Coloradohas been attracting tourists and resettlers for years.
It is one of the most beautiful states in the country, with wonderful weather and breathtaking panoramic views.
As the capital of the Centennial State, Denver has the largest population and recorded the largest influx of new residents last year.
In fact, it was one of the top ten places people moved to in the United States in 2020.
What makes Colorado such a desirable hotspot for newcomers?
Is moving to Mile High City the right choice for you?
Our 25 Dos and Don'ts of Moving to Denver will give you all the information you need to make the right decision.
Advantages of Living in Denver, Colorado
The view isn't the only reason to move to Denver.
Not only is it one of the best places to spend time outdoors, it also boasts a thriving economy, love of history and art, and is home to some of the healthiest people in the country.
1. Ideal location for business
If you're thinking about starting a business, Colorado is one of the best places to start.
Business News Daily named the state one of the most desirable locations to set up a business, both for the charm of the location and the ease for new owners to obtain the proper license.
Regulation and taxation are reasonably manageable for new business owners, avoiding the high licensing prices found in other parts of the country.
Additionally, booming tourism, the desire for an active lifestyle and the need for a cannabis industry mean there are plenty of opportunities to capitalize on a thriving economy.
2. Big economy
This brings us to economics itself.
The pandemic has hit the US economy hard, and Denver has been no exception to this emergency.
However, the state as a whole is back on the recovery path and already taking big steps to reduce the unemployment rate.
That rate has dropped by about six points since the peak of the pandemic, showing a dramatic recovery for the economy.
Before the pandemic, Colorado held thesecond best economy in the country, rear onlyUtah.
This high rating is primarily due to high employment rates, expected job growth, and the general business environment.
Additionally, many claim that the community is very welcoming to small businesses, with state and locals encouraging success.
3. Lower taxes
Another benefit of living in Denver is low taxes. Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which means earning a higher salary doesn't put you in a higher tax bracket.
OProperty taxes are also among the lowest.in the country and ranks third overall.
The rate is about 0.51% and costs $1,113 annually for a $217,500 home.
4. Tourism is a billion dollar industry
Prior to the pandemic, Denver welcomed nearly 18 million tourists in 2019.
That generated $7 billion in the city alone, for a statewide Colorado total of $24.2 billion.
Claim to fourth placebiggest industries in the country, tourism creates 64,000 jobs in the greater Denver area and 180,000 jobs statewide.
5th beer capital of the US
Beer is a big industry in Colorado. It's fourth on the list of states with the most breweries per capita, and Denver is home to some of the best in the country.
Especially theWynkoop Breweryit's atRock Bottom Brewerymake their bases in Denver, Colorado.
Denver also celebrates several festivals themed around your favorite alcoholic beverage.
The annual Beer Week takes place in September and lasts just over a week.
The nationally acclaimed event, theGreat American Beer Festival, will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in October.
There, guests can sample over 2,200 different beers to please their palate.
6. Birthplace of the Cheeseburger
Nothing is more iconic in American cuisine than the cheeseburger, and it all started in Denver.
Ludwig Ballasttrademarked the first cheeseburger in 1935 and served the delicious food at the Humpty Dumpty Barrel Drive-In.
While this landmark of culinary innovation is no longer in operation, there are still plenty of restaurants taking up the cheeseburger mantle.
7. Home to unique goodies
Cheeseburgers aren't the only food Denver is known for.
While it is also the birthplace of the Chipotle franchise, it isRocky-Mountain-Austernserve as another delicious delicacy that you simply cannot pass up trying.
One of the best places to start is theBuckhorn-Austausch.
It doesn't just serve oysters, but several other quirky and eccentric dishes grace the menu.
These foods include buffalo, elk, and even rattlesnakes. Delicious?
8. Sports teams
Sports fans will find a true paradise in Denver.
The city has six professional sports teams, which is quite an achievement given that only 13 cities in the United States have four major sports teams.
The most notable teams are the Denver Nuggets for basketball, the Colorado Rockies for baseball, and of course the Denver Broncos for football.
The Broncos have played in eight Super Bowls, winning three overall.
9. The weather is cool
For those who can't stand the heat, Denver may be a place where you feel more comfortable.
