Comparisons between CO, WY, MT or somewhere else (contractors, income)

[CybrSlydr]

I'm going to be leaving the Army within the next year and it's time to start planning for my post-Army career. I'm originally from South East Ohio. Thanks to the Army, I've spent time in OK, TX, LA and SC - and I realize that I want to avoid the hot, sticky and humid south at all costs! lol

So, I'm looking at Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, maybe the Dakotas... I'm not against moving back to Ohio or Pennsylvania as I have family there and am a Pittsburgh fan (mom's from a Pittsburgh suburb).

Mostly I'm looking for the following...

1. Job Growth
2. Low cost of living
3. Cool - Cold climate (I love snow - and I miss not seeing it in the winter)
4. Mountains!!! (something around the 2-4k ft in the Rockies or something would be spectacular)
5. Moderate driving distance to a metro area (within 2hrs drive or so)

I grew up in a small town of less than 1000 people, so I'm not really afraid of the rural aspect - I like space, but I like to be close enough to something big so I can enjoy the benefits that a metro area has to offer. That said, I know it's a bit of a tall order because I hate, HATE country music - and the places I've picked like lots of that. lol

I'm single, 28 and male. I'm mostly looking for assistance so I can research a place to live and then use the Army's ACAP service to search jobs in that area - possibly Gov't to continue the Federal service or some sort of non-corporate private sector stuff (I've done fast food and retail, never again if I can help it... lol)

I appreciate your help - please ask if you need me to specify further!

Thank you!

[kyle19125]

Of your list I think the best choice given your criteria is the Denver area, as Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas aren't going to offer any "metro areas" per se. Denver has a fairly low cost of living, a wealth of employers and of course all of the entertainment/social options of a big city. Many of the suburbs not far from Denver will provide the more rural feel your're looking for as well. Good luck!

[jtur88]

Take a month off, throw a tent in the back of your car, and go see for yourself. talk to people in places that appeal to you. You don't want to make your choice based on a bunch of statistical abstracts about jobs and economy.

Find a place you can be at peace with.

[CybrSlydr]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Of your list I think the best choice given your criteria is the Denver area, as Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas aren't going to offer any "metro areas" per se. Denver has a fairly low cost of living, a wealth of employers and of course all of the entertainment/social options of a big city. Many of the suburbs not far from Denver will provide the more rural feel your're looking for as well. Good luck!

I thought about Denver but worried it was too high - pressure cookers and all that. Lol CNN rated Louisville well but I think it's a little ritzy for my income level.

As for the tent idea, not quite practical. Like I said, I'm wanting to look at places to live so I can research jobs - taking a month to just walk around is a bit more whimsical than I can afford to be. Lol

I'm also not opposed to like the Conneticut/Vermont area.

Thanks for your help - keep it coming!

[TheBeagleLady]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Of your list I think the best choice given your criteria is the Denver area, as Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas aren't going to offer any "metro areas" per se. Denver has a fairly low cost of living, a wealth of employers and of course all of the entertainment/social options of a big city. Many of the suburbs not far from Denver will provide the more rural feel your're looking for as well. Good luck!

The only metro in the Western part of SD is Rapid City. It has a decent amount of amenities and COL isn't too bad. However its not always easy to find a good job and pay tends to be on the low side. Ellsworth AFB is in the area, so there might be some jobs there. The Black Hills aren't mountains, but they are still beautiful and provide lots of recreation oportunities. It sounda like Colorado might suit the OP better, though.

[CybrSlydr]

Well, I've posted in other state forums and Alaska sounds great - just the whole CoL bit... The climate is right up my alley and is the biggest draw along with the scenery.

I'd probably be looking for a Federal job since I get some sort of point preference for being a disabled vet and PH recipient. Any ideas about Federal jobs in SD, Beagle?

[TheBeagleLady]

Originally Posted by CybrSlydr

Well, I've posted in other state forums and Alaska sounds great - just the whole CoL bit... The climate is right up my alley and is the biggest draw along with the scenery.

I'd probably be looking for a Federal job since I get some sort of point preference for being a disabled vet and PH recipient. Any ideas about Federal jobs in SD, Beagle?

I don't know what jobs are open right now, but check out the gov website. Aside from civilian jobs on base, there might be openings with the IRS, National Park Service, etc. I remember seeing quite a few when I was looking for a job here. You might also look at some of the defense contractors and see if they have any openings. If you have a clearance that would be a benefit to you.

[pw72]

Highest job growth right now, by far, is in North Dakota.

Wyoming is the most empty of the states, with the lowest population in total, and the lowest per square mile, after Alaska.

Montana is also sparsely populated and beautiful (atleast the western part), but the economy is struggling.

Colorado is the most populated, however most of the population is along the front range.

[CybrSlydr]

Anywhere you'd suggest looking in ND?

[TheBeagleLady]

Originally Posted by CybrSlydr

Anywhere you'd suggest looking in ND?

Most of the job growth is in the oilfields, and the towns now have the headaches that go along with that growth. There is a lack of housing and what housing there is has become super expensive.