Thinking of moving to Colorado...

[GoalGetter]

After this hurricane season, I think I'm through being a Florida resident. I'd been thinking of moving out west, close to mountains and away from the ocean for a while now, and I think the time has come to stop thinking and start doing.

I'm looking at Fort Collins or Denver, depending on whether I end up getting accepted into a masters degree program at CSU or not, which is also a part of the plan.

Anyone on here from Colorado? Anyone with tips for a cross-country move? Jobs? Living? Transportation? Things that Floridians wouldn't know (like about driving in snow, dealing with icy sidewalks, etc.), or things that only Coloradoans would know (taxes, car registration fees, etc.)

If/when I move out there, I'd like to find an efficiency/in-laws quarters/studio etc. where utilities are included in the rent and I can have a guest once in a while. I'm thinking of doing this some time in November-December, at the latest in January (so as not to upset my family during the holidays with the big news that their only daughter is moving 2000 miles away).

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

 

[nikegurl]

are you planning to drive from FL to CO? i moved from CT to CA (drove) and drove in late Oct. i woke up to snow one morning on my way out so weather is something to think about when you decide on when/how to make the move.

good luck whatever you decide!

 

[GoalGetter]

are you planning to drive from FL to CO? i moved from CT to CA (drove) and drove in late Oct. i woke up to snow one morning on my way out so weather is something to think about when you decide on when/how to make the move.

good luck whatever you decide!

Yes, definitely driving out. I just finished paying for my car and I'm not about to sell it. Shipping it (the car), though another option, might suck a lot of my meager savings up, and since I'm not taking any furniture with me, I can probably fit all my belongings in the car without needing a uhaul. clothes, shoes, books and computer. (obviously i've been thinking about this for some time).

Where did you run into snow on your way out?

 

[GoalGetter]

Oh and...

... of course, if there is any one else in florida looking to move out there that wants to maybe share a ride, that would be a possibility too. Leave a reply here or send me a PM.

 

[Arnold]

After this hurricane season, I think I'm through being a Florida resident. I'd been thinking of moving out west, close to mountains and away from the ocean for a while now, and I think the time has come to stop thinking and start doing.

don't blame you, I would.

I'm looking at Fort Collins or Denver, depending on whether I end up getting accepted into a masters degree program at CSU or not, which is also a part of the plan.
Anyone on here from Colorado? Anyone with tips for a cross-country move? Jobs? Living? Transportation? Things that Floridians wouldn't know (like about driving in snow, dealing with icy sidewalks, etc.), or things that only Coloradoans would know (taxes, car registration fees, etc.)

I have lived in Colo. all of my life, as long as you can deal with winter and snow you will like it, and it's very dry here (desert like).

I graduated from CSU, I really liked Ft.Collins, but could not find a job there.

 

[nikegurl]

i'm such an idiot. i'm sure you wouldn't encounter snow since you'll be driving across the country a lot farther south than i did.

starting in Connecticut i drove like this:

Connecticut
NY
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Wyoming
Utah
Arizona
CA

It was my last morning leaving Wyoming that there was snow. And that...has nothing to do with you starting in Florida.

 

[pmech]

I have always wanted to move to Colorado or Montana, I just love those states. Unfortunately, until the kids are out of school I wont make them move ... that will be in , ohhh 13 years

Good luck with the move

 

[GoalGetter]

i'm such an idiot. i'm sure you wouldn't encounter snow since you'll be driving across the country a lot farther south than i did.

starting in Connecticut i drove like this:

Connecticut
NY
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Wyoming
Utah
Arizona
CA

It was my last morning leaving Wyoming that there was snow. And that...has nothing to do with you starting in Florida.

Hahahaha! Actually, believe it or not, if I have to drive through tennesee, there may be some snow, depends on the route I take. Some of these states might have a little bit.

You know what scares me most? Having to make the rest stops and having all my stuff in my car, and maybe someone breaking into it in a motel or hotel parking lot while i sleep. That, and breaking down in some no-name area and getting "victimized" in some way.

But I'm willing to hit the road anyway.

How long did your trip take you?

 

[GoalGetter]

don't blame you, I would.


I have lived in Colo. all of my life, as long as you can deal with winter and snow you will like it, and it's very dry here (desert like).

