and i are set on moving to Colorado, however, we know nothing about it, except that there is amazing views and great 4wheelin...plus i wouldnt be to far away from my personal favorite place to shop "Toy Tec" LOL!!


how are the schools and communitys?

how high is cost of living for a 3 bedroom home, apt, and or condo townhouses?

how high are gas prices? LOL

how difficult is finding a job?

:thanks:

 

[zonianbrat]

Guys i really am in need of some advice here...i live in kentucky and honestly i hate it...i have been thinking for a few months now about a BIG MOVE! My family and i are set on moving to Colorado, however, we know nothing about it, except that there is amazing views and great 4wheelin...plus i wouldnt be to far away from my personal favorite place to shop "Toy Tec" LOL!!


how are the schools and communitys?

how high is cost of living for a 3 bedroom home, apt, and or condo townhouses?

how high are gas prices? LOL

how difficult is finding a job?

:thanks:

I figured I would chime in with my advice. Do It! I lived in southeast Alabama for like 9 years. I had allot of friends there and while the south has allot to offer Colorado has allot too. Your correct when saying it is beautiful here. The scenery here is beyond breathtaking. 4 wheeling is awesome and I haven't even explored a tenth of what Co has to offer. Do you have any idea of the area of Co you want to move to? Personally I like the Denver/Ft. Collins area. It has everything you want and more. I am not exactly sure what the cost of living is in Kentucky but it was more her than here in Co than in Alabama. As far as schools go..I think they are pretty amazing. Housing is pricey but depending on your skill set/education you might get a job paying well here. Its a gamble but if you make it I think you'll be happy you moved. I know I sure am.

 

[T4Rex.]

I figured I would chime in with my advice. Do It! I lived in southeast Alabama for like 9 years. I had allot of friends there and while the south has allot to offer Colorado has allot too. Your correct when saying it is beautiful here. The scenery here is beyond breathtaking. 4 wheeling is awesome and I haven't even explored a tenth of what Co has to offer. Do you have any idea of the area of Co you want to move to? Personally I like the Denver/Ft. Collins area. It has everything you want and more. I am not exactly sure what the cost of living is in Kentucky but it was more her than here in Co than in Alabama. As far as schools go..I think they are pretty amazing. Housing is pricey but depending on your skill set/education you might get a job paying well here. Its a gamble but if you make it I think you'll be happy you moved. I know I sure am.

thank you very much....i was in the military for 6 years and i actually has a small disability check that will help out each month...i dont draw full benefits so if i can find a small job, i am hoping it will be enough...so i will definitely need to get in contact with the VA in Colorado...the ft collins and denver area is what i am kinda considering...but i would really love to be able to move to Northglenn, Co. and work at toytec LOL... wishful thinking lol...

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Colorado


I was out there in May for a three-day business trip. We were in the DENVER area and it was absolutely beautiful.

Gasoline was about the same price as here in VA, everything is "wide open" and the scenery is awesome. The highway speed limit is 75 mph and people actually move to the right to permit you to pass them (very unlike VA or MD) and nearly everyone has mastered the use of directional signals. LOL!

Most people seemed very friendly and I never saw any "hood" areas - although I am sure there are some. I was on the southwest end of town (Inverness) and it is a LONG drive to the airport and the toll is about $16.00 to drive the whole stretch of E-470. I had a rental car, so they billed me later - as there are no toll booths.

Make sure you go to Red Rocks. It is truly a miracle of nature! I have been in forty of the fifty states and CO is one place I might consider as my new home were I to relocate.

The VA/MD/DC area has been overrun with liberals, big-government types and arrogant ba5****s who have turned our once-great area into a cesspool of depravity. Our taxes keep going up, up and up - while our roads and infrastructure get worse. If you can get out of KY, I don't think CO would be a bad move at all. Also consider AZ or NM -- warm weather, low taxes, low crime and plenty of wide open spaces.

:girl:

 

[04rnr]

my normal reply to posts like this is, Colorado is full.

 

[GoBlueBradW]

Guys i really am in need of some advice here...i live in kentucky and honestly i hate it...i have been thinking for a few months now about a BIG MOVE! My family and i are set on moving to Colorado, however, we know nothing about it, except that there is amazing views and great 4wheelin...plus i wouldnt be to far away from my personal favorite place to shop "Toy Tec" LOL!!


how are the schools and communitys?

how high is cost of living for a 3 bedroom home, apt, and or condo townhouses?

how high are gas prices? LOL

how difficult is finding a job?

