Thinking of moving to CO... (Denver, Fort Collins: rental, house, job market)

[nlupfer]

After some trauma in my personal life, I am contemplating moving to Colorado, specifically Fort Collins, for a new start. I'm one of those that always dreamed of living in Colorado, but for a variety of reasons, it's never happened. I feel like now, since I'm having to start all over again anyway, would be a good time to start over in a place I've always dreamed of.

I discovered Ft. Collins on this website after seeing a picture of Old Town with snow and twinkle lights. Upon visiting the town in October, I feel in love with it. I would prefer it to a be a little more "in" in the mountains, but beggars can't be choosers. I enjoy cold weather and snow, but haven't really been around it all that much. I've lived in Texas and Florida the majority of my life. I lived for a year in Boston, where there was a lot of snow/blizzards, but I didn't have to drive in it. I guess I have a lot of questions...

First of all, how bad is the snow, really? Am I going to have to get another type of car to deal with it? Does is stay on the ground for days/weeks on end, or does it melt off pretty fast?

What's the cost of living like there? I'm a teacher, and will hopefully be able to snag a job there over the summer. Will I be able to find a decent rental house that I can afford? I'm not crazy about the idea of living with a roommate. I'd prefer not to.

What the job situation like there for teachers? I have 4 years of teaching experience all with excellent reviews. I'm currently certified in Florida, Georgia (long story), and Oklahoma. I would be open to teaching upper elementary or middle school. I also have an endorsement in Gifted/Talented Edu and as a Media Specialist. What are the chances of me getting a job in the La Poudre Schools?

What's the situation like there for young singles? It appears that I will be newly single after several years. I am very nervous about reentering this phase in life. I'm a rather shy person and don't really like the bar/club scene. Are there opportunities to meet other singles in other venues? Groups that hike, bike, or ski?

I plan on visiting Fort Collins again in late March for do some job hunting, but in the meantime, would like to gather as much information as possible about the city.

THANKS!

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by nlupfer

After some trauma in my personal life, I am contemplating moving to Colorado, specifically Fort Collins, for a new start. I'm one of those that always dreamed of living in Colorado, but for a variety of reasons, it's never happened. I feel like now, since I'm having to start all over again anyway, would be a good time to start over in a place I've always dreamed of.

I discovered Ft. Collins on this website after seeing a picture of Old Town with snow and twinkle lights. Upon visiting the town in October, I feel in love with it. I would prefer it to a be a little more "in" in the mountains, but beggars can't be choosers. I enjoy cold weather and snow, but haven't really been around it all that much. I've lived in Texas and Florida the majority of my life. I lived for a year in Boston, where there was a lot of snow/blizzards, but I didn't have to drive in it. I guess I have a lot of questions...

First of all, how bad is the snow, really? Am I going to have to get another type of car to deal with it? Does is stay on the ground for days/weeks on end, or does it melt off pretty fast?

"Bad" is in the eye of the beholder. You can find weather stats on many websites. Look in the index here on the Colorado forum for links. Denver gets ~ 60" of snow/yr. I would imagine Ft. Collins is similar.

You will not need a different type of car in Ft. Collins. When you need to buy a new car, you may want to invest in a 4WD, but it is not absolutely essential to have one, even if you plan to go to the mtns a lot. The snow usually melts in a few days, and there are weeks of dry, sunny weather in between snowfalls. It snows into late April/early May.

What's the cost of living like there? I would look on the many COL websites for that information. City-Data has some info on its city page for each city; that will give you a start.

I'm a teacher, and will hopefully be able to snag a job there over the summer. Will I be able to find a decent rental house that I can afford? I'm not crazy about the idea of living with a roommate. I'd prefer not to.

Again, check the City-Data main page for Ft. Collins. It will give you average rents, and links to housing sites.

What the job situation like there for teachers?

Competitive. See the forum index, there is a lot of information on teaching jobs.

I have 4 years of teaching experience all with excellent reviews. I'm currently certified in Florida, Georgia (long story), and Oklahoma. I would be open to teaching upper elementary or middle school. I also have an endorsement in Gifted/Talented Edu and as a Media Specialist. What are the chances of me getting a job in the La Poudre Schools?

I don't know. I do know the job market is tight up there, as it is everywhere on the Front Range for teachers. Keep in mind, though, that people DO get hired.

What's the situation like there for young singles? It appears that I will be newly single after several years. I am very nervous about reentering this phase in life. I'm a rather shy person and don't really like the bar/club scene. Are there opportunities to meet other singles in other venues? Groups that hike, bike, or ski?

Am neither young nor single, can't help you there. It's a college town; there is lots going on. Probably some groups that do the activities you mention.

I plan on visiting Fort Collins again in late March for do some job hunting, but in the meantime, would like to gather as much information as possible about the city.

THANKS!

Good luck with everything!