Living in Denver, Working in Aurora: How Bad a Commute? (Broomfield: lease, home)

[cool hat bro]

Hey all,

I'm moving to Denver in 2 weeks, and have a job lined up in Aurora. Looking at Google Maps, it's located about 1-2 mile east of where I-70 intersects I-225.

The thing is, I'm 22, single, and have the opportunity to live in a city for the first and maybe only time in my life. I like the idea of being able to walk to restaurants, bars, museums, etc. More importantly, I don't know anyone in Denver, so I'd like to live someplace where I'd have a chance to meet people. I really like the sound of Capitol Hill, in particular.

I'm worried about the commute, though. How long do you guys think it would be? Also, any opinions in general about whether the commute would be worth it?

( P.S. I'm not dead set on the idea of living in downtown, and I've been looking at places that have public transport to the city. Really, I just don't want to end up in a suburb where I'm the only person without two kids and a PTA membership. )

[awarren09]

generally with traffic your looking at about 30 min

[Idlewile]

Not as bad as living in Broomfield and working in Aurora -- like me. 3/4 of my colleagues live in downtown Denver or even farther so it's more than doable. I work very close to the area you mentioned on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Plenty of surface street options like 17th or 13th/14th too for that portion of Aurora. I wouldn't give it a second thought.

[Count David]

Yeah, it's not too bad. My commute home in the AM is worse.

[vegaspilgrim]

Sounds like you know what you want, so go for it! Try not to lock yourself into any long term lease right off the bat, just in case if you end up not being able to stand it. Generally this would be considered a "reverse commute" as most traffic is heading towards downtown but I-70 can get really bad in both directions. There are people from all walks of life, including young singles, living in the suburbs as well (including Aurora), but if you're looking for a "scene" you're going to have to live in the core city of Denver.

[cool hat bro]

Thanks for the quick replies, everyone. I'm of course waiting until I actually head out and visit to make any decisions, but its really helpful hearing people's opinions on it.