A few questions about Colorado Springs and surrounding areas (Denver: renting, find a job)

[Allen31308]

I am currently in the process of getting my A+ Certification for computer repair. I am wanting to relocate to the Colorado Springs area once I get certified. Just wondering if anyone can help me out with the best way to find a job in the area. Also, me and my family are not really big city people. We currently live in a town of about 350 people. Would like a town a little bigger than that but not as big as Colorado Springs. I've been to Woodland Park a few times and thought it would be a great town to live in. I've heard some bad things about the commute from Woodland Park to Colorado Springs. Any suggestions of some other smaller towns in the area? I appreciate any help I can get.

[SheridanL]

Computer repair...hmmm....do you want to start a business of your own or....do you want to start with a "company already established?"
If the latter, I would suggest looking into DOC. If that would be a yes, then COS, Canon City, Denver, Pueblo, etc., would fit the bill!!
I live in Canon City (prison capital)....it's a start anyway!
If there is one thing you can be sure of in these times,....prisons are NEVER going to collapse!!(unfortuntely).

[Allen31308]

I would like to start my own business someday, but for now I would like to start with a company just to get some experience. I actually worked in a prison for about a year here in Oklahoma. I didn't really care for it but I worked as a correctional officer. Probably wouldn't be as bad working on computers. I'm willing to take whatever I can get right now as long as it gets me to Colorado. I've been to Canon City but it's been awhile. Can't really remember much about it. I would prefer to live in the mountains. If I remember right it seems like Canon City was a little flatter than it is around Colorado Springs but I could be wrong about that.

[PokerMunkee]

I've lived in Woodland Park since April, we love it! I work in Cripple Creek, which is a 30 minute drive from WP. I am in IT, working for a casino as an IT Manager. We aren't hiring right now, but if Amendment 50 passes on Tuesday (which it should), then more casinos will most likely be hiring since they will be going 24/7.

For the most part WP is a bedroom community for the Springs. I would do the commute if I had to, it isn't THAT bad. You most likely will need to live out here first before employers take you serious. Since there are so many people applying for IT jobs, most places only interview people that are local to limit the candidates. Check on craigslist and the other normal places to get an idea what is available. You will find out most IT jobs in the Springs are military contracts, which require security clearances.

[Allen31308]

Thanks alot for the info. I've been to Cripple Creek also. Very beautiful town. I was working in a casino before I started school. I really liked it. I worked security but I was around our IT guys alot and got a good feel of what the job consists of. That's really what made me decide to go into IT. Let me know how the Amendment turns out Tuesday. Thanks again.

[ryanek9freak]

The commute to woodland park from COS isn't that bad. It can be a little scary in the winter, and you might get the occasional rock slide in the middle of the road.

That happened one time. They shut down the entire road to blow up a huge boulder that was blocking the road.

I had to double back and take Rampart Range Road all the way to work....In December. Wasn't fun

[toxicavenger]

oh Ryan don't forget the idiots that fly down the pass at Mach 5 speed! even when it is icey>

[CSNative]

The mountain towns are beautiful, and honestly, if I were moving to Colorado from another state, the mountains would probably be the first place I would head. I'm not really sure what your standards are as far as what qualifies as "too big." I've never been to Oklahoma, but I would submit that the old part of Fountain has the feel of a small midwestern town, but within a half hour of all of the bigger town and natural amenities that Colorado Springs has to offer. The cost of living is also comparatively lower and the weather is much more tame on the south end than up north and west. Fountain is growing fast, but mostly around the edges... so far the center of town has managed to keep that small town feel.

As far as mountain town suggestions, maybe look at Chaffee County. It's a couple hours west of Colorado Springs, but Salida and Buena Vista are decent enough sized towns.

[toxicavenger]

if you do get your cert. and get a job at one of the bases then sometimes they will sponsor you to get a Secret clearence which is pretty diserable. but good look and there is no harm in moving here first and renting until you find an area you like.

[ryanek9freak]

I agree, Chaffee county is AWSOME! THe views of the collegiate peaks make it SO worth it.