would you be making the move to work for a different EPC?

No, this would be same company and same business line. Just new office.

Does anyone have any good feedback regarding cost of living adjustment from Houston? Online calculators seems to be all over the map with this. Any unique costs to this area to keep in mind?

Also, if anyone could put together a few of the areas in and around Denver to consider living, that would be helpful. Affordability, commute to downtown (rail would be a plus) and schools / amenities for young families are key. We're going to need to start putting numbers on paper once I get an offer to see what life would look like.

RE taxes are lower, but home prices are higher. State income tax, but I'm sure you knew that already. Vehicle registration is stupidly expensive if you have anything close to a newer vehicle.

I'll put in a plug for the S. Denver suburbs. Lone Tree, Centennial, Littleton all have easy access to rail stops. Highlands Ranch (where we live) is a great place to raise a family, but isn't so easy to get to the rail and can add some time to the commute (think living in The Woodlands and how you have to have get out of HR to get to the highway). My wife commutes downtown everyday and her morning commute isn't bad. The afternoon is worse, but that's true just about everywhere.

Parker is about the same - no direct access to rail, but a very nice suburb with a lot of expansion/new building going on.

All of the communities above have solid schools, parks, rec facilities, etc.

Let me know if you end up needing a rec for a RE agent in the southern suburbs. I've referred her to several TexAgs people in the past couple of years.

awesome, congrats.

we would absolutely go if in your shoes. but i can certainly relate to the decision making process!

Yep I had parents in Houston, father in law in Houston, and several pairs of friends that we knew for 15, some even 20 or more years. It was hard for sure. But we did it. We've makntained our friendships in Houston of course, and we visit, they visit. Parents visit a lot as it is, and will retire soon so even more visit, possibly even part time residence.

My bro moved to Bay Area several years before we moved, and wife's only sibling lives in Kansas, so it is what is it. Our two little dudes have 4 cousins within a few years so it sucks they won't grow up around them, but staying in tx doesnt change that.

Do it.

I live in Parker. Love it. Lots of space, much less dense compared to most of Denver metro. I work just north of downtown, and it's 30 min both ways, sometimes 25. But that's 7-4. 8-5 would probably average 45 each way. Just my street alone has probably 10 kids under 3 or so, so perfect for our two very little dudes.

Someone already said;
Prop taxes are very low. A $400k house here is NOT equivalent in payment to one in TX. It will be about $600 or more less a month because of these low taxes (probably averages 2% less than TX, so that's $2k a year difference every $100k of home.) so that accounts for a lot of the higher price.
So don't let sticker shock scare you. Get an amortization calculator and figure about .8% prop tax (yes, less than 1%.) to add on to monthly payment.

Vehicle reg is tied to car value. A new $40k car is pushing $1000 the first year, and it drops every year. The cheapest it gets (old or cheap car) is still like $100.
State tax is small, but it's there. 4.2% of agi I think. So that another $3-4K for you average family. It and veg registration negates some of your prop tax savings.

Groceries, restaurants, etc. seem the same to me as tx. Gas is maybe %10 higher, not much. Utilities are cheaper for sure, my house is way bigger and I spend less a year for gas/electric. You don't need ac or heat for several months out of the year.

Public transit is decades ahead of TX.

We've only been here about 8 mos. But coming from Houston, don't regret it in the least bit. Great place to raise a family.

im around du so not too far. May not be able to make it all the time but would definitely like to play when I can.

Thanks all for the feedback, really appreciate it. I spoke with a friend who lives in Denver now and it does seem that the southern parts of Denver would be our best bet as far as affordability, etc. I'll have to get out the amortization schedule and play with house payments to see what kind of home we would be in.

Thanks again! As a side note, I recently was told about the Rocky Mtn. flats and the plutonium pollution - had no idea. Pretty crazy/weird.

Are home insurance rates pretty similar to Texas? Wasn't sure if the winter weather affects that kind of thing or not.

Also does Colorado or Denver have any better websites to use than Realtor.com? I am going crazy looking at that website.

I'm setting up a 42 night this Wednesday at Baere Brewery at 320 Broadway for 7:00. Haven't been there before but I hear they have square tables. If you can't make it then, I'll also be out at the Denver A&M club picnic this Saturday.

