From Tampa/St. Pete to Denver (Colorado Springs, Boulder: lease, car insurance, to live)

[mateo384]

I currently live in St. Pete, FL, and have been here 4 years. Lived in Portland, OR for 10 years before FL, so that may help with getting the idea of this thread.

I lived in Colorado Springs in 8th grade, so I'm familiar with the climate and sunny winters.

I'm a bartender with a great track record, and I'm 39 years old.

I'm getting sick and tired of this heat, and not sure I want to spend the rest of my life dealing with it. If I want to check out a different area, the time is sooner than later. I know that.

I miss the mountains and fresh air and no humidity. If I absolute hate Denver, I can always move back to St. Pete. Gotta keep telling myself that.

If I have a good 25k in the bank, and just drive (with a carload of stuff only), to Denver, with no job, do you think I'll be fine? I've got a great resume.

Of course I'm going to visit first. But if I like it, you can't really get a bartending job ahead of time.

I guess what I'm asking is if 25k is enough to move across the country on without a job? I can always move back, too. I love St. Pete. Just hate the people, the work ethic is absolutely pathetic here, the gay scene is horrible, and the summers are relentless and I'm sick of the heat.

Any advice?

[Tim Tim Tim]

I just moved from the same area to Denver. As far as the area, its great. I dont follow the gay scene too much but it seems to be thriving

25k is dependent on you.. Where do you expect to live and how long can you survive on 25k? Overall the economy here is doing really well, I am not that into the bar scene so I have no idea how the job prospects there look.

You already know your taking a risk, i'd just recommend getting a REALLY good feel for how long you can survive on that 25k. Rent/housing is not cheap here although your car insurance will drop quite a bit.

[mateo384]

Had you been to Denver to check it out beforehand? What are some of the great differences between the two in your opinion?

[mateo384]

And I am taking into consideration first/last/security with a place and maybe taking a week off once I get there before seriously looking for a job. I should be fine, no?

[davebarnes]

Come on up.
Restaurants are hiring. Many opportunities.

[Phil P]

I'd definitely do it. The bar scene is huge here, and if your good at what you do, I would imagine a job would be pretty to come by. Rent for 1 person is about 1000-1200, which would be affordable I think.

25K should be enough for moving, down payments and insurance and float for a little while while finding a job. If for some reason it isn't working out, I think you'd still have change to spare to get back to St. Pete.

[mateo384]

Originally Posted by Phil P

I'd definitely do it. The bar scene is huge here, and if your good at what you do, I would imagine a job would be pretty to come by. Rent for 1 person is about 1000-1200, which would be affordable I think.

25K should be enough for moving, down payments and insurance and float for a little while while finding a job. If for some reason it isn't working out, I think you'd still have change to spare to get back to St. Pete.

Yes, exactly what I'm thinking.

[himain]

Originally Posted by Phil P

I'd definitely do it. The bar scene is huge here, and if your good at what you do, I would imagine a job would be pretty to come by. Rent for 1 person is about 1000-1200, which would be affordable I think.

25K should be enough for moving, down payments and insurance and float for a little while while finding a job. If for some reason it isn't working out, I think you'd still have change to spare to get back to St. Pete.

I agree. That's good savings to figure it out.

[NorthDenverGirl]

From people that just packed up 5 years ago from St Louis and moved to Denver, I say do it. We have not looked bag since moving. You should have no trouble getting a job and will have enough to live on in the meantime. As Nike says "Just Do It"

[mateo384]

I'm super excited!! Why is Boulder more expensive than Denver? Is CO Springs cheaper? Probably less liberal there tho.

Is October a good month to visit? I need to visit before Feb when my lease is up. If I like it a lot, I'll negotiate a 6-month lease to cover me thru busy season and leave after that. Pretty much a year from now. Is November a good month too?