If you or someone you know is planning on moving to Denver, Colorado, you need to read this. We’ve got the lowdown on what to expect - and all the reasons why you should move to Denver.
Is The Centennial State right for you? Will you be happy living here? You’ll want to make sure. Not only is the area in and around Denver, Colorado filled with vibrant scenery - including snowy mountains - but the city also sees all four seasons.
If you like the sound of constant change and seasonal activities, Denver, Colorado is the place for you. The chill and white fluffy stuff is a yearly event. It also guides a lot of activities during the winter months. On top of that, the summer months are filled with sunshine and even more activities.
Still unsure what to expect? Don’t worry. We’ve got 15 more reasons why you should move to Denver.
1. Mountains! Mountains! Mountains!
You can’t beat the high peaks and incredible views.
Fun fact: Denver, the capital of Colorado, is 1 mile above sea level. It’s not called the mile high city for no reason. Yet, newcomers may find the air a bit thinner - prepare for this and take ‘er easy for the first week or so your in town.
Yet, these heights offer spectacular and challenging hiking trails. You also get one heck of a ski season! There’s Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail, and Steamboat Springs - all within the state of Colorado and relatively close by to Denver.
If part of the year you claim the title of ‘ski bum,’ Denver will not disappoint. Weekend ski excursions will become your new normal. You’ll constantly be discovering new and exciting slopes.
It’s an adventurous and outdoorsy person’s dream.
And the pictures you send home to the family will have them green with envy. They’ll practically be begging to come out for a visit. No matter where you are, the background will likely be filled with glorious and monstrous mountains. In other words, there’s no angle or spot unworthy of a kodak moment.
Sunrises and sunsets are nothing short of spectacular in this city. The colors painted across the sky will have you waking up and hitting the bed filled with gratitude and happiness. You’ll find yourself thinking how cool it is that you get to live in a place like this.
2. Denver, Colorado is Very Safe
You probably already know that marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado. It’s not exactly new news. But crime rates have reportedly fallen since legalization.
Yet, in 2018 the crime rate was above the national average. But let’s put it this way: violent crime is way below the national average. In Colorado, violent crimes average at 0.73 per every 1000 people.
Some of the safest neighborhoods in Denver include Smith Rd/Havana St, W Kenyon Ave/S Sheridan Blvd, 48th Ave/Picadilly Rd, and Holly Hills. Choosing a spot to live in these areas puts you in a fairly secure and safe location. You can rest easy knowing the chances of crime are fairly low.
3. Renting in Denver, Colorado is Affordable
… But buying a home may come at a high cost. There is a bit of a housing crisis starting. But you can find great places to live in Colorado at a reasonable price. The top 10 cities and towns in Colorado, ranked by affordability - especially considering housing costs - include:
In contrast, Vail is the most expensive place to live in Colorado. The median price for homes in Colorado is listed is $415,000. But renting in Denver proves to be affordable for the average person. Rent averages at about $1200 for a 1 bedroom apartment in Denver and about $2,100 for a 2 bedroom apartment in Denver. In other words, rent is slightly more expensive than the average city in the South and Midwest. Yet, it is more affordable than other big markets, such as L.A., Miami, or NYC.
If you’re still curious about living costs and affordability, David Sells Denver can help you out!
4. Traffic Isn’t Too Shabby.
It beats places like Seattle or the downright awful L.A. Yet, in the major city hubs, it can be a bit of a headache and is worse than the typical Midwest city. There are plenty of people that have recognized the benefits of living in Denver, Colorado - which means more cars on the road. Luckily, most public transportation systems are efficient and reasonably priced - and they are especially useful when the weather gets bad. Systems such as trains and light rails offer easy transportation even in the case of a bad storm.
On top of that, Uber, Lyft, and other taxis are readily available in major cities, like Denver. The cities are further well equipped for cyclists.
When the weather permits, getting around isn’t too bad. You can even get your workout in throughout the process. With many trails and cyclist lanes, it’s one of the better places for cycling to work. And Denver has a variety of bike sharing systems, making your commute that much easier.
5. You Will Never Run Out of Recreational Activities!
The mountains offer year-round opportunity to get outdoors and have fun. And you’ll likely be liking close to a national or state park with plenty of opportunities to get active and get outdoors.
We weren’t kidding when we said earlier that Denver is the perfect place for the adventurous and outdoors-type person. From summer cycling and running and hiking to winter skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more, you won’t run out of things to do - or new things to try. Plus, these activities will keep you in tip-top shape and health.
And according to research, getting outside more makes us happier and more satisfied individuals. In Colorado, it’s the thing to do - go outside and explore. It’s what everyone does. The society and people fully support it. So... if you aren’t really an outdoors person, get ready to become one!
For concert buffs, this is the ultimate setting. The red rocks provide the optimal setting for an amphitheater. The Beatles have even performed in this venue. And it completely supports Colorado’s outdoors inclinations.
