I'd like to move from TN to FoCo but I'm not sure how to do it. (Colorado Springs: spring break, 2013)

[morganhoo]

I've never moved out of state before and I'm kinda running around with my head cut off trying to get started. I'm 22/m and I don't know anyone there. If at all possible I'd like to have a living and work situation before I move. If you have any tips on how to accomplish this or how to begin this fairly intimidating task, I'm all ears. Thanks

[krh6609]

Depending on how your finances are, here are some thoughts:
Housing- Check craigslist for "rooms/shares" there are a lot of quality singles/couples here that, if you qualify, will rent you a bedroom ($275-$400 p/m) for a while so you can get your feet on the ground and see how you like it. If you want your own place, then pre- arrange an apartment.
Jobs- That one is too broad to tell you much. It's, like everywhere, pretty tough here unless you have amazing credentials or are OK with a low wage starter.
Give detailed $ needs and living needs and work skills and we can help you more.
By the way, don't be afraid to move "out of state". States are just lines drawn on the map! Colorado is about the easiest culture there is to belong in, just watch out for Grizzlies and Bigfoot.

[Bideshi]

Originally Posted by krh6609

Grizzlies and Bigfoot.

Are there grizzlies in Colorado?

[krh6609]

Mostly Bigfoots, the Grizzlies are more partial to Utah.

[morganhoo]

Financial needs are low. I don't mind a minimalist approach if that's what it takes. Rent and food to start. As far as living needs I'd just like to be in a fairly safe place that's close to potential jobs. And for work skills, I'm pretty much limited to the "starter" jobs anyway.

I may end up with a second person going with me. Will this complicate a living situation or make it easier?

[krh6609]

Most everywhere here is safe and convenient except for some areas North of the downtown area ( College avenue Noth of Mountain avenue). Room renting will be difficult with 2 people, but will make it less per person if renting an apartment. Remember that there are a lot of students filling in the starter jobs, but should lighten up after graduation and they return to their homes.

[davemess10]

Originally Posted by krh6609

Most everywhere here is safe and convenient except for some areas North of the downtown area ( College avenue Noth of Mountain avenue).

That has a good chunk of Old Town in your description (which is definitely not unsafe). I would say it's more like North of the Poudre on College.

[countryway]

Hi there. Some of the replies have good info. I moved here without a place to live as an adventure back in 2010. My best advice to you, is be prepared. I am not trying to scare you, but want to give you the heads up I wished I had had.

First, housing is scant and competative. Rentals are in high demand and Fort Collins is a very popular city currently to move to. Coming in Summer is supposed to be best due to the abundance of rentals available from departing college students, however my experience was not that easy. I came in July and after a month of apartment hunting I ended up having to move to Colorado Springs until I could get one in FoCo by October. Good sources have told me many people come here without a place to live, exhaust all of there monetary resources and often have to return to where they came from or be homeless. The motels get filled up with people searching for an apartment. Ihave heard that others get a campsite as well while searching for an apartment.

Come in June, early Summer. By Fall, it will be hard to get an apartment. Remember, this is a college town and it can be a stiff competition. I am telling you from my experience, not someone else's. Others may say differently and may have a totally different experience, but I can't help that. This is my experience and info I have been told by reliable resources. We came here, with no place to live and we regretted it, because we found we needed more money for motels etc. than we thought. If you can arrange a place to stay (friends) or rent (sight unseen, however not recommended) before you come, then that might be better. Just be aware that it may take you longer than you think to pin down a rental. It is very competetive here, in my experience. Craigslist is a good place to start, but beware of some scammers.

If you have any questions and need more details, send me a message and I will try to help. Good luck.

[Mike Weber]

Most students begin in March to figure out living situations for the following school year. Many rentals start taking leases in March for the following August. Spring break at CSU is March 10 - 18. Upon their return from spring break, they are going to be looking pretty hard at 2012-2013 housing. I already have parents and students contacting me about buying condos or homes for next school year.

[Symbiot]

Originally Posted by krh6609

Depending on how your finances are, here are some thoughts:
Housing- Check craigslist for "rooms/shares" there are a lot of quality singles/couples here that, if you qualify, will rent you a bedroom ($275-$400 p/m) for a while so you can get your feet on the ground and see how you like it. If you want your own place, then pre- arrange an apartment.
Jobs- That one is too broad to tell you much. It's, like everywhere, pretty tough here unless you have amazing credentials or are OK with a low wage starter.
Give detailed $ needs and living needs and work skills and we can help you more.
By the way, don't be afraid to move "out of state". States are just lines drawn on the map! Colorado is about the easiest culture there is to belong in, just watch out for Grizzlies and Bigfoot.

Thanks for the rooms/shares tip, I didn't even think about that, but it may be an option for me.