Reader: If Only Salaries In Denver Would Increase Like Housing Costs!

In a recent Comment of the Day, prompted by a report that Denver houses are selling for well over list owing to the red-hot market in these parts, a reader acknowledged paying $7,000 over the asking price for a condo that's gained $25,000 more in value in mere months. The observation prompted...

By Michael Roberts

April 24, 2015

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

In a recent Comment of the Day, prompted by a report that Denver houses are selling for well over list owing to the red-hot market in these parts, a reader acknowledged paying $7,000 over the asking price for a condo that's gained $25,000 more in value in mere months.

The observation prompted a slew of similar ones from commenters.

This reader reveals the seemingly impossible challenge of finding a downtown apartment at her income level.

Here's what she has to say.

Angie Cee writes:

If only the salaries in Denver would increase like the housing market!!! I tried getting a "low income" apt downtown but the cap was $33k and the rent was $900. What crack head decided a person that makes $33k can afford $900 a month? I make too much to live there, unfortunately but not enough to live comfortably elsewhere downtown! Ridiculous!!!

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts. For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo