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What You Need to Know Before Moving to Denver
Quick Facts
Founded on: November 1858
Population: Approx. 611,000 people
Although Denver is officially considered the 24th most populous city in the United States, the city's innate character and youthful environment make it seem more like a big happy suburb instead of a city of such considerable proportions. If you're moving to Denver, you can rest assured that entwined with the hustle and bustle of city is a bucolic view of the Rocky Mountain skyline and a wide range of diverse neighborhoods that infuse a palpable charm to the city. But still, the beauty of the city is not the only thing to consider when relocating to Denver. Moving to the Mile High City requires an understanding of the city's high altitude, knowledge about the city's housing and employment options, and a realistic perspective about the city's public transportation system.
Because Denver is located squarely in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, its air is thinner and dryer than the air found in most other US cities. Although you may quickly acclimate to thinner air in the Mile High City, there are some aspects of the high altitude that may constantly surprise you. The sun is 25% stronger in Denver than it is in cities with lower altitudes, so you may want to wear more sunscreen in Denver, even if you don't directly feel the heat. Equally interesting is that because of the altitude, the effects of exercise in Denver are more intense than they are in other cities. If you normally run 15 miles a day, for example, you may be able to run only 10 miles in Denver. Alternatively, if you play golf in Denver, you may notice that your golf balls fly 10% farther in Denver than they do in cities such as Houston. Lastly, some of your recipes may need to be adjusted when you move to Denver, as some items simply cook differently at high altitudes.
Although Denver can be separated into 2 distinct and highly-organized grids, the city can easily be broken down into 79 distinct neighborhoods. Traveling through these neighborhoods can often be accomplished by bus or light rail, but most people still prefer to travel by car or to walk or ride bicycles between neighborhoods. Among the most popular neighborhoods are:
Auraria- Located just east of downtown Denver, Auraria is an extremely convenient place to live for those who want to be close to the city center and those who are reliant upon public transportation.
Cherry Creek North- The enchanting name of this neighborhood fittingly encapsulates the area's charm. As the home to over 320 upscale shops, boutiques and spas, this neighborhood has earned a reputation as Denver's premier shopping area.
Highlands- As a neighborhood that is undergoing a continued revival, Highlands is an area with 6 recreational parks and a variety of housing options including private houses and condos. An ideal choice for professionals commuting to LoDo and other parts of the city.
LoDo- An acronym of Lower Downtown, Lodo is known for its charming Victorian architecture. Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies, is also located in LoDo.
Lowry- Named after an air-force base that used to occupy the area, Lowry now has upscale private homes and offers a fantastic place for families that has substantial grassy areas and convenient access by car to Denver's business and shopping areas.
Stapleton- Formerly the home of Denver's airport, Stapleton is expanding rapidly as a neighborhood that combines residential and commercial areas. Stapleton is quickly becoming the largest neighborhood in Denver and is expected to surpass 30,000 residents in the coming years.
Unlike other large cities in which business and finance provide a steady stream of professional opportunities, Denver's economy is based primarily around government jobs and the transportation industry. Despite this dearth of typically high-paying jobs, the average price of a home in Denver costs about $218,000, and the cost of living in Denver is about 5% higher than the national average cost of living.
Downtown Denver with snow covered Mount Evans
If you're moving to Denver from a coastal area, you may miss the beach resorts that are lacking in the city. Still, Denver is located about an hour's drive from some of the Rocky Mountains' best ski resorts. Even during the summer seasons, these areas provide a plethora of leisure activities for people of all ages. In addition to natural attractions, Denver also hosts several major league sports teams, is the home to a nationally-acclaimed amusement park and has the second largest performing arts center in the country. If you want to kick back and relax after moving to Denver, you will have no trouble finding something that suits your interests.
Denver's weather is quite unpredictable, though the city has on average 300 days of sun per year. It is not uncommon for it to snow as early as October or as late as May, so you may want to interview Denver moving companies who have experience dealing with irregular weather patterns. It's also a good idea to speak to people who live in Denver or who have moved there in recent years to hear about their experience with the altitude, the erratic weather and the city's unique economy. This is the best way to ensure that you'll have realistic expectations and a successful acclimation to this truly unique city. Good luck!