Moving TO DENVER

population of denver

Denver’s population had increased by 100,000 since 2010 - in just 7 years. Following 2017, the city’s population growth had slowed down, with only a 2% increase for the next two years. 2017 has been the first year since 2010 when the number of relocations to Denver was below 10,000. In 2021, Denver saw a 1.24% rise with its metro area population growing to 2,862,000. As of 2022, the city has seen a population growth of just 1.22% . In other words, Denver’s current population is 2,897,000. Some surveys even show that many residents are looking to move to other metro areas. This is why it is important to read tips about living in the city and weigh the pros and cons of moving to Denver.
Many experts call Denver an attractive area for new residents. In fact, many young people head for this city in search of well-paid jobs with a rather reasonable cost of living. The increase in population between 2010 and 2016 was 11.7% and it made this region the 28th and the 7th fastest-growing city among ones with a population of over a million . Who is relocating to Denver most often? In fact, these are other Colorado residents from such areas as Boulder, Colorado Springs, Greeley and Fort Collins, however, there are many newcomers from other states too. These are former residents of California, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, etc. Many people relocate to Denver from big cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, Phoenix, and New York. According to US Census Bureau data, almost 12% of Denver's new residents have arrived from other countries . The highest number of people are from Asia, Central America, and Europe.
You may be also interested in the reasons to move to Denver and why it is worth thinking twice before you do that. The answers to these questions and a moving guide are provided below.

should i move to denver

The popularity of moving to denver Colorado among Americans is growing noticeably every year, which is explained by the high standard of living, which is in harmony with the affordable cost of living.
If you are not sure why you should move to Denver, it is enough to compare all the pros and cons of this city. In fact, there is a big number of benefits to consider including the following:

1. Cost of living

There is a separate category of people who should moving to Denver: they are looking for more affordable prices for housing, utilities and food, they love winter activities, they care about the nature around and the safety of life.Denver has a lower cost of living than many states in the country. For example, California is 7.4% more expensive than Denver and New York is 5.9% more expensive. The housing cost impacts this to a great extent. Property purchases and the monthly rent price in CA for those who want to rent instead of buying will both be higher. Overall, the housing cost is 14.6% cheaper in Denver than in California. Transportation will cost you 3.1% less, groceries 19.8% less, and you can expect to pay 9.1% less for childcare . Property tax is not high – expect to pay about $1,500 annually. However, Denver is not the cheapest state in the country, which is why it is not one of the best places for many people. Texas, for example, is 16.3% cheaper than Denver. Living in Denver is 44% higher than the national average and 34% higher than Colorado..

2. Climate

Choosing Denver California for living comes with many benefits, one of which is the ability to experience the different seasons of the year, something many US cities don't have. Many people want to move to Denver, Colorado to be able to experience 300 days of sunshine each year. The climate is semi-arid continental there, but the elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level makes its corrections to it as well. There can often be changes in temperature and precipitation, but in general, you will get enough sunny days during the year. There are 4 distinct seasons felt there. One more point to consider is dry air – it is important to carry a bottle of water with you, especially on sunny days.

3. Nature

Denver is located between the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains, so you can admire their magnificence all day long. In addition, Denver is located not far from the Rocky Mountains National Park and has many green spaces inside the city. There are many beautiful parks (about 200) with trails, flora, and water reservoirs, so you can easily find a place for a picnic on each sunny day.

4. Employment

Denver is home to several big companies offering highly paid jobs. However, the competition is comparatively higher here. For example, in 2015, the city was ranked first among the Best Places for Business and Careers by Forbes. Today, the unemployment rate is only 2.9%, while the number of industries developed there seems overwhelming. Denver is the largest city in the Colorado area, so it is a center of storage and distribution. Moreover, manufacturing, extraction, automobile industries continue to grow there. It is possible to find a job in many other spheres including government, education, technology, aerospace, agriculture etc.

5. Diversity of neighborhoods

Every person can choose a neighborhood as per their taste. It can be a relaxed vibe or fast-paced living, with a variety of facilities or a minimum of them, or a short distance from downtown or far from it. There are also more affordable neighborhoods and the ones with more expensive rent and house prices.

6. Entertainment

If you think that there is nothing interesting in Denver, you are mistaken. The city offers a variety of opportunities for entertainment. You can go in for a variety of sports including golf and skiing. It is possible to have a night spirit tour, explore the old amphitheater, as well as visit different events at Denver Performing Arts Complex. There are great botanical gardens, exciting museums, historic places like Larimer Square, aquarium, mystery dinner theatre, and many other fascinating sights and destinations.

7. Recreation

You will never feel sad in Denver thanks to the many outdoor activities to take up there. The city’s green spaces allow you to take boat trips, walk along trails, kayak, or bike. You can try to reach the top of one of the highest mountains along the only paved road or get a rush of adrenaline taking up rafting in the whitewater of Denver. There are 4 popular ski getaways to let your hair down in winter too.

