In process of relocating, still confused by certain views/advice (Denver: apartment, rent)

[EastBoundandDownChick]

Before I secured my transfer and an apartment not long ago people kept warning me that Denver is not affordable. It honestly doesn't make sense to me. I put a hold on a place for $1100 per month but looked at places as low as $750 a month that were in decent areas, perfectly acceptable. $750 is a very reasonable rent for a one bedroom. Slightly outside of downtown but close enough and near the light rail.

The car insurance and tax rates are lower than where I'm at here in Michigan. Our car insurance rate is the highest in the nation because of no-fault, in Colorado I will be saving about $800 per year just on that. My taxes will be around half of what I paid on the East Coast roughly.

I will also be saving money because Denver has public transit. Metro Detroit doesn't, not real public transit like rail anyhow. Just on taxes, insurance, and not driving as much I am literally coming out thousands ahead according to my calculations. I really don't understand the complaining and am still honestly confused by it. I mean, I understand rents went up in recent years but it seems a little overhyped.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

That $750 rent is really really low. I'm curious about the neighborhood. Since you are in Michigan, how do you know that it is in a decent area? Can you give us the address?

[Tim Tim Tim]

Originally Posted by EastBoundandDownChick

Before I secured my transfer and an apartment not long ago people kept warning me that Denver is not affordable. It honestly doesn't make sense to me. I put a hold on a place for $1100 per month but looked at places as low as $750 a month that were in decent areas, perfectly acceptable. $750 is a very reasonable rent for a one bedroom. Slightly outside of downtown but close enough and near the light rail.

The car insurance and tax rates are lower than where I'm at here in Michigan. Our car insurance rate is the highest in the nation because of no-fault, in Colorado I will be saving about $800 per year just on that. My taxes will be around half of what I paid on the East Coast roughly.

I will also be saving money because Denver has public transit. Metro Detroit doesn't, not real public transit like rail anyhow. Just on taxes, insurance, and not driving as much I am literally coming out thousands ahead according to my calculations. I really don't understand the complaining and am still honestly confused by it. I mean, I understand rents went up in recent years but it seems a little overhyped.

I cant compare to Detroit, and pricing is definitely going to be subject to what your used to. For me, coming from florida, I pay significantly more to live here.

that rent payment you mentioned is VERY low, I'd be skeptical on that one personally.

[EastBoundandDownChick]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

That $750 rent is really really low. I'm curious about the neighborhood. Since you are in Michigan, how do you know that it is in a decent area? Can you give us the address?

7050 Pecos St.
Denver, CO 80221

I pulled it up on Google Earth and the City-Data facts. In the Westminister/Twin Lakes area. It seemed(s) all right?

[2bindenver]

Where is work?

[EastBoundandDownChick]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Where is work?

I'll be on Bannock St. near the County Building. The apartment I put a hold on is a 1 bedroom in Capitol Hill, about a mile away. It's not very big but I figured the location is right. The hold I put is only a few hundred bucks so I figure if I find something better I'm not out too much money. From what I hear it's a great place to live, I like the old architecture and proximity to everything. Although if I'm being honest it's REALLY small (like 585 square feet). But I'd rather have a smaller space than a crazy commute as a single person without kids. My rent with parking and all utilities factored in is under $1300. Considering I can walk/bike/drive/bus it to work it seems like a decent price.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by EastBoundandDownChick

7050 Pecos St.
Denver, CO 80221

I pulled it up on Google Earth and the City-Data facts. In the Westminister/Twin Lakes area. It seemed(s) all right?

I wouldn't live there.

[EastBoundandDownChick]

Originally Posted by emm74

I wouldn't live there.

Yeah, the more I look at it I have to agree.

[Count David]

Originally Posted by EastBoundandDownChick

Yeah, the more I look at it I have to agree.

Yeah, that's one of our barrios, and it takes a certain type (I would be fine lol ).

However, even I'm surprised at $750 for over there. The crappy parts of Westminster off 72nd/Federal are a bit more than that.

Also, our crappy isn't like Michigan crappy. AINEC.

[northplussouth]

I am researching a move to Denver and I agree with you it isn't that expensive, but I can see why people think it is. I used to live in NYC and paid over $2,000/mo. in rent. Then, I moved to FL and I got a very nice apartment for around $1,400 so it felt like an incredible bargain to me compared to what I had been paying previously. After a little over a year and some small rent increases, I'm still paying much less than NYC, but it starts to feel "expensive" because prices are rising.

Ultimately, you adapt to the COL of wherever you live and any increase will feel expensive. Denver has similar COL to central Florida, but it's rent prices have gone up relatively quickly in the last 5 years so it will feel expensive to Denver-ites.