Welcome to the Mile High Life

So, you’re making the move to Denver. Maybe it’s the stunning mountain views, the booming job market, or the 300 days of sunshine calling your name. Whatever the reason, you’re about to join the thousands of people relocating to this vibrant, rapidly growing city.

Relocating can feel overwhelming—new home, new neighborhood, new everything. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From finding the right place to live to adjusting to the altitude, this guide covers everything you need to know about making Denver your new home.

The Housing Market: Buying or Renting When Making the Move to Denver

The Denver Metro housing market is known for being fast-paced and competitive, but it’s also full of opportunities if you know where to look. Whether you’re buying or renting, here’s what you need to know before you start house-hunting.

• Buying a Home: Denver’s housing market has grown rapidly over the last decade, with prices reflecting its growing popularity. Depending on where you’re looking, you’ll find a wide range of home styles—from modern condos downtown to spacious single-family homes in the suburbs. Popular neighborhoods like Wash Park, Cherry Creek, and LoHi are sought after but come with a premium price tag. For more affordable options, consider up-and-coming areas like Aurora or Westminster, where you’ll find more bang for your buck without sacrificing location.

Pro Tip: Even though Denver homes can go fast, it’s important not to rush. Take time to understand what’s most important to you—whether that’s a short commute, a great school district, or access to parks and trails.

• Renting in Denver: If you’re not ready to buy, Denver has plenty of rental options, though rental prices have also increased. Popular neighborhoods for renting include RiNo, Capitol Hill, and Uptown. Areas like Lakewood or Littleton are worth exploring for a more suburban vibe with better affordability.

Fun Fact: Denver’s rental market is competitive, so having your paperwork ready (references, proof of income, etc.) can help you snag a great place quickly.

Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Denver’s diversity of neighborhoods is one of its strongest assets. Whether you’re a young professional looking for nightlife, a family in need of good schools, or someone seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle, there’s a place for you in the Denver Metro area. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular areas to think about when making the move to Denver:

• Urban Vibe: If you love city living and want to be in the heart of it all, check out neighborhoods like LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNo (River North Arts District), or Capitol Hill. These areas have trendy bars, restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. Be prepared for higher rental or home prices and limited parking, but if walkability and nightlife are high on your list, you’ll feel right at home.
• Suburban Life: For those looking for a quieter pace with more space, Denver’s surrounding suburbs offer family-friendly living with access to good schools and larger homes. Areas like Centennial, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Broomfield provide excellent amenities, safe communities, and great schools. Plus, you’re still a short drive from the city center, making the suburbs an ideal choice for those needing space but wanting access to Denver’s urban core.
• The Outdoorsy Type: If the great outdoors brought you to Colorado, check out neighborhoods like Golden, Boulder, or Evergreen. These areas offer easy access to hiking trails, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. They’re also perfect if you want breathtaking mountain views and a slightly more laid-back vibe.

Who needs a gym membership when you live this close to the Rockies? Just make sure you buy those hiking boots—you’ll need them.

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Cost of Living: Is Denver Affordable?

One of the first things you’ll notice when making the move to Denver is that it isn’t the small, affordable city it once was. While it’s still cheaper than cities like San Francisco or New York, Denver’s cost of living has risen as it has grown in popularity.

• Housing Costs: As mentioned, housing prices are higher than the national average, especially in desirable areas. Whether buying or renting, it’s a good idea to budget for a higher monthly payment compared to other mid-sized cities. You might find it more reasonable if you come from a major coastal city.
• Utilities: Denver’s utility costs are about average for a city its size. However, because of the city’s semi-arid climate, energy bills might be lower in the winter (thanks to sunny days) but higher in the summer when air conditioning becomes essential.
• Groceries and Dining: While groceries are slightly more expensive than the national average, Denver makes up for it with a booming food scene. You’ll find plenty of options, from high-end dining to food trucks across all price ranges.

Pro Tip: Check out the Denver Central Market or the many farmer’s markets around town for fresh, local produce without breaking the bank.

Denver’s Job Market: Plenty of Opportunity

The Denver Metro area is booming, and its job market reflects that. If you’re moving for work, you’ll find opportunities in various sectors, from tech to healthcare and renewable energy.

• Tech Industry: Denver has become a hub for tech startups, earning its place as a mini-Silicon Valley. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Salesforce have offices here, and the city’s tech scene is growing quickly, making it an ideal location for tech professionals.
• Healthcare: With world-class facilities like Denver Health and UCHealth, the healthcare industry is one of the city’s biggest employers. A growing focus on wellness and outdoor recreation also makes healthcare and fitness-related jobs more abundant.
• Aerospace and Energy: Colorado is significant in aerospace and renewable energy. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace call the Denver Metro area home, along with a growing number of companies focused on sustainability and clean energy.

Pro Tip: If you’re job hunting, start early. While the job market is strong, the competition can be fierce due to the area’s growing popularity.

Schools and Education: Top Picks for Families

If you’re making the move to Denver with kids, Denver metro area offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the school options.

• Public Schools: Denver Public Schools (DPS) is the city’s main school district, offering a range of options, including charter and magnet schools. If you’re moving to the suburbs, districts like Cherry Creek and Douglas County are known for their high rankings and great extracurricular activities.
• Private and Charter Schools: Denver has several private schools if that’s the route you choose. Schools like Denver Academy and Colorado Academy are highly rated and offer smaller class sizes.
• Higher Education: If you or a family member are pursuing higher education, the Denver area is home to several well-regarded universities, including the University of Denver and CU Boulder. Denver’s strong job market and access to internships make it an excellent place for students starting their careers.

Adjusting to the Altitude and Weather When Making the Move to Denver

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers making the move to the Denver is the altitude. At over 5,280 feet above sea level, it’s called the Mile High City for a reason.

• The Altitude: It might take a few weeks to adjust to the thinner air, so don’t be surprised if you feel out of breath after climbing a flight of stairs. Be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol, and take it easy on intense physical activity until your body adjusts.

It’s not that you’re out of shape; it’s just the altitude. We all use that excuse for a while.

• Weather: Denver’s weather is famously unpredictable. One day, it could be sunny and warm, and the next, you’re in the middle of a snowstorm. Winters are cold but sunny, and while snow is common, it often melts quickly. Things get wild in spring—you could experience all four seasons in a single day.

Pro Tip: Always keep an extra jacket, umbrella, and sunscreen in your car. You’ll need them all at some point.

Wrapping It Up: Ready for Your Mile High Adventure?

Relocating to the Denver Metropolitan area is an exciting adventure. With a booming job market, diverse neighborhoods, and endless outdoor activities, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to call Denver home. Whether you’re looking for city life, suburban calm, or outdoor thrills, you will surely find your place here.

Need help making the move to Denver? Contact me directly at 719-201-6563 or email at Matt.Dier@cbrealty.com.