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Are home insurance rates pretty similar to Texas? Wasn't sure if the winter weather affects that kind of thing or not.

Also does Colorado or Denver have any better websites to use than Realtor.com? I am going crazy looking at that website.

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I think it's much cheaper based on my experience on the outdoor thread. There was an home insurance thread, I put my pricing on there (but left out denver), and no one believed me hah. I then said Denver, and they said, yeh that's why. They were all thinking Dallas and said no way.

So my home is insured at about $400k, and it's $1100/yr with $250 deductible. Winter weather doesn't do damage like hurricanes and tornadoes and floods. There are tornadoes now and again east of denver, but they don't seem to make their way into the burbs/city. Obviously no hurricanes. Blizzards don't really have much effect on structures, the wind speeds are nothing like tornadoes. We do get hail more often than Texas, (southern TX anyway), so roof/auto damage can be pretty common.

To speak more on weather;
It is semi-arid here, so we don't get much precip. About 14" a year, half of which is in the form of snow, which amounts to about 50" of snow (to get 6-7" of water). The other 7" is rain, and it can rain any month here, not just in the summer. There are ~30 snow days, spread over 8-9 months, so it really doesn't snow for days on end. It usually comes and goes within a half day.. we have the occasional 1-3 day snow storm once or twice a year. Same with rain, I've never seen it rain for more than about an hour here. Humidity is low, so hotter temps don't feel so hot and colder temps don't feel so cold. But you will have ChapStick on auto ship from amazon. You will want to actually pump humidity INTO your home.
What feels like a perfect warm day in the sun might still only be 55 deg., and can be downright cold in the shade with wind. On the same token, when it's 90 and you feel like you need to go inside, you will likely be comforted in the shade where it will feel like 65. What you are going to wear here is a decision you have to think through every day of the year. In TX, once April comes, I know it's shorts and tshirt.. everyday everytime until late sept./oct.. NOT here. The hoodies/light jackets by our garage door stay on their hooks 365. (for my wife anyway, the summer night temps here are perfect for me in shorts/tshirt)

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Thanks all for the feedback, really appreciate it. I spoke with a friend who lives in Denver now and it does seem that the southern parts of Denver would be our best bet as far as affordability, etc. I'll have to get out the amortization schedule and play with house payments to see what kind of home we would be in.

Thanks again! As a side note, I recently was told about the Rocky Mtn. flats and the plutonium pollution - had no idea. Pretty crazy/weird.

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yeh no one lives near rocky flats!

I don't know about southern should be labeled 'affordable'.. Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker may be some of the more expensive suburbs.. Not totally sure, maybe someone else can chime in, but I know in my 3 years since purchasing, homes have gone up 25-30%. Mine specifically, still a model being built by my builder in the area is $100K more for the starting price (was $317k when I bought is $415k now)...

I couldn't afford my home if I was moving now!

But in this area is centennial and parts of englewood, littleton, all these areas are a little bit older (70s/80s) and may not have seen this same increase.


Oh yeh, I have a question for you.. do you like craft beer?

Thanks again for all of the input. I've been told the prices have shot up recently and the market has become very competitive. Great for you all, not great for me and a potential move, ha.

And yes, big craft beer fan. Dale's Pale Ale is one of my weekend go-to beers when I am making a quick beer run. The beer scene is definitely a nice perk to that area. May need to factor that into our hypothetical budget now that you mention it.

Strange, Mockery, Epic, Our Mutual Friend, Crooked Stave, De Steeg, Ratio, Great Divide Barrel Bar, Vine St., Avery etc. You're welcome

Won't make it tonight unfortunately. Let me know how it goes.

I've heard to stay away from Aurora...is that mostly true? Or are there some nicer parts of Aurora that would be an option?

For the most part, I'd advise against Aurora. Areas around the old Air Force Base (Lowry) aren't bad. Areas way out west near E-470 (if they are truly Aurora) aren't bad.

But for the most part, if given the choice, I'd avoid Aurora.

