Durango cost-of-living question (Grand Junction: rentals, how much, homes)

[ready2go]

Hypothetical question for Durangoans? Durangites? you know who you who you are.

If a middle-aged couple were to move to the Durango/Four Corners area and around $32k in income and maybe a 24 month window to find jobs(both are professionals) would it be do-able or barely do-able and pretty tough sledding?

Unstated assumption is that we don't expect to be swimming in champagne and knocking back caviar sandwiches during that period of time.

[brightdoglover]

Is the $32K an income or savings?
I do think the job thing would be a huge problem, no matter how much you take with you. At least, that's what I hear.

[ready2go]

Combination of both.

It would be hard to find a job within 2 years? I find that hard to believe.

[delta07]

What professions will you be looking for?

[ready2go]

My wife is an RN and Optician. I've been everything from cook to welder but currently I'm an Information Technology Manager. Neither one of us has to make anywhere near what we're making now.

[delta07]

My husband is a RN and we've been able to find work everywhere we go. Of course, we arrived in Bend, OR just before the economy tanked and he had a job offer before we ever moved. However, I've been out of work for 2 years in my profession (a teacher) and don't see that changing anytime soon. Durango and Bend are very similar in terms of the economy, both rely heavily on tourism.

With that said, I imagine your wife could find a job in the medical field, even if not working as an RN. There are home health nurses, nursing homes, rehab facilities, etc. that are all in need of people. You might also look into travel nursing as an option. My husband worked as an agency nurse while we lived in Grand Junction and he could have worked 7 days a week (all within the local area) if he wanted. If you are willing to do most jobs, which is sounds like you are, I imagine you could find something, albeit low paying, to scrape by.

[ready2go]

delta07,

Thanks for the input - that was our take on it. I'll probably end up flipping burgers which is alright with me. To quote Lester Burnham, "I'm looking for the least possible amount of responsibility."

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by delta07

Durango and Bend are very similar in terms of the economy, both rely heavily on tourism.

Except that Bend has a population of 76,000 versus Durango's 16,000. I don't think their economies are all that similar.

[Let's Go Here]

A combined income of $32K won't get you very far in Durango. You're looking at at least $800 a month for a decent place to live, and everything from soup to nuts is more expensive over here.

Finding a job within 2 years shouldn't be very hard, though.

[Colorado Rambler]

Finding a job in Durango is no harder than finding a job anywhere else, given the current state of the economy. If you are not too picky, you can get s foot in the door employment wise and work your way up as other jobs become available. Housing is the killer. It's very hard to find something affordable in Durango. If you can, start looking into rentals before all the students get back and make it just that much harder to find decent housing. Good luck!