Thinking About Moving to Denver, CO

📍 Denver, CO at a Glance

• Population: 715,522
• Location: Central Colorado, 600 miles west of Kansas City, 1,000 miles east of Los Angeles
• Incorporated: 1861
• Known For: Craft beer capital, outdoor recreation hub, and booming tech scene

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Denver leans progressive with strong civic engagement and high voter turnout. The city consistently supports Democratic candidates in local and national elections, while maintaining a collaborative approach to governance that welcomes diverse viewpoints. Community involvement is high, with numerous neighborhood associations and civic groups actively shaping local policy.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Denver’s crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood. While downtown and some eastern areas experience higher property crime rates, neighborhoods like Washington Park, Stapleton, and Highland are considered very safe. The Denver Police Department maintains a strong community presence, and most residents feel secure in their neighborhoods with standard urban precautions.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Denver’s culinary scene rivals any major city, from James Beard Award-winning restaurants like Mercantile Dining & Provision to beloved local institutions like Sam’s No. 3. The RiNo Art District buzzes with trendy eateries and craft breweries, while South Broadway offers eclectic dining options. With over 150 breweries in the metro area, Denver truly earns its reputation as the craft beer capital of America.

🏛️ Local Government

Denver operates under a strong mayor-council government system. The city provides comprehensive services including excellent snow removal, well-maintained infrastructure, and responsive public utilities. City council meetings are open to the public, and Denver’s 311 system makes it easy for residents to report issues and access city services.

🚍 Transportation

RTD (Regional Transportation District) operates an extensive network of buses and light rail lines connecting Denver to surrounding suburbs. The A Line provides direct service to Denver International Airport. While many residents rely on cars, the city is increasingly bike-friendly with over 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes. Downtown is walkable, and ride-sharing services are readily available.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Denver’s housing market remains competitive with median home prices around $650,000. Popular neighborhoods include Highland (trendy and walkable), Wash Park (family-friendly with great schools), and Capitol Hill (urban and diverse). Rental options are plentiful, with average one-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,500-$2,200 depending on location and amenities.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

With over 200 parks within city limits and the Rocky Mountains just 30 minutes away, outdoor recreation defines Denver living. City Park and Washington Park offer urban green spaces, while nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides world-class concerts in a stunning natural setting. Residents enjoy easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

💼 Job Market

Denver boasts a robust economy with a median household income of $78,177. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, Kaiser Permanente, CenturyLink, and a growing number of tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook. The city’s unemployment rate consistently runs below the national average, with strong growth in technology, aerospace, energy, and healthcare sectors.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Denver Public Schools serves over 90,000 students with several highly-rated options including East High School and Denver School of the Arts. Private schools like Kent Denver and Graland Country Day School offer alternative education paths. The city is also home to several universities including the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University, and the University of Colorado Denver.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Denver enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild compared to other mountain regions, with average highs in the 40s. Snow typically melts quickly due to the intense sun. Summers are warm and dry with highs in the 80s-90s. The low humidity makes both hot and cold temperatures more comfortable than in other climates.

💬 Community Sentiment

Denverites are known for their friendly, laid-back attitude and love of the outdoors. The city attracts young professionals and families who value work-life balance. While rapid growth has brought challenges like increased traffic and housing costs, most residents remain enthusiastic about their city’s vibrant culture, economic opportunities, and unmatched access to nature.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Denver

Denver continues to attract newcomers seeking the perfect blend of career opportunities and outdoor adventure. With its booming tech scene, exceptional weather, and proximity to world-class skiing and hiking, the Mile High City offers a quality of life that’s hard to match. Whether you’re drawn by the thriving job market, the vibrant cultural scene, or simply the promise of 300 days of sunshine, Denver delivers on its reputation as one of America’s most desirable places to live.