Moving to the Mile High City
Denver and its inhabitants, Denverites, are welcoming and friendly to anyone who wants to make Denver their new home. As the capital and the most populous municipality of Colorado, Denver where many relocate.
Nicknamed the Mile High City due to its elevation of a mile above the sea level, Denver has seen a constant population increase. Since 2010, the population of the city has grown by over 100,000 people. Lately, its population surpassed the 700,000 residents milestone, and the city is ranked the 19th most populous in the United States. In 2016, the city was also named the best place to live in the US by U.S. News & World Report.
As someone moving from Boston, be prepared to experience a whole new climate in Denver. Compared to Boston’s humid continental climate with freezing, snowy winters, and moderate temperatures during the other three seasons, Denver has a semi-arid continental climate. It has four different seasons and a weather that is unpredictable and “influenced” by its location on the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains. The city receives a low amount of precipitation and 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Don’t think you will be able to get away completely by Boston’ snow though. Denver gets over 50 inches of snow every year, but the snow doesn’t stick around for long.
Denver Neighborhoods
As of 2013, the City and County of Denver are made up of 78 official neighborhoods that differ quite a lot from one another, especially when it comes to architecture, history, and vibe. Nevertheless, the majority of neighborhoods is full of parks, shops, and restaurants, so that you will have everything you need within your reach. We would advise you to carefully pick the neighborhood that fits you best.
Harvey Park, Platt Park, Sunnyside, Uptown, Five Points, Cherry Creek, Highlands, Capitol Hill/Golden Triangle, are among the most preferred areas in Denver.
Housing and Living Costs
Compared to Boston, housing and living costs in Denver are much lower. Living costs in Denver are 25% less expensive than Boston, while housing costs are 31.3% less expensive.
However, as one of the fastest-growing cities in the States, it can be sometimes hard to find an apartment to rent or buy at a reasonable price in the city. The average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,600, but if you look carefully enough, you can find cheaper options in areas that are a bit further away from the city center that are roughly $1,200.
Economy and Employment
During the recent years, the economy of Denver has also seen a huge improvement. Situated near the Rocky Mountain Front Range, the city has a great geographical location and is well connected to major transportation systems in the US. Among the best industries in Denver are Technology, Trade, Aerospace, Agriculture, and Fast Food.
If you still haven’t found a job, make sure to check out companies such as The Boeing Company, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Love Grown Foods, Leprino Foods, Nutrien, Chipotle, Qboda, Boston Market, or startups such as Baker Technologies and HomeAdvisor.
Things to see and do in Denver
The Rocky Mountain National Park is not all Denver has to offer. Make sure you also visit the Washington Park, Confluence Park, and the City Park, which is 330 acres and the largest park in the Denver. If you love outdoor activities and constantly seek new adventures, you will have the opportunity to practice your favorite sport or hobby as well as explore new gems in Denver year round. The city is also ideal for Ski lovers. Among the most preferred ski destinations are the Vail Mountain Resort, Ski Cooper, Winter Park, Mount Evans, and the Rocky Mountain Ziplines.
Moving to Denver with a car
Once you establish your move in Denver, you will have up to 90 days to register your vehicle and obtain the license plates. Do so within the first 90 days after you relocate to avoid any late registration fees. Keep in mind that Denver, along with counties like Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, and Jefferson, requires mandatory smog checks for all its residents. Find more info at the DMV.org.