Salary and Rent Questions (Denver, Westminster: mortgage, student loans, real estate)

[trickyhits]

Hi all,
I've just started reading these posts tonight and I have seen some really good questions answered. I have accepted a position in Denver that pays 50,000, and I currently make 35,000 in Gulfport MS. Now before the whole cost of living thing comes up, let me just explain that since Hurricane Katrina wiped out the coast and the casino and condo market gobbled up all the land, real estate has risen drastically. I was paying $400 for an 2br house on the water and now you cannot rent a 2br in the city for around $850. The housing market jumped 20% overnight. Now I have a home that I own 2br 1 bath with nice yard that was $96,000. With the wind and hail insurance that is required in hurricane country my mortgage was around $915 w/ escrow.
EDIT: The pay never increased as the cost of living increased...just thought I would add that. Anybody from the coastal areas can vouch for that

I am married with 1 child, but I am asking if the new job will be a good job to take. I have normal bills car is paid for, student loans, etc. My wife does not want to work right away as we find a good daycare and she can adapt to the area...southern belle syndrome. I would like to think I am making a good career move, but I do not know much about the area, other than I visited and I liked it.

I have also been looking at the flats at Whisper Sky apts...wife wants to feel safe and she liked those. I on the other hand only want say a 3 to 6 mo lease as we get a better feel for the area and may find a place we like better that is cheaper. So the question I pose is, Is whisper sky a good place to live area wise, is access to 25 easy, and anything else you would like to add.

So all in all its a big wall of text, but I want to know that I will be able to live comfortably and in a nice area. You will never be rich IMO with kids, but I want to provide a good life for my wife and kid...I also have my teaching degree, so would it be a good idea to think about teaching in Denver. Please add whatever you like...weather issues, traffic, etc. Thanks

[tfox]

I can't tell you too much about that particular complex, but I would give a look to Craigslist first before signing your lease there. I think the going rate for a 2br apt is around $800.00 or so, but it depends on a lot of things, location being one of them. Also, renting from a corporate apartment complex is likely going to be more than renting from a private owner.

Getting a very short initial lease is always a good idea, but you will probably have to fork out a little more money for a short lease.

[yukon]

I checked out that area over Labor Day and thought it was passable but iffy. I think you can find better prices and nicer neighborhoods - or at least more square footage for the same $$, especially with private rentals (townhomes, condos) on craigslist. Have you visited the area yet? It's a HUGE change from Biloxi/Gulfport (but a good one IMHO, my mom lives in Mobile, ugh).

Where is your job going to be located? That might help locals on the board give you some suggestions.

[trickyhits]

Thanks for the replies.

My buddy who actually lives near the Whisper Sky apts, said it took him about 45 mins to get to work. The job is located at 7350 North Broadway Denver, CO 80221. It looks like it is off 25 then just north of 270. After he told me about the drive we have been looking for different areas now. Thornton has came up, but I am little skeptical, as my mom lived there quite a few years back and she did not speak highly of it. I do not mind a drive and living in a good area is key to me...I live in the Dirty South , so I see some real bad areas as far as that is concerned. Safety is huge for my wife as she will be at home with the baby most of the time. Those of you guys that can give good insight into child care, I would appreciate that also. I am a little crunched for time, as the house will be closing in a few days and the movers need an address to move to. Please if you guys can give me some insight on driving times from different areas...I know it may vary from day to day, good apartments to rent from..reasonably priced ones I might add, and just some good old fashioned advice for a southern coming to Denver.
Thanks a bunch

[tfox]

My suggestion would be to try to live somewhere along the US-36 corridor (aka Boulder turnpike). Broomfield (somewhere around 120th & Hwy 36) would be a good choice. Louisville is probably even nicer but a little further out. This would give you a straight shot down Hwy 36, which will connect directly to I270.

Your previous suggestion on S. Parker Road would be a very frustrating commute to your work location. I would try to stay up in the north/northwest metro in your case.

[Katiana]

Definitely stay up north. You will not have to drive through the city. Thornton has changed a lot in the last few yrs. I think you could find a nice place there. Also Westminster and the other places mentioned.

[yukon]

What about the Lowry area? Or would that be too hard a drive? Looked like a nice area.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by yukon

What about the Lowry area? Or would that be too hard a drive? Looked like a nice area.

That is actually doable. Drive up Quebec all the way to I-270, and then get off at broadway. Not too bad.

Lowry is a nice area. Stapleton is also similar, and that would be a little closer.

[angelight]

Since you will be working on North Broadway you might want to check out the Markks Apartments at Girard Place. It is located about 10-20 mins from your job location, there are about 4 Hospitals in the area, a wonderful park located at the back of the apartment and if you have school age children Cherry Hills Village School is assigned to the (B side) apartments of the complex. A Two bedroom goes for about $900.