8. Booming economy

Denver is the financial center of Colorado. Many companies consider moving to Denver, CO. The city’s job market has been increasing and its growth in 2018 was 1.8%. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, there was a 51.8% increase in hiring in April 2021. Denver also has a lower unemployment rate of 7.5% when compared to the national average of 8.1% . At the same time, the median family income does not differ much from the national average one and the average wages are not very high. Consequently, it is possible to earn good money here, but you should be ready to pay much for a dwelling as a part of your cost of living in Denver.

9. Transportation and commute

Mass Denver Transportation is coordinated by the Regional Transportation District. There are over one thousand buses, nine rail lines that are constantly growing, and other public transport available for people including a free bus to take you to Downtown. It is possible to get to Denver by plane landing at Denver International Airport.
The average time people spend commuting to and from work is 77 minutes, while people who wait for public transport at the station stand for 14 minutes on average there.

10. Sense of happiness

Denver's population is very friendly and sociable. The main feature that differs for these people is a never-changing smile on their faces. Local people love their city and enjoy every day spent in it, and this mood is felt everywhere.

11. Cowboy culture

Though it may seem that Denver is a liberal city, at first sight, it is still focused on the west. Cowboy culture has not left the city and you can always spot individuals in the cowboy shirts and boots there. Moreover, there are dozens of bars and cafes devoted to this topic as well as several annual events to attract people loving the old wild west.

12. Sports

Denver residents like not only going in for sports but also being spectators of the sports events. They are devoted fans of local teams and always cry for them, especially for football team Broncos (winners of the 2016 Super Bowl). However, Rockies (baseball team), Avalanche (NHL team), and Nuggets (NBA team) have their supporters as well.

13. Beer

Many American cities can boast many excellent breweries and microbreweries, and Denver is not an exception. You can taste many types of beer here as well. Its massive collection allows trying a unique beverage each time you want as the city is often called the “Napa Valley of Beer”. The most famous local breweries are First Draft, Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, Epic Brewing Company, Black Shirt Brewing Company, etc.

14. Tasty food

Despite the fact that Denver is not considered to be a food city, it is certainly a place where you can taste some of the most delicious examples of dishes. If you are a fan of Mexican cuisine, Denver will not leave you hungry. Moreover, here you can taste unforgettable steaks as well as Vietnamese and Ethiopian dishes too. If you are courageous enough, you can try Rocky Mountain Oysters served here.

15. Biking

Bikes have become an indispensable part of local people’s lives. They are not a way of entertainment or relaxation, they are used instead of public transportation to move around the city. There are many bike trails in Denver, but the favorite one is miles long and called the Cherry Creek Bike Path.

WHY NOT TO MOVE TO DENVER

Why isn’t it worth relocating to Denver, Colorado? In fact, every city has its negative features or reasons that prevent many people from moving there. Denver also has several visible downsides.

1. Home prices

Unfortunately, the main reason why many people cannot afford to live in Denver is home prices. It is very difficult to save money for a home that costs about $427,200 on average earning only about $62,000 – a median family income. Denver saw an 11.1% increase in home prices with a median price of $550,00 during the last year.

2. Rent prices

It is not cheap to rent property in Denver. The one-bedroom apartment will cost about $1,220 which is almost $300 more expensive than the average rent price in the USA. A family should find $1,670 to be able to rent a 2-bedroom flat and $2,490 to live in an apartment with three rooms. In 2022, the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom house is estimated to be about $2,146.

3. Heavy traffic

With the increase of population, local facilities like roads and highways have received a much bigger loading. It is especially noticeable in rush hours when people drive to and from work or on weekends when many families move out of the city in the direction of the mountains. The main road congestion can be spotted downtown, so local residents often use bikes to avoid traffic jams.

4. Population density

Denver is not a very large city. Over 700 thousand people live in the area of 153 square miles and it means that the population density is 4.5 people per square mile there. According to the United States Census, the population in Denver in 2020 was estimated to be 715,522, with a density of 4,674 per square mile. However, the population is constantly growing and the density increases as well. It leads to such consequences as gentrification, traffic jams, lack of places in schools and kindergartens etc. Consequently, not all Denver locals welcome newcomers and are happy to see them.

5. Gentrification

As a process of displacement and renovation of deteriorated urban neighborhoods, gentrification is a real problem for low-income Denver locals. They have to leave their old homes as these territories get filled with new constructions and buildings. If you buy a property in a neighborhood that might be subjected to gentrification, you may have to leave it forever.