:thanks:

I live in Colorado and have previously lived in Arizona and Michigan and I can honestly say I will never leave. Outside of the beautiful country side and well, just about everything outdoors I do not find it more expensive as far as cost of living goes than Arizona. For conversation sake, my wife and I rent a house in Thornton which is a northern sub-burb of Denver and we're paying about $1300 per month. That said, we did this while having a mortgage on our house in AZ and now that that has sold we are looking to buy a house and the housing market is definitely stronger in this area than in most of the country. From my research it looks as if CO didn't see the housing market "dip" that everyone else has. The further north or east you are from Denver the less expensive it is for living expenses but it is also harder to find work in your area. The job market is about the same here and anywhere else. I would definitely suggest peppering your resume across CO, setting up interviews and then locking down a job before coming out here.

I hope that this helps but if you have specific questions or need help with anything feel free to PM me.

 

[foxtrot]

I personally like Colorado Springs better than the Denver area. still a large city with everything you need, but feels smaller. plus you are closer to the mountains, depending on where you would live in Denver. I know my mom had a 1000 a month mortgage for a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home. that was in Colorado Springs, Denver is more expensive so I'm not sure about there. no matter where you move in Colorado, I'm sure you will love it.

 

[Desert Fox]

Like GoBlue, we moved here from Arizona and it will probably be the last place I live. There is no way to compare it to Arizona. I cant speak to Kentucky (I have been there but I was 3 years old).

I worked for a company that had a factory here in Colorado Springs and my job did not matter where I called home so work was not a problem (until Intel closed the fab here).

IMO there is plenty of work here if you are willing to go after it and are able to market your skills. Some people are making a lot of money (look at their mods) :jump:
If you have a security clearance target one of the many defence companies, there are a lot here in Colorado Springs.

Oh yes, Colorado has a great unemployment system. Not so much for the money but they really try to help people (that want to work) get employed. They offer training, resume writing and review, practice interviews, networking skills and much more.

 

[Titanpat57]

my normal reply to posts like this is, Colorado is full.

that was funny..

 

[jrm]

I wouldnt focus on Colo

id consider employment opportunities in the western US. IMO you cant go wrong in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada.

 

[boondoggle]

Colorado sucks. It's hot. I mean, it's freezing cold here.

Houses are cheap in the burbs. Not so much so closer to Denver, the mountains and the fun stuff. I have a good friend who paid 195k for a two bedroom 1 bath in the trendy Highlands area of Denver. Lots to do, but a smaller house. I have another friend who paid 225k for a 4 bedroom 3 bath near Commerce City in some suburbs. Nice house but there isn't anything out there. Depends on your priorities.

East Denver, for the most part is lower income than the west part - generally speaking and definitely not an absolute. Denver is not as gentrified as NYC or San Francisco. Again, generally speaking.

Can't speak to employment as I have no idea about your skill set or reliability.

This is an area with a higher than average percentage of well educated, healthy people who like the outdoors. It seems like there are more Democrats in Denver and Republicans in CO springs (and the rural areas).

It's really horrible here.

 

[T4Rex.]

with my VA benefits would they raise due to cost of living being higher in Colorado than in Kentucky?...i like the city life but denver maybe a lil much for my fiancee and kids. So the springs area is probably more along my style....i really appreciate all the input-comments....well except one that said Colorado was too crowded lol....it was funny though i give u that..

 

[boondoggle]

I have no idea how VA benefits work. I did my time in the military, got my college money and got out. No more benefits for me (except a the Zoo, Applebees once a year, movies etc.).

My parents both get VA benefits - Dad lives in MO and was in 'Nam but I don't think he gets much. Mom was in the USAF for 23 years but not sure what she gets (good health care, thank goodness). But I don't get into my parents financials so have no idea. You're on your own on that one.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

my normal reply to posts like this is, Colorado is full.

Arizona is full also.

 

[Ducmonsta]

I'm originally from the DC metro area. My wife went to law school at CU. I spent a good part of 3 years in Boulder, Co. Colorado, IMO, is a wonderful place to live. In comparison, DC is WAYYYY more expensive to live in. I'm sure its more than KY. Other than the obvious, CO offers plenty of outdoor living. I do not regret for one bit, living in CO. The 5 mountain pass is extremely cheap (was $350 back in 2004) compared to anything here in the east. If you're an avid skier or snowboarder, definitely a place to be.

Here were my only cons to living there. I know Boulder is one of the most expensive places to live in CO. Would I live there again, probably not. Regardless of the gorgeous scenery, El Dora (easy to get to snowboarding), generally good looking, fit people, and genuinely kind. There is very little culture in CO. Denver is a small city in comparison to most 'big' cities in the US. It's also fairly young. Again, I'm comparing this to the east coast.

You won't find very good places to get seafood (CO is landlocked, in case no one knew!). If you like different kinds of food, as in, Thai, true Chinese, Indian, or anything from the Mediteranean, forget it. It's not there. And believe me, I've looked.

