Moving to Fort Collins from Wyoming (Denver, Boulder: apartment, home, universities)

[delitebrite]

Hi guys,

My boyfriend (20) and I (18) are currently living in Casper, WY. We're moving to Gillette, WY at the end of May for 6-12 months so we can get some support from his parents while we try to save up some money. After that, we wanted to move to Fort Collins for a while. Probably not permanently, but at least for a few years. My boyfriend and I have gotten it into our heads that Fort Collins would be a pretty ideal transitional city for us while we're young and still trying to decide what to do with our lives. Here's our reasoning on this:

-Fort Collins is 3x as large as our current city, which we feel isn't large or diverse enough to offer us any sort of opportunities. Wyoming is purportedly a good place for jobs, but the consensus among the majority of people our age is that we can't make enough money. The problem isn't so much wages but hours. Even our friends (boyfriend included) who make $9-$11 starting don't get enough hours for that to be livable, especially with the ridiculous housing costs here (it's next to impossible to find even a studio apartment for less than $600/month). It just isn't financially practical for young adults. However, it isn't just the jobs. We have no options for anything else, either. There are VERY few recreational activities in Casper save for camping (which we do enjoy), hunting, etc. My boyfriend and I are interested in music, art and science. Casper doesn't have much to offer on any of these fronts, so we feel culturally isolated. I think that it's making us feel less advanced than our peers and more undecided about what we like enough to actually pursue. And don't get me started on shopping and restaurants - most local shops close by 5 and most restaurants by 9. Almost nothing is open on Sunday. Our only 24/7 is WalMart. Essentially, we feel like Fort Collins is big enough to give us a lot of things to try out and resources to explore our interests, without overwhelming us like a city as large as Denver does.

-...but it's still close enough to Denver that we can easily take advantage of shows, shopping, etc there without having to commit to big city life.

-We're still close to home. Not only would we like to still be able to see our friends in Wyoming, but being as young as we are, it's nice to have mom and dad relatively close if we end up needing their help (whether it be emotional, financial, etc).

-We're counterculture kids. Colorado seems to be the place to be right now in light of their new legislation. Of course, it isn't just the weed itself (although that is a huge draw), but what that decision says about the people of Colorado in general - that they are tolerant, open-minded and forward thinking, and that creates a great environment where questions are deemed relevant and new ideas are nurtured.


I just want to make sure that we aren't being too idealistic and don't disappoint ourselves. We've been to Fort Collins a few times (of course), and we really like it, but it's hard to get the whole picture without living there. I'm sure the city has its drawbacks, and I'd like to know what the helpful people of this forum have to say about it. Do you think our expectations are too high? Are there any devastatingly negative aspects of Fort Collins? My boyfriend and I feel like that compared to anywhere in Wyoming, it's a guaranteed improvement, we just aren't sure if it's as great for young adults as we think it is. What do you guys think?

[Mike Weber]

My first cautions would be to look at housing costs and pay levels here before making your final decision. Vacancies are pretty low here, so rents are pretty high. The hourly pay is not excessive because the student body at CSU provides a large pool of inexpensive labor to local businesses. Research your move well before committing.

[chilaili]

Seconded. You might want to look at towns in northern Colorado that don't have a huge pool of student labour to compete with. Also, remember to factor in costs like utilities, transportation, etc.

[StealthRabbit]

I'm afraid you will need to be closer to Boulder to experience the 'freedom' you seek. Ft Collins is pretty solid a 'family town' and the police and community enforce and encourage family values. More liberal leaning areas are a whole lot more friendly to your wishes., and the causes you would support. You are both very young, so spread your wings and fly. You gotta learn to pay the price for your desired freedom, sooner the better. Cuz you get to live with your choices for life! Just a minor detail along the journey.

BTW, I really enjoyed Boulder when I was age 15-17. By age 18 I was caring for a disabled parent for the next 30 yrs, so, fly while you have the freedom. Don't forget where home is, sometimes you must go back. (Hope not).

[Idunn]

From what you've said, you will doubtless enjoy Fort Collins. As well find the journey beneficial, learn and grow from the experience.

Do consider Boulder as well. Both are relatively liberal places, Boulder more so. Thus decide what you are most comfortable with, or perhaps somewhere in between.

Such a move will likely prove a challenge at times. In part because growth can be as much at times. But certainly due finances. If anything, you may find the cost of living higher in Colorado. $600 would be a bargain price on a decent apartment of any size in Fort Collins, let alone Boulder. Both towns have large student populations; Fort Collins in particular has the reputation for many over qualified people competing for low paying positions. Not to discount your dreams, only recognize from the outset the realities of what you are attempting.

Possibly consider as well attending college while there. The cost of out-of-state tuition could be prohibitive, so waiting to qualify for in-state may be necessary. Nor is higher education the best path for everyone. But if so attuned, either of these towns has excellent universities. It would open new worlds to you.

[cocaseco]

I too would suggest Boulder over Fort Collins. Boulder is a better town for young singles and couples who have no kids. While it is expensive, lots of kids do it. You get roommates, you cut back, but you make it. There is a certain jenna sais quoi that is recognized around the world. where as Fort Collins has Foothills Mall. Before the haters start, I've lived in both.

[Sunderpig2]

I'm not sure why Foothills Mall is always such a source of ridicule. Nevertheless, it is in the process of getting a whole new modern facelift. When finished, it will be all glitzy and flashy and modern and trendy, and all that stuff. Maybe that will appeal more to the Boulderish crowd, though I doubt anyone in FC is falling over themselves to strive for that. It will just be a nice improvement and updating, to bring it up more to the par of Centerra.

It's good that FC and Boulder each have their own atmosphere. More options...