The Denver real estate market is booming, and it’s no wonder. This Colorado capital has a thrumming arts, culture and culinary scene with hip neighborhoods. And, the Rocky Mountains are a compass that pull residents west for weekend getaways throughout the year — whether that’s schussing down the slopes in the winter and spring months or hiking and rafting in the warmer months. At last count, with numbers released in late 2017, Colorado had added 77,000 new residents. Here’s everything you need to know before moving to Denver.
1. Denver is a mile high in elevation
You could consider it a double-entendre given the legal status of recreational marijuana. But, Denver is 5,280 feet (translated, a mile) high in elevation. In fact, there are places throughout the city that are perched at exactly that 5,280-foot mark. In Coors Field where the Colorado Rockies play, there are 865 purple seats that curve around the upper 300s section that are a “mile high” marker. (And, here’s why the Rockies store their baseballs in humidors). There’s also a loop around City Park that’s exactly a mile high and a brass plaque on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol denoting it’s a mile high. But what exactly does this mean for newcomers? Since we’re at such a high elevation, it’s important to drink plenty of water.
2. Closetbox Can Assist With Your Storage
Remember when we mentioned just how popular Denver is becoming? That means more traffic, and lots of back-ups on I-25, the highway that slices through downtown. (And, I-70 which runs east and west basically turns into a parking lot during rush hour). Instead of hauling your belongings out to storage units, and getting stuck in traffic, let Closetbox assist and handle your storage needs. Our team of licensed and bonded storage movers will pick up your belongings and safely transport them to one our secure storage facilities. When you need your belongings back, they will be delivered to you. That means less time in traffic, more time exploring all of the cool things that this city has to offer, whether that’s a day trip to the mountains, dining al fresco on Larimer Street or rooting for your new home team.
3. Denver is a fit city
“Know that we love to work out,” says Jennifer Reinhardt, an associate broker with Atlas Real Estate