Taking a job in Cheyenne but considering living in Fort Collins (Laramie: appointed, apartments)

[hw15]

Hello, I'll be moving from Texas to take a job in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I'm not sure I want to live in Cheyenne because I know I won't be staying long. I'm considering living in Fort Collins and driving to Cheyenne for my job. It is just a temporary contract job for three months, but it's in the dead of winter from December to March. It would be nice to already have an apartment and be settled in Fort Collins because after the job is over in Cheyenne I plan to get a new job in Fort Collins. Does anyone have first-hand experience with making the daily commute from Fort Collins to Cheyenne in winter? How long is it really on regular days vs. snowy days, how dangerous are the roads, how much does the long drive wear on your nerves? I'm hoping I will be able to put up with the hassle because it is just temporary. If not, what would you recommend for temporary/short-term housing in Cheyenne? It looks like the apartment options are slim, especially if you have pets. It seems that most apartments not allow them. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[sunsprit]

If your job position requires daily attendance, you'd be better off finding a rental in Cheyenne for the job because there can be a lot of days where the I-25 corridor is flat-out treacherous with snow, blowing snow, drifts, and icy roads.

I'm not saying that it's impassable, but it gets very old after a time or two where you've spent hours of your day on the road in difficult conditions with many possible opportunities to have an accident.

I've had projects contracted in the Ft Collins area and it took me about 50 minutes from Cheyenne to the job site on clear road days.

Of course, depending upon the winter storms that come through, I-25 can be closed for anywhere from a few hours through a day or two in the winter. You won't be making the trip at that time.

Looking through today's Cheyenne newspaper, there's a lot of rentals available. You might want to check the listings on-line or contact the property manager companies in Cheyenne.

[dictionary]

I would never in a million years consider that commute, WY "natives" will go on and on about how great Cheyenne is, but for a younger person I would take Fort Collins over Cheyenne in a heartbeat. Depending on what you are looking for, Fort Collins is much more cosmopolitan, much more like "back east" but with a great dash of the West thrown in. West as in like a "River Runs Through It" West as in Bozeman, Big Sky, Vail, Durango, Jackson Hole, West.. that's the west most people from outside of WY, ND, SD, think of. I personally prefer that west, but Cheyenne does have nice people and jobs..it's just a bit windy for my taste and the height of fine dining to me isn't the "Outback Steakhouse" so each to his own. I am trying to convince my husband to move us to Fort Collins as we speak!

[hw15]

Thanks for your responses everyone, they have been very helpful in coming to a decision.

Also, a relocation agent in Cheyenne says this:

"That commute from Fort Collins is more like an hour and 15 minutes, maybe longer. You see, Fort Collins sits off the interstate about 5 miles and it's city traffic, which takes a lot of time. Also, in the winter, I-25 drifts over when it snows, so they often close the interstate when that happens. You get stuck here, there or in between. I'd say, live in Cheyenne."

I must have been jumping the gun and looking too far ahead. One step at a time. Once the job in Cheyenne is over, then I can take the next step of getting a new job in Fort Collins and moving there. But, that is much farther down the road. (And there's no sense in driving up and down that road in the winter! haha) For now, the task at hand is working in Cheyenne (despite the fact that it is a temporary contract job) and I am reminded now that living where you work is essential.

In conclusion, it looks like Cheyenne is the best place live while working there. It seems quite obvious now! haha

Here is a resource I am using to find a place in Cheyenne: Apartments in Cheyenne Wyoming .

[BennyPhoenix]

Be open minded. You might end up liking Cheyenne and want to stay there.

[hw15]

Thank you for your suggestion. Yes, I am sure I will like it very much there in Cheyenne, and I would be glad to stay if I could get another job there. I have lived in Wyoming before for a short time. I find the scenery breathtaking and am excited to be coming back. However, I was just assuming that it may be tough to find another job there since Cheyenne is a smaller city. I am in the computer programming field which is usually in higher demand in larger cities. Plus, I would eventually like to make my way back into Denver. I do feel pretty open to trying new things, which is why I am willing to travel, try out new cities and choose to take jobs anywhere along the Rocky Mountains. Who knows... I hope the future is full of adventure. I'm going where the wind blows.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by hw15

... I hope the future is full of adventure. I'm going where the wind blows.

That's for sure

I did the Cheyenne / Ft Collins run daily as a truck driver (as well as many points far beyond). GENERALLY... it is not too bad, but then there are a few days that it is a challenge (or closed). I was usually so glad to get back to Cheyenne from points north and east, that getting to Ft Collins was EZ and comforting, having driven for hours without seeing another vehicle, up around Bill, Clareton, and Lusk. The only place I got stopped due to weather was between Cheyenne and Laramie, when there would be a line of CF trucks trying to pull a set of doubles over the pass with single axle tractors. (They broke alot of chains...). I worked from 5pm to 5AM, so virtually all my trips were at night adding to the challenge if getting 'stranded'. Keep a candle, matches, flares, and a blanket in the car. (a shovel too, and I like to have a reflective 'bicycle' flag on a long pole, in case you get 'drifted in')

For your case I would get a small cozy spot in Cheyenne, and spend the extra $$ you will get (no income tax), venturing to Ft Collins and Laramie for FUN.

BTW, you Could be disappointed with the 'breathtaking' scenery in Cheyenne, but Veedauwoo is close, and the Snowy Range too. I'd see if I could get a programming job with the state in Laramie or Sheridan. Getting tax-free income is a good way to get a head-start on retirement. WY would have been my choice if I hadn't had a good job in Ft C and Loveland, that sent me to WA, then to Asia.

Hang-on, I'm sure the wind is starting to blow in Cheyenne (It's been a steady 40-50 mph here in WA for a few days, it must be about ready to rain )

[shadowwalker]

I thought there were some pretty large subdivisions going in some miles north of Fort Collins around the Budwieser plant? That are accessed just off the interstate? Maybe I'm mis-remembering. I do that sometimes, or so says my wife...

[BennyPhoenix]

hw,
You seem to have a good attitude about things. I am sure you will be happy and do well wherever you land.
Good luck to you.