(Updated March 13, 2025)
From spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas to a renowned craft brewery scene to an eclectic mix of nature recreation and urban entertainment, there are many reasons to consider moving to Denver, Colorado. Known as The Mile High City, this wild western jewel perches you guessed it! — one mile above sea level, which makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. But that soaring elevation is far from Denver’s only claim to fame.
Currently, 2,995,000 residents call the Denver metro area home. What attracts these folks, and is Denver a good place to live for you, too? To answer these questions and more, we’ve put together a curated list of all you need to know about moving to Denver. From the job forecast and housing market to the city’s unique attractions and best places to live, here’s what to know before you hitch that wagon (err, truck) West.
8 Things to Know Before Moving to Denver, Colorado
Curious about the ins and outs of living in Denver? This guide will help you make an informed decision as to whether the vibrant Colorado capital is right for you.
1) Denver’s cost of living is above the national average
The cost of living in Denver, Colorado is currently four percent above the state average and 10 percent above the national average. To put this into context, a single person needs to earn an annual salary of $106,579 to live comfortably in Denver, while a family of four needs to earn $272,314. Of course, this amount can fluctuate based on your financial goals and lifestyle preferences, but The Mile High City does not come cheap.
A sought-after location, inflated real estate market, and relatively high tax burden contribute to these prices. But where you’re from can also influence how expensive it seems. For instance, if you’re moving to Denver from Phoenix, you need $7,270 per month to maintain the same quality of life you were able to afford on $6,100. Whereas if you’re moving from Los Angeles, you can save about $1,000, considering the monthly cost of living in LA is $8,200.
2) Living in Denver is a dream come true for nature lovers
Nestled in the front range of the Rockies with over 114 trails spanning across 824 miles, Denver offers awe-inspiring outdoor recreation for all adventurers. The city’s enchanting natural wonders is truly one of its main draws.
For an accessible retreat, meander through Washington Park’s lush tree-lined paths and flower gardens, show off your serve on the tennis and volleyball courts, or rent a paddle boat on the lake — all without leaving Downtown. For a longer excursion, bike the picturesque Cherry Creek Trail Castlewood Canyon, a mecca for hikers, bird watchers, and rock climbers. Or for a trip outside the metro area, Echo Mountain’s ski slopes are only 50 minutes from Denver, while the Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour and 30 minutes north.
3) You’ll get to experience all four seasons in Denver
Denver has a semi-arid climate with 245 days of sunshine, 60 inches of snow, and 17 inches of rainfall per year. Due to the high elevation, intense UV exposure is common, even in winter months, so take precautions. Be ready for snow and ice storms, too — sometimes occurring as late as April.
But overall, the weather here is mild. Seasonal temperatures can reach 75–90 degrees in the summer, drop below 18 degrees in the winter, and hover between 40–65 degrees in the breezy autumn and blustery spring.
4) Denver has a higher crime rate than other U.S. cities
With an average crime rate of 67 per 1,000 residents (48,292 total crimes per year), Denver has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. But it’s also worth noting that most criminal activities are concentrated in small pockets of the city such as Five Points, East Colfax, and Lincoln Park. Don’t venture into these neighborhoods alone after dark — you’ll be better off in Wellshire, Balcaro, and Washington Park, among Denver’s safest parts of town..
5) Buying or renting a home in Denver can be expensive
Due to limited real estate inventory and an increase in buyer demand from out-of-state transplants, the Denver housing market is currently more inflated than some other major cities. The current value for a single-family home in Denver is $544,237 — that’s a 1.1 percent decrease from 2024, but it’s still significantly more expensive than the U.S. average of $355,328. But if you’re from a place with even steeper housing costs, such as New York or San Francisco, you might find the home prices in Denver more affordable than what you’re used to.
If you’d rather rent a home in Denver while you shop for a neighborhood to put down roots, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,975. Of course, this rate can fluctuate based on the part of town you’re living in: Cheaper areas like Westwood, Regis, and Capitol Hill cost $1,357, $1,559, and $1,821 a month, respectively, whereas the more affluent neighborhoods like Belcaro, Cherry Creek, and Congress Park will set you back $2,541, $2,580, and $2,629 a month.
6) The job market in Denver is brimming with opportunities
If you’re moving to Denver without a job lined up, there’s no need to stress — The Mile High City boasts one of the hottest U.S. labor markets. Denver currently ranks in the 98th percentile for salary growth, in the 87th percentile for new hire wages, and in the 67th percentile for overall hiring rates. Denver’s unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is slightly above the national average of four percent, but even so, plenty of opportunities await job seekers.
