Need advice from you Western natives on where to move! (Denver: real estate, affordable apartment)

[amethyst0506]

Hey everyone! I figured I would come to this forum since it's easier and I like to get advice from people who know what they're talking about.

I'm 26, I've lived in Florida all my life. I honestly can't stand it. The weather is too much to bear for me - the humidity, the heat, the hurricanes, the people, the list goes on.
I lived in Utah for a year when I was 15 and loved it. I've visited California, Lake Tahoe, Colorado, Arizona, and I just love the west!

I just have no idea where to start. I'm hoping I can get some suggestions. Here's a summary:

I plan on re-locating when I graduate college in about 9 months. I have been drawn to Colorado all my life. I've been debating between new england and the west and I think i'm gearing more towards the West. I like snowy, cold winters (i really do!) I want to get into skiing/snowboarding again, I love lots of mountains and access to hikes, camping, outdoor activities. Dry, mild-moderate summers. Nice, laid back people.

Denver is too big of a city, I want to be somewhere more secluded with lots nature activities but still have fun things to do and nice nightlife since i'm only 26 and want to meet new people and socialize. I also want a pretty affordable apartment.

Any suggestions on which city or areas to consider?
Thank you!

[brightdoglover]

What work will you be doing or are you considering grad school? Budget? Etc. Need more info. But I hear ya on preferring the West!

[JMHT13]

Budget and your line of work will be key.


You'd probably love Bayfield/Durango or even Conifer/Bailey. Utah would probably be a bit cheaper for you if you enjoyed it there.

[amethyst0506]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

What work will you be doing or are you considering grad school? Budget? Etc. Need more info. But I hear ya on preferring the West!

Honestly, I'm not exactly sure yet and It's up in the air. I'll be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Biology - either i'll settle for that and most likely do something along the lines of wildlife research, animal related job or i'll consider grad school or PA school if things don't work out.

I'm also an aspiring artist and thought about trying to make a business out of my artwork. Money really isn't too much of a driving force for me - i'd be happy in a small, simple apartment as long as I have my dog and the wilderness around me, if that's possible?
I'm paying about $1200 in rent monthly here in florida which is way more than I'll be able to pay when moving there. I'm looking for no more than about $900 - $1000 in rent monthly in a safe area where I don't need to be worried. Even cheaper if thats possible.

What are your thoughts on Colorado Springs? I'm not familiar with the area.

[StealthRabbit]

Go where you can find work and be in a climate that suits you (even temporarily)

Income tax free state may be preferred (coming from income tax free FL...) (helped me to retire 15 yrs early)
Can ski in WY, NV, and SD (income tax free)

Can Ski AND have an Ocean in NH, AK, WA (all income tax free w/ great mtns and coastline) and pretty great wages.

For career / nice locations,
Consider getting a job with US National Labs. Forest Service / Gov jobs can be a very LONG process to find and lots of competition.

US Army Corp of Engineers uses wildlife and biology majors and often in very nice working environments.

A friend worked for a Colorado Water Conservation district and had a 'remote' job checking lakes (biology tests) and snowpack!! (Had a nice cabin where they had a lot of time to do art and music. )

Time is now... get to looking / exploring / networking / finding options. BE READY long before the crowds of graduates pour out the door looking for the same thing as you.

Think and Act creatively. (don't forget the ACT part... those who take the plunge are few) Opportunities for adventure while dragging your feet on a decision can lame you for life.

@ age 26 I interviewed / traveled much of the west (I was planning to leave Colorado @ age 28). By age 29, I packed up the family and headed to a place far away ... no friends / relatives / job. BRAND new baby arrived 3 weeks after moving. Life changed... we survived.

Stayed put, except for 10 yrs of international assignments moving the family around the globe (I highly recommend that as an option). I grew up in the Mtns of Colorado, I still live in the Mtns, but only visit Colorado. Not ez, not bad, nothing is perfect.

Now Live in a national protected scenic area (no / few neighbors), 20 min from an international Airport, 20- 30 min from 20+ colleges and a zillion food trucks! (and 'weird' people) Plenty of diversity... LOTS of outdoor employment, hiking, photography / art.

[Mike from back east]

COLO SPGS is an excellent choice if Colorado is on your radar. Check the job listings on craigslist to see if there's anything in your potential line of work. You can use craigslist for apartments too but read and heed their warnings about the scammers on that site.

[brightdoglover]

Originally Posted by amethyst0506

I'll be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Biology - either i'll settle for that and most likely do something along the lines of wildlife research, animal related job or i'll consider grad school or PA school if things don't work out. ...

Strongly suggest you take all relevant civil service tests, esp. federal. You can specify what areas of the country you will consider. If you could get into a federal agency somewhere, you could likely transfer to a preferred area at some point. Take them sooner and not later- it's a slow process. Consider accepting any possible job even if it's somewhere you don't favor- it's only a first job. Best wishes.

[davebarnes]

$900
lol

[JMHT13]

Hope you like having room mates, finding a place at that price point that will allow dogs will be challenging.

If you're into all that artsy hipster stuff Denver might be a bit more fun..

[amethyst0506]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'll look into them for sure.

I guess I'm not familiar with real estate over there. I live like 10 miles from the beaches in Florida and it's pretty easy to find apartments for $1000 that allow dogs. I will plan on having to pay more for rent then, i do not want roommates.

Any recommended areas of Denver to look into that are safe and not crazy expensive?