Move to Denver & Current Accounting/Finance job market in Denver - Jan 2012 (Boulder: leasing)

[The Vid]

I am currently preparing for a move to the Denver area from Chicago, and I was hoping to get some input about the job market in the metro area. I will be moving in May 2012 with my girlfriend of four years, and we have some questions. First a little about us:

-I'm 34 and she's 30. No kids. We are looking for a city to "settle down" in and never leave. Eventually buy a home/have kids, etc.

-I have two top ten undergrad degrees in Accounting and Finance with about 10 years of experience at the Financial Analyst/Sr. Financial Analyst level.

-I'm working a freelance project here in Chicago until April and I will be moving without a job (most likely) Finances/savings are secure.

-She will be looking for work in the service industry. (fine dining or bar if necessary) Also, she has a recent graphic design degree so if anyone has any input regarding the industry in Denver.....


My questions:

What does the job market look like?

Can we move to Denver without jobs if a good portion of the lease(if not the entire lease) is paid upfront?


I know there are some threads similar to this, but I wanted to get some info on my specific situation. I'm new to the forum.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[azcater]

I can't help you with job market info.. (maybe chat with a recruiter in the industry and see what the outlook is??)
But for leasing, you are most likely to have success with private owners rather than mgt companies. Mgt companies typically have their requirements and they rarely like to rent to someone with no income. (But you never know) From personal experience.. I have better luck with owners and offering them 3-6 months cash up front along with deposits may be enough to get the deal done.

[den_sd_mpls]

The Vid - I just sent you a PM if you would like to connect. I'm in a similar situation and I am currently in the process of looking for finance jobs in the greater Denver area (likely downtown or DTC).

[lrmsd]

If you have visited Denver multiple times, and know you love it, a home/condo purchase while still working in chicago, is not a bad idea. Especially a condo in a solid area, or a home in a neighborhood with good resale value/stability.

I mentioned this, b/c, if you have the money to pay a full lease upfront, well, mortgage rates are so low right now, and prices have come down.

We are relocating to CO, as well, and have just investigated all of this, so that is why I'm giving it a mention [no, I'm not a realtor(:].

You could also go FHA route, if you don't currently own a home, for low down payment.
We are def. finding that rental rates are higher than mortgage, depending upon the type of rental [but we are looking in the 12-1400 range/per month, not super high end, and find this to be true, for sure.] Then, your monthly cost is fixed, and you look for jobs from there. You purchase with your current employment which is stable and gets you the great rate.

This would of course involve a trip or two to look at housing, but the cost may well be worth it.

I realize this post is from January,and OP is about to make the move-but in case anyone else is looking, this is another option to consider.

Good luck!

[jacoby23]

There are plenty of accounting/finance jobs in Denver. I just got a job in Boulder in accounting. I was lucky to be able to interview on a recent trip out there. I applied to many positions and barely got any responses, it seems like it is easier being local and applying.

Reach out to recruiters, check twitter,etc

Good luck.

[scruffyscot]

The Denver area has a large percentage of highly educated folks so be ready to be very competitive!

The rental housing market is tight and a bit pricey but maybe not compared to Chi town.