Moving to Boulder area in April 2016. Advice needed! (Longmont, Louisville: apartments, rent)

[FC2]

Hello, I've been through a few of these threads (as well as several other sites) in the past several months and have gleaned a wealth of information from them, so thank all of you who have contributed to the ongoing Boulder discussion.

Now, here's my story: I am in my mid-twenties and will be arriving in Boulder to study at CU. I will be a veteran receiving $1600/month every month I'm enrolled in school, and I have a nice nest-egg in investments (over 50k) that will not be touched unless absolutely necessary. I plan to receive unemployment upon my discharge from the military/arrival in Colorado until I get settled, but I'm not sure how much that will be. I'm looking to spend no more than $1100-1200 in rent (that seems to be the going rate). Also, what else makes Boulder have a high cost of living? I live in Honolulu now, and I can't imagine Boulder being worse ($15 for four cans of tuna).

I'm looking for a Boulder suburb that isn't too far from the university, as I've never driven in snow before and don't wish to press my luck with a long commute. Longmont seems promising, but Louisville has also cropped up occasionally on random Craigslist apartment searches.

What's your opinion?

Thank you.

[davebarnes]

Food, utilities, motor fuel will be less than Honolulu.
Live in Boulder, near CU.
Enjoy college life.

[brown_dog_us]

Longmont is probably the best bet as far as cost, but as dave mentioned, you might prefer to be close to the school. It just makes it easier.

If you decide on Longmont, check out the bus to see if it will work for you. I think it is free for students.

[WhereTheSidewalkEnds]

Yes, students do get a free bus pass.

I agree though that if can swing living in Boulder, do it. Our son was in the dorms his freshmen year but then commuted from sw Longmont where we are for 2 years. While doable, things are so much easier being near campus this year. Partly because of senior project with a lot of meetings and late nights, but still, overall, easier being close.

[Neditate]

The cost of living is not that high in Boulder. The cost of renting/housing is high.
Comparison to HNL
Cost of Living Indexes:
Honolulu/Boulder
Overall 199.2/155.1
Food 155.9/98.3
Housing 338.3/277.1
Utilities 165.2/92
Transportation 124.6/97.5
Health 119.9/103
Miscellaneous 123.5/96.8

[FC2]

Thank you all so much for your input. I've looked at a couple apartments in Boulder and almost all of them are marketed toward students (I'm not a partier and prefer quiet places) and/or are pre-furnished. I'll definitely give the bus a gander, so thanks for that tidbit.

What are your feelings about Nederland and Rollinsville? I know they're further away and more rural, but their housing prices are slightly better (less than 1k/mo), though the drive and potential inconvenience may cancel that out.

[Hipchik]

Originally Posted by FC2

I'm looking for a Boulder suburb that isn't too far from the university, as I've never driven in snow before and don't wish to press my luck with a long commute.
What's your opinion?

Both towns are in the foothills at fairly high elevation: Nederland is @ 8230' and Rollinsville is 8475'. Nederland is approximately 30 minutes from campus, Rollinsville more like 45-50 minutes. My opinion? Neither one would work for you.

[whoisjongalt]

Check out Gunbarrel in northeast Boulder. It's closer than Longmont and less expensive than downtown Boulder. For your budget, you might need a roommate if you decide to live in Boulder. Nederland is beautiful but the drive up and down the canyon could get old depending on how many days / week you have class. It's worth considering if you'd prefer the vibe of a small mountain town vs. a college town.

[ltnflvr]

I think if you plan on working or studying in Boulder, why not live in Boulder? Commuting takes time and money. Boulder is not all students despite the picture being painted. There is "the hill" but besides that, many age groups exist. South Boulder has many upperclass students and families. Central has many mid 20s. North is quiet and older. Ride your bike to class, enjoy your community, live where you work or study. Not trying to agitate people, but I don't think Longmont is a good decision for you.

[livecontent]

The Boulder Core area has excellent public transit. You get a free bus pass. The area is dense, walkable to stores, to school and other amenities. You can easily bike, walk or take the many buses. You will then not have to spend money on a car or have that worry about driving and maintenance. With the money saved, your Veteran's benefits and your savings--you can easily find a nice place in Boulder and have a great life as a student. Live in Boulder and enjoy having the carefree/carfree life of a student.

Just to point out which I would assume you know: Unemployment compensation means you have to be willing and able to work. You will have to actively seek employment but it is good to have until you get settled. I received unemployment when I was discharged from the Army in the spring but I quickly found work. Actually it found me because companies were giving top priority to returning GIs during the Vietnam era. I would hope it is the same today. I stopped working when I went back to college in the fall.

Good Luck!

Livecontent