Moving to Denver, CO

Denver is known as the Mile-High City, because it’s exactly that: 5,280 feet above see level.  From a mile up, it looks down at the rest of the Great Plains as the region’s premiere metropolis, a city that boasts innovation, industry and dining.

But with the wild Rocky Mountains at its back, Denver is first and foremost an outdoorsman’s city.  Still dripping with Western charm, it hosts a number of outdoor activities, ranging from skiing to rodeos, and residents can enjoy hiking in the Rockies’ foothills all year long.

Denver’s Layout

Denver is located a mile above sea level at the edge of the American Great Plains.  Contrary to popular belief, it’s not in the mountains.  It’s on flat, arid land.  The Rocky Mountains spike up just beyond Denver, reaching nearly 3 miles above sea level and bringing vegetation and water to the region.

Denver is the biggest city in the metropolitan area that includes the cities of Aurora and Lakewood and is home to 3.15 million people.  It is a short drive north of Boulder, Colorado, which is home to the University of Colorado.

Positives of Moving to Denver

Outdoors – Denver has a dry climate perfect for a number of outdoor activities, like hiking and biking.  It is also very near the Rocky Mountains, which have abundant skiing and hiking opportunities. 

Beer/Food – Denver is home to a stellar craft brew scene, as are nearby towns of Fort Collins (New Belgium Brewery) and Boulder.  Denver is also home to the Great American Beerfest, the largest beer fest in the US.  Denver has a good foodie scene, too, with a focus on green chilies and Mexican food.  Denver was the birthplace of Chipotle.

Economy – Denver is the only major city for 500 miles in all directions.  As such, it is the financial hub for a huge portion of the US.  A lot of business passes through Denver, causing it to have one of the lower unemployment rates in the states.  Denver also has a strong mining industry, because the Rockies are rich with minerals.

Negatives of Moving to Denver

Plains Life – The Rocky Mountains are rugged and enchanting, with evergreen trees, deep grasses and bubbling streams.  However, Denver is located on a flat plain that is more akin to Mars.  Even trees are rare, leading to a very, dry, rocky desert-y feel, which might be okay if the weather was more desert-y, too, butDenver gets very cold and very snowy winters.  Get ready to shovel… a lot.

Isolated – Though being isolated has helped Denver’s economy, it also makes it difficult for residents to easily travel to different areas and large cities.  If you’re in Denver, Denver might be the biggest city you see for a long time unless you board a plane.

Traffic – Denver has a light rail track and an extensive bus system, but residents often still need to drive most places, leading to gridlock, especially on snowy, icy days.

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