I want to move to Colorado. Any tips?

Should I move to Colorado?

• I want to move somewhere that I can almost always depend on snow, that has a beautiful landscape (preferably with mountains), and that is COMPLETELY different from Indiana. Somewhere that isn't too far though, such as Alaska. I've decided on Denver, CO. I'm currently stuck. My fiancee, my cat, and I live in a college town and share a 4 bedroom apartment with 3 students. We both hate Indiana. I work at CVS and he works at Walgreens, I don't know about him but I hate working in retail and I'm planning on going to school for ultrasonography. The thing is, should I move to Colorado now, or wait? I don't really want to be stuck here much longer, and I don't want to be tied down to Indiana by school. Should I look into college there? Also! Do you have any tips or bits of information about Colorado? Good and bad? Everything would be appreciated. I've never been. Thank you :)

• Answer:

  The front range of Colorado, which is Fort Collins to Colorado Springs (includes Denver and other towns) along I25 gets snow, but it can be hit or miss. When it does snow it doesn't usually hang around long. The temperatures can be mild even in the winter. Coming from Indiana you will probably think a Colorado winter is balmy. The weather in the mountains (locals call it the high country) is radically different than the front range. Lots of snow and extreme cold this time of year in the high country. To the west of the front range is the mountains which rise quickly and dramatically. VERY different from Indiana (pancake flat). Couple things - Colorado will likely have a higher cost of living than where ever you live now. Google "cost of living index/calculator"; there is a web site which will give you a relative cost of living range between two target towns/areas. Denver/Boulder/Fort Collins are the more desirable places to live on the Front Range. Denver is a major city, bigger than Indianapolis. You could find lower cost of living in a place like Longmont or Loveland (about 50 miles north of Denver) The job market in Colorado is tough, pretty much like anywhere else. Before you move anywhere I'd save several months worth of living expenses unless you have a job lined up and waiting for you. Plan on needing first/last and security deposit to rent an apartment. Not sure what type of school teaches ultrasonography, but just be aware that you may be charged out of state tuition until you have 12 months of residency in Colorado. I'd find a school(s) and know their policies before moving.