With the higher altitude also comes a slightly lower temperature, which is much more manageable for people who want a cooler climate.
In summer, highs typically don't exceed 92ºF with little or no humidity.
However, you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and clear skies all year round.
10. Bergblick
Colorado is known for its incredible mountain scenery.
Of course, living in Denver comes with some stunning views.
There are at least 200 peaks visible from the city, 32 of which reach 13,000 feet or higher.
As if that weren't enough, there's a 140-mile panorama of mountains that are sure to leave you in awe.
11. You have all four seasons
One of the downsides of living in a sunny state likeFloridais the lack of seasonal changes.
Denver combines the best of both worlds, offering autumn sunshine and beautiful days alongside a cornucopia of color.
Winter follows with a spectacular layer of snow perfect for skiing and other winter activities.
Although spring is a little shorter than in the southern states, the profusion of wildflowers in bloom in the slowly melting snow is a real treat for hikers.
12. Sunny condition
Florida may be the sunny state, but it doesn't come close to the weather that's crowding Denver.
On average, the city sees 300 days of sunshine a year. That's amazing, considering Florida averages only 237 days of sunshine.
This leaves enough time and good weather to set out and enjoy the day with many sunny days.
Considering most people move to Colorado to enjoy the great outdoors, it's a gift of nature that many residents don't take for granted.
13. Many possibilities for skiing
When they think of things to do in Colorado, many people think of skiing.
Denver is the center of some of the best ski resorts in the state, and many are just a short drive from the city.
Echobergit's arguably the closest, with less than an hour's drive to get there.
Other great places to check out are theLoveland-Skiarea and theArapahoe-Becken-SkiArea.
14. Visit the national parks
Rocky-Mountains-Nationalparkit is the most outstanding location near Denver for nature lovers.
Its majestic mountain peaks and lakes make it ideal for hiking, cycling, rock climbing and more.
In addition to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is within hours of other great national parks such asbig sand dunes.
If you like snowboarding, you'll love sandboarding and sledding down these pristine dunes, which are the highest in North America.
15. Museum lovers rejoice
If you like time travel, Denver has several museums to help you peek into the past.
There are not only thoseMuseum of Nature and Scienceit's atDenver Art Museum, but there are also thoseMolly-Brown-Haus-Museum.
This impressive stone building was once home to the 'unsinkable' Molly Brown, who survived the infamous sinking of the Titanic.
16. Immerse yourself in the history of dinosaurs
The Colorado State Dinosaur is thestegosaurus.
If you haven't noticed that some states call dinosaurs flowers, you're not alone.
Stegosaurus is correctly classified as the state dinosaur because Colorado is the location of the first stegosaurus fossils found.
Surprisingly, Denver is so rich in fossils that discovering these monumental capsules of prehistory is sometimes as easy as taking a walk outside.
To see what remains of these majestic creatures, you have more options than just a museum.
In fact, remnants of dinosaur history can be found all over Denver, including Coors Field, Fossil Trace Golf Club, Coors Brewery and more.
17. Great place for artists
Denver isn't just about spending time outdoors.
It is also a major hub for artists and those seeking an outlet for their creativity.
Filled with a variety of creative arts districts, Denver hosts art festivals and musical performances year-round.
In addition to housing the second largest artistic complex in the city, theDenver Performing Arts Complexit also raises more money per capita for the arts than any other city in America.
The city adds a tenth of a cent to its taxes, which is exclusive to the arts.
It might not sound like much, but it adds up to a grand total of $40 million a year.
18. Hot air balloon rides
Sunny weather, clear skies and stunning mountain views are some of the reasons why the hot air balloon industry is so thriving.
Who wouldn't want to take a tour of the sky with a bird's-eye view of some of the country's most magical mountains?
Some companies that offer this amazing experience areRocky Mountain BallonfahrtenEHot air balloon flights in good winds.
If you'd rather watch the balloons take off, they're just as adorable from the ground.
Additionally, Colorado hosts several hot air balloon festivals across the state for even better viewing opportunities.
19. Golf in style
Golf becomes a whole new experience in Denver.
