Thinking of moving to Denver from Atlanta (mall, suburbs)

[tfox]

Originally Posted by catymoto

anyone know what the crime in denver is like?

Well, statistically speaking crime is on a downward trend -- last year had the lowest crime numbers in a decade.

There are some rough areas, here, no question about that, but even in the worst of the worst, I've never really felt intimidated in broad daylight. I've heard some people say that a "ghetto" is somewhere that you would be afraid to drive in at night or walk through during the day. I can't think of many places in Denver that fit that description.

[kagan3903]

We moved from IL to ATL, and totally do not like it, ATL is not the best place to raise your family...
we will be moving to CO, I can't wait!!!!

[Micktooth]

My family and I moved to Louisville, near Boulder from New Orleans. I work in Denver. We almost moved to Atlanta but we are so glad that we didn't. The people here are so friendly, the weather is awesome, there is so much to see and do. I really don't miss the South at all, except for some of the food, but then again, I have lost 30 lbs. since I moved here! You will love it here!

[catymoto]

Originally Posted by Micktooth

, I have lost 30 lbs. since I moved here! You will love it here!

Thanks for the input. I think we are going to try to make the move. Im excited, especially if it means weight loss j/k

any more opinions would be appreciated and welcome!

[SBD]

No offense to the people of Denver, but the outskirts are ugly - except as you get out to Golden and Boulder is nice too. This is of course a subjective opinion. The downtown area of Denver is really nice, clean, friendly, lots of activity. But man - when you get out of the city, there is a ton of open space with nothing but grass. Its basically a semi arid climate and if you have any appreciation for trees - you will not find Denver appealing. Outside of aesthetics, I do find it a wonderful city though.

As for Atlanta, it must be the greenest city in the country. I've watched the MARTA from a high rise make its way through the tree tops. The hills, greenery, winding roads (though congested) are beautiful. Sure Atlanta gets hot in the summer - but personally I would take that over snow (even if for 2 days before it melts). Atlanta has 4 seasons and for me...heat over cold/snow hands down.

Not sure why so many people on these boards are hard on Atlanta - besides traffic I find it to be a beautiful, inviting and vibrant place. As for raing family, there are very good and very bad areas just like any other large metro area. Denver is a great city - I just love trees I suppose

[RaleighRules]

Raleigh, NC..trust me on this...tops many lists, housing is reasonable, airport has beatiful new terminal, downtown is kinda sleepy but many cool buildings coming/condos/festivals, etc., 3 major universities within 20 miles, lots of sunshine (though summers muggy), barely snows, rain is reasonable, mountains 3 hours west, beach is 2 hours southeast, growing but its manageable, decent variety of people with many non-southerners...

[movementarian]

I think the poster is considering following a family member as they move from Atlanta to Denver. She never mentioned considering North Carolina or better southern cities here. Raleigh is a lateral move, Denver is an improvement.

[longknocker02]

Originally Posted by RaleighRules

Raleigh, NC..trust me on this...tops many lists, housing is reasonable, airport has beatiful new terminal, downtown is kinda sleepy but many cool buildings coming/condos/festivals, etc., 3 major universities within 20 miles, lots of sunshine (though summers muggy), barely snows, rain is reasonable, mountains 3 hours west, beach is 2 hours southeast, growing but its manageable, decent variety of people with many non-southerners...

I agree that Raleigh is a nice area, but what is your background with respect to Denver? I doubt the airport is any nicer or better-connected than DIA. Downtown Denver is anything but sleepy, and it has tons of cool buildings/festivals/etc. The universities are better near Raleigh, but CU and DU are both good schools. Denver has more sunshine, and a lot less humidity in the summers. The mountains being 3 hours away is nice, but not nearly as nice as being 30 minutes from the foothills and 1-2 hours away from numerous world-class ski resorts. My biggest problem with Denver is the lack of waterways, but I am more of a mountain person than a water person.

[catymoto]

Thank you everyone for all of your input. We actually going to be taking a trip out there soon to see if we like it enough to move out closer to family. any suggestions as to what areas need to be seen. Also I have seen a lot of people talking about the lack of trees??? I know its an arid climate but are there no trees or fewer trees than those people are used to?
Thanks again you guys have all been a great help. Im just about ready to jump in the car and just drive out there

[jcfg]

I'm from NC, I have family in Atlanta, and I lived outside of Denver for two years for work. Here is my honest assessment.

The cost of living was much higher and I wasn't able to save as much money living out there as I do in NC (even though my salary was higher and we lived very sensibly). I found traffic to be pretty bad, depending on time of day, and miserable in winter weather.

I hated the lack of trees and the dry climate. My skin aged a lot in those two years.

I did not like Denver itself very much. People heard my southern accent and assumed I was from Texas. I don't have a problem with Texas, but I noticed people would often write me off and not try to get to know me. I didn't think the people were very friendly or reliable as friends. I am used to southern courtesy and manners, so I just didn't really fit in out there.

If we ever move back, I would choose Colorado Springs instead. I found the people to be friendlier and less elitest.

Just because Denver wasn't a good fit for me doesn't mean I will tell others not to consider it. I wish the OP luck in the decision.

Colorado is beautiful, there are wonderful outdoor activities to do, and I have lots of nice pictures and memories.