Denver is the capital of Colorado, and it’s the most populated city in the state. In the 2020 census, the population was more than 715,500. It’s the 19th most populated city in the U.S., and it’s the primary city in the metro that includes Denver-Aurora-Lakewood. Located in the South Platte River Valley, it’s on the east of the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range.
The following are some of the things to know about living in Denver.
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1. Some People Prefer the Suburbs
If you’re thinking about moving to Denver and you want a family-friendly option, and sometimes one that’s more affordable, you might opt for the suburbs. For example, Highlands Ranch homes for sale are in high demand. Highlands Ranch is around 30 minutes south of Denver and is popular with commuters.
Highlands Ranch has dedicated 2,000 acres for preservation, and the schools get an A ranking.
Centennial is another popular suburb, with schools that get an A+ ranking. Centennial is around 20 miles southeast of Denver, and it’s also one of the larger cities in the state.
Greenwood Village Is a community with top-rated schools just 20 minutes from Denver, and it’s home to a portion of the Denver Technology Center.
Littleton is 10 miles south of Denver, and it’s known for having a lot of parkland and beautiful views, as well as historical sites and cultural options.
2. The Cost of Living Is Going Up
One reason that some people are opting for the suburbs is that the cost of living in Denver is going up rapidly. Some of the suburbs are also expensive, but your money can go farther than if you’re in the middle of the city.
Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities, and with that has come rising costs, and in particular, increasing housing costs.
According to Rent Café, the cost of living is 8% higher than Colorado’s state average and 12% higher than the national average.
Housing in the city is 37% more expensive than the average in the U.S. The home prices in the city are around $581,630, and the average monthly rent is just under $2,000.
3. The Neighborhoods
Your neighborhood in Denver is going to have a lot to do with your experience in the city and your quality of life.
If you’re looking for a hip community with a lot of young professionals, there’s the River North Art District or RiNo.
It used to be an industrial area, and it’s part of the historic Five Points.
City Park is another area that draws in young professionals, with its relatively lower cost of living and ample green spaces.
For families, Washington Park is often the go-to. Washington Park is like a hybrid between the city living in Denver and the suburbs. Washington Park is quiet, with single-family houses and townhomes. It’s also considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, and it’s pretty quiet, although it’s close to bars and restaurants too. The neighborhood’s proximity to Washington Park makes it a favorite because this green space has recreational options and miles of trails for biking.
Capitol Hill is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, and many of the homes and buildings are from the Victorian area.
Lower Highland, or LoHi, is known for the best dining choices in the city, as well as leafy streets and single-family homes.
4. There’s a Flat Income Tax
The state income tax in Colorado is 4.55%, which is somewhere in the middle compared to the rest of the U.S. Since there’s a flat tax, you don’t have to think about the impact of income changes over the years. Of course, for some people, no income tax at the state level could be best, but this is the next best thing in a lot of people’s opinions. The sales tax is slightly above average, but property taxes are comparatively low in Denver.
5. The Weather
The Denver area gets around 300 days of sunshine each year, but it also gets 50 inches of snow on average. Luckily, the snow usually comes primarily in big storms and doesn’t stick around for long.
Summers can get hot, but Denver isn’t known for its humidity.
While the weather is generally very nice and a perk of life in Denver, it can be unpredictable. You can see temperatures go up or down by 40 degrees in a single day.
The air is also thinner, so there is less oxygen which can be rough on your body if you aren’t used to it or have a medical condition.
6. The Economy
While Denver can be an expensive place to call home, it also offers the opportunity for high-paying jobs. A lot of companies are based in the area.
The tech startup scene is strong, as is the aerospace industry.
7. The Outdoors
For many people living in Denver and near it, the outdoors is the central focus of their activities in their free time.
Washington Park, as mentioned, is a favorite in Denver. There’s also City Park, and if you hike the Mile High Trail, you’re exactly one mile above sea level. Confluence Park offers kayak rentals, and then there’s the Cherry Creek Bike Path, which is a 42-mile paved pathway.
Some of the best skiing in the country is nearby, too, including Breckenridge, Winter Park, Copper Mountain, and Vail Mountain Resort.
Rocky Mountain National Park is close by, as is Mount Evans, with the highest paved road in North America.
Denver is a big biking city, especially since there’s almost always sunshine. There are a lot of bike trails, and your bike can actually become a reliable form of daily transportation, depending on where you live. There are situations where it’s easier to bike than drive within the city because parking can be tough to come across.
Finally, if you move to the Denver area, make sure you have a water bottle with you all the time. The combination of the sunshine and the high altitude, along with the dry air, means it’s easy to become dehydrated.
