What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Denver?
If you are thinking of moving to another city, there are a variety of different places to choose from across the country. One place that should always have your consideration is Denver. It is often voted one of the best places to live in the country, and is perfect for all sorts of different people.
There are many great Denver neighborhoods to choose from, whether you want a quieter life, or to be right in the heart of all the action that the city has to offer. But of course, there are also some drawbacks to living in any city, and Denver is no different.
With that in mind, this guide is going to cover some of the many pros and cons of living in Denver, to help you decide whether it is the right place for you.
Pro – It is a Stunning and Beautiful Place to be
One of the biggest benefits of living in Denver is the natural beauty that exists in and around the city. It sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and having that as a backdrop to your life is beautiful. The landscapes are wonderful, the parks are plentiful, and there is a ton to do and see around Denver.
The city has a rich history, and you get incredible access to nature here when compared to other cities of a similar size. Denver also gets a ton of sun, so there will be plenty of bright and warm days for you to experience all of the natural beauty that the city has to offer.
Con – The Altitude can be Challenging to Some
While being surrounded by mountains can be beautiful and offer magnificent views, it also means that Denver sits at a very high altitude. In fact, Denver is exactly one mile above sea level, which is higher than other major cities in the country.
Being so high means that the air is thinner, and some people may find it harder to breathe and may tire quicker when playing sports or engaging in other physical activity. Many others may need to deal with altitude sickness, which is never a fun time.
Most people will be fine and acclimate quickly, but this is certainly something to think about and consider if you are going to move. The adjustment period of how long it takes until the altitude becomes normal can vary, but is often several months.
Pro – A Thriving Food and Drink Scene
If you are a foodie, Denver is a wonderful place to be. It has a ton of high-quality restaurants who specialize in just about every type of cuisine under the sun. Whether you want Italian food, Mexican food, or even Greek food, finding it in Denver will be no challenge at all.
Also, if you are a beer fan, you will love living in Denver. There are several fantastic breweries to check out in the city, each offering something entirely new and unique for you to try and taste. There are a ton of tours you can take and various food and beverage events to be a part of in the city.
Con – Housing Costs are Rising
While the overall cost of living in the city is fair and not overly crazy, the same can’t be said for housing. The demand is incredibly high for housing in Denver, and with the supply limited, housing prices have been skyrocketing recently. It is a sellers market through and through, and this shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
It’s hard to know when this will stop, as there is still a lot of interest when it comes to living in Denver and people all over the country want to call it home. As a result, if you want to buy a home there, be prepared to pay for it. You can make the buying process easier (and often more affordable) by ensuring you use a quality realtor or broker to help.
Pro – Strong Economy and Good Job Market
Another major benefit of living in Denver is that the economy and job market are both strong. Ther city is home to many large corporations in a variety of industries from technology, to manufacturing, and everything in between. There are plenty of jobs available in all different types of industries, and at all different levels.
The economy is healthy, and shows no signs of experiencing any major issues. The city enjoys higher-than-normal incomes, and is especially great for people looking to start a business or relocate from somewhere else.
Con – Public Transportation Can be Lackluster
If you don’t own a car, getting around in Denver can be challenging. The public transportation they offer is insufficient for the needs of many people. They do have buses and light rail, but these aren’t very helpful outside the center of the city. The routes these public transportation options take also aren’t the best and can often add even more time to your commute.
Even if you do have a car, traffic in Denver can be tough. Because it is a major metropolitan center, traffic is to be expected. So expect your commutes to work, to the store, and to the gym, to be longer than it would be in a smaller town or city.
Pro – It is a Sports Lovers Dream
If you are a sports fan, there are few better cities to be in than Denver. No matter what sport or league you are a fan of, Denver has something for you. They have football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and just about everything else.
The city is full of dedicated fans, and they are very passionate about the local teams. There are many sports bars and clubs where you can go to meet like-minded sports fans, and checking out a game is easily and not overly expensive compared to other major markets.
If you are someone who likes to play sports, Denver also offers several ways to do so. There are many recreational leagues for you to join in almost any sport to get some exercise and have some fun at the same time.
Denver is an incredibly popular city to live in and move to, and we hope this article has been able to highlight some of the pros and cons of living there.