Deciding between Denver and Colorado Springs - moving in November (Aurora: low crime, home)

[Intelgents]

Hello

Ill try to keep this short. Been in the Army 5 years, and getting out. I work as an Intel Analyst and currently live in Augusta, GA. Originally from California. I have a wife and four kids ages 13, 11, 10, and 6, and real desirous to move them to a great all-around place. Because of my line of work, I was restricted to Georgia, Texas, Washington DC and Virginia, Hawaii, and Colorado. Out of all of these we felt that Colorado offered the most for us in terms of overall quality of life (weather, cost of living, crime, schools, things to do, etc)

At first I was looking at Colorado Springs. Not sure why I was so dead set on it but I just felt it was very beautiful there, and for some reason (correct me if Im wrong) I am under the impression that CoSprings is more small-town (and affordable) than the Denver area.

However, because of my line of work, its easier for me to find work in Aurora, so if I land a job there then Ill take it.

I just don't know a lot about Denver. My wife is flying there tomorrow and spending 3 days to check things out. She was just going to spend about half a day in Denver and the rest of the time in Colorado Springs but now I think she should probably give each place equal attention.

Any advice? Comments? Tips on places for her to see? Looking for what everyone else wants: low crime, good schools, clean environment, friendly neighbors, lots of things to do. I'll be looking to buy a home as well, probably between $275-350k.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[davebarnes]

You are not going to be comparing Color Spgs and Denver.
You are going to be comparing greater Aurora (Aurora, Centennial (eastern part) and Parker (northern part) to Colorado Springs.
Way more jobs in greater Aurora.

[Mike from back east]

Your housing budget would get you a really fine home in COLO SPGS, less so in the Denver Metro Area (DMA). It is a bit small town when compared to Denver but it's a great place to live and raise a family at a cheaper cost of living than in the DMA.

I assume intel jobs are at Buckley AFB, so look out east of Denver for housing. There's a thread on here about Cross Creek in east Aurora that may be just the ticket for you.

Take a job in either place.

Your wife can visit Cross Creek on her way from DIA to COLO SPGS.

[knail]

It all depends on what you are looking for. Colorado Springs has a smaller town feel and would have less expensive housing but is more remote. If you can find work in Aurora then housing in close proximity would be Aurora, Centennial, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch and you are 30 minutes from downtown.

[Claire S.]

I'd recommend taking the best job opportunity and then choose your community accordingly. Colorado Springs definitely offers a lot more beauty than Aurora and the eastern suburbs. Aurora is a large sprawling suburb with some good areas. The biggest advantages to Aurora would be job opportunities (as you know) and its proximity to Denver, which has far more cultural activities than Colo Springs. I'd look around the southside within the Cherry Creek School District, the east end of Centennial, and Parker, which may provide a bit more of the small town feel that you are looking for. Good luck!

[Intelgents]

Thanks for the help, especially from you Mike youve always been so helpful

She just got back from her trip today, and is in love with Colorado in general. I think I will wait and see where my resume gets the most attention from and go in that direction. She loved Colorado Springs and the Aurora/Parker/Centennial areas equally. Getting pretty excited about going there now.