$60k and cost of living for a family in Denver? (Highlands Ranch: to buy, prices)

[meilingmom]

We used to live in Morrison area of unincorporated Jeffco on the SW edge of town. It was almost like country living. Had everything we needed close by and cost of living was reasonable. Schools were okay. But keep in mind the commute time and cost of gas (that has gone up a lot!) when you look. I would recommend getting as close to where your husband would work. Look at what the housing costs are there.

[tlobrooks]

I am about to move to Denver from Salt Lake City. But 2.5 years ago we moved from Columbus, OH. Housing is definitely more expensive. It sounds like you will have to live outside of Denver if you are going to go for it. I've heard traffic sucks though. Where will his office be? You'll have to decide what kind of sacrifices you want to make? We are a family of five. While the mountain west has something unique to offer, we do miss being near family.

[MeandUs]

Living Wage Calculator - Living Wage Calculation for Denver County, Colorado

This will really help anyone who's planning to move to Denver figure out what they're going to need to make (either per hour or yearly salary).

I have three young children (two in diapers) and we spend an average of about $6000 a month. But we're not really frugal with our groceries or eating out - we eat out often, but not high-end restaurants. I'm a stay at home mom as well. Our mortgage is about $1000/month.

Hope that helps everyone!

[missNic215]

I was interested in moving to the Denver area from Philadelphia.... I think I'll keep my 4 bedroom twin Denver seems extremely expensive to live. Unless your making 80, 000 a year.

[Timmyy]

Originally Posted by missNic215

I was interested in moving to the Denver area from Philadelphia.... I think I'll keep my 4 bedroom twin Denver seems extremely expensive to live. Unless your making 80, 000 a year.

Thank you for your input.

[ayoitzrimz]

Originally Posted by missNic215

I was interested in moving to the Denver area from Philadelphia.... I think I'll keep my 4 bedroom twin Denver seems extremely expensive to live. Unless your making 80, 000 a year.

Yea but then you have to live in Philadelphia. Been there, no thanks!

[guyatwork37]

If OP is still reading this, Castle Rock might work for you (depending on where your husband works). It's further south and is a little more rural and cheaper than Denver proper.

[rumline]

Originally Posted by MeandUs

Living Wage Calculator - Living Wage Calculation for Denver County, Colorado

This will really help anyone who's planning to move to Denver figure out what they're going to need to make (either per hour or yearly salary).

Cool website, thanks for sharing. Looking at the breakdowns per spending category, I'd consider their "living wage" figures to be minimums for a comfortable existence, which is probably how they meant them to be taken. Still it's a good benchmark and useful for comparison to other areas.

[sammy87]

Stay in PA. Im from SW PA originally and to be honest with that income it would not be worth it. I would love to have a rural piece of land, but so much of Denver i just sprawl. Come out for vaca's and skip the crappy areas. Most people work M-F and you have to share the trails with everyone on the weekend. It doesn't seem too nice when its packed.

[ADL25]

Hi. It is possible to live here on 60k. It won't be overly "comfortable", but definitely do-able. If I were you, I would look at Parker, Franktown, Castle Rock areas. They are a bit less expensive than Denver, and more family friendly (in my opinion). There is a lot to do here outdoors and free!! You will miss the plethera of trees, creeks, and lakes in Pennsylvania, but this is a good place to live as well. All areas have their own beauty and charm. Good luck in your decision making...its tough to move a family. We are a family of 6, plus an exchange student.