I moved to a new city from a smaller area I grew up in for a new federal job, after being out of work for a year due to completing graduate school.

Anonymous

December 24,2022 at 2:20PM UTC

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I moved to a new city from a smaller area I grew up in for a new federal job, after being out of work for a year due to completing graduate school. The job is good, but unfortunately I had to take the job right away and I didn't have time to access the city and the extreme cost of living here as well as the extreme lack of housing and rentals. There are no housing laws, and my coworkers tell me horror stories about their bad experiences with renting and buying and say that not much can be done. Every apartment review in every area says the same things - high auto thefts, high mail thefts, homeless living in lobbies and hallways, smoking smells get into your own unit (pot is legal here), mouse and roach infestation, landlords fix nothing, there is never enough parking, there are hidden fees added to rent, etc. Rent is 4x higher here than where I lived. Housing that is for sale has been neglected and needs a lot of work - too much for a single woman. I need a place but being new here I don't know which way is up or where to start, I don't know if I want to buy if I leave in a couple of years, but renting at 2100 a month for 600 sq ft is nuts. Thank you for quality advice on living in crazy overcrowded overpriced cities.

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AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
Hi Not sure what area that you are referring. Currently costs for everything have skyrocketed. I do hear you and I am listening. I’m sure their are others that are probably feeling just like you do too. Sometimes you just have to go back to house sharing, (Airbnb ?),until you find something, temporary living, rent a room in someone’s house that may have separate living quarters ; or place an advertisement in fairy godboss to see if anyone maybe in the same quagmire. I would love to help you more. Lately as a single female it is dangerous and expensive. Maybe someone from college, friends, or family can also introduce you to someone too in the area or join a group to meet new people to find where they live ? Are you near any colleges this is a nice spot too and security is usually a lot more abundant.
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 3:58PM UTC
The job is in Aurora Colorado, the Denver area.
Dawn S. CrossDecember 24,2022 at 4:20PM UTC
Look in suburban areas. You may need to travel some, but it may offer other opportunities.
AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 5:30PM UTC
I've lived in NYC, L.A. and D C. Abd all three were incredibly expensive but what I found is that driving around ir riding a bike around various areas is best. Signs in the windows, neighborhood recommended homes is how I've lucked into privately own rentals that were huge, below market and in nice neighborhoods. Private owners don't always like publishing their spaces so this may work for you. Don't believe reviews and gossip, in every city there is good and bad. Do some homework before writing off the location.
AnonymousDecember 25,2022 at 7:15PM UTC
Can you be more specific and identify the state ?? Maybe someone here lives in that area and can give you better advice.
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 3:58PM UTC
The job is in Aurora Colorado, so the Denver area.
Virginia WrightDecember 26,2022 at 11:11PM UTC
Housing choices in Denver suburbs are overpriced and lousy from my experience. I got the heck out of there and back to the Southeast where one can't get a 2Br 2 Ba in a lovely, amenity filled apartment community for $1300/mo!
Virginia WrightDecember 26,2022 at 11:12PM UTC
Can Get!! Sorry for typo!!
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 2:40AM UTC
Federal jobs are supposed to pay more for areas with a high cost of living. If you have a master's degree, you should be at least a level 9-11. Moving to the suburbs and dealing with a long commute, or having roommates but a short commute are how I have lived in NYC and DC at that level.
Sara TalcottDecember 26,2022 at 1:19PM UTC
Living in urban areas can be a shock to someone who's lived in a less expensive area, as well as the fact that the type of privacy and quiet you're used to is not the norm. I moved to Boston from rural Nebraska for graduate school so I can relate. I found I had to have roommates for 10 of the 11 years I lived there due to housing costs... pretty common for young professionals. If you can find another woman who needs a roommate and is already established, that may be a huge help financially as well as someone to help you navigate the city culture. Try to see the positive in adjusting to a new experience -- it will open up your mind and outlook to see the not-so-pretty realities of urban living.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 26,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
Being pressured to "take a job right away" is never a good way to go when a move is involved. Had you been able to research the city, that might have impacted you to not accept this job. You may want to get a 6 month lease and look for another job in a city that is manageable. This is not a dream job when the quality of life is so compromised.
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 2:20PM UTC
are you required to live in the city? I live in New Jersey but worked in New Yorkcity and I work with people who work in New York City but live in Connecticut or smaller towns in New Jersey , if you are not required to live in the city look and see what kind of commuting you could do . Otherwise maybe look for a different job , but take your time finding one and do research in the areas you would be willing to love to so you are not surprised, good luck ! I’m sure it will all work out
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 2:32PM UTC
