Living between Aspen and Glenwood Springs

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some anecdotal information from those of you with some experience living in the area of Glenwood Springs and Aspen.  My employer has extended an offer for a position in Aspen paying $80,000.  I'm trying to decide if taking the position is worth it, or if the cost of living would be too much.  Right now I live just north of Denver, and make about $63,500 a year.  I'd like to be able to find a place to live of comparable size (1400 square feet, 2 car garage) somewhere nearby.  I'm thinking either El Jebel or Glenwood Springs.  Do any of you live in this area and have an opinion on an $80,000 salary?  I would be moving with my fiance and 3 small dogs.

Thanks in advance for any information!

Many people come to the valley asking for and expecting significantly higher wages than the Denver area, but generally speaking it is not going to be much different. What is different is the lifestyle and how people are willing to live on that wage for the privilege of being there. It may take a while to fine the housing you want too. Keep in mind that the further up valley you go (toward Aspen) the more expensive it gets. Lots of people live in Rifle/Silt/New Castle and commute. Once you start getting into Glenwood or Carbondale the market becomes more expensive than Denver (very roughly speaking).

The valley is a pretty tricky place to find the right housing and a decent price.  Studio apartments in aspen go for $2k and up, so anything with any normal amount of space will cost about half of your salary.  El Jebel and Carbondale get a little cheaper but the availability is limited.  A place at the size you described and located in Carbondale might be around $2,500/mo or more on average.  Glenwood starts to get much cheaper and Newcastle has a lot of really great and affordable home options.  

Most of the rentals in the valley don’t allow dogs and HOA tends to be pretty strict.  If you don’t mind the commute, Glenwood is a really good location and the commute isn’t too bad.  Commuting from Newcastle can have its downsides with the occasional i70 closure, making commutes for locals a nightmare.  If you can find a place, Carbondale has the best vibe in the valley with lots of young families, tons of outdoor enthusiasts, and a lot to do in the area without the congestion and high prices of aspen.

 I remember an episode of the daily show about 20 years ago, maybe pre-John Stewart. They were interviewing a Domino’s delivery guy asking him about the low income housing program. He said he did not make enough to qualify for the low income housing program. One needed to make $110,000 or more to qualify. Good luck in the valley. 

Thanks for the info everyone - we're looking at housing in Glenwood Springs and my fiance has an opportunity to make a pretty decent salary in the area as well.