I graduated from CSU, I really liked Ft.Collins, but could not find a job there.

Thanks

If I end up in fort collins, it will be for school, so I'll most likely get a work/study or grad assistant type position (if I qualify) and a part time at a gym or something (if that's possible to get). If I don't get into CSU's program, then I'm thinking Denver, or maybe one of the smaller towns, closer, or in the mountains, but close enough to Denver that I can still get to a CITY city in 20 or 30 minutes.

I don't think I'd mind the cold weather, honestly. I'm not a summer girl at all.

Where else in Colorado might you suggest I look into?

 

[Arnold]

Where else in Colorado might you suggest I look into?

well, you could try CU at Boulder, or we have some university's in Denver, so you could live in Denver (would not recommend that) or basically any suberb of Denver, I live in Highlands Ranch. www.highlandsranch.com

Not sure what you want a masters in but we have Regis University here. www.regis.edu

 

[nikegurl]

i left CT on a saturday morning and arrived in CA on monday night. no mishaps along the way but it was a little weird driving alone in the middle of NOWHERE sometimes.

i know a few times in the middle of the day i really wished i could take a nap but i was too scared to park and go to sleep in the car by myself. i stayed in hotels 2 nights and once i checked in i didn't want to leave my room b/c i didn't want anyone to see that the car with the CT plate was mine (far from home) and that i was travelling alone. i was a little paranoid...but overall it was a great experience.

 

[tomas101]

dont be a puss..its only a hurricane...lol...stay in the sunshine state

 

[Arnold]

well, if you want sun I believe that Arizona has the most sunny days.

 

[Big Smoothy]

Here is what I hear about Denver.

Several people have told me that Denver isn't "friendly," and that they've encountered "snobbery," there.

Does anyone agree or disagree with this, generally speaking?

 

[Jodi]

i'm such an idiot. i'm sure you wouldn't encounter snow since you'll be driving across the country a lot farther south than i did.

starting in Connecticut i drove like this:

Connecticut
NY
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Iowa
Nebraska
Wyoming
Utah
Arizona
CA

It was my last morning leaving Wyoming that there was snow. And that...has nothing to do with you starting in Florida.

That's quite the route you took, seems long. How long did it take you?

I went

New Hampshire
Mass
New York
Canada
Michigan (had to make a stop)
Indiana
Illinois
Missouri
Oklahoma
Texas
New Mexico
Arizona

 

[Jodi]

well, if you want sun I believe that Arizona has the most sunny days.

 

[cmason2004]

I used to live in Florida, but have since relocated to Oregon. I guess that's similar move climate wise. I live in Bend which is at an elevation of about 3500ft, so I definitely had to get used to the winter.

You mentioned not selling your car. I dont know what you drive, but not everything is gonna fly year round in colorado. If you have something that's rear wheel drive.... that's gonna make things interesting. Anything front wheel drive, expect to make an investment in snow tires (studded) and/or chains. Kinda interesting at first..

As far as hurricanes, I lived there 12 years, and never got a damn thing but rain. I was in Sarasota, I guess the West coast tends to get spared. Charley looked like it was headed square for Sarasota/Tampa, but managed to miss, as I'm sure you know. What I'm getting at, is if your masters program doesn't work out, or you have 2nd thoughts, maybe consider relocating in Florida? Miami ALWAYS get nailed, while other regions almost never get anything but rain.

Good Luck!

 

[GoalGetter]

well, if you want sun I believe that Arizona has the most sunny days.

Arizona is actually my second choice! I'd prefer a place with a real winter, mainly because I've never had that before. I was looking at some programs at ASU, as well.

 

[GoalGetter]

Here is what I hear about Denver.

Several people have told me that Denver isn't "friendly," and that they've encountered "snobbery," there.

Does anyone agree or disagree with this, generally speaking?

I've visited denver, and I'll tell you something, maybe I'm immune to snobbery or desensitized to it to some degree because people in Miami are pretty snobby. I didn't notice any unfriendliness or snobbery in denver, whatsoever. People were great. Even in traffic, tempers weren't raging the way tempers rage down here.

Maybe i caught denver residents on a good day or two, but I have to disagree with your comment.

