Moving to Denver? Here's Our Relocation Guide
If you’re moving to Denver, nicknamed the “Mile-High City,” you’re in for a real treat. Gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains, an exploding job market, and legalized recreational cannabis are all part of the allure for young professionals living in Denver, Colorado.
What You Need to Know Before Moving
Housing costs are high in Denver and getting higher. This has slowed the city’s growth somewhat in recent years, but the cost of living is still only marginally higher than the national average.
Jobs are available in aerospace thanks to Lockheed Martin’s headquarters. Higher education and research are well represented too, with multiple universities located in Denver.
Denver also has a lower than average unemployment rate when compared to the national average. This is due to jobs in health care, finance, biotech, and hospitality. New jobs being created in the recreational cannabis industry also help with the local economy.
Getting around Denver is easy, with hundreds of bus routes, miles of bike trails, and a proposed light rail system. There are plenty of public transportation options. Even so, most residents own cars.
Notable Denver Neighborhoods
●Stapleton: Stapleton is one of the fastest-growing home development neighborhoods in the United States. This neighborhood is perfect for those looking to buy, rather than rent. Most of the real estate in Stapleton is less than 10 years old. Central Park provides an 80-acre recreational area. It is also close to the airport.
●Aurora: Aurora is about 20 minutes east of downtown, with easy access to I-225. This is one of Denver’s most affordable neighborhoods. Aurora Town Center’s 150 stores offer shopping and restaurants.
●West Colfax: Colfax Street is the longest street in the United States, spanning Denver from east to west. West Colfax Street is just west of downtown. The West Colfax Business Improvement District (BID) has invested millions of dollars to revitalize the area The district is near the Mile High Stadium, I-25, and downtown. Homes here have lower prices than neighboring areas, which appeals to both young professionals and families.
●Arvada: Located northwest of downtown, Arvada has a mix of houses and apartments. The commute is about 25 minutes, making you close to the action without having to deal with the crowds in central Denver. Restaurants abound with convenient access to I-70.
●Lakewood: Located between I-25 and I-70, Lakewood is a little southwest of downtown. This neighborhood has over 180 miles of trails for walking, biking, or horseback riding. The Lakewood Public Library hosts free concerts on their front porch. There is plenty of access to shopping and restaurants, too.
●Downtown: LoDo (lower downtown) is for those who want to be in the middle of everything. It is a social hub, near restaurants, rooftop bars, and Coors Field. Housing costs are higher here than elsewhere.
●The Highlands: This diverse, proud community is located between I-25 and Speer Street. This neighborhood has affordable housing, making it attractive to young professionals. Residents here boast that their neighborhood is home to the best ice cream in Denver, Little Man Ice Cream.
●Cap Hill: Just south of the 16th Street Mall, Capitol Hill is within a walk or a bike to everything you could ask for.
●Cherry Creek: Cherry Creek is east of downtown, between East 6th Ave and Cherry Creek. Mostly residential, this neighborhood is a mix of homes and apartments. Tree-lined streets line the Cherry Creek bike path. The area is also home to 160 retailers which provide a wide variety of shopping at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
Attractions and Landmarks in the Mile-High City
In addition to copious amounts of green space and proximity to ski resorts, downtown Denver offers these notable attractions:
●Denver Botanical Gardens
●Brown Palace Hotel
●Civic Center Park
●Denver Zoo
●Confluence Park
●Denver Art Museum
●Mayan Theater
●Denver Mint
●Union Station
●Washington Park
Denver Weather
The weather in Denver is quite nice, especially since with all the sunshine, which the city enjoys for 300 days every year. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always warm here—you can expect up to 50 inches of snow during big storms.
The weather is beautiful during spring and quite hot during the summer. But Denver weather can be unpredictable due to its high altitude.
Denver Traffic & Tips for Getting Around
The availability of multiple transport modes makes getting around Denver relatively easy. Biking is the most reliable means of transport. Most people prefer biking because of the sunny weather and many bike trails. Biking is also cheaper and more convenient than driving.
About 7% of commuters use the public transit system to work. You can also use the railway when moving to the suburbs. If you want to move within the city, you can use the free bus system in Downtown Denver.
If you’re a frequent traveler for business or pleasure, Denver International Airport has connections to many locations for both domestic and international flights.
Food & Drink in Denver
Denver has a reputable and diverse foodie scene, where you can find the best Ethiopian, Vietnamese, and Mexican food, as well as steakhouses serving up delicious prime cuts. For an upscale experience, go to Guard and Grace for locally raised, grass-fed Wagyu and an award-winning, 9,000 sq. ft. restaurant design. Or, if you’re looking for casual but quality dining, get to Kiké’s Red Tacos for the best quesadillas, tortas, and burritos in town. No matter what you’re craving, the restaurants in this city are perfect for all occasions, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or family gathering.
For the craft beer enthusiasts, Denver is also home to a great deal of excellent breweries. Check out Cerebral Brewing in East Colfax with its rotating beer and seltzer menu; Oasis Brewery in West Highland with its recently revamped taproom; and Odell Brewing Co. at Five Points and Sloans Lake, featuring small batch limited release brews.
Outdoor Activities in the Mile High City
After moving to Denver, you’ll quickly realize the town’s residents spend a lot of time outside enjoying various outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and skiing. Some of the best locations featuring beautiful scenery include Congress, Washington, and Cheesman Park.
The Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Evans, Glenwood Springs, and Private Foothills Tour are also convenient places for outdoor adventures. So, if you spend more time outside than you do in your home or in the city, Denver will be the perfect place for you.
Tips for Your Move to Denver
●Hire as much help as you can afford. Packing, moving, and storage services help make the transition easier.
●If you’re moving cross-country, consider selling most of your furniture and appliances, and then just buy new possessions at your final destination. You can get free delivery on most large-ticket items. You’ll only pay to move your personal possessions and vehicles.
●Consider renting initially to get to know the city. It’s hard to determine what neighborhood is best if you’ve never lived in the area before.
●Start packing well in advance of your move. Have a packing party. You can say goodbye to your friends and get one last favor from them.
●Take this opportunity to get rid of the junk in your life. Donate your unneeded items or have a big garage sale. Don't move anything that isn't necessary.