There are not only resorts like thisArrowhead Golf Clubagainst a phenomenal backdrop of natural beauty, but places likefossil tracealso a tour with dinosaurs.
Due to the higher elevation, your golf balls are also a fun little thing in Denver.
The ball flies 11% more than at sea level.
While that might not seem like a lot, it really adds up once you factor in a few hundred meters.
20. Take trails
Colorado is one of the top states for active people and deserves this achievement.
There's plenty to do and plenty of physical activity to help residents of all ages stay active and healthy.
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the great weather, stunning scenery and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hiking in the Rocky Mountains is fantastic, but there are also plenty of places much closer to Denver to get some fresh air.
21. Accepts pets
If you have pets, you've come to the right place.
Colorado is the second most pet-friendly state in the United States, behindOregonIn the first place.
Many of Denver's stores cater to dog lovers and dog owners, making it that much more convenient to take your furry friend for a walk.
The state also enforces stricter animal abuse laws than other parts of the country.
This encourages more responsible pet ownership practices.
Colorado is also one of the states with the most emergency housing in the United States.
22. And friend of the vet
Colorado is one of the best states for retired military veterans.
The state ranks 10th nationwide for most military personnel per 100,000 people and has 20 active bases and the United States Air Force Academy.
They offer numerous incentives for veterans, including aIncome Tax Exemptionup to $24,000, which vary by age and income.
Other benefits include a property tax exemption that covers 50% of the home's first $200,000 payments.
Veterans also receive additional points for state exams and access to heavily discounted recreational licenses.
23. And up to 420 friendly
Another reason some flock to Denver is its lax marijuana laws.
Along withWashington, Colorado was the first in the Union to legalize the medical and recreational use of marijuana.
The introduction of the drug brought new economic opportunities and impetus.
However, as with any drug or alcohol, it should be used in moderation and not consumed in public.
24. Security is high
As a whole is Coloradoone of the safest states to live in, and Denver is following suit.
Sure, there's always some crime associated with any major metro area, but Denver doesn't have much to worry about compared to other big cities.
Even residents reported feeling safer than Americans living in other parts of the country.
The biggest concern is property theft, which mainly takes the form of package theft.
25. Healthy people
The many activities available to Denver area residents and the general atmosphere make it one of the best places for healthy people to live.
That's why so many active people live in the area or come there from other regions.
In addition to being a top travel destination for people who love to get up and walk, Colorado also ranks high on other health determinants.
It has the third lowest rate of diabetes in the country and ties with Washington DC for the lowest rate of obesity.
The Disadvantages of Living in Denver, Colorado
With so many good things about Denver, it's hard to say anything bad about the city. However, like any place, Denver is not without its flaws.
1. Grande Altitude
Denver is not nicknamed the Mile High City for nothing.
It's exactly one mile above sea level, meaning it rises to 5,280 feet.
The higher you go, the thinner the air around you becomes.
This lack of oxygen can take time to adjust and leaves even the fittest people short of breath at times.
It's important to keep pace, as altitude sickness affects everyone differently.
Somefrequent side effectsThese include headaches, nausea and dizziness.
2. More cases of sunburn
All those sunny days come at a price.
Not only are there 300 or more days of bright sunbeams, but you are closer to the sun.
It may sound silly, but height makes a big impression.
Being several thousand feet closer to the sun, along with extra sun exposure, causes a higher incidence of sunburn.
It also makes you more susceptible to complications like skin cancer.
3. The winters
If you're planning on retiring somewhere warm and fuzzy, this isn't the state for you.
While significantly warmer than most northern states during season, these mild winters can still average 45°F and have a low of around 18°F.
It also snows in Denver, which makes it great for winter sports, but not so much for cleaning the sidewalks.
4. Winter driving
Every time it snows, driving becomes a complication that you have to manage well.
Especially when you start climbing the mountains, driving on slick ice and snow can be overwhelming for the inexperienced driver.
The same goes for driving in and around Denver.
If you're used to winter driving, this might not be a big deal for you.
The most important tips to remember are to check the tires and remove snow or ice from the vehicle before driving.
5. It's windy
The proximity of the mountains brings new complications, namely windy days.
