Where will be a better fit? (Relocation advice) (Denver, Colorado Springs: transplants, apartment)

[photofeature]

I've been reading this forum for months now, trying to learn more about the Denver area to plan my move. Everyone is so helpful regarding advice for potential transplants, so I'm looking for a little specific help myself.

I'm 22 years old, and have been planning to move to the Denver area in September. My original plans included moving out there with a couple of friends and my significant other, but it looks like now I'll be on my own. I've lived in St. Louis, MO my entire life, and am looking for a change.

St. Louis weather is just not for me; hot & humid summers with cold, relentlessly gray winters. I love the outdoors, and feel trapped inside for so many months of the year.

I dropped out of journalism school after two years, because I didn't (don't?) know what I want to do, and hated wasting the time and the money. I am planning to go back to school for a bachelor's in environmental science after I meet the Colorado residency requirements.

I currently work as a server at a restaurant that I would consider...low-end upscale. I would like to find a serving job at a similar type of restaurant upon my arrival.

Here, I share a relatively spacious 1bdr apartment with my boyfriend for $475/mo plus about $100/mo for gas + electric. We live within the city limits in a very mixed neighborhood. Depending on the block, it can be nice or it can be dangerous. I've been told that compared to what I'm used to, Denver's more dangerous neighborhoods would not phase me at all.

Right now, I'm weighing the differences between the Denver and Colorado Springs areas. I have been on a scouting trip to Denver, and am interested in living on the west side of the city (Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Arvada...I was particularly fond of Lakewood.) but now that I am moving out there on my own, would likely need to find roommates to do so. I'll have around 10k in savings by the time I move, but would like to find a place for roughly $500 a month.

I've never been to Colorado Springs, but it seems like their might be more mountain recreation opportunities there, and that I may be able to afford a place on my own, which is way preferable to roommates. However, as an LGBT person, it sounds like Colorado Springs might present some additional challenges for me.

If you've made it this far, I'd really appreciate your $0.02. Thanks!

[Mike from back east]

Denver is the major city for 500 miles in any direction, with 3M+ people vs 600K for the Colo Spgs region, so I'd go with Denver.

Start with padmapper.com and beware the tons of scammers on craigslist.

You should be able to find restaurant jobs in Denver without too much trouble.

[SkyDog77]

Sounds like you have a good amount saved for the move. I also think that finding a serving job won't be too hard.

As an LGBT person, I would not want to live in Colorado Springs. It's a very conservative town. Focus on the Family is headquartered there. Denver is a very liberal and accepting city.

You are correct that our bad neighborhoods don't compare to St. Louis. That said, I think if you were willing to go just a little higher in rent, you wouldn't have to worry about it at all.

[davebarnes]

Greater Denver rents are 2-3x of what you are used to paying.
Don't even think of Colorado Springs.
Most (not all) of the restaurants that you will be interested in are located near (3 mile raduis) LoDo.

[HomesByAmyZ]

Padmapper.com and hotpads.com can both help you "get a handle" on what rentals will run in both areas. Denver is a fantastically accepting city. C. Springs is more affordable, but as already pointed out, the culture is not as LGBT friendly.

[photofeature]

Thanks for your input, everyone.

I have been using and loving Padmapper for looking for places for a few months. I am really interested in the Lakewood area, and am finding a few places here and there that I can afford. Does anybody have any opinion/advice about Lakewood in particular?

[denverian]

Originally Posted by photofeature

Thanks for your input, everyone.

I have been using and loving Padmapper for looking for places for a few months. I am really interested in the Lakewood area, and am finding a few places here and there that I can afford. Does anybody have any opinion/advice about Lakewood in particular?

Lakewood is fine. It's basic suburban, and has new to old (fairly big city) and is clolser to the mountains. But if you like nightlife, it's a bit of a drive downtown. There is a light rail line that runs from Lakewood to downtown. But when I think of Lakewood, I think of families/empty nesters, not young single people. When I first moved to Denver just after graduating from college, I rented a room on Cap. Hill to be close to all the fun gay things to do in Denver