 

[GoalGetter]

I used to live in Florida, but have since relocated to Oregon. I guess that's similar move climate wise. I live in Bend which is at an elevation of about 3500ft, so I definitely had to get used to the winter.

You mentioned not selling your car. I dont know what you drive, but not everything is gonna fly year round in colorado. If you have something that's rear wheel drive.... that's gonna make things interesting. Anything front wheel drive, expect to make an investment in snow tires (studded) and/or chains. Kinda interesting at first..

As far as hurricanes, I lived there 12 years, and never got a damn thing but rain. I was in Sarasota, I guess the West coast tends to get spared. Charley looked like it was headed square for Sarasota/Tampa, but managed to miss, as I'm sure you know. What I'm getting at, is if your masters program doesn't work out, or you have 2nd thoughts, maybe consider relocating in Florida? Miami ALWAYS get nailed, while other regions almost never get anything but rain.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the good luck wishes...

As for relocating to somewehere else in Florida - nah. I mean if I had a compelling enough reason to, maybe, but I'm just sick of being in Florida. I want to go somewhere else. I want to try another climate, be within driving distance of other things besides beaches and theme parks.

 

[Rich46yo]

Arizona is actually my second choice! I'd prefer a place with a real winter, mainly because I've never had that before. I was looking at some programs at ASU, as well.

Be careful what you wish for, in CO you will probably get a "real winter". Seriously tho its a beautiful state. I prefer the SW part or the east as its more desolate. Ive only passed thru the towns on the way to the mountains, where Ive hunted elk and deer quite a bit. The CO Rocky Mountains are quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth. I think you'll love it there....................good luck....... ........Rich

 

[Dale Mabry]

I love these people who have never experienced a winter and decide to up and move to a place with a real winter. Real Winters are not fun in the least bit, especially if you are not used to them. I lived in VT for my first 19 years, went to college in FL, and am now in PA experiencing winter again. I have not assimilated again which sucks. Although I do like having a real fall, I HATE WINTER!!! Visiting winter is fine for a week or 2, but having to deal with it for 3 months sucks, and the thaw is even worse.

 

[Arnold]

Here is what I hear about Denver.

Several people have told me that Denver isn't "friendly," and that they've encountered "snobbery," there.

Does anyone agree or disagree with this, generally speaking?

what a rediculous generalization to make.

 

[GoalGetter]

what a rediculous generalization to make.

I agree. Every city's got some characters, but to say everyone in a particular city is a certain way is a misguided opinion.

 

[GoalGetter]

I love these people who have never experienced a winter and decide to up and move to a place with a real winter. Real Winters are not fun in the least bit, especially if you are not used to them. I lived in VT for my first 19 years, went to college in FL, and am now in PA experiencing winter again. I have not assimilated again which sucks. Although I do like having a real fall, I HATE WINTER!!! Visiting winter is fine for a week or 2, but having to deal with it for 3 months sucks, and the thaw is even worse.

I'm aware of the major suckage of a real winter, but i want to experience one, regardless. Even if I come running home afterward and decide to never do something so stupid again.

Some people DO love snow and winter and live year round waiting for those 3 months of it that so many others dread. Maybe I'll be one of those. I've never really liked summer, or heat, or the beach. I'm in the wrong town. it's unfortunate.

 

[pmech]

Bah, I love "real winters" If I could live in Alaska or Northern Canada I would. I cannot stand the other seasons. I blame it on a life of allergies and sinus infections.

 

[Dale Mabry]

I'm aware of the major suckage of a real winter, but i want to experience one, regardless. Even if I come running home afterward and decide to never do something so stupid again.

Some people DO love snow and winter and live year round waiting for those 3 months of it that so many others dread. Maybe I'll be one of those. I've never really liked summer, or heat, or the beach. I'm in the wrong town. it's unfortunate.

We call them eskimos or inuits.

 

[cmason2004]

real winters can really suck, but I think everyone should experience one.

 

[supertech]

I lived in Denver for 20 years...very great and beutiful place to live. The winters are not so bad.
I live in AZ now, and this is not a bad place to live, if you like the heat

 

[Dale Mabry]

real winters can really suck, but I think everyone should experience one.

It's not experience one, it's subjected to one.