Had a good table going last night. I'm hoping to get a weekly game going. Fine with moving the venue around to accommodate people from different areas of the city so if you know a bar/brewery with good tables in your area, send me the info. I'm trying for another game next Monday night.

Not looking great as far as the offer goes. I thought I may get a promo + COLA which would probably allow us to make the move but sounds like it's only an 8% COLA and moderate relo sum. Just may not be time for us yet.

Yeah, I'm not sure you really get the COLA in Denver. There's such a large number of people moving to Denver that there is basically too much supply. Add in the fact that it's more or less a 'destination city', you may even make less than what you make now. Even though it's more expensive to live here, you get paid less than some other cities that are more affordable. It is what it is basically.

After COLA, and the fact that my wife is staying home, we are definitely netting less. Complete worth it. Never been happier. And we paid for our move out of pocket. Had to buy an AWD vehicle.

Happiness is more than money. Just don't end up in the poor house.

Yeah i definitely understand that. I was hoping to get offered a promo to help get the extra increase we would need. We have a 2 year old and my wife stays at home, so that still takes precedence over the better lifestyle. We just couldn't get comfortable with what we saw as far as home prices go. We're already pretty razor thin budget wise here so I knew it would be a tough obstacle.

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After COLA, and the fact that my wife is staying home, we are definitely netting less. Complete worth it. Never been happier. And we paid for our move out of pocket. Had to buy an AWD vehicle.

Happiness is more than money. Just don't end up in the poor house.

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I'm with you.. wife and I moved here without jobs, on our own dime. Took 2-3 years to finally make what we made in Houston.. then that went away when I was laid off last summer (O&G).. we're now close to what we made.. but overall, don't regret a thing. I am so looking forward to raising our two boys here and having them experience everything CO has to offer.

If denver actually paid higher than other metros, it would become an overcrowded mess pretty quickly! But honestly, my highest paying job in O&G was here in CO, compared to 3 previous jobs in Houston.

RE Aurora. I don't know how far south aurora goes, but down by arapahoe, and all around smokey hill.. it's not bad over there at all.. but potentially far away from work.

Looks like my previous employer (defense) has an opening in CO Springs and the manager is pushing my name through. Will need to start doing some research now. On the surface seems like it could be a really nice fit being a smaller, more affordable town (and conservative )

If anyone has anything worth while to share let me know!

^
I'd take the Springs over anywhere in TX. Great for a day trip (40-45 minute drive from me), but I like Denver a lot more. Much more of a Texas feel.

If anyone is interested in getting a foursome together for a round of golf Saturday or Sunday morning, let me know.

Might be free Saturday. What course did you have in mind? And what time?

I'm completely open to time and course. I'm in southern HR, so the closest courses to me are both HR course, Lone Tree, and The Ridge at Castle Pines. I don't mind driving, however.

Wish I would have seen the opportunity Thriller. It's been a while.

Hope you guys had a good time.

Let's try this again. I'm available all day Saturday and Sunday morning.

We didn't make it last week. Let me know who wants to swing the sticks. Open to any part of the metro area and and price range.

I'm out...

Mommy just brought a new Aggie into the Rocky Mountains!

Congrats!

Well I know we've been trying to get a golf game together for a while now. I may be able to play this weekend, but I also wanted to announce my company's charity golf tournament coming up August 12th at Common Ground Golf Course. We are raising money for the Ralston House, a shelter for abused children. One of the company owners is also an Ag (class of '08), and it would be great to have a maroon team out there! Message me or email me at matt@303roofs.com for info. Cost is $130/player, includes breakfast, lunch, green fees, range balls, and cart fee.

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I hate this thread and wish I never came across it. I'm stuck in the concrete city here in north texas. My sister lives in Denver and loves it and she's not even an outdoorsy type. Eff me

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Random bump, I know, but I've made it through 17 pages so far and echo this sentiment.

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I hate this thread and wish I never came across it. I'm stuck in the concrete city here in north texas. My sister lives in Denver and loves it and she's not even an outdoorsy type. Eff me

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Random bump, I know, but I've made it through 17 pages so far and echo this sentiment.

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I can relate..
Headed to Denver next Tuesday for a week and will regret coming back to Houston