Advice for a Floridian who is moving to Denver or Col Springs? (Colorado Springs: real estate, rental market)

[cwwjr1681]

I was hoping to get some advice. My work offered me a promotion which is in our Denver office or the Colorado Springs office the choice is mine! I am torn on taking it. I am from Orlando Florida. I am a single 33yo. I have not driven in too much snow not to mention I drive a sports scar (Mustang GT) which may not handle too well up there. Whats the night life like? What are the people like? Accessibility of movie theaters ect etc? Stuff to do out doors? How bad is the snow. Is driving the car a I do a bad idea if I take this promotion? Driven a Mustang for 15yrs. Can not see my self driving anything else Thanks for all advice anyone gives! Im sure rent is not as bad up there as it is in Orlando FL. Which city would better for me? Which has less snow? Although I like snow.

PS> I wake board here. Might want to try snow boarding :P

[randomparent]

Prepare for sticker shock if you come to Denver. This is an expensive place to live, and the rental market is tight.

I have no idea if you'll be able to manage with the Mustang. It really depends on how much time you'll need to spend out and about and if you can stay home when the roads are bad.

Prepare for the altitude adjustment to take awhile. It will be a few months before you'll feel like yourself again, even if you're in great shape.

It's dry here. Really dry. Your skin will itch like crazy for the first couple of months, but you'll adjust.

Plenty to do outdoors. Many people ski and snowboard. You'll have a lot of company.

I can tell how excited you are from the energy in your past. Colorado is a great place to live. Welcome!

[cwwjr1681]

Originally Posted by randomparent

Prepare for sticker shock if you come to Denver. This is an expensive place to live, and the rental market is tight.

I have no idea if you'll be able to manage with the Mustang. It really depends on how much time you'll need to spend out and about and if you can stay home when the roads are bad.

Prepare for the altitude adjustment to take awhile. It will be a few months before you'll feel like yourself again, even if you're in great shape.

It's dry here. Really dry. Your skin will itch like crazy for the first couple of months, but you'll adjust.

Plenty to do outdoors. Many people ski and snowboard. You'll have a lot of company.

I can tell how excited you are from the energy in your past. Colorado is a great place to live. Welcome!

Thanks for the heads up. Luckily things are MUCH cheaper there then where I live in Orlando. The lot alone for a house is 500k-900k + its ridiculous! so houses run for 1.1mil and up. We have beverly hills prices here lol. I am more concerned about driving a sports car (Mustang) up there

[randomparent]

My gosh! I have family in Orlando, and they certainly don't live in million-dollar houses. You must be in a very nice part of town.

I live in the family-oriented Denver 'burbs, so the car of choice is an SUV or a minivan, but people do drive sports cars here. Please don't go out and buy a four-wheel drive in preparation for your move. Take a wait and see approach. If you are very concerned about the snow, consider a winter driving class. Some driving schools have outdoor courses where you can learn how to handle your car in inclement weather. Here's one I found on Google: Masterdrive.

[2bindenver]

Buy snow tires!

[SkyDog77]

Where is your office located in Denver? What is your housing budget going to be?

If you are dead set on keeping the Mustang, you will want to either buy a winter beater car with AWD or get a good set of snow tires.

Denver also has neighborhoods where people pay $600K for 6,000 square feet of dirt. When you add the house it is easily over $1m. On the whole, real estate is more expensive here.

As far as a city goes, I think Denver is superior to Orlando, but quite different. Much more urban. Excellent nightlife and restaurant options, but you will want to be close to the city center.

[headingtoDenver]

Concerning your car, if you love your Mustang then keep it. I see a lot of people driving them around. If anything, pick up a second beater car for the snowy days.

I'm not sure of your financial situation, but me personally, I would choose Denver over Colorado Springs. I have nothing against the Springs, but this is mainly personal preference. Just keep in mind that Denver is more expensive than CS.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by cwwjr1681

....PS> I wake board here. Might want to try snow boarding :P

We actually have surfing here during snowmelt season, water is ice cold. This guy is nuts....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhiwFgWwjLE

[MountainK]

I've never heard of it taking months for people to adjust to the altitude. It may take a couple of days or maybe a week or two for some people. But, I'm sure there are exceptions.

I see mustangs nearly every day on my commute; driving on snow will likely be an adjustment for you. Also, see some other posts for advice on a winter survival kit that you should keep in your car...the storms here can pop up pretty quickly so it's best to be prepared.

[Thtgirl09]

Nice to see we aren't the only floridians looking to move to CO! Hope it all works for you
Now i haven't lived in CO I did live in NY with driving in snow and drive mostly sports cars with good tires and driving ability you can drive any car in the snow!