Advice for Moving Across Country

[RationalReasoner]

My family of three (two adults/one child) are considering a total relocation to Colorado, possibly the Colorado Springs area. The reasons for this move are many, but the bottom line is that we would be moving from Pennsylvania and at this point I have no job lined up.

Most of the online articles I've read dealing with this subject are written from obviously non-Mustachinan points of view. I would like some analysis from those who are Mustachian. Our aim is to live on the outskirts of the city somewhere. By trade I am a meat cutter/butcher, but I am interested in exploring a new path and experiencing other industries. 

We have over a year's worth of living expenses saved and I am confident we could make it last longer if necessary, especially if I had to work part-time before getting full-time work.

I guess I'd just like some Mustachian tips and advice to help us make a better decsion. Thank you.

[zoltani]

Do you have family or someone you could stay with for awhile while getting your bearings, looking for a place, finding a job? The only time I moved without a job was overseas, but had family to stay with while getting situated. When moving across the USA I have always had jobs lined up beforehand.

[RationalReasoner]

Zoltani, we do not have family or friends there. This would be a total new start. I've read that employers are not very likely to hire someone from out-of-state, so it's looking like we may have to go and then find a job.

I forgot to mention in my original post, but we have a minivan and are planning to take only what we can fit into it. We live in a rather minimalist way.

[zoltani]

https://truefoodkitchen.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk04v8

I don't have much advice for you because I have not attempted something similar.

Why CO Springs specifically?

[RationalReasoner]

Why Colorado Springs? We're kind of using this city as a point of reference right now. We don't want to live IN a large city, and the cost of living near Denver and the surrounding suburbs are a bit too pricey for us. As far as I know that leaves a lot of small towns with fewer job opportunities. We're very much still in the research phase though.

[affordablehousing]

OP I'm in the same boat. I'm moving for my wife to pursue her career, resulting in a pay drop from $125K to $50K. Lucky me. To boot my specialty is very location specific. Not sure about you but I'm trying to take stock of what my core skills are, apart from my knowledge, and see what that might lead me to through networking. I haven't tried asking about remote work and whether that's a possibility. Have you tried that? Would love advice if anyone's made the transition from on-location to remote office work.

[zoltani]

Open your own butcher shop/specialty meat store? This would work very well in trendy neighborhoods of Denver, or maybe Golden.

Have you been to CO Springs? IMO it is not the best front range city to be in. Have you looked into Fort Collins?

[RationalReasoner]

AH, I've been considering what my skills are, but can't say I know exactly what I want work I want to do. My wife and I are still young (23/24) and I'm still trying to figure out what I like. Like I said above, I've been a butcher/meat cutter for about 5 years but I'm interested in a career change.

We're moving to the West to make a new start and I need all the advice I can get for such a big move.


Zoltani, at this point I'm not interested in opening my own shop, but IF I stay in this industry it could be an option. Also, just curious why do you say that about CO Springs?

I've not looked into Ft. Collins but I will do so. Thanks.

[Sibley]

I've moved cross-country, twice. The minimalist attitude will help you greatly. Keep a good attitude and that will help with everything.

I found it was very helpful to have a local person who could help with knowledge. Try looking for a community board  or something online where you can ask the random questions that come up.

[zoltani]

CO Springs is one of the most conservative cities on the Front Range, this comes with the large military presence. Just not my style I guess.

[mr1500]

I'd also suggest that you look at Fort Collins as well as Longmont. One big difference is that Colorado Springs is very conservative. If you are too, it may be a good fit. Not looking to get into any political battles, just stating the facts.

Fort Collins is a college town with a vibrant downtown. Really great place with a lot going on. We're in Longmont and love it. We're close to the mountains and have great neighbors. It's also a bit cheaper than Fort Collins and much cheaper than neighboring Boulder.

If you do make it out here, look us up. First round is on us!

I guess I'm completely off topic. If I were you, I'd rent to make sure you're where you want to be.

[RationalReasoner]

Mr1500, I will check out the areas you mentioned. Northern CO does seem like a good area. Please tell me if I'm mistaken, but it seems the closer you come to Denver, the more expensive the cost of living (especially housing) becomes. I made around $32k last year and I'm not sure if an income like that would cut it in Longmont or Fort Collins.

Is there a good job market in North Central CO?

Also, we do plan to rent a place starting off. A 2 BR apt. is what we have in mind.

[bognish]

You might also consider looking at Salt Lake City. The climate and proximity to mountains is similar to Denver (I have lived in Boulder & Denver, CO and now Sandy, UT), but the cost of living is much lower. The population is smaller and so the traffic and congestion is relatively minor. Close to downtown is fairly liberal and gets more conservative the farther out you move. The job market is very good right now.

[RationalReasoner]

I'll check that out, Bognish. The only thing is that the state of Utah is over 60% Mormon. Now, I don't give a damn if someone wants to be Mormon, but I grew up in fundamentalist religion and can't imagine that that doesn't affect the government and culture of the place. Am I wrong about that, Bognish?

The idea of SLC being less crowded and a good job market is very appealing though.

[mr1500]

Rational-

We bought our home in the Old Town area of Longmont which tends to be pricier in June of 2013 for 176K. It was 1400 square feet, 2 beds, 1 bath. Prices are on the upswing, but there are also cheaper areas to live in.

I'd also suggest that you consider Loveland. Nice little community that is also on the upswing.

Job market is healthy. Google just announced they are expanding in Boulder for one. Also, the college scene in Fort Collins produces a lot of good, steady jobs.

If you make it to town, we'd love to give you a tour.

[RationalReasoner]

Thank you, Mr1500. We'll see what happens. I've gotten some good info on this thread.

[randymarsh]

I just moved to Colorado in August. My experience as a single person will obviously be different than yours.

Colorado, specifically Denver, has tons of job opportunities assuming you have a college degree and/or work in tech or healthcare. You mentioned meat cutting which I have no idea about. I assume there's some opportunity due to the size and health of the Colorado economy.

Rent has increased in the past few years by a lot from what I hear. I currently live in a tiny studio in Capitol Hill and pay $725 + electric. A new apartment building is being constructed across the street and I imagine a somewhat larger studio is going to cost at least $1,200. A 2 bedroom in an older building will be at least $1,000. In my neighborhood, that may not include a parking spot. Other than housing, I find Denver to have the same expenses of my home state of OH. There are so many jobs in Denver and the surrounding suburbs that a car commute shouldn't be more than 15 miles one way. If you go to the suburbs, I imagine rent will be a bit cheaper.

With a year of living expenses lined up, I say do the move.

[RationalReasoner]

Thanks for answering, thefinancialstudent.

I don't have a degree in tech or healthcare, but I am willing to start from the ground up in pretty much anything. I may look for a meat cutting job if the options aren't good.

As far as where we'll live, neither my wife nor I want to live IN the city. Small town life and fewer crowds is more to our liking.