8 Things to Know About Living in Denver
Pros and Cons of Living in Denver
With its comfortable year-round climate, dynamic entertainment scene, unbeatable access to outdoor recreation, and robust economic landscape, there’s so much to enjoy about living in Denver. No wonder the population is increasing by about 0.8% each year. But does a new chapter in the Mile High City make sense for you?
To help answer this question, it’s best to get an idea of what it’s like to live there before packing those boxes and moving to Denver. From the housing market and cost of living, to the schools, career opportunities, and all the spectacular nature activities, here’s what to know about living in Denver.
8 Things to Know About Living in Denver
Perched just 20 miles from the Rocky Mountain foothills at exactly one mile high in elevation (hence its nickname), Denver is famous for nearly 20,000 acres of nature parks and trails. These lush green spaces make this city an outdoor lover’s oasis, but the thin air and high altitude can take some time to acclimate to. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind about living in Denver.
1. The Denver Cost of Living Is Pricier than the National Average
The U.S cost of living index uses a baseline of 100, and the Denver cost of living currently sits 10% above this national average. That means you’ll spend 10% more on basic expenses (like food, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and taxes) here than in most other states. To put this in context, if you’re moving to Denver from Phoenix, you’ll need to earn about $104,563 per year to maintain a quality of life that was affordable on $100,000 in Arizona. On the other hand, if you’re moving from San Francisco on a $100,000 income, you could maintain the same quality of life on just $67,237 per year in Denver.
The bare minimum annual salary to cover living expenses for an individual is around $57,013 ($27.41 per hour). Meanwhile, a family of four needs to bring in at least two annual salaries of $74,361 ($35.75 per hour) to cover typical expenses.
2. Denver Is a Top Destination for Perennial Outdoor Recreation
One of the main perks of moving to Denver is easy access to world-class nature views and outdoor recreation, regardless of season. Denver is a hotspot for hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, boating, rock climbing, skiing, and so much more.
Locals can explore over 90 miles of multi-use trails, 480 miles of bike paths, and 14,000 acres of urban green spaces. Not to mention, Denver is also less than two hours away from iconic destinations such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods.
3. The Climate in Denver Boasts Four Distinct Seasons
Denver features a semi-arid climate with low humidity levels and comfortable weather most of the year. Due to its high elevation and mountainous location on the western edge of the Great Plains, living in Denver allows you to experience all four seasons. Temperatures in the winter can drop below 20 degrees with as much as 60 inches of snowfall. The summer months approach nearly 90 degrees, while the spring and fall temperatures are more moderate. Residents also enjoy about 245 days of sunshine with 17 inches of annual rain.
4. The Denver Housing Market Is Expensive but Stabilizing
After years of inflated home values, the Denver housing market has recently swung more in favor of potential buyers. In fact, real estate prices here in the Mile High City are declining faster than in any other large metro area across the U.S. The average home in Denver currently sells for about $539,712, and while that’s still more expensive than the national average of $370,320, it’s a sharp 4.2% decrease from home values in 2025.
If you prefer apartment living, the average one-bedroom apartment here costs $1,708 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment will set you back $2,195 per month. That’s pricier than nearby cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, but it’s much more affordable than places on the West Coast like Seattle and San Francisco.
5. The Denver Job Market Is Full of Career Opportunities
Moving to Denver can offer you an exciting career boost in a variety of booming industries. The Denver job market boasts an unemployment rate of 3.7% (compared to the national average of 4.3%). Plus, the annual base salary here starts at $86,000, which is higher than you would earn in places such as Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Boise, and Las Vegas.
The Denver job market can be especially lucrative if you work in fields like aerospace, natural energy, telecommunications, information technology, healthcare, finance, hospitality, tourism, software, and brewery production.
6. The Denver Public School District Ranks Above Average
If you’re relocating here with children, it’s worth noting that Denver public schools consistently perform above average, based on annual Colorado state ratings. The district is known for its Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) program, which focuses on an interactive STEM curriculum for middle and high school students. On that note, here’s a quick rundown of the top-ranked public schools in Denver across all grade levels.
Best Elementary Schools in Denver
- Polaris Elementary School
- Cory Elementary School
- Steck Elementary School
Best Middle Schools in Denver
- Morey Middle School
- McAuliffe International School
- Denver Green School Northfield
Best High Schools in Denver
- Denver School of the Arts
- DSST Cedar High School
- DSST College View High School
7. The Best Places to Live in Denver Offer Unique Selling Points
Denver is home to 78 official neighborhoods, from urban corridors and bohemian districts to nature enclaves and suburban communities. Whether you’re looking for an outdoorsy spot to raise kids, a walkable area full of buzzy nightlife options, or anything in between, here are our picks for the three best places to live in Denver. For a comprehensive list, be sure to check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Denver.
Best Places to Live in Denver for Families
Washington Park is one of Denver’s best neighborhoods for families, especially active ones, thanks to its prime location adjacent to 165 acres of trails, lakes, playgrounds, athletic courts, and picnic areas. Residents also appreciate Washington Park for its access to highly rated public schools and historic bungalows on cozy tree-lined streets. This neighborhood also offers a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere with local community events such as the annual Wash Park Home Tour and Street Fair.
Best Places to Live in Denver for Young Adults
River North Art District (RiNo) is one of the best places to live in Denver for young adults. RiNo’s bohemian energy attracts free-spirited creatives, singles, professionals, small business owners, and anyone else seeking a hip urban lifestyle. This neighborhood features a mix of converted warehouse apartments, modern townhomes, and sleek industrial lofts. Meanwhile, the colorful street murals, art galleries like fooLPRoof, food halls like Denver Central Market, and nightlife venues lend RiNo its signature creative character.
