Moving to Denver, Colorado

Quick insights

• Denver’s mountainous location provides great access to the outdoors, with the potential for cold winters and altitude effects.
• The average cost of living in Denver is 9% higher than the national average, with housing being one standout category of expenses.disc-payscale-cost-of-living-denver
• Residents have many options for transportation, including biking, buses, trains and a large international airport.

If you’re considering moving to Denver, you probably already know at least one thing about the city: it has a famously scenic, mountainous location. While it’s true that the city attracts a high number of outdoor enthusiasts seeking to climb the Rocky Mountains, there’s more to Denver than hiking. The city also has a robust job market, a vibrant arts scene, dozens of breweries and many cozy, family-oriented neighborhoods. In this guide to moving to Denver, we’ll cover things you may want to know about the city, including the cost of living, tips for moving, landmarks and popular neighborhoods.

Living in Denver, Colorado

Denver experiences a semi-arid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be very cold, with occasional snow, while summers are hot and dry. The city is known to be particularly sunny, with fewer overcast days than other areas. The climate and locale, including nearby mountains, provide good conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and biking.

Average cost of living and Denver’s job market

The cost of living in Denver is 9% higher than the national average, with housing being a standout category at 28% above the national average.disc-payscale-cost-of-living-denver While the cost of living is somewhat high, it’s offset by a robust job market with roles in a wide range of high-paying industries, including aerospace, aviation and bioscience. Denverites are also well-employed by local energy, financial services and food and beverage companies. Meanwhile, the broader Denver area is home to major and craft breweries alike.disc-metrodenveredc-industries-overview

Transportation options in Denver

One of the key things to know before moving to Denver is how you’ll travel into and out of the city. Residents have many ways of getting around Denver, plus the largest airport in the U.S. (in terms of land area). Here are some other notable aspects of Denver’s transportation options:

• Driving: Unlike in other major cities, cars in Denver are a “nice-to-have" (especially if you like to escape to the mountains) rather than a necessity. Major highways include I-25, I-70 and I-225.
• Public transit: The extensive Regional Transportation District (RTD) system offers buses, light rail and commuter rail services.
• Biking in Denver: Biking is popular in Denver, and the city is considered friendly to cyclists. Denver has plentiful bike lanes for daily commuters, as well as trails for recreational riding.
• Catching a flight: Denver International Airport (DIA) is the major airport serving the area. Roughly 25 miles from the city center, DIA can be reached by car or by taking an A Line train.

Things to know before moving to Denver

Denver’s unique geography is part of what makes it an interesting place to live, especially for those who appreciate the mountains. Prospective homebuyers may also want to consider the following:

• Denver’s weather and climate: Denver experiences very cold winters and hot summers, ranging from as little as -15*F during cold snaps to 90*F in the summer. This makes insulation and energy efficiency especially important in Denver homes.
• High-altitude living: Denver’s high altitude can take some getting used to, especially if you’re moving from a low-altitude zone. The high altitude can affect many different things, including cooking time in your home kitchen and how quickly you feel physical exertion.
• Potential flood zones: Certain parts of Denver may be prone to flooding, especially the lower-lying areas. You may want to examine up-to-date flood zone maps to determine if the house or neighborhood you’re considering is of particular concern.
• Proximity to the mountains: Depending on your lifestyle, living close to the mountains (on Denver’s west side) or near key roadways may help you enjoy the outdoors while living in Denver. Proximity to the mountains (or just having a good view) may also affect property values as you shop.
• Hospitals nearby: Denver has many medical facilities spread out across the city. A few major hospitals to be aware of include HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and the Denver Health Medical Centre.

Popular neighborhoods in Denver

If you're beginning to look for a home, you may be wondering which is the best neighborhood in Denver to suit your lifestyle. A few popular areas to research include:

Central Park

Northeast Denver’s largest neighborhood, Central Park, is divided into several sub-neighborhoods, each with variations on a suburban feel. Properties in this area tend to be modern single-family homes and townhouses. Residents can benefit from visiting the local Air & Space Museum, nearby pro soccer stadium, the weekly farmer’s market at the East Town Center and the Lake Bluff Nature Center.