6. Smog and air quality

While most of the American cities do their best to decrease smog and air pollution, Denver’s situation is only getting worse. The city area came out of the EPA standards in 1997, but the number of parts has increased greatly since that time and now there are over 75 parts per million instead of maximum 45. Switching to bikes was one of the efforts to eliminate pollution, but still, the problem exists and requires a solution.

7. Tornados and hailstorm

East of Denver suffers from tornadoes most often, several times a year, and it disrupts the work of the airport as well as leads to great losses. There is even a name to the process called the Denver Cyclone. It is formed in the north and east of the downtown and this storm-forming air flow damages everything on its way.
Denver also takes 10th place among cities with a population over 50 thousand people prone to regular hail storms. Three of the most severe hail storms in US history have happened in Denver.

8. Legal Marijuana

Colorado was the first state to legalize Marijuana in the USA. It is a very profitable business that brings about great revenue to the local budget, but it is also an increased possibility to become an addict. According to the official statistics, 13.6% of residents smoke marijuana for relaxation. This data is much higher than the national average level, but, unfortunately, people say that real figures can be much higher in both cases. Many people just do not want to admit to having this nasty habit.

9. Altitude

Relocation to Denver poses one more challenge for people who have never lived at a high altitude. Living at a height over 5,000 feet from sea level has its drawbacks. First of all, it is thinner air that is also influenced by pollution. It is dry and can lead to body dehydration. Secondly, it is being closer to the sun, which can lead to problems with skin and even cancer if you do not cover it properly.

BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN DENVER

When it comes to living in Denver, pros and cons play a very significant role. However, it is also important to choose the right place to appreciate all the benefits of living in the city. Here you can find 5 best neighborhoods for residing in Denver:

1. Highlands

Being not a very cheap neighborhood, you should be ready to give over $2,000 for an apartment there, but the quality of life in this neighborhood is high as well. Local homes and buildings have a design of the Victorian era, while the variety of amenities makes it a comfortable and interesting place to live. In addition to parks, gardens, restaurants, and small shops, you will enjoy living by beautiful art galleries and inviting breweries.

2. LoDo (Low Downtown)

If you want to live in the heart of the city, there is no better place than downtown. It is one of the oldest districts with a very vibrant nightlife and great opportunities to entertain kids. There is a children's museum and amusement park located here, while adults will be happy to live not far from a famous brewing company.

3. Capitol Hill

Being home to Colorado State Capitol, this neighborhood can attract you with lower rental prices – about $1,500 on average. Moreover, it is a perfect place if you like walking and opening new sights: there are many museums, historic buildings, galleries, fine-art studios as well as places to eat and drink.

4. Sunnyside

This neighborhood stands out among others thanks to its unique rustic charm. Located in the north-western part of the city, you can easily leave the city as well as get to the center on a bike. It is a place where old homes with beautiful architecture live next to new attached houses growing here. The facilities keep increasing, so you will easily find a shop or place to have a snack here too.

5. Washington Park

If you can not imagine your life without nature, settle not far from Washington Park. The whole area of the neighborhood is cared about and very friendly. You can easily buy necessary goods at the farmer’s market operating here from June to October. Moreover, there are many local galleries, restaurants, and boutiques not to feel bored as well.

worst neighborhoods in denver

While Denver boasts a wide array of excellent neighborhoods, we’ve laid out a list of some of neighborhood you might want to avoid. The list is created by factoring in the violent crimes of the city:

• City Park with 133% more crime than Denver’s average percentage.
• Central West Denver with 99% more crimes than the city’s average.
• Nothern Denver with 66% more crime rate.

Aside from the above neighborhoods, Denver is generally a safe place to live in. LoDo (Low Downtown), Green Valley Ranch, Southeastern Denver, and Washington Park are few among the many safe and pleasant neighborhoods with a high quality of life.

denver cost of living

From property prices to utility costs and everything in between, here is a quick look at the cost of living in Denver:

Housing Costs

The average cost of a house in Denver, according to Zillow, is $580,678. While the cost of renting a house is usually higher across the United States, Denver’s housing market follows a different pattern. A report published in 2020 even suggested that renting a house is a better option than buying one in a majority of Colorado counties including Denver.

Utilities and Water

When it comes to the utilities in Colorado counties (Denver included), the average cost is usually about $241 per month. Surprisingly, residents in Denver don’t use central air conditioning in their houses. This is mainly because the city’s temperature doesn’t particularly call for central A/Cs. The cost of water in Denver, on the other hand, is quite unpredictable since the area only recently overcame its 2-decade old draught problem.

Natural Gas and Transportation

Fortunately, natural gas is fairly affordable in Denver mainly because the city is the 6th largest producer of natural gas. When it comes to transport, you can expect to pay around $627.61 per month, including natural gas.