If you like history and culture, expect to pay for it. And not find very much of it. We have the opportunity in Washington, DC to enjoy all of the Smithsonian Museums for free. The Zoo here is free. The Aquarium is free. Most of the festivals are free. Well, you get the point.

Public transportation isn't that great if you live in the suburbs. If you plan on living within the Denver Metro area, then you are good to go. A lot of young people in town. Most of the friends I made are in the age group of starting to have families and children. In general, I've seen them live in the nearby areas of the city (Aurora, Littleton, Thornton, etc).

Rush hour there is like most other decent size cities in the US. It's just there. I commuted from Boulder to Denver everyday, Monday-Friday. Probably a 20-25 miles commute. Generally took about 45min-1hr.

You can find work anywhere. Like most have said, line up those interviews and make a mid week trip there. If all else fails, work retail. At least get some food on the table.

My biggest gripe with living in CO was the 'slower' way of life. I understand that's what some people go there for. But every now and then, I really loved the fast pace of the city. If you've ever been to New York City, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was great to get ANYTHING you wanted within a cab ride. Whether it be food, broadway, culture, dining, dancing, etc. You could go grocery shopping without a car. The city life in Denver leaves a lot to be desired. It was almost like a city that was 'trying' to be a big city. Oh, and expect A LOT of John Elway crap in town. The guy owns everything!

I also missed the Fall season of the east coast. We've got beautiful desiduous trees in my area. It is the most beautiful time of year. A great time to go camping. Camping in CO is fantastic as well with scenery of its own.

Bottom line....do it. You won't regret it. Do it while you're younger and don't have roots tied down somewhere.

 

[Desert Fox]

If you like history and culture, expect to pay for it. And not find very much of it.

While I agree with a lot that was said, I do not agree with the comment about history and culture. It may be different but this state has history and culture, including dinosaurs. Ask Ocra14 about the fossils around here.

Did you know that Eastern Colorado was actually Kansas territory but because of the culture (rowdiness) of the miners and cowboys, Kansas did not want it.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
There is a ton of mining culture and western history in this state that is free if you don’t mind putting your rig in 4 wheel drive and take a road trip in beautiful mountains.<o></o>
I grew up in Arizona thinking I lived in a western cowboy culture. I learned that Colorado has as much or more western culture than Arizona has.<o></o>
<o> </o>
Yes it is different than the East coast big citys and I thank God it is, otherwise I would not be living in this beautiful state<o></o>

 

[Burt]

Co is pretty cool. I've lived up and down the front range over a 18 year period.
From Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Great place if you are an outdoors type person. I ski and fish/boat/camp a lot. Don't backpack anymore.
Housing is fairly high in my opinion, but I like to live good. Fuel is at $2.60 (87) now. I live near the Castle Rock area, which is great. Between Denver and Colorado Springs. You can get into a nice home for your family at about 240K which is a deal right now. There are jobs here for the right person.
Hope this helps...

 

[Ducmonsta]

While I agree with a lot that was said, I do not agree with the comment about history and culture. It may be different but this state has history and culture, including dinosaurs. Ask Ocra14 about the fossils around here.

Did you know that Eastern Colorado was actually Kansas territory but because of the culture (rowdiness) of the miners and cowboys, Kansas did not want it.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
There is a ton of mining culture and western history in this state that is free if you don’t mind putting your rig in 4 wheel drive and take a road trip in beautiful mountains.<o></o>
I grew up in Arizona thinking I lived in a western cowboy culture. I learned that Colorado has as much or more western culture than Arizona has.<o></o>
<o> </o>
Yes it is different than the East coast big citys and I thank God it is, otherwise I would not be living in this beautiful state<o></o>

Sorry, didn't want to come off pretentious by any means. I should have specified culture not related to the history of the United States. For lack of a better term, there is not much 'color' in the people.

 

[Desert Fox]

Sorry, didn't want to come off pretentious by any means. I should have specified culture not related to the history of the United States. For lack of a better term, there is not much 'color' in the people.

No worries here
Honestly all I thought of Colorado was Snow, Snow and Snow. then we moved here and I know the reality. sort of like thinking Arizona is full of cactus and snakes. Heck, there are lizards there too.

 

[Desert Fox]

Co is pretty cool. I've lived up and down the front range over a 18 year period.
From Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Great place if you are an outdoors type person. I ski and fish/boat/camp a lot. Don't backpack anymore.
Housing is fairly high in my opinion, but I like to live good. Fuel is at $2.60 (87) now. I live near the Castle Rock area, which is great. Between Denver and Colorado Springs. You can get into a nice home for your family at about 240K which is a deal right now. There are jobs here for the right person.
Hope this helps...

Are you serious- $2.60 for fuel in Castle Rock?