NYC to Denver?
Has anyone made the move from NYC to Denver? Looking to hear honest opinions from folks who did and the pros/cons. I love NYC and its vibrancy, culture, tech community, restaurants, public transit, opportunities, etc. but Ive also spent some time in Colorado and love the nature and more suburbia life. Is it worth the move? I worry that the tech community is so much smaller and I’ll fall off the map.
Dont go if you hate the smell of weed or just weed in general
I like weed 👀
First, there is NO place like NYC, so if you're going to move somewhere else, stop yourself from going down that rabbit hole. Second, devnver is a much small city, less diversity, public transit is very minimal, community (outside of work) will be hard to form. But, you pay less taxes and expenses are much less than NYC. Lots of good food and drink culture, amazing nature and lots of tech jobs! It's a good idea to get out of NYC for a while but dont expect to replicate the same experiences you've had in NYC in denver. Make a list of priorities and execute!
Definitely. Not expecting to replicate the experience here in NYC. This city is incredible. My biggest priority is community - I’ve been able to meet so many incredible people here in NYC and everyone is just so ambitious and outgoing. The potential move is mostly promoted by my SO who doesn’t love city life. So trying to find a happy medium.
Like I said, make a list and prioritize what's important to you. I think Denver is at least worth a try.
I lived in Denver and know three people who made this exact move. One of them moved back to NYC, one became a tour guide in the Rockies and one became a barista at a coffee shop. All were SWE.
It sounds like the other two don’t miss NYC
Such a different environment. Personally, Denver is more my speed than NYC. One of the best outdoors in the country and hands down the best skiing you’ll ever find. Beer and food culture is great. The city is a far cry from NYC, but you have solid national sports. Economy is quite small in comparison, but doable. Winters are longer, but honestly I think more manageable than NYC winters. Snow dumps and evaporates the next few days. It’s a mile high desert. Hence the 300 days of sunshine and low humidity. As such, skin lotion, sun screen, and water bottles are essential. Denver has a smaller...bigish city entrepreneurial spirit. It’s the Capitol of the early frontier and that carries forward in the attitudes of the locals. The locals are friendly and down to earth. It’s nowhere near as liberal as NYC, but tolerant. Still, it has a big gun culture. Completely depends on what you’re looking for. If what I described fits your ideals, then look further.
All of that sounds like my vibe. The winters seem doable too because you go skiing and spend more time outdoors. It’s dark here at 430 for no reason! How would you describe the talent and general work ethic of folks who work in the tech community in Denver. I’m always impressed with the people I meet in NYC who really just grind and hustle.
Talent will be similar to Austin. Not the extreme capitalism you see in NYC or the Bay Area. But due to the smaller number of jobs there, competition is fierce for the good tech jobs because everyone is gunning for them.
Boulder is better than Denver
the millennial pilgrimage. godspeed.