housing cost in cripple creek, black hawk and central city (Colorado Springs: houses, casinos)

[rainbow74]

I am looking to relocate to Colorado and was wondering the cost of living in the areas of Cripple Creek, Black Hawk or Central City. I have been in the casino buisness for 13+ years. My girlfriend is from Colorado Springs and she wants to move closer to home and her family. I would consider driving from Colorado Springs but was advised that it wouldn't be smart to do in the winter.

Also could someone make a desirable living to support a family in the area with a job in the casinos up there? Any help would be appreciated Thanks.

I also have 3 dogs and was wondering if it would be hard to find a rental. I don't mind paying an extra deposit.

[Glenn Alsup]

The city of Black Hawk and Central City fund a web site that might have that sort of information. I know there is a lot of historical information and links to area businesses. The url for the web site is Travel, Entertainment and Information Resource Guide | Black Hawk Central City Visitors Bureau. Hope that helps your search and welcome to Colorado!

[ottodog]

I don't have anything to back this up, but I'd have to say the majority (at least the ones I know) of the workers in Black Hawk/Central City don't live there. Most live in the metro area, and ride the buses up from Golden. One person I know drives from Westminster every day, but there's no way I'd do it. That drive up the canyon is a lesson in frustration for sure, and to do it twice a day every day, no way!

It'd probably be cheaper and a little easier to find something in Idaho Springs or Georgetown areas. Then you could just take I-70 to the CC Pkwy. Four lanes and dumps you right into CC.

Not sure about pay. I'd expect they'd pay a little better than the metro area, due to location, and whats expected to get there. But like I said, most have shuttles to take you to work from the mtero area, so you might also try Golden or the western suburbs if you don't want to live in the mountains.

[PokerMunkee]

I work in Cripple Creek for a group of casinos (IT Manager). Most of the management lives in Woodland Park, since it's a 30-35 min drive to CC and a 30 min drive to CS.

The wife and I have been looking at houses in the Springs, west of I25 off highway 24. It would be a 50 minute drive or so. I'd actually take the Ramblin bus most of the time ($10 for employees round trip) so I could sleep/read/relax on the trip. But houses in WP aren't much more expensive, just not a lot of inventory.

What positions are you looking for? The casinos are looking for experienced craps/roulette dealers/supervisors, since these games will be added after July 1st. They will also be hiring Shift Managers since they will be going 24/7. These positions require a Key license and probably don't pay more than $45K.

[SheridanL]

What is a "Key License"??
I know a manager of security (talked to him today) and he lives here in Canon City...drives Shelf Road (OMG....15 miles of scary scary roads) as opposed to 50 miles each way!!
He said something about night managers too. He said he would maybe be working closer to 40 hours instead of 60 plus starting in July!!
I've only done Shelf Road 1 time and, I personally wouldn't do it but, it sure cuts tons of miles and time off!!!
There are a LOT of people that live in Canon City and work in Cripple Creek though!
Good Luck!!