If you’re looking to move, then it’s always good to know a few things about your new home first. The same goes for Denver, as it would for any new city. With a city nestled in the Colorado mountains, you really can have it all, but you should probably take a look at our list of the top ten things you should know about Denver before moving there.
1. Cost of Living
– While the cost of living isn’t as cheap as the smaller cities around the country, it’s definitely cheaper than New York, California and most of the larger cities. It actually falls around the middle of the scale for cost of living in the US, but those numbers are rising. If you’re looking to buy a house, the average home price is around $325,000. So keep that in mind when you’re searching for a place to live.
2. Flat Income Tax
– The state of Colorado (including Denver) has a flat income tax of 4.63%. That’s about middle for all the states that have an income tax. As for other taxes, property taxes are actually below average, while sales taxes may be a bit higher.
3. Elevation
– Denver is in the mountains, and as such has a high altitude. The air is thinner, so it may take some adjustment if you’re not used to the lower levels of oxygen. Water has a lower boiling point, and alcohol will have a greater effect on you. This can last for a few months after moving, so don’t be concerned about the slow acclimation. Also, when you’re at a higher elevation, the sun’s rays are stronger, so keep Chapstick and sunscreen on hand.
4. Public Transportation
– Public transportation is still relatively new to the area, but it is growing quickly. Already several new light rail lines have been put in place, and the bus system has been upgraded and is quite adequate for traveling the city.
5. Parks
– While Rocky Mountain National Park is nearby, you don’t actually have to leave the city to find a place to enjoy the outdoors. Denver is host to a myriad of parks, one of the favorites of which being Washington Park, which has lots of trails and ponds. City Park is the largest park in Denver, being a massive 330 acres of green. Most neighborhoods have a mass of small parks and playgrounds as well, meaning you never have to look far for a picnic spot.
6. The Food Scene
– Denver may not be known for its food scene, but it’s got some of the best restaurants in the country. Whether you’re looking for Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese or good old steak, you can find it in Denver. With so many eclectic and unique places to eat, you’ll never run out of places to dine.
7. The Weather
– Denver is one of the sunniest cities in America, especially for being in the middle of the Rockies. While it does get a lot of snow in the winter (sometimes with a cumulative of 50 inches), it doesn’t tend to stick around for long. In fact, Denver generally gets around 300 sunny days a year, with temperatures generally quite pleasant. Summers can get a little hot, but there’s hardly any humidity.
8. Ski Traffic
– Denver is close to some of the best skiing in the nation. That’s great if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, but not so great if you don’t enjoy sitting in traffic. With the popularity of the slopes, you can sometimes sit in traffic for hours trying to get to the mountains. If you plan to ski, or just travel out of Denver, you need to work this into your schedule.
9. The Neighborhoods
– There’s a neighborhood for everyone here. If you’re looking to buy a house in Denver, explore the neighborhoods and see what they have to offer. Uptown generally has a younger vibe, while Cap Hill is more eclectic and Country Club more upscale. Find the one that works best for you and your family.
10. The Biking
– Denver is almost always sunny, so if you don’t want to drive, and aren’t one for public transportation then you can always bike. It’s a very bike-friendly city, with bike paths stretching the city. Just remember to bring a water bottle, because the dry air can be killer on longer bike rides.
Denver is a spectacular city with a lot to offer. If you’re looking to move to Denver, and are planning to buy a house or are even just speculating about it, feel free to contact us. We’d love to talk you through your options.