Relocating from Omaha to Estes Park (Longmont, Loveland: apartment complexes, rentals, condo)
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I am going into my 3rd interview with my potential employer next month and if offered the job, will be looking to relocate from Omaha to Estes Park. I spent 4 days in Estes back in May so I have an idea of what the town is like.
The cost of living is about 33% higher in Estes than Omaha. I am looking to rent a room or get a roommate if I relocate. It would help on the cost of living expense and I would feel more comfortable having some contacts in a city that will be brand new to me.
I am a young professional. I am a single woman without any kids or pets. I am thinking of visiting Estes again in a couple weeks so if anyone is looking for a room mate or has any recommendations on apartment or affordable living in Estes I would appreciate the feedback, and would hopefully like to connect with someone before and during my upcoming visit.
I had also looked at the possibility of moving to Estes Park a few months ago, but housing prices were a major concern to me as well. I searched trulia.com, but it seemed as though virtually all housing in the area is tailored to tourists and snowbirds.
I did find a few property management companies that offered newer-model apartment complexes. I no longer have the info on them, but I think some of those offered low-income discounts (if that applies). You may have better luck searching for such companies rather than individual apartments.
Here is an idea, even if impractical: I wonder if any condo owners would offer discounted long-term rentals during the winter (non-tourist season) months. Since EP winters are not commuter-friendly, one could live in EP through the winter and commute from Loveland during the summer.
I realize EP is a tourist-oriented community, but it would also make a great place to live. I'm interested to read other peoples input.
I used to do some work in Estes Park about 9 years ago and commuted from Loveland everyday. Driving hwy 34 was about 50 mins each way and gas was cheaper then too. But if you dont mind the drive for awhile the canyon is nice to dive in the summer. Winters are a little risky and will take you longer depending on road conditions. If you can't find anything in Estes right away Loveland or Longmont may be a temporary solution.
You'll probably be happier living in Estes Park than elsewhere, with a long commute otherwise. Especially in the winter. Also, as you've surely already appreciated, there is nothing like being there and having the proximity to such a wonderful abundance of nature.
Housing, on the other hand, will be somewhat expensive and problematic in such a desirable area. But do not despair, others in similar circumstances do it, possibly with even less income than you'll bring to the table. While most of the more desirable properties are geared towards the tourist trade and anything but affordable, not exclusively. People working modest jobs actually do live in town.
I know of one place on Elkhorn Avenue which is all lovely tourist shop below in a nice unassuming building, but reached by stairs at the back, upstairs a modest boarding house of small (small) rooms sharing a common bathroom. There are other similar enterprises, more like apartments, along Cleave Street, just north of Elkhorn Avenue. Also others, probably still there, on the west side of town near the Fall River. I wouldn't necessarily recommend any of these places to you, but it does demonstrate what is possible at a modest price, and there are other options as well.
The southeast quadrant of town, near the hospital, has a number of apartment complexes. Some more imposing than others, with possibly some of the finer further out along CO 7, or east of it towards the school. Some of them would have magnificent views of the Mummy Range. In this case I would expect one would pay an average rent somewhat higher due the area, but possible if with a viable job. Particularly if with a roommate.
It will probably be easiest locating something once on the ground, but still possible to begin looking now. There are two newspapers of a certain size in town, with the principal being the 'Estes Park Trail Gazette.'[1] I think they've farmed out their online classifieds, so the actual paper better, but still something. Also, some of the many realtors in town might also help you. One you may wish to contact would be Range Property Management.[2] This is a branch of Range Realty, their office dealing with property rentals. While most of their listings are focused on the tourist trade, something nice could be possible. It depends on timing and luck, but some attractive cabins or houses can be had at times for a relatively modest price, and doable if with a roommate. From experience I can say much nicer than most any apartment or condo, and perhaps even directly on the river!
Speaking of timing, it would help if you arrived for good in the autumn rather than summer. You may have had a glimpse of this in May, but one of the distinct downsides of Estes Park is that it is loved too much, and an absolute zoo through the summer. That fact will be of no benefit to anyone seeking lodging, although your criteria will probably only somewhat overlap what tourists are looking for. But, still, easier if you can.
One option, particularly if not in summer, would be short-term lodging at a local motel while looking for something more permanent. Save the dead of winter, most of them will probably prove too expensive for anything but a short stay. But here again, there are still possible options. Just west of town, on Highway 66, there is a large YMCA complex which may possibly offer reasonable lodging. I would not know the particulars on that, but do know that at least in years past that in the off season the Tyrol Mountain Inn has offered very reasonable month to month rates. It is a nice enough, even somewhat plush motel. With even a swimming pool, although that drained in winter. It is situated just east of town on Big Thompson Avenue (US 34), along with a good many other motels. But notable in being situated right at the crest of the hill, with many of its rooms enjoying a superlative view out over Estes Park below and the high, white alpine peaks of RMNP serving as backdrop. One could do a lot worse for a week, or winter, but advisable to check when the best rates might be in effect.
Good luck. You'll probably be glad if remaining somewhere in town, with what will be revealed many distinct neighborhoods. Stay off the main roads. With luck you may even happen upon just the right little place, cozy and fair, and then in happy repose wonder how wonderful life might really become.
You'll probably be happier living in Estes Park than elsewhere, with a long commute otherwise. Especially in the winter. Also, as you've surely already appreciated, there is nothing like being there and having the proximity to such a wonderful abundance of nature.
also another local newspaper is the Estes Park News (www.estesparknews.com), and they have a very good classified ad section for rentals. The YMCA is no longer a place that has inexpensive lodging...I used to work there.
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