Please Convince Me (Denver, Lakewood, Arvada: to rent, house, buy)

[gmm_24]

I am glad you are going to visit. It is far different out here then back East and it is not for everyone. Dream jobs in a place you cannot stand means little. We did that once and spent 3 years in MD and I hated it there and it was not worth it.

Certain branches of the State Government are changing the way they hire and the position you hold, they are also downsizing quite a bit. None of it is in a positive way so hopefully sh is not applying for a position through the State. Who btw has not had a raise, cost of living increase etc for the past 3 yrs even though the cost of everything has gone up. Their health insurance is also ridiculously priced so we have none.

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by oXar

Truth is, I don't know what I want to know, I'm trying to learn as much as I can really. I find that I can research and get all the stats out there, but one doesn't get a true vibe unless you talk to actual people who live there.

The only specific I need to know for myself and really not ready to research this aspect of it, is how the architectural / construction field is doing. Florida suffered a big hit and after losing my job of 12 years, I ended up taking one making much less in another city after 11 months of searching. I like where I'm at, but I feel we could be doing much better.

Hopefully Mike From Back East can assist you..he knows it all ! I do not know much about the specific field..however, trust me you will do better once you are out of Florida-

The vibe..well I find people are more laid back in Colorado..outdoorsy..lots to do. Granted no ocean but lots of mountains- hike, ski, waterski in the lakes without alligators, camping.

I have been in Florida for 3 years and I believe that the economy has gotten worse-there is just no industry here

[oXar]

Originally Posted by gmm_24

I am glad you are going to visit. It is far different out here then back East and it is not for everyone. Dream jobs in a place you cannot stand means little. We did that once and spent 3 years in MD and I hated it there and it was not worth it.

Certain branches of the State Government are changing the way they hire and the position you hold, they are also downsizing quite a bit. None of it is in a positive way so hopefully sh is not applying for a position through the State. Who btw has not had a raise, cost of living increase etc for the past 3 yrs even though the cost of everything has gone up. Their health insurance is also ridiculously priced so we have none.

It's a federal job with the DOJ, and this position in particular is one that doesn't open up too often, someone has to retire (or quit)

[Timmyy]

Originally Posted by Ming Ming

I dont know where you can live for 200k - 250k unless it's a condo or townhouse. I think even the bad areas cost more than that to live in.

Not true. I live in a cookie cutter house in HR that is around $250k. Houses can range from $250k to $400k in the area I live in.

[strawberrykiki]

I hate winter and cold, but Denver really is not the tundra people seem to think it is, and I do just fine here. I'm not sure I can ever move because I have gotten so spoiled by all the days of sunshine we get here! It's a lot easier for me to deal with the cold when it's sunny out versus on the east coast where it's cold and gloomy. Yuck.

Denver has a different vibe than the east coast. People just seem more relaxed and I love the Rockies always in the background. We have all the major professional sports, tons of great restaurants and bars, malls and shopping, museums, the zoo, the aquarium, the theater, comedy clubs, and of course all of the outdoor activities. Skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, you name it and we have it. I miss the ocean, but in a choice between Florida and Colorado, I would choose Colorado hands down.

[dmiller91]

I'm confused by all the quotes of 300+ for homes.... I've been looking around Erie, Broomfield, Superior and seeing lower price tags for nice homes. Are folks speaking about Denver proper?

Strawberry: I'm interested in your comments.... I'm hoping to escape the cold (WI). We have cold and dark.... but it seems to me that the cold might go on forever in Denver, especially if you are getting snow in October.... May and June? In WI, those storms really get me down! How is it any different in Denver?

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by dmiller91

I'm confused by all the quotes of 300+ for homes.... I've been looking around Erie, Broomfield, Superior and seeing lower price tags for nice homes. Are folks speaking about Denver proper?

In real-estate terms, metro Denver is usually the counties of Adams, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson and Park. However, sometimes [rarely] Boulder is included. And, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Elbert and Park are very small.

"Erie is a Statutory Town in Boulder and Weld counties"

Most of the time, Denver prices would NOT include houses in Erie.

[dude_reino]

Real estate prices are consistent with other major cities. You can buy a house anywhere from $150k to $1.5 million. I wouldn't worry about it. We do have a state income tax, but relatively low property and sales tax.

I have been to Indy and while the city is nice, there is nothing to do outside of it. Here in Denver you have hundreds of vacation options within a four hour drive.

Denver has the largest concentration of Federal Government outside of Washington. If she wants a career with the Government then this is the place.

As for the cold, I do not mind it as much as the DARKNESS. Due to our latitude and elevation, the sun rises at 8 and sets at 5 in the winter. So 8 to 5 workers do not see the sun all winter. Its no Seattle, but It is quite a contrast to Florida and can be depressing at times.

[dude_reino]

Originally Posted by dmiller91

it seems to me that the cold might go on forever in Denver, especially if you are getting snow in October.... May and June? In WI, those storms really get me down! How is it any different in Denver?

They only last four hours.

[Ming Ming]

Originally Posted by dude_reino

Real estate prices are consistent with other major cities. You can buy a house anywhere from $150k to $1.5 million. I wouldn't worry about it. We do have a state income tax, but relatively low property and sales tax.

I have been to Indy and while the city is nice, there is nothing to do outside of it. Here in Denver you have hundreds of vacation options within a four hour drive.

Denver has the largest concentration of Federal Government outside of Washington. If she wants a career with the Government then this is the place.

As for the cold, I do not mind it as much as the DARKNESS. Due to our latitude and elevation, the sun rises at 8 and sets at 5 in the winter. So 8 to 5 workers do not see the sun all winter. Its no Seattle, but It is quite a contrast to Florida and can be depressing at times.

After living in Seattle, I am pretty sure no where else can be as bad! I think Denver is almost too bright for me, I can't go out without sunglasses. I love dark gloomy days, must be because a little part of me misses Seattle.