Moving across the country, across state lines, or even to a new apartment in the same city can feel daunting. However, it also represents a time of new beginnings and broader horizons. Before moving to Denver, there are a few key steps you can take in order to ensure your transition goes as seamlessly as possible.
Once you decide to move to Denver, read our Ultimate Moving Checklist to smooth your transition from out of town.
Why Are You Moving to Denver?
Denver has long beckoned weary travelers, adventure seekers, and mountain lovers. But now, this booming city offers much more than wide open spaces. In fact, it supplies job prospects, competitive wages, and the chance to connect with individuals from all walks of life.
Consider your reasons for moving to Denver carefully. Then, ensure that this bustling, growing city will provide what you need. Use our list of reasons why you should, and shouldn’t, move to Denver to guide you through the process.
To Dos Before Moving to Denver
1. Research the Cost of Living
To determine whether you can hack it in the big city, consider the cost of living in Denver first. Not only do you need to research rental prices, gas costs, and salary estimations, but you should also take into account how much it costs to have fun.
One of the city’s draws is its proximity to the mountains. Winter time means ski trips, bar hopping, shows, and winter festivals in far flung mountain towns. The arrival of the Summer season kicks off hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting adventures. But, you will pay to play. Think about how much you’re willing to spend on fun when planning a move to the Mile High City.
Pro tip: lease-ups and concessions are easy ways to save money on apartments.
2. Pick a Neighborhood Before Moving to Denver
Denver neighborhoods thrum with their own pulse, their own personalities, and their own expenses. Depending on your overall life goals, you might try choosing a neighborhood with like-minded individuals.
For example, Washington Park provides wide open green space, but remains in close proximity to downtown. With a mix of modern and historic architecture, coupled with a residential ambiance, you can escape the hectic downtown bustle whenever you wish. If you seek an urban area with amazing restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Five Points may be more your cup of tea.
Check out our neighborhood guide for an in-depth look at Denver’s unique enclaves.
3. Research What It’s Like to Live Here, and See If You’d Fit In
Colorado consists of a unique combination of nature lovers, tech startups, cattle ranchers, eccentric hippies, and entrepreneurial CEOs. Such a wide variety of people love this state. Denver is no different. It attracts people from all parts of the globe and provides an open-minded atmosphere that both welcomes and supports newcomers.
Indeed, Denver accommodates residents of all interests. Beer lovers can make friends at the local craft breweries occupying practically every corner. Dog owners can meet up and take their four-legged friends on amazing hikes and nature walks throughout the city and nearby foothills. Sports fans can watch Denver’s professional hockey, football, basketball, and baseball teams year-round.
4. Plan a Visit
Sure, reading about a city is one way to learn about what it offers, but visiting really is the best way to feel it out. Before moving to Denver, take a trip to the Centennial State. Fly into the Denver airport and spend the weekend exploring downtown.
Maybe it’s all the fresh mountain air or that Rocky Mountain high, but most people are really welcoming in Denver. Traveling alone is no problem, and you’re almost guaranteed to strike up a conversation with a friendly barista, or get invited to a brewery with folks you bump into on the trail.
If you don’t feel like hiking or exploring breweries, don’t worry; there are plenty of other things to do on your first visit.
5. Call AptAmigo
Whether you live out of town or down the street, apartment hunting can take on the trappings of a full time job. Luckily, AptAmigo can reduce that drudgery. We’ll do all the leg work for you, setting up tours with your desired apartment in mind.
You can tour as many or as few places as you want until we find the one that best suits your needs and budget. For out of town apartment hunters who require virtual tours, we can even FaceTime you from the apartment to give you the full picture.
Related: How to Find the Best Apartments in Denver
6. Choose Your Potential Apartment Buildings to Tour
After your AptAmigo agent gathers information on what type of apartment building you’re looking for, which neighborhoods you’re most interested in, and what your monthly rental budget is, they will send you potential buildings. You can then offer insight on the ones you like and dislike, and your agent will be better able to select potential homes going forward.
If you’re interested in what some of the the best luxury apartments in Denver look like, we curated a list.
7. Pick Your Favorite and Sign a Lease
Once you find your desired apartment, it’s time to sign a lease. Our agents offer guidance through this process and stand at the ready to answer any questions along the way. Don’t wait, call today to get started finding your dream apartment in this amazing city.
Next Up, Move In!
When you arrive, check out Denver’s hot spots for delicious local eats and fun things to do. Or, make the most out of your new chapter, and dive in to this lively city with our guide on how to Tour Denver like a Local.
* The original version of this article was first published on July 24, 2019.
Abigail is a freelance writer who loves exploring new places, especially in the Southwest, and lived in her van during the Covid-19 pandemic. When she's not working on writing gigs to support her #vanlife endeavors, she loves packrafting alpine lakes, floating lazy rivers, and trail running.
