How are dental hygiene jobs in Denver? (apartments, rentals)

[jennylam510]

Hi everyone,

I am from Minnesota, and I am not very pleasant about the winter in Minnesota. It's too cold for me. I had no choice before, but now I am done with school, and my parents said I can choose anywhere to live. I was thinking about Colorado, but since I never been there, I don't know how's living situation and expensive in Colorado especially I don't have any friends or relatives live there. How are dental hygiene jobs there? Is it easier to find?

Thank you all!
Jenny

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by jennylam510

Hi everyone,

I am from Minnesota, and I am not very pleasant about the winter in Minnesota. It's too cold for me. I had no choice before, but now I am done with school, and my parents said I can choose anywhere to live. I was thinking about Colorado, but since I never been there, I don't know how's living situation and expensive in Colorado especially I don't have any friends or relatives live there. How are dental hygiene jobs there? Is it easier to find?

Thank you all!
Jenny

Probably as good of a job picture as anywhere for your work; the metro area is 3M people and growing a bit. Cost of living in/around Denver may be a bit higher, but you'll have to compare it to your area to be sure. IMO, you cannot go wrong here.

[sunsprit]

Let's visit the concern about "too cold for me" ...

What is your threshold of "too cold"?

My wife grew up in north central WI and in her opinion, the Denver metro area is as cold or colder than that area. Consider that Denver is at a much higher elevation, and the winters are lengthy. It's not uncommon to see serious fronts (some with snow) move in around mid-to-late October, and see cold fronts and snowstorms through April. Feb and March are the snowiest months .... while Dec and January tend to have the lower temperatures, especially overnight with the shorter days. You are looking at the potential of a 6 month "winter" type climate some years .... other posters on these threads report serious cold fronts with freezing temps as early as September and as late as May, for an even longer potential "winter" clime zone.

If living in this snowy climate of cold temps is enough of a change for you from the MN climate that you now live in, then Denver may work for you. But if you're seeking a warmer climate or area of a shorter milder winter duration ... you need to look at places outside of the Rocky Mountains and the high elevations here. Further South ... either East or West ... will be your best bet.

[icewater]

I also am from Minnesota and moved here to avoid another truly bone-chilling winter, yet ended up staying for a while. Even knowing nobody, you should be OK--people are more outgoing and easy to get to know. And, you will meet many many people who are not from here. This is a great talking point and makes for easy conversation.

Weatherwise, if you can handle MN then Denver and most of Colorado is a piece of cake. The temps will resemble those of the Twin Cities for maybe a day or three then will jump up to 40 plus for 10 days, and there will be lots of sun to keep things cheery. The snowfall isn't even close, but the small amount that does fall means treacherous driving since the city STILL can't figure how to plow effectively. Again, it just melts 2 days later anyways. As I write this it's 55 degrees with no snow. The weather won't be a problem for you and you'll be amazed at all your past suffering. The dry air does affect some people strangely, but you'll get used to it I'm sure.

For rentals, I think the prices are a bit less here. But not by much.

For Jobs, I don't know about dental hygienist work, but there is alot of work to be had if you are willing to work. The Denver metro are seems to be a bit transient compared to Mpls/Stp so there are a good amount of people leaving jobs and apartments, yet there are always folks moving to Colorado (so much so that you'll see bumper stickers with a CO license plate that reads "Native").

Good Luck with your move, and Go Vikings!

[thedfly]

If you decide to move out this way, check with Periodontal Associates, Dr. Heller teaches at University of Colorado School of Dentistry and can point you in the right direction.