Should I move to Denver to take this job up? (Lakewood: to rent, condo)

[audiophile]

Folks,

I am new to this forum. I live in Wichita, Kansas where the cost of living is pretty low for a Metro area. Although Denver has a lot going for it, it is a bigger city with a higher cost of living (still better than the coasts). I currently have a job in Wichita (I am an engineer) but looking for a more challenging opportunity. So I am not desparate to move, but would like a change of scenery and a better job (in terms of work).

I have recently got an offer from Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Lakewood, CO. The salary is pretty good, but not outstanding compared to what I earn here. The details of the offer are being revised as I had some issues with the original offer, but I know that the most I will get is a 10% increase (likely) over my current salary in Wichita. I am married with no kids, but my wife does not work (part time off and on). So we have to support ourselves from my income primarily (at least I have to plan that way). Here are my questions:

1. With the modest raise, is the move worth it consdering Denver Metro is more expensive to live than Wichita?

2. If I move, I think I would want to rent a home/large townhouse for 6 months to a year before thinking of buying a house. What price range of rent am I looking at for a 1500 - 2000 sq. ft house/condo/townhouse? Also what is the availability? what neighborhoods are feasible close to Lakewood?

3. If I end up buying a house later, what are the most economical areas closer to Lakewood where I can look for a house and what is the price range? I live in a ranch style home right now with 1300 sq. ft. on main level and 1300 sq. ft in finished basement with a small deck in the back and 2 car garage. We really do not need any home much bigger than this. Also I prefer not to drive more than 30 minutes to work, but will consider driving a bit longer if the home is in a picturesque neighborhood. School district is not relevant, but do not want to live near a ghetto.

3. I think the final salary is going to be in the neighborhood of $125k / yr. I have two car (mid-size non-luxury) payments amongst other obligations. Is this going to be a OK move? I checked CNN Money and it said that I needed to make $132k to have same standard of living. Salary.com said I needed $140k / yr. I do not know what is the right number. I do know that given my education and years of experience I could not get that much.

4. If someone knows or works for LM, please do comment on the company. If there is a realtor in the forum, I would appreciate some comments on housing (temp and permanent).

Thanks!

[chilicheesefries]

Not sure where they is a LM facility in Lakewood. There are 2 in south Jeffco that are in unincorporated land but have Littleton addresses. I will speak to these. South Jeffco is a great place to live and you there is a very nice picturesque neighborhood west of C-470 & Ken Caryl. That's a very nice place to live and the houses range from probably 300,000 up depending on what you're looking for. There is also a back way in to one of the LM facilities (Deer Creek Rd. facility). Also consider Roxborough Park. I know a lot of people who live there and it can be had for cheap (utilties can be quite high though especially water). That would give you great access to the main LM facility (Waterton). Both neighborhoods are in very beautiful areas. As you go further down south in Roxborough the houses get bigger and than scenery gets more beautiful. Could probably rent in either neighborhood. The rest of South Jeffco (anything south of perhaps Belleview) would still put you in 30 minute commute time and you have a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from with houses similar to what you have in Wichita. And it's not one of your criteria, but the schools are pretty good there too!

[audiophile]

Originally Posted by chilicheesefries

Not sure where they is a LM facility in Lakewood. There are 2 in south Jeffco that are in unincorporated land but have Littleton addresses. I will speak to these. South Jeffco is a great place to live and you there is a very nice picturesque neighborhood west of C-470 & Ken Caryl. That's a very nice place to live and the houses range from probably 300,000 up depending on what you're looking for. There is also a back way in to one of the LM facilities (Deer Creek Rd. facility). Also consider Roxborough Park. I know a lot of people who live there and it can be had for cheap (utilties can be quite high though especially water). That would give you great access to the main LM facility (Waterton). Both neighborhoods are in very beautiful areas. As you go further down south in Roxborough the houses get bigger and than scenery gets more beautiful. Could probably rent in either neighborhood. The rest of South Jeffco (anything south of perhaps Belleview) would still put you in 30 minute commute time and you have a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from with houses similar to what you have in Wichita. And it's not one of your criteria, but the schools are pretty good there too!

I believe this place in Lakewood is just an Engineering facility standalone from the LM main plant. I would like to stay closer this one for now, especially if I rent.

[chilicheesefries]

Originally Posted by audiophile

I believe this place in Lakewood is just an Engineering facility standalone from the LM main plant. I would like to stay closer this one for now, especially if I rent.

From my experience, my understanding was that the Deer Creek Canyon location was engineering. If you have a general whereabouts of the Lakewood facility (major intersection) that would be helpful for all of us to give advice.

[audiophile]

Originally Posted by chilicheesefries

From my experience, my understanding was that the Deer Creek Canyon location was engineering. If you have a general whereabouts of the Lakewood facility (major intersection) that would be helpful for all of us to give advice.

I will try to find out. However, I do not think Deer Canyon Creek is the one. It is an off-site engineering facility specifically catered to a particular program and it is in Lakewood I am told.

[chilicheesefries]

Originally Posted by audiophile

I will try to find out. However, I do not think Deer Canyon Creek is the one. It is an off-site engineering facility specifically catered to a particular program and it is in Lakewood I am told.

Okay. We'll be able to give more sound advice once we know the general whereabouts.

[audiophile]

Originally Posted by chilicheesefries

Okay. We'll be able to give more sound advice once we know the general whereabouts.

The facility is at the intersection of S Wadsworth Blvd & W Hampden Ave in Lakewood, CO.

[chilicheesefries]

Originally Posted by audiophile

The facility is at the intersection of S Wadsworth Blvd & W Hampden Ave in Lakewood, CO.

Okay. Ken Caryl Ranch would still be valid and is highly rated. 30 minutes would also open you up to Englewood, which is rated good as it is right near a light rail line to get downtown. Points west of Wadsworth north and south of Hampden have a good mix of housing too from simple ranch style to larger houses to house properties. 30 minutes or less up Wadsworth also would put you into Arvada/Wheat Ridge, but I think you'd get tired of that drive pretty quick and Lakewood (especially south and southwest Lakewood) would give you what you want. Some people swear by living in the city of Denver but I'm not one of them so I'll leave that to somebody else.

PS - had friends and relatives who worked for LM. They were long-time employees (20+ years) who retired with them. They seemed to enjoy it. Nowadays I hear a lot about employees being more project-based so if/when the project is done or fails your job might be gone. What I'm trying to say is I hear the job security isn't what it might be at a more traditional lower-tech company.

[steveindenver]

No.

[Nav]

AS for your salary question, as long as you are not living on your entire paycheck (IE Yuppie eating out every night and constantly being entertained) then you can live comfortably on that salary. Your biggest expense will be housing but that depends on you. Ken Carly is nice, but pricey. Lakewood is older and inexpensive. Your requirements for housing are not much so you will be able to find a lot of places that fit the bill.

Nav