Well...the job is good. And, you are fresh out of grad school, so I am assuming you need this opportunity. You need to build your skill set and resume. Right? So what I would advise is to not buy. Do not buy anything until you learn more about this area and if you really want to stay. I cannot repeat strongly enough that you should not buy especially because we are already in a recession nationwide. So now you have to think of a creative way too Find decent affordable housing. Have you considered just renting a bedroom near a University campus with other college students? Yes that might sound crazy but it would be a cheap way for you to live simply until you figure out your plan.... Can you live in an outlying area and commute via train or Subway or carpool? Think of some non typical ways to find housing such as Working as a house parent at a University, or living in the upper level of a funeral home or store front, consider renting a mobile home... Think outside the Box and find a way to live cheaply and cleanly while you gain some momentum at your new job. You may only stay a year or 2... you can do it! On the other hand, if you have to pay $2000 per month for decent housing it might be a small short term investment for a long term reward if you like this work. You might have to suck that up for a year or 2 until you can move on to a more desirable location
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 2:52PM UTC
I'm sorry you're going for this but this is actually a great post. I realize you work in the federal sector but many people relocated to high cost areas like San Francisco in the tech industry, only to lose their jobs with little or no notice and no way to take care of themselves after layoffs or terminations. Absolutely NEVER relocate simply for a job. Make sure that you have a non-job related support system in any place to which you relocate. I know this sounds like a downer, but if you relocate, your first thought needs to be what happens if this job goes sideways or if I get laid off? Will I still want to be there? Is there a good enough economy that I can quickly find a comparable job? The company is not going to pay for you to relocate back to your support system. Some companies will pay 10 to $20,000 for you to relocate so the first thing you need to do is to save the same amount of money to get out of there if things don't go as planned. Finally, you may want to consider working with a local realtor to find a private condo to rent once you do some homework and figure out where the best places are to live. Realtors my life savers when I have relocated. The condo owner pays their fee. Good luck!
Emily PhelanDecember 26,2022 at 3:04PM UTC
This may seem obvious, but it wasn't mentioned. Is there a neighboring community that may be a good option? Many people in my area travel approximately an hour each way (some even longer!). If there is public transportation that can assist or if you have or can get a car, I would suggest looking outside of the immediate area for a rental. Don't buy until you know you like an area. You could be stuck with a house you can't sell. Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 4:00PM UTC
I forgot to mention that I am over 55, a disabled veteran, and now new graduate starting my first social work job and working on my first license.
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 7:09PM UTC
because of your age (I'm almost 62), can you apply/look for senior/assisted housing? this will be reduced and perhaps safer/nicer too.
CYNTHIADecember 26,2022 at 9:01PM UTC
Check in with the Veterans outreach center in your area.
Melissa BetetaDecember 26,2022 at 4:19PM UTC
I didn’t read through all the comments so I’m not sure this might have been mentioned, but you stated you’re a disabled veteran. First off, thank you for your service. My husband is a disabled veteran as well, so I totally understand. Aurora is very expensive because an influx of people moved there for the marijuana and left it an absolute mess. My recommendation would be if you’re not 100% disabled with the VA, it’s probably time to reassess your claims and see if you can gain more. Since that is tax free, jumping just 10% can be life changing. Wishing you luck in finding a home. ?
VanessaDecember 26,2022 at 8:53PM UTC
Congratulations on completing your graduate coursework. You are undoubtedly an ambitious/capable individual. Make a simple checklist of the pros and cons for making the move. Carefully consider all factors that could impact your overall adjustment to your new job, salary, housing, commute, and support systems. I wish you all the best as you prioritize your next steps.
AnonymousDecember 26,2022 at 11:22PM UTC
As a long-time resident of DC, a pricey city with many federal jobs, here’s my advice:
-Rent until you become acclimated and decide whether you want to remain in this city longer-term. In addition, you might want to wait to purchase a home until mortgage interest rates are lower. (Rates have increased due to the Federal Reserve’s anti-inflation efforts.)
-When you are ready to buy, check out mortgages guaranteed by the Veterans Administration; the interest rates should be more favorable than private mortgages.
-For now, are any apartment or house shares available? Renting a room in a quiet home might be a good short-term solution for you.
-Before you buy, carefully assess your options with respect to neighborhoods and property types.
-Evaluate the condominium and town home markets to determine if units hold their value.
-Are you able to look for housing in suburban locations? Housing conditions might be better in the suburbs and pricing might be more favorable.
AnonymousDecember 27,2022 at 3:13AM UTC
Get roommates to share the cost.
AnonymousDecember 27,2022 at 8:51AM UTC
Did I read that you're a military veteran? Thank you for your service! Have you considered getting a condo or house with 1-2 roomate(s) who are also veterans? Denver has some decent, relatively safe suburbs. Your local VA or Vet Center might be of assistance in connecting with other veterans.
IntentionGirl299847December 27,2022 at 9:17PM UTC
Every State has housing laws along with the federal laws. Look them up do your research. What state and where? Washington State and California most certainly do have housing laws. As does Colorado... New York has some of the most stringent. Check with the VA too if you are a veteran.
FlexMLS HelpDecember 30,2022 at 1:34PM UTC
Last I checked stealing mail and cars is illegal everywhere. So there are laws, but they are not being enforced.
Id pass on the job and find another. Why risk your safety and health.