Best Places to Live in Denver for Retirees
If you’re moving to Denver for retirement, Cherry Creek is where you’ll want to put down roots. This neighborhood is known for its upscale amenities, tranquil suburban feel, and convenient location less than four miles from Downtown. Cherry Creek offers low-maintenance condos, townhomes, and ranch or Craftsman-style houses, perfect for downsizing. There’s also a wide variety of entertainment, from enjoying the restaurants and boutiques at Cherry Creek North to teeing off at the premier Denver Country Club golf course.
8. There’s an Endless Supply of Fun Things to Do in Denver
Living in Denver means an eclectic mix of entertainment right on your doorstep. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, nature enthusiast, live music aficionado, arts and culture buff, or foodie on the lookout for the best restaurants in Denver, there’s no shortage of unique and fun things to do in Denver. When you’re ready to start exploring all the Mile High City has to offer, here are some of the best things to do in Denver.
Fun Things to Do in Denver for Young Adults
- Catch your favorite band or musician in concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, about 20 minutes away from Downtown Denver.
- Sample more than 70 local craft breweries, taprooms, and gastropubs within the city limits along the Denver Beer Trail.
- Root for the seven professional sports teams that call Denver home, including the MLB Rockies, NFL Broncos, and NBA Nuggets.
Fun Things to Do in Denver with Kids
- Discover some of the world’s largest prehistoric dinosaur skeletons at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
- Take a plunge at the Downtown Aquarium, where you can snorkel with fish, stingrays, eels, and other exotic marine animals.
- Interact with native ecosystems through hands-on play at the Mordecai Children’s Garden inside the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Fun Cheap Things to Do in Denver
- Enjoy local food trucks, gallery exhibits, live music, and artisan vendor markets at a First Friday Festival in the RiNo Art District.
- Bike through some of Denver’s coolest neighborhoods and lushest urban green spaces on the multi-use Cherry Creek Trail.
- Watch a movie under the stars at the free Sunset Cinema film series, hosted every summer outside the Denver Arts Complex.
Pros and Cons of Living in Denver
As you can see, moving to Denver can open the door to an exuberant lifestyle with remarkable nature views, irresistible cultural energy, and phenomenal entertainment around every corner. But just like anywhere else, Denver is not without its potential drawbacks.
On that note, here are the main pros and cons of living in Denver to keep in mind.
Pros of Living in Denver
- Spectacular outdoor recreation
- Mild climate for most of the year
- Robust job market and low unemployment
- Reputable public school district
- Wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from
- Entertainment options for all interests
Cons of Living in Denver
- Steep cost of living and housing market
- Potential for altitude sickness
- Rapid and unpredictable weather changes
Is Denver a Good Place to Live?
The Mile High City ranks among the top 20 most livable cities in the U.S. due to its year-round nature access, coupled with a booming economy and bustling entertainment scene. However, the inflated housing market, unpredictable weather shifts, altitude-related challenges, and overall steep cost of living can be an issue for some people. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision as to whether living in Denver makes sense for you. If higher costs aren’t a deal-breaker, the city has a lot to offer.
Tips for Moving to Denver
Now that you know what to expect from living in Denver, let’s talk about how to plan for a seamless and successful relocation. You’ll need to account for specific factors like Denver’s urban density, high elevation, mountainous terrain, and weather fluctuations. Here are five tips to make moving to Denver as easy as possible.
1. Plan for Storage Solutions
Living in a compact urban area like Denver might require you to rent some extra storage space. If you’re moving into a small condo or apartment and you have seasonal outdoor gear that takes up a lot of room, chances are, you won’t be able to stash everything in the closet. Plan ahead with a storage unit to keep these items organized and ready to go when you need them, while ensuring that your new home is clutter-free.
2. Take the Altitude into Account
Denver’s dry climate, high altitude, and thin air can increase the risk of dehydration, fatigue, and sun exposure, even in cooler months. When you combine these elements with manual labor, it can make moving day strenuous and exhausting. To help ward off the altitude effects, wear UV-protective clothing, drink enough water (with electrolytes if possible), limit alcohol intake, and use liberal amounts of sunscreen.
3. Be Aware of Weather Changes
Despite its generally mild climate, Denver is notorious for unpredictable weather shifts. Here, you can experience both snow and sunshine in one day (even during the summer), so be ready just in case the weather changes unexpectedly. Before the move, pack your car with extra clothing layers, a light jacket, sunglasses, and an ice scraper.
4. Use the Right Kind of Vehicle
Denver winters usher in snow, ice, and occasional storms, which can make the roads treacherous to navigate. If you plan to relocate this time of year, choose a moving truck with all-wheel drive for optimal traction in slick mountain terrain. The right vehicle means a smoother move, especially in harsh conditions.
5. Obtain Permits if Necessary
If you’re moving into a downtown high-rise or a busy urban neighborhood, research Denver’s municipal building and parking ordinances in advance. Many apartments and condos require new residents to reserve freight elevators to transport boxes and furniture into the unit. If the area is particularly dense with minimal parking and narrow streets, you might also need to secure a parking permit for the moving truck.
Make Your Move to Denver Easier with CubeSmart Storage
From world-class entertainment and year-round nature activities to a dynamic cultural scene and eclectic seasonal festivals, the perks of living in Denver are practically endless. Make room for all the fun with Denver self-storage solutions from CubeSmart. We have numerous options to suit a variety of needs, including climate-controlled storage units for those high-altitude weather shifts.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