Colorado is considered one of the windiest states in the US and ranks tenth.
This meteorological condition is mainly due to pressure differences resulting from geographical change.
Chinook winds also play a role in the state's wind boost, due to temperature fluctuations that amplify these strong gusts.
The average wind speed is around 32 km/h, which is quite windy for someone not used to driving in this weather.
6. Forest fires
Californiait's not the only place to be concerned about wildfires.
Colorado is exceptionally dry, making the terrain more prone to sunburn.
Especially since camping and fireworks are so common in the area, fires are easy to start but not so easy to put out.
For comparison: Colorado is actually drier thanPhoenix, Arizona.
This precarious position often results in the banning of bonfires and anything else that could fuel a raging wildfire during these periods of extreme drought.
7. Ski traffic
Having all these activities available is one of the best things about Colorado, but getting there can be difficult.
Since everyone wants to enjoy the ski season, many people take the same route to get there.
As a result, traffic can be a nuisance, stretching a 60-minute commute to well over two hours at times.
The best way to avoid this was to travel on a non-working day, especially during the week when everyone is still working.
Another way to avoid long traffic jams is to leave as early as possible.
8. Regular traffic
Most metropolitan areas experience some level of increased traffic.
Denver has the largest population of any city in Colorado, so it stands to reason that it also has the worst traffic.
Denver's Average Residentsspend about 36 hours stuck in traffic.
While that doesn't sound like much, other big cities like it.PittsburghERaleighzero visa.
Even worse, the city doesn't seem to have considered the large influx of people moving into the area.
The growing population also means that traffic is likely to continue to increase over the years.
9. Everyone wants to live there
The downside of moving to a state that seems too good to be true is that there are a lot of other people out there with the same idea.
The population has grown by 8% over the last five years, with an average of about 10,000 new home transplants per year.
About three million people live in the metropolitan area and it is expected to grow to about four million over the next twenty years.
That would be an increase of about a third of the current population!
10. More populous than the rest of the state
As the state capital and major city, Denver will naturally be more densely populated than the rest of the state.
Denver ranks 17th out of over 400Colorado Citiesfor the highest density.
It contains approximately 4,099 people per square mile
While that's more than most other states, it still doesn't compare to other major cities.
For example, Pittsburgh has 5,540 people per square mile, while cities like New York have 27,000 people per square mile.
11. Air pollution
Denver may be home to some of the healthiest people in the country, but it's not healthy when it comes to air quality.
An article fromDenver Postreported:
“Denver residents faced an average EPA AQI score of 64, with 274 days in 2018 when air quality was moderately degraded or unhealthy – more than almost any other major metropolitan area with a population of more than one million. ”
Denver still isn't as bad as some California cities, but the smog is pretty noticeable for anyone looking for some good fresh air.
12. Less space for new buildings
A big disadvantage of living in a country town surrounded by mountains is that there is much less room to grow.
In recent years, the city of Denver has struggled with a growing population and homelessness.
This led to two solutions that are not so desirable.
The first consists of the construction of large skyscrapers, which is not ideal for a city that favors its surroundings.
The second is cutting off the surrounding green space, defeating the purpose of moving to a city with natural wonders and things to do.
13. Rent goes up
During the pandemic, rental prices for 2020 have dropped by about 5%.
However, as the economy begins to recover, the typical Denver trend will continue.
This means that rental prices are rising again.
This price increase is usually good and reflects a strong and healthy economy.
However, you won't see this rise in rent prices as ideal for anyone looking for an affordable housing option.
14. The cost of housing is twice the national average
While property tax on apartments is still considerably cheaper than in much of the country, the homes themselves can be astronomical.
AThis was reported by the local news station.Denver prices are up more than 50% from five years ago.
The average cost of a single-family home now ranges from $560,000 to $630,000, depending on where you are in Denver.
That's nearly double the US national average cost of $389,000.
15. Sales tax is weird
Colorado sales tax may be one of the most affordable in the country.
However, Denver administers its own taxes, which are in addition to what you normally pay.
While the state tax is only 2,900%, the city of Denver adds another 5,910%.
As a result, the total sales tax you pay in Denver is 8.810%, which may be much higher than you'd expect.
