From SC thinking about moving to Colorado (Denver, Aurora: apartment, renting)

[Bunke09]

So I've lived in Charleston for almost 23 years now and want a change. I want to surround myself with more down to earth people. Was thinking about moving to a suburb around Denver. I'd prefer the suburb not to be super big or small but a nice in between. I heard Littleton and Lakewood were both good. However I've yet to visit CO yet, which I will soon. I'm definitely open to suggestions.

[bluescreen73]

If you've never been here I absolutely suggest visiting before moving here sight-unseen. I'd come in December or January when it's typically the coldest. Also, be ready for sticker shock. The COL here will be much higher than Charleston.

[rockyinyourradio]

Originally Posted by Bunke09

So I've lived in Charleston for almost 23 years now and want a change. I want to surround myself with more down to earth people. Was thinking about moving to a suburb around Denver. I'd prefer the suburb not to be super big or small but a nice in between. I heard Littleton and Lakewood were both good. However I've yet to visit CO yet, which I will soon. I'm definitely open to suggestions.

Is this your sole reason for moving away from Charleston? Well, first off, cost of living will surely be higher. There are certain places like Boulder that will be quite expensive, other places like Aurora and some of the towns like Bennett which is east of Denver by about 30 miles would be cheaper. One suburb I've always liked is Parker; on the southeast side of Denver. As far as the towns you've mentioned; pretty much middle of the road price wise. I would HIGHLY recommend you renting the first year out there so to make sure that the Denver area is a good fit.

Also you'll want to know, Colorado is far more of a politically and socially liberal state. Does this make a difference to you? City Data is a good place to start your homework on this. I encourage you to scroll through the threads and you'll get a general idea.

Colorado in general will be a cultural whiplash to what your use to in South Carolina. Unless your a liberal minded person; which it sounds like you may be.. it will take some adjusting to.

Then there is the weather.. it is about as diverse as it's people. Hope you find what your looking for. Personally I love Colorado; and especially the weather. A little something for everybody.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

What about a job? Don't even think about where to live until you check out jobs here. What kind of work do you do?

Denver has experienced a lot of people moving there in the last couple of years. With so many people from so many different places (including Charleston) you will meet all kinds here.

How do you describe "not too big" or "not too small"?

[SkyDog77]

The West doesn’t have small towns in the way the east does.

[NW Crow]

Littleton and Lakewood are good places to check. Use google maps / street view to wander around virtually. Start there and look at others if you decide they have an unacceptable flaw from your perspective.

[Bunke09]

I plan on flying out there maybe in January or February to check it out. I have a 4 year degree and currently work as a zip line tour guide. Also have been job searching as well. But wouldnt mind picking up a part time gig at first until i get settled. And yes I'd like to switch it up from the conservative minded people. I think it would be a good switch for me. The cold might take some time to get used to but I can always pack on more layers. I would plan on getting an apartment or something once I got there. Prices of living in Mount Pleasant (technically where I live) are crazy, so I'm hoping it's not much of a difference over there. The cheapest apt here is probably 1,200 a month. But that was like 3 years ago. I'm sure the price has gone up. Also I have bad back and would take advantage of the weed laws for sure.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by bunke09

i..would take advantage of the weed laws for sure.

ok...

[mettler]

more down to earth people than Charleston? In Denver?.. not gonna happen-Unless you live in the Battery or Kiawah Island. People here are friendly, but not friendly like South Carolina friendly. It'll be a giant change from Charleston, which may or may not suite you. Bring moisturizing cream as there is no humidity here, there is also no green foliage. Like people have said, come visit.

[NorthDenverGirl]

We lived in the midwest and while people were friendly there was a lot of fake friendly most of the time, I have found it refreshing to live here where people are more real and I have found plenty of friendly people willing to chat.

As for weather the cold really doesn't take that long to get used to. I like the saying I learned in Iceland while I was there "There is never bad weather just bad clothing". I moved from Australia to St Louis first and the winters there are much worse, I survived ok and learnt to enjoy it!

If you are looking for a 1 bedroom in the suburbs you may be able to find something to fit that $1200 a month, so you won't have too much shock there.

Having lived in quite a few places, Denver is one of my favorite places to live, we are coming up on 6 years and I have no thoughts on moving.

As for where to live, you will want to determine where your work would be first as traffic can be a bit of a pain in the bum, especially when it snows. Lakewood might be a good jumping off spot as it is more central to some of the bigger employment hubs in the area.