Living in Denver, CO: A Complete Guide on What to Expect

The biggest pro of living in Denver has already been mentioned...the fact that it's a decent-sized city with so many outdoor exploration opportunities. Other pros of living in Denver include:

• More than 5,000 acres of green space in the city itself
• A flourishing arts and music scene
• Great weather, of which more later.
• A wide variety of amazing restaurants.
• The sports culture. There is a strong culture of both watching and playing sports
• Easy access to the airport, and thus the world.

Of course, every city has its downsides, and a few potential issues include:

• The rising cost of living. As Denver becomes more popular, housing costs increase. The average cost of a house in Denver is $658,554, close to double the national average.
• The elevation. If you are moving here from sea level, you will need to get used to the dry mountain air, and it may take a bit to adapt.
• The traffic. Denver has some pretty bad traffic, and main routes to the mountains can get clogged on weekends year-round.

Overall, though, Denver's pros significantly outweigh its cons. Let's talk about some specific things.

Weather

One of the things Denver residents love about their city is the weather. There's only 8 to 15 inches of annual precipitation and more than 300 days of sunshine a year...more than Miami or San Diego.

The altitude makes for beautiful summers, with mild temperatures (August averages 86 degrees Fahrenheit for the daily high) and cool evening temperatures. Winter, meanwhile, is also pleasantly mild. While heavy snow and cold temperatures are common in the mountains, Denver has an average daily high of 45 degrees, and snow generally doesn't stick around. So you can enjoy golfing year round and drive to the mountains to ski.

Newcomers may find the low humidity and altitude a bit too dry, however. When you move to Denver, for the first week or so, be sure to drink extra water, take things a little easy (even this altitude can make some sea level types out of breath), and avoid alcohol. The hot sun makes sunscreen particularly important.

Denver can also see some weirdly unpredictable weather. One day in January, you might be in the 60s, and you're eating in an outdoor restaurant. Then it snows. Hard. Temperatures can rise or fall quickly, and most people wear layers.

But once you're used to it, you won't want to leave.

Entertainment

There is so much to do here. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and Denver Art Museum provide education opportunities for all. Denver is also home to America's largest water amusement park, Water World.

The city is well known for its music scene. Every night of the week, you can find live music somewhere. Local and national artists in all genres perform in bars, cocktail lounges, and larger venues. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a top destination. Outdoor concerts make use of the natural acoustics of this beautiful location, and everyone from the Beatles to U2 to your favorite group has played here. The amphitheater also hosts movie nights with comedy or music acts as openers.

A wide selection of comedy clubs rounds out the after-dark scene. Denver is hopping, although it also has quiet neighborhoods where you can just relax.

Economy and Housing Costs

Denver's economy is booming. The downside of this is higher than average housing costs. As mentioned, single-family homes cost an average of $658,554, and this can be much higher in desirable Front Range neighborhoods. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,770. It's not the Bay Area, but it's not cheap either. However, property tax is generally low. As Denver is not a walkable city outside of your immediate neighborhood, and public transit is not great, car ownership is necessary here.

The median salary in Denver is $47,499. However, the unemployment rate is a healthy 5.8 percent, and there are plenty of jobs available, particularly in healthcare. It's one of the best cities for job seekers, and relocating to Denver may be easier than you think.

Food and entertainment costs are typical for a city of this size, and gas is often a little on the expensive side. But Denver generally has a healthy economy, and most people can find employment easily.

What To Know Before Moving to Denver

Some things to consider before moving to Denver:

• Understand the cost of living and that it is likely moving towards "more expensive," at least in the near future. Take this into account when considering whether to take a job in Denver.
• Plan for the weather. Layers to take off or put on are important. So it is a really good sunscreen. You'll want it right when you arrive.
• Dress down. Denver is a very informal city, and most people wear blue jeans and T-shirts. Formalwear will take you out of place.
• You have to be a Broncos fan. It's pretty much required.
• Get ready to adjust to the elevation. You'll take a few days to adjust. Alcohol will affect you more, and you will need to learn to make high-altitude adjustments when you cook.

If you are looking for an apartment in Denver, visit South Federal Apartments. Our apartments in Denver are located in beautiful southwest Denver. We have 10 different floor plans, off-street parking, and a location convenient to major employees and downtown; it's the perfect way to start your new life in Denver. Check out our pet policy and floor plans before checking in with us to find out more.