Need advise on moving out west (Denver, CO area) from NW Indiana (apartments, rental market)

[Kal_C]

Hello all! Just joined the forum today in hopes of gathering the info I need to get me out of this place! A bit of my history to help give you an idea of where I'm coming from. I'm 22, an ambivert with stronger introvert characteristics but I don't mind being friendly. Born and raised as a Hoosier, I also have mild asthma (it's allergy/ imidiate temp change induced). I work full time at a car dealership (and I have a work history in the automotive field). Still living with my mother, but aspiring to venture out west in hopes of pursuing musical opportunity. I'm a guitarist, currently writing my own music and hope to find other musicians to collaborate with. I don't have a degree (stupid me), but I do have college credits. I don't think school is really my scene, but it's always an option if all else fails. Music is my greatest passion and the only thing I can really put my heart into. I figure this is the point in my life that it's prime time to chase my dream since I don't have anything really holding me back (ie. Debt, kids, girlfriend, etc.). In the words of Jim Carrey ''it's better to have tried and fail at your dreams, than to not try and still fail''. So I've come to the realization that Indiana has nothing to offer me, and I'm ready for a new chapter in my life.

Currently I'm in the planning stages and nothing is really set in stone as far as destination, but I do know id like to stay Denver area with not to expensive cost of living since I'll be traveling alone/living alone. I plan to save up for a year and a half and sell my car and aim to leave with 7k to 10k. I also have a 4x4 manual truck I wanna take with me along with my things in the bed. The grey areas for me are the expenses for cost of living, requirements of applying for a 1 bdrm apartment/studio, current employment rate, and music scene. Ive done some research already, but id also like to hear your advise as well. Anything to help me get a better idea of what I'm getting myself into. Staying in the Midwest will be the last thing I'll ever do. Thanks for your time, and Im grateful of your concern.

[JohnnyDenver]

At the current rate that apartments are increasing their monthly rents, 10k will not last very long.

Also, while Denver has a good music scene, it's not like Nashville or Austin which is where more aspiring musicians move to.

[sammy87]

Dont.

[sammy87]

Edit: If music is your passion I recommend Nashville. Since living here for 3 years nobody has ever told me about any good music scene in the metro area. I'm not sure if there even is one here. Austin is another good option but more $$$.

[flamadiddle]

I'd recommend trying Nashville. I don't want to find you out on 16th st. playing guitar for tips. There's just not that much of a music scene in Denver. If Nashville doesn't work out, at least you're a short trip from home.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

I'd recommend trying Nashville. I don't want to find you out on 16th st. playing guitar for tips. There's just not that much of a music scene in Denver. If Nashville doesn't work out, at least you're a short trip from home.

That's not at all accurate. Denver is not Nashville, but there is a very healthy music scene.

[flamadiddle]

Okay, let's say for the sake of argument that there is a "healthy music scene" in Denver.

Let's ask OP a few more questions...

OP, why are you drawn to Denver? What type of music do you play? Will you want to go home on occasion for holidays, etc.?

Now, regarding Denver... The rental market is tight and rent prices are very high! Without skills, employment will be tough, especially employment that will make enough to afford a decent place to live. If you need to go home to NW IN to visit or get back on track, you have a painful 15 hour drive from Denver. From Nashville, you're just over 6 hours away.

In general, breaking into and making a living in the music biz is like planning to become a major league baseball player. I totally get the chase your dream thing and I'd never tell someone not to give it a go, but what's Plan B? because odds are you're going to need it.

If the legal weed thing is a draw, trust me, it's not that big of a deal. You cannot smoke it in public and there are no "coffee shops" like Amsterdam.

Finally, although Chicago isn't exactly the music capital of the world, it's right next to you and presents a lot of opportunity.

Best of luck to you! btw, I play the drums.

[Kal_C]

Thanks for all the great different perspectives you guys! It deff gives me a lot of food for more thought.

As for flamadiddle: well, I play psychedelic blues & funk, jazzy experimental progressive ideas, ambient melodies, that sorta thing. Basically, Hendrix is my strongest influence, mixed with the laid back chill vibes of Jack Johnson. Add a touch of country in there, maybe some zepplin, with lots of soul coming through the speakers.
The reason im attracted to Denver is because I heard it's pretty diverse culturally. Which I'm hoping means that ppl out there are more open minded (especially to new music), which I completely dig because I'm all about progression. Yes, the weed thing is a great perk, but not my main reason. Although, my music is the type of music you'd listen to high. Almost makes it sound different in a way, or just make you notice things that you didn't notice before. I digress. I've been to Seattle (LOVED IT) and L.A., and I just think out west would be best for the type of ppl I want to expose my music to because of the progressive mindset out there. I'm afraid if I go to Nashville it'll be a waste because I refuse to be bubblegum cookie cutter material. But like previous posters have said, its also not to far from home.

[Lafleur]

Originally Posted by Kal_C

Thanks for all the great different perspectives you guys! It deff gives me a lot of food for more thought.

As for flamadiddle: well, I play psychedelic blues & funk, jazzy experimental progressive ideas, ambient melodies, that sorta thing. Basically, Hendrix is my strongest influence, mixed with the laid back chill vibes of Jack Johnson. Add a touch of country in there, maybe some zepplin, with lots of soul coming through the speakers.
The reason im attracted to Denver is because I heard it's pretty diverse culturally. Which I'm hoping means that ppl out there are more open minded (especially to new music), which I completely dig because I'm all about progression. Yes, the weed thing is a great perk, but not my main reason. Although, my music is the type of music you'd listen to high. Almost makes it sound different in a way, or just make you notice things that you didn't notice before. I digress. I've been to Seattle (LOVED IT) and L.A., and I just think out west would be best for the type of ppl I want to expose my music to because of the progressive mindset out there. I'm afraid if I go to Nashville it'll be a waste because I refuse to be bubblegum cookie cutter material. But like previous posters have said, its also not to far from home.

The way I see it, OP, is that Denver attracts a lot of young people like yourself. No offense to you, but I'd describe it as that young, eclectic, artsy crowd that doesn't have a particular goal in mind when coming here, they just know they want to be in a chill scene. The weed draw is a little over-hyped IMO. Too many people seem to want to come here specifically for that and/or skiing/snowboarding and they don't really have any other major aspirations. To each their own though.

Having not spent much time in Nashville, I can't really give a good comparison of Denver's and Nashville's music scene. I'd say that Denver's music scene is probably average to slightly above average. There is a decent amount of music venues around town. Summit Hall in Lodo is one that tends to bring in some smaller acts. There are also some small venues in the RiNo neighborhood that draw smaller acts. That said, I'd think there would be more professional opportunity for you in places like Nashville or LA if that's the route you want to go. I only know of one or two bands that came out of Denver in the last decade that made it big.

All that said, the high COL will probably be your biggest obstacle. If you want to live near the youth scene, expect to pay at least $1000/mo on rent and utilities. And that's probably living with a roommate. You're probably looking at more like $1200-$1500 if you want to live on your own. Denver is quickly becoming LA 2.0. Lots of people are moving here and it's driving the housing prices up like crazy.

[Mike from back east]

Seems that Westword covers Denver's music and art scene pretty well.