Five Points

As one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, swaths of Five Points are on the National Register of Historic Places. Five Points gets its name from the lively intersection of five streets where diagonal streets from downtown meet the original grid pattern of the neighborhood, once a streetcar suburb. Today, the neighborhood is a multicultural gem with landmarks including the Black American West Museum and multiple Michelin Star-awarded restaurants.

Highland

Highland is a historic neighborhood that’s seen revitalization in the modern era, spurred on in part by the construction of three pedestrian bridges facing downtown. As a result, this near-northwest neighborhood has a mixture of classic architecture styles (such as Craftsman, Victorian, Mission Revival buildings), next to brand-new builds. Highland residents have easy access to downtown, quiet parks and numerous eateries.

South Park Hill

The streets of South Park Hill are lined with mature trees and single-family homes in a mixture of styles, including Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, Tudor and postmodern. This neighborhood borders the expansive City Park, which includes the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Ferril Lake. This neighborhood is notably community-oriented, with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Washington Park

This suburban neighborhood on Denver’s south side is well-configured for outdoor activities. Its nearby namesake park (known colloquially as “Wash Park”) covers more than 160 acres with multiuse trails, landscaped gardens, playgrounds and two lakes. Homes in this area are built in a combination of new and old styles, from historic to contemporary. Although this neighborhood is a few miles from downtown, I-25 allows for a short commute.

Housing resources in Denver, Colorado

As you move through the homebuying process, it can be helpful to be aware of housing programs in the area you may qualify for. Here are several examples (information and availability subject to change):

• Denver's Affordable Homeownership Program: Eligibility for this city-run program may be determined by both income and personal assets, while limits may be adjusted depending on the value of the home.
• Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC): This organization provides financial assistance as well as education and counseling for homebuyers. In terms of financial assistance, CHAC provides low-interest loans for down payment and closing costs on an income-restricted basis. CHAC also offers homebuyer education classes and counseling (including pre- and post-purchase).
• Metro Down Payment Assistance (metroDPA): Denver homebuyers working with a metroDPA-approved lender for their first mortgage may be eligible for a second, interest-deferred loan for their down payment.
• Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA): CHFA offers homeowner education and financial assistance for eligible homebuyers in Colorado. This organization works with lenders across the state to offer fixed-rate mortgages tailored for eligible borrowers. CHFA also provides grants and second mortgage loans to cover down payment and closing costs.

Entertainment and activities in Denver

Once you’ve settled into your new home, you may want to check out some of Denver’s museums, venues and past times.

• Landmarks: One of the major landmarks in Denver is the Capitol Building, whose west-facing steps rise a full mile above sea level. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a staple for music fans living in the city, with open-air concerts that leverage the area’s natural features. Denver’s RiNo Art District is also a destination unto itself, with widespread murals, restaurants and shops.
• Museums: Residents of all ages may want to explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with educational exhibits on topics ranging from ancient Egypt to outer space. The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between the two American coasts; it has a large collection of works from all over the world. The History Colorado Center tells the story of Colorado and its role in the American West.
• Annual events: The city’s annual events kick off in January with the National Western Stock Show (an annual livestock show) at the National Western Complex. Memorial weekend is the Denver Arts Festival, a showcase of various visual arts and food trucks. In October, Denver hosts the Great American Beer Festival, the largest of its kind in the U.S.
• Sports teams: Denver has multiple major sports teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rockies (MLB) and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). These teams’ home arenas and fields are located in the heart of downtown.

In summary

Moving to Denver is a big decision, and it's important to carefully investigate the city to determine the fit for your goals and lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts, those employed in Denver’s key industries and art appreciators may be among those who find the city an especially good fit. No matter where you are in the home-buying process, enlisting an experienced real estate professional or home lending advisor can help empower you to make a good decision.