Considering a move to Denver from New York (Long Island)

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by jimm723

... Denver really caught my eye.

I am from Long Island, New York. While I am definitely used to the unique blend of suburban living combined with the close proximity to Manhattan, I am not at all like the 24-hour party seeker attitude that has become synonymous with New York transplants. I have a love/hate relationship with this city. While I definitely enjoy the restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and ease of access to everything here, i do NOT enjoy the traffic, the people, the pollution, and the cost of living.

It sounds like Denver could be a good choice for you, especially some of the neighborhoods you mentioned, like Washington Park, South Broadway area, etc. Those areas will give you enough of an "urban" feel so that you aren't totally missing New York and will give you enough activities and social life. It sounds like you don't need huge amounts of that anyway.

Aside from the fact that Denver is much smaller than the NY metro area, other differences you'll notice will be the dry air, high elevation, lack of international/ethnic diversity (Denver is mostly Caucasian or Hispanic) .... although historically for whatever reason Denver has been a draw for immigrants from a couple of specific countries so you'll actually find noticeable numbers of these particular ethnic groups there....

Overall I think you'll be pleased with the restaurant offerings.

[skins_fan82]

This may be a little off-topic, but I recently heard on the radio about how some guy moved from Long Island to South Carolina. He said the the taxes on his Long Island home were around $25,000 a year. I threw up in my mouth a little.

You'll find that the property tax in Denver are nowhere near that.

[mattywo85]

This is a bit of a side question from the OP but how is nightlife in downtown Denver? Is it safe at night or are there better options?

[jimm723]

yes, the taxes here in nassau county are horrendous. my family originally lived in a 3-bedroom ranch on roughly 3/4 of an acre of property (which about 1/2 an acre more than 99% of the properties around where i live), and our property taxes were around $11k a year in the late 90's; a number which slowly crept up with each subsequent year. 3 years ago, we remodeled the house into a 3-bedroom, 3 full bath split, more than doubling the square footage of the home in the process, and our taxes nearly doubled to around $21k. granted, i live in a predominantly wealthy town, but my neighborhood in particular is pretty middle class (by my town's standards, anyway).

it's impossible to find apartments that aren't in someone's basement for under $1000 too (and that usually doesn't include utilities either). my generation is being priced right out of our birthplaces unless, like me, you live with your parents while saving money (and hope THEY don't start charging you rent after a while). in addition, the job market is so viciously competitive that you can only get a decent paying job in the city, which is a 2-3 hour round trip commute per day on the long island railroad and nyc subway, costing anywhere from $200-300/month depending on how far out on long island you live (and the train and subway fares increase 5-10% about every two years while salaries, of course, do not).

[BrandonT]

Since you're into cooking more than eating out, you might like to know that there's a few pretty killer Asian markets here. Don't know if you like Asian food -- even if you don't, they have really cheap, hard to find fresh produce.

[cmcd17]

I live in the city, just a few minutes from downtown, in the Park Hill neighborhood. You will definitely want to be in the city. Cherry Creek is not too hip. It is mostly older folks with higher incomes, not too many singles. Cheesman is known for higher gay population, which is fine, but you did not indicate import of that. Getting a condo in the Riverfront area would be cool ( look at Glass House condos) Tons of twenties live in that area. Congress Park would be ok (more families), Highlands might be better. More vibrant dining/ cafes, etc and access to LOHI (Lower HIghlands). Still close to the city. Wash Park would also be Good. The meager Central Park Equivalent is Wash Park in Denver. That's the hub of activity all seasons. In sum, look for a downtown place (you'll get more than in NY) , Highlands or Wash Park. I think that would fit your profile the best and have some energy. My neighbhorhood is largely families. (I have 3 kids).

[denver to sf]

I have been in denver for the last 2 years and LOVE it. sadly i might be leaving soon. as many others have said, if you want to be close to the sporting arenas and other young singles, definitely stay IN the city.

downtown itself (LODO) think college frat style.. it is very walkable. you can walk to coors field and the pepsi center easily. there are always things to do but you may grow old of the endless college scene (unless thats what you are into). most apartments in this area feel like an extension to dorm living with loud parties lasting well into the morning even on week nights. rents run 1000-1200 or higher for a 1 bedroom.

capital hill is also very walkable with lots of restaurants and bars. many young singles. a little further from sporting events but still not far (maybe 10 minute drive). more of an "alternative scene", a little grungier than downtown. cheaper rent. maybe $800-1000 for a 1 bedroom.

highlands/lower highlands (LOHI) is my personal favorite. again very walkable. it has its own mini downtown feel around highlands square. some call it the yuppie area for young couples and strollers. what i like is that i can walk anywhere downtown (including coors field, pepsi center, and mile high stadium) but also get away from frat parties that last until 4 am on a wednesday... a 1 bedroom might be harder to find in this area as there are more houses and townhomes.

Pearl street/ DU (university of denver) area: others will have to help me here as i don't know much about this area, but it might be another neighborhood you would be interested in.

agree with other posters that food is somewhat bland compared to other places but the outdoor paradise more than makes up for it!!

good luck!

[Gina23]

It seems my entire group here in Denver (including my significant other) is from New York/New Jersey. There are a ton of you guys out here and everyone of you seems to do really well career-wise. We live in the Highlands neighborhood in the city for reference. Good luck, Denver is a great city and you will love it here

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by jimm723

taxes nearly doubled to around $21k

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8-Polo-Club-Dr-Denver-CO-80209/13350763_zpid/#{scid=hdp-site-map-bubble-address}

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/14-Polo-Club-Dr-Denver-CO-80209/13350761_zpid/#{scid=hdp-site-map-bubble-address}

LOL

[MRS82584]

Jimm, I've lived in CO my whole life (I'm in my late 20's), and all over CO. Personally if I where you I would steer clear of the speer area and cheesman park (lets say I live in cheesman park area when I was 18 and that was it). Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, Golden, Belmar are all nice area's. Belmar is nice because it is a new neighbohood. If you want to live downtown, I'd stay in the baker area and the bonnie brae district.