Moving to Colorado from CA - Not sure where to look (Denver: for rent, hotel)

[HeyJus]

Hello, We are planning on moving to Colorado at the end of this year and would like some advise on housing.

We have been looking around the Colorado Springs area and have gotten mixed reviews from "people" it seems that everyone we talk to knows someone who lives there. Is there a big difference between "west" Colorado Springs and the rest of Colorado Springs? I have gotten from some people "oh we live in West Colorado Springs" I'm not sure if this is just a directional response or if it is a kind of "snooty" thing like I get here in Orange County when people say "Im from South Orange County" it is like they are saying that it is better that the rest of Orange County.

Anyways, we are looking for a neighborhood where the homes are not stacked on top of each other, a good size yard, good schools and with the ability to commute to Denver for work. Our initial budget for renting is going to be about 1400 (give or take) a month, and then looking to buy in a year in the 300,000 range.

We are planing on a trip to Colorado to check out some neighborhoods next week, so if anyone can give me some ideas of good places to check out that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[smdensbcs]

Originally Posted by HeyJus

Is there a big difference between "west" Colorado Springs and the rest of Colorado Springs? I have gotten from some people "oh we live in West Colorado Springs" I'm not sure if this is just a directional response or if it is a kind of "snooty" thing like I get here in Orange County when people say "Im from South Orange County" it is like they are saying that it is better that the rest of Orange County.

This is just a guess, but I suspect the directional self-reference you're referring to may be less of a snooty thing and more of a way to distinguish themselves from the overwhelming national reputation of Colorado Springs as a bastion of ultra conservatism and intolerance. The west, southwest, and central areas tend to be very diverse politically and there may be some desire not to be lumped into the reputation other folks in the Springs have put onto the city/area in the last couple decades. That is just a guess. As a generality, homes are not more expensive in the west side of town, though pockets of great wealth do exist west, southwest, and central.

If you're going to be working in Denver, I suggest living in Denver. Why commute 2-3 hours a day when its not really necessary? Renting first is a good idea. Castle Rock is roughly half way between Denver and the Springs, perhaps a bit closer to Denver. If you absolutely must work in Denver and live in the "greater" Springs area, I'd suggest the far north town of Monument.

[bongo]

When I used to live in Colo.Spgs, Manitou, to be exact, the occasional drive to Denver & back was grueling to me. I can't imagine making that drive, particularly in the winter, as a commute every day. I remember getting stuck in a hotel on the way to the airport around the holidays when the pass closed down.

As a teacher, I have heard many good things over the years of the Jefferson county schools.

Good luck in your search!

[HeyJus]

Thanks for the info. I will check out Castle Rock when I am there next week.

[Idlewile]

If you are working in Denver you will not want to live in CS, especially coming from CA and assuming you are not accustomed to driving in weather... you'll wish you never moved at all.

[HeyJus]

I don't have to work in Denver, I have a few options. I have lived in CA, specifically South Orange County - Laguna Hills - for the majority of my life 40 years. My wife and I very eager to get out of CA, and I want to make it a good move as in where we choose to settle down. Right now I have a 30 mile commute from Laguna to Anaheim, takes me about 30 min with no traffic and about 1 hour with traffic.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

The advice usually given on this forum is to find work first, then decide on where to live. We give that advice even to people who are planning to live and work in the Denver metro area, so for most of us the concept of working in Denver and living in CS is out of the question. For several reasons: (1) why spend more time in your car commuting than you do at home with your family, and (2) it snows here in the winter , which can double or triple your commute time just getting across town. The commute from CS to Denver goes over Monument Hill, which has a higher altitude and can get very treacherous. Snow can fall as early as September and as late as May.

There are plenty of neighborhoods in the Denver metro area that meet your criteria.

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

The advice usually given on this forum is to find work first, then decide on where to live. We give that advice even to people who are planning to live and work in the Denver metro area, so for most of us the concept of working in Denver and living in CS is out of the question. For several reasons: (1) why spend more time in your car commuting than you do at home with your family, and (2) it snows here in the winter , which can double or triple your commute time just getting across town. The commute from CS to Denver goes over Monument Hill, which has a higher altitude and can get very treacherous. Snow can fall as early as September and as late as May.

There are plenty of neighborhoods in the Denver metro area that meet your criteria.

Yes, if one is working in Denver, it would be pretty crazy to live in Colorado Springs. I don't think there is anything advantageous to living in Colorado Springs as though it is some upgrade over living in the Denver area.

This aint SoCal. I-25 between Co Springs and Denver can get downright nasty in winter and I can think of better things to do with my time.

[HeyJus]

good info, thanks

[bongo]

Originally Posted by HeyJus

I don't have to work in Denver, I have a few options.

Is ColoSpgs one of those options? If so, then live in ColoSpgs. Fort Collins? That's also a nice town if you have a job option there.