The Mile High City has long attracted a diverse group of individuals to its beautiful setting. But, in recent years, the steady influx of people flocking to Denver has garnered it a much greater amount of publicity. If you find yourself asking, “Is Denver a good place to live?,” then you came to the right place. From the quality of life, to the cost of living, Denver is a fantastic city to call home, and we outline the reasons why below.
If you plan to move to Denver, AptAmigo can’t wait to help. We’ll connect you with your own dedicated apartment expert who will ensure you find your dream apartment in Denver. It’s like having a personal assistant, an apartment therapist, and an on-the-ground BFF all in one. Oh, and it’s totally free! Learn more about how it works.
Related: Best Ways to Find an Apartment in Denver
Why Is Denver a Good Place to Live?
Quality of Life
U.S. News & World ranked Denver as the second best place to live, behind Austin, Texas. The city’s “work hard, play harder” mentality probably helped it climb the ranks. Denver’s backyard opens up to The Rocky Mountains and some truly coveted outdoor recreation. The world-class skiing, hiking, rafting, and climbing attract enthusiasts of all skill levels who enjoy soaking up one of nature’s most epic playgrounds.
The city itself consists of ample green space, parks, and trails that wind from tip to tail of the city. Reservoirs and lakes beckon to fishers, picnickers, and kayakers. Denver residents, unsurprisingly, believe that a day spent indoors is a day wasted — unless accompanied by a craft beer — but, even then, liquid gold tastes best enjoyed on a patio or ski slope.
For anyone moving to Denver solo, fear not — it’s easy to meet people in this incredibly social city. Meetups of all varieties occur daily, and summertime explodes with outdoor concerts, parades, and festivals that provide plenty of opportunities to meet fellow Denverites.
To prepare for your move, solo or otherwise, research Denver’s booming neighborhoods. With the city attracting so many people, it’ll pay off to know what areas offer the best experience for newcomers.
The communal mentality of this blossoming city creates a culture of support and acceptance. Its progressive culture, inclusive mindset, and laid-back vibe help people of all walks feel welcome and respected. Plus, 300+ days of sunshine and plenty of fresh mountain air make it hard to wake up in a bad mood.
Things to Do in Denver
For those who grow easily bored, Denver and its surrounding landscapes offer plenty to do. Downtown bustles each night with popular bars and five-star restaurants, while the suburbs take on a small-town feel of their own. You’ll find frequent art fests, Friday night concerts, and weekend farmers’ markets.
Just a short drive away, the breathtaking foothills of Boulder and Golden await. An easy drive after work leads you to sweeping sunsets and lush, green pines lining straightforward hiking trails. Winter weeks can also be spent in the mountains. Snowshoeing, ice climbing, downhill skiing, and even some après ski festivities provide ample entertainment and allow Denver residents to really take advantage of this state’s resources.
Popular Denver Attractions
Each Denver neighborhood has its own distinctive vibe and must-see attractions. Visit Union Station in the heart of LoDo for a heaping pile of pancakes at Snooze, then head to nearby Confluence Park, which gets packed on weekends and almost resembles Venice Beach more than a landlocked river park.
In Capitol Hill, keep an eye on visiting exhibits that come through the Denver Art Museum for a chance to see some of Monet’s greatest paintings, or take a peek at the handmade Star Wars costumes actually used in the series. Next, go to the Denver Botanic Gardens in the peaceful, family-friendly Congress Park neighborhood for some fresh air.
Cherry Creek boasts impeccable shopping, fine dining, and beautiful homes. And, no one can really say they live in Denver until they witness a show at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado.
How to Get Places
Traffic here doesn’t make driving impossible, but many commuting around the downtown area will find public transit convenient, clean, and affordable. During big events, or in certain neighborhoods (we’re looking at you Cap Hill), parking can be tricky to find. Many Denverites opt to walk or bike to work, while some commute via the RTD Light Rail.
Newer companies seeking to incentivize their employees often offer bus or light rail passes, or even provide a certain amount of monthly Uber dollars for commuting. Rentable scooters parked all around the city provide a means of getting from one neighborhood to another. Just remember that they won’t work on 16th St. Mall.
Is Denver Expensive?
Compared to other large cities, Denver ranks as a more affordable option, with the average rent coming in at $2,010, a stark contrast from other premier cities, such as NYC. This price usually includes stellar amenities like state-of-the-art gyms, luxury pools, community spaces, rooftop decks, and concierge services. Units in luxury high-rises will cost a bit more, but you definitely get what you pay for in Denver.
Additionally, while Denver is more expensive than the national average, the average income is also higher. At the same time, the unemployment rate remains lower than the national average, and future job growth is predicted to continue rising. New Denver residents should, therefore, have an easier time finding employment and higher salaries.
Related: Check out our picks for the best luxury apartments in Denver.
Find Your Dream Denver Apartment
So, is Denver a great place to live? We certainly think so. The remarkable music, food, recreation, and social scenes create a welcoming culture. Plus, as people continue to move to this city, the economy and job options will only keep getting better.
Now that you know more about living in Denver, let AptAmigo provide a stress-free apartment hunting experience. We can help you pick a neighborhood, narrow down options, and get a great deal. We’ll even schedule all your viewings and coordinate with leasing staff. The best part? It’s completely free. Reach out to us, and one of our apartment experts will make sure all of your must-haves are accounted for. We love Denver, and we know you will, too.
Up Next: Is Denver Walkable?
* The original version of this article was first published on May 7, 2020.