Food and Healthcare

If you’re moving to Denver, you can expect to pay a minimum of $553 per month for your food budget. The budget might get stretched based on the size of the family. Another element to love about Denver is the city’s trend of leaning on healthy foods that range from gluten-free to vegan.
Talking about health, Denver residents love to stay active by spending a considerable time staying outdoors. Hiking, skiing, organic food, and camping are very common here. The average cost of healthcare is $340 and up per month.

Sales Tax

The tax system in Denver goes with the “flat-tax” rate. This means every resident will be taxed 4.50% regardless of their income. Fortunately, the city has a property tax rate of just 0.57%. If you’re looking for an annual tax bill, it will be somewhere around $2,252 on an average income of $62,600 per year or $187.67 per month.
All in all, living a comfortable life in Denver can cost you about $5,598 per month.

denver public schools

Denver has a public school system called the Denver Public Schools (DPS) that educates over 92,000 students across a total of 92 elementary schools. The city has several universities and colleges sprawled across the area. A few of the many higher education institutions include the private University of Denver, Johnson & Wales University, and Community College of Denver.

city of denver jobs

Denver lies in close proximity with several large cities including, St. Louis, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. For this reason, the city is home to many corporations, some of which are also headquartered here. The city’s booming economy holds sectors including IT software, healthcare and wellness, aerospace, financial services, bioscience, and broadcast and telecommunications.
With a lower unemployment rate compared to the rest of the country, Denver has a healthy job market. The city also has an average annual salary of $61,540 as compared to the national average of just $53,490. These numbers are a good sign of Denver’s economy, meaning the residents here have an average earning of more than the residents in the other parts of the country.
Additionally, Denver also has a thriving cannabis industry that brings more revenue than many of the small countries.

things to do in denver

Denver is a city where you can never run out of exploring things. From delicious food spots to refreshing nature explorations, here’s a checklist of all the fun things you can do in the city:

• Places to satiate your hunger – Snooze, Euclid Hall, Linger, Beatrice & Woodsley, The Buckhorn Exchange, and Avant Food and Beverage.
• Places to enjoy your drinks – My Brother’s Bar, Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, Death & Co, Epic Brewing Company, Black Shirt Brewing Company, and First Draft.
• Places to enjoy sports activities – Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Rockies.
• Places with fun things to do – The Denver Skatepark, Top Golf, retail districts, and other parks.
• Places to get a taste of culture – Denver’s Performing Arts Complex (DCPA), Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Stanley Hotel, Denver Art Museum, and Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.
• Green spaces to explore nature – Washington Park, Confluence Park, City Park, Cherry Creek Bike Path.

moving to denver colorado

• Get your out-of-state vehicle titles updated.
• Register your vehicle (within 90 days) and transfer your license (within 30 days) at the local DMV.
• Get your Colorado voting registration online.
• Change your address. Fill out this USPA form to receive your mail to the new address.
• Take an in-depth dive into the state’s residency requirements.
• Hire professional packers and movers to get your items relocated safely.

HOW TO MOVE TO DENVER

Moving to Denver is not a problem thanks to well-developed systems of transportation and highways. However, it is important to know the best time to move to Denver or you may feel all the surprises of the local weather. Experts advise planning your relocation to this city to the end of spring and the beginning of fall. The high altitude of the city makes sunshine very intensive in summer, while snow can be an obstacle for moving in winter, especially when you drive up the mountains. So, when you planned the time to move, it is time to decide how to get to the city in the most comfortable way.

1. Car

It is natural that moving in your own vehicle is very comfortable. You can take any belongings you need and fit the size of the car as well as plan your route. There are 5 interstate mainline highways leading through such states as New Mexico, Utah to Wyoming and Nebraska. It means that it will be easy to get to Denver almost from any state, but you should remember that such long trips can be exhausting and must be well-planned to have enough fuel, food, and cash.

2. Bus

When the cost to move to Denver is very important, it is possible to take a bus to arrive in the city. However, it is possible only if you relocate within Colorado State or you will have to change several buses. There are 18 bus routes around Colorado.

3. Train

A train is another way to move to Denver quickly and with comfort. There are interstate routes as well as local ones. You can also take many belongings with and schedule your move.

4. Plane

The fastest but also the most expensive way to get to Denver is a plane. You can fly to Denver almost from any spot in the USA and its International Airport will welcome you. At the same time, you will have to spend much money and effort to deliver your belongings by air and they can be damaged by multiple loading and transporting.

5. Moving company

The most comfortable, scheduled, and safe way to relocate to Denver with all your valuables including furniture and appliances is, undoubtedly, a professional moving company.

California Movers is a full-service moving company with years of experience and a dedicated team of careful movers. It has been founded to help people and companies move from one place to another in the smoothest possible manner. From houses to offices and from packing to relocation – our high-quality services can provide you with the most stress-free relocation. Ask us for a free quote now!

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR NEW DENVER RESIDENTS?