The setting promotes some of the best natural acoustics and sounds. It is further a regular venue for movie screenings. It’s located about 10 miles outside of Denver and definitely worth a visit (especially once you make Colorado your home state!).
6. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre
For concert buffs, this is the ultimate setting. The red rocks provide the optimal setting for an amphitheater. The Beatles have even performed in this venue. And it completely supports Colorado’s outdoor inclinations.
The setting promotes some of the best natural acoustics and sounds. It is further a regular venue for movie screenings. It’s located about 10 miles outside of Denver and definitely worth a visit.
7. The Craft Beer Industry is Booming!
Don’t the great outdoors and beer kind of go hand in hand? Think camping or taking in an incredible sunset.
If you’re into craft beer, Denver has a never-ending list of craft beers. You will never run out of beers to try. Your nights out and weekends can quickly become filled with brewery tours and outings.
8. Colorado’s Economy is Up and Up.
If you’re worried about finding a job here, you don’t have to be. There are incredible job opportunities in Denver, Colorado. The state has one of the highest GDP growths in the country. In other words, Colorado’s economy is doing really well. Forbes even listed Denver, the capital, as the 4th in Best Places for Business and Careers.
9. All the Sports Teams!
You won’t have to look far for a local sports team to cheer on. As much as people living in Colorado love getting outside and staying active, they also love their sports. Denver, alone, has the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids. And their teams actually do well!
The Broncos won the Superbowl in 2015. The Colorado Avalanche hockey team reaches the playoffs most years. Colorado has teams you’ll be proud of and actually want to cheer on! It also scores major points in the entertainment category - it’s another thing to do in beautiful Colorado.
10. All 4 Seasons Offer Constant Change.
We mentioned this earlier. But Denver gets all 4 seasons - winter, spring, summer, and fall. Change is constant. You won’t have one season longer than for a handful of months. It keeps life interesting and contributes to a happier and more fulfilling life.
With seasonal changes come a change of activities and scenery variations. The other good news? You still get plenty of sunshine. There is maybe a month or so where the days seem much shorter, but other than that you can expect plenty of sun and daylight hours. The average annual temperature is 50 Degrees Fahrenheit - meaning the winters aren’t too harsh or cold either.
If you are going to experience an “ideal” winter, Colorado is it.
11. Move to Denver, Colorado for Your Health
Not many states support an active and healthy lifestyle like Colorado does. In fact, it has the lowest obesity out of all 50 states. You are more likely to be fit and healthy when you live in Colorado. And we aren’t going to lie - the outdoors definitely plays a part.
You can walk, bike, run, and more in some of the most breathtaking spots in the world.
12. 145 Languages are Spoken in Denver, Colorado
Colorado is diverse, with the capital city being home to over 145 different languages. Languages spoken include Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, and Norwegian - with English being the official language and common tongue. So hey, if you want to learn a language, Colorado is probably one of the best places in the US to do so.
13. Denver has a Food Industry that Can’t be Beat!
The city of Denver has an exciting and tasty restaurant selection. Not to mention, many popular fast-food chains started in the great state of Colorado, including Smashburger, Quiznos, Noodles & Company, and Boston Market. On top of that, you get a mix of Mexican and Vietnamese places to choose from - plus, Denver, Colorado is home to some of the best steakhouses around! You’ll want to check out restaurants close by.
14. Performing Arts are All the Rage.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has highly praised Broadway shows, plays, and more. The theatre organization consists of various entertainment venues - meaning you likely won’t have to go far to find a suitable play or show to watch!
15. Denver: A Melting Pot of People & Cultures
As we said, there are over 145 languages spoken in Denver. In addition, the city is ever-changing and ever-growing, with new cultures coming and going - but often leaving their impact, whether it be in food, culture, or buildings. This gives way to the friendly and open atmosphere that the Colorado people boast about! They are accepting and open to trying new things and meeting new people.
It’s a great place to learn and evolve as an individual and a person.
BONUS: It is a Start-Up Heaven
San Francisco tends to get all the attention for this one. But Colorado has opportunities galore - and not just in terms of jobs. There’s educational and networking events. Financial opportunities for entrepreneurs actually exist here! It’s one of the best places to start a new business or venture.
Most of the cities also have modern co-working spaces. Within these spaces, you can connect with others doing similar jobs or going after similar opportunities. It’s perfect for new and old entrepreneurs and business owners.
So, what are you waiting for? Colorado is one of the best places to live in the United States, including plenty of opportunities for work, play, and fun! The beautiful scenery, the open and friendly people, and an abundant amount of amenities and entertainment make Colorado hard to beat. You won’t ever be bored.
If you’re considering moving to Colorado, contact David Sells Denver today! Our team can answer any of your questions or concerns about Colorado and the Denver area.