The median annual salary in Denver is $71,209 ($34 per hour) — that’s higher than other metropolitan areas out West, including Phoenix, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas.
Many diverse, profitable industries are booming here as well, such as aerospace, bioscience, renewable energy, aviation, healthcare, finance, and technology. In fact, with companies like IBM, Google, Oracle, Lumen, Salesforce, and Quantum Metric operating in Denver, it’s one of the top 10 tech hubs in the country right now.
7) Denver’s best neighborhoods have so much to offer
Green Valley Ranch: Charming enclave for families
This master-planned suburban community about 15 miles east of downtown Denver is known for its affordable homes, vibrant green spaces, flourishing local business scene, and inclusive atmosphere, and there are over 20 public schools to choose from. This makes Green Valley Ranch an ideal spot to raise a family. Crime rates also tend to be lower here than in other parts of Denver, so families can safely explore all the neighborhood has to offer. Don’t miss: free outdoor concerts and farmer’s markets at Town Center Park, nature encounters at Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, and hearty brunch classics at Moonlight Diner.
Capitol Hill: Dynamic and energetic urban center
Located in the heart of Downtown, Capitol Hill is a vibrant urban mecca for young professionals and singles, featuring an eclectic array of high-rise apartments and historic row homes in the Denver Foursquare architectural style.. The neighborhood is only a few minutes from the art galleries and museums in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, as well as a quick commute from the Central Business District. This walkable neighborhood offers convenient access to trendy eateries, coffee shops, and nightlife venues, perfect for a thriving social life. Plus, who can resist the food trucks and live open-air music at Civic Center Park?
Washington Park: Safe and serene outdoor retreat
Boasting some of the lowest violent crime rates in Denver, Washington Park is nestled in a safe, tranquil corridor just four miles away from Downtown, where picturesque tree-lined streets flank155-acre Washington Park (or “Wash Park,” as residents call it). In terms of housing, Housing options include cozy townhomes, quaint bungalows, and steep-roofed Tudor cottages
While nature enthusiasts are sure to love all the outdoor recreation, that only scratches the surface of Washington Park’s various amenities. Browse the artisan boutiques, indie bookstores, vintage stores, and restaurants on South Pearl Street, then savor a pint with a side of nachos at Platt Park Brewing.
8) There’s always something fun to do in the Denver area
You’ll never run out of unique activities in Denver — no matter what piques your interest. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a craft beer connoisseur, a sports fanatic, or an arts and culture aficionado, The Mile High City has something for everyone. Here’s a list of the best attractions in Denver, many of which are free and also fun for kids.
Attend the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in January
Book a free tour of Hammond’s Candy Factory
Visit the Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature & Science
Cool off at Elitch Gardens Water Park in the summer
Explore one of the nation’s largest urban park systems
Check out Meow Wolf’s immersive art exhibits
Marvel at the exotic plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Take in a concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater
Explore creative arts districts throughout the city
Indulge at the Denver Food & Wine Festival in September
See a musical at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Check out the area’s 150 breweries and taprooms
Experience the Denver Aquarium’s underwater dining
Ride bikes along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail
Cheer on all the pro sports teams that call Denver home
See real prehistoric fossils at Dinosaur Ridge
Watch the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival race in September
Living in Denver: Pros and Cons
Is Denver a good place to live? As with anywhere else, there are benefits and drawbacks to living in Denver. While the pros definitely outweigh the cons, it helps to be aware of both, so you can determine whether moving to Denver is the best choice for your new chapter.
Pros of Moving to Denver
Close proximity to nature
Bustling entertainment scene
Mild weather and climate
Robust, lucrative job market
Diverse, inclusive neighborhoods
World-class restaurants and breweries
Abundant urban green spaces
Cons of Moving to Denver
Expensive housing and cost of living
High crime rates in certain areas
Start Your Mile High Adventure with Colonial Van Lines
If you love the idea of breathtaking natural views, exciting career opportunities, and a thrilling entertainment scene, and the steep cost of living doesn’t bother you, then moving to Denver may just be the right move for you.
When it’s time to embark on your new adventure, let Colonial Van Lines handle all the logistics. With 50+ years of experience in long-distance relocation, our team of highly trained movers will ensure your possessions arrive safely, so you can stress less and focus on putting down roots in The Mile High City. Reach out to us for a free quote today!