Compared to the national average, which hovers around 9.9% overall, it's still low.
16. Growing homeless population
Big cities bring some unfortunate circumstances, especially when it comes to poverty.
In Denver, the number of homeless people has increased by about 15% over the past five years.
The number of homeless people rose from 3,631 to 4,171.
You can even find smaller tent city factions in certain areas of the city.
However, this is typical of more densely populated metropolitan areas.
17. Not actually in the mountains
Sadly, those who think that moving to Denver will drop them in the middle of the mountains will be disappointed.
While the city offers incredible views of downtown, the mountains are still about 12 miles from Denver.
There are plenty of hiking trails within the city itself, but some have said that seeing nothing but rooftops as far as the eye can see pales in comparison to the state's natural beauty.
18. Not good for boating
With all the many activities available to residents, finding boat trips is not easy.
In fact, it takes about an hour to find a good spot for a boat ride.
The only place you can actually drive a motorboat isSloan-Park, located within the city limits.
19. Not good for general water activities
The inner city of Denver is great for skiing, biking, hiking and pretty much every other outdoor expedition known to man, but not when it comes to the water.
If you are an avid surfer, scuba diver, scuba diver or just love going to the beach for a swim, Denver is not your dream destination.
There are many lakes to enjoy in the area, although swimming in lakes is not permitted within city limits.
20. Things don't stay open late
Another downside that locals often complain about is that it doesn't open as late as it does in other parts of the world.
While they don't close as early as places in Europe, where entire cities close by 8pm, it's still a long way from being a city that never sleeps.
It's best to do your shopping in advance and plan your trips as early as possible.
21. Expensive compared to other locations
It can get very expensive to eat out in Mile High City.
O siteBudget your tripprovides helpful advice for travelers on how to budget for travel.
The average spend for a stay in Denver was $168 per day.
That's significantly more than cities like Pittsburgh, which only required around $60 a day.
It's not too far from traditionally more expensive cities like Los Angeles, which was $190 a day.
22. No kissing on platforms
This is an old but still active law that dates back to the early 1900's and concerns kissing on train platforms.Denver-Union-Station.
The law, put into effect after the kiss just before boarding the train, proved so irritating that it even delayed the train's schedule.
Other intriguing Colorado laws include no buying or selling cars on Sundays, no mangling rocks in a state park, and no throwing snowballs in Aspen.
23. Bluzifer
Is that really bad about living in Denver?
It might not be, but the gigantic 32-foot tall blue Mustang statue is definitely something you can't ignore.
With glowing red eyes and a bit of an apocalyptic look, the Blue Mustang Statue was created byLuis Jimenezearned the name of Blucifer.
The statue welcomes flights arriving outside theDenver International Airport.
Perhaps the most shocking thing about this creation is what happened to the artist.
During the construction of the figure, part of the sculpture fell on the artist, killing him.
24. Beware of bears...
Similar to California, brown bears have been extinct in Colorado for decades.
The only bears left in the area are black bears, which can still be a nuisance if you're not used to dealing with them.
Although it is rare to see bears, it still happens even when walking through the forest.
In addition, bears often come to the city in search of food.
There are many opportunitiesbear proofYour garden, including storing rubbish inside the house until collection time and storing food of any kind outside.
25. ...and other dangerous animals
Since hiking is a regular pastime in Denver, it's not uncommon to encounter several dangerous animals from time to time.
Even though the state doesn't have as many snakes as other places, there's still the small matter of an occasional rattlesnake to contend with while hiking.
In addition to bears and rattlesnakes, residents may encounter coyotes, cougars, moose, and moose.
If you think these elk and moose are harmless, think again.
Some of these creatures even find their way into the city, especially when scouting areas for food.
A good awareness of these animals and their surroundings makes all the difference in the world.
Diploma
What do you think of Denver?
Is it everything you ever dreamed of in a new home?
With a myriad of activities to choose from and the splendor of nature so close at hand, it's no wonder so many people flock to Denver each year to find their forever home.
However, if the crowded highways and higher cost of living aren't your thing, there are plenty of other nearby cities that might be more your thing.