Fort Collins vs Arvada/Westminister

[rya700]

Just another thought on moving to CO or Wyoming (since added to the topic) please be aware of the "boom and bust" cycles these states seem to be subject to. Plan accordingly.

[Bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by rya700

Just another thought on moving to CO or Wyoming (since added to the topic) please be aware of the "boom and bust" cycles these states seem to be subject to. Plan accordingly.

I'd say that applies much more to Wyoming. Colorado, or at least the Denver area has diversified significantly in the last 20-30 years.

[mischasmuse]

Welding jobs would be closer in to Denver/Aurora. As a poster said it is a megaopolis now with a huge distance between areas with a challenging commute. Though I've known people who did it daily - be prepared for at least one hour each morning and evening and more in winter/snow/ice. Denver metro is very spread out and housing has become more expensive than a 850 a month range unless you live in a not so great area. I agree with another poster that people have this idea of colorado now. Yes jobs, pretty, but traffic and housing are changing the ability to get around. Otherwise you may want to look more at colorado springs, close to foothills there. Still colorado has nice folks. Come and check it out first in person. You should do that anywhere you would consider. WYO is better but has lost a lot of jobs in last several years. If you don't mind long winter/cold than I'd check out Rapid City, SD. Very affordable, near outdoors, up and coming.

[jwiley]

Originally Posted by Bucketfoot

I'd say that applies much more to Wyoming. Colorado, or at least the Denver area has diversified significantly in the last 20-30 years.

Is it? from what I can tell the main industries are still agriculture, mineral extraction, and tourism, the only thing really added in the last 20 years has been IT that I have noticed and that is not exactly a stable market.

[Katarina Witt]

^^Main industries in metro Denver:
All major industries grew in metro Denver in 2013 – The Denver Post
"The eight major industries are aerospace; aviation; bioscience; broadcasting and telecommunications; energy; financial services; health care; and information technology-software."

Don't see agriculture, mineral extraction or tourism on the list.

Colorado: Major Industries in Colorado | Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
In alphabetical order: Advanced manufacturing, Aerospace, Bioscience, Creative industries, Defense and homeland security, Electronics, Energy and natural resources, Financial services, Food and agriculture, Health and wellness, Infrastructure Engineering, Technology and information, Tourism and Outdoor recreation, Transportation and logistics.

Energy and NR probably includes mineral extraction, but there is also wind and solar, and energy production.

[TCHP]

According to the Bureau of Labor, Denver has actually lost IT jobs over the last year to the tune of -2.2%. Also down are mining/logging/construction -.8% and manufacturing -.1%. Biggest gains were in Other Services +4.6%, Leisure and Hospitality +4.4% and Education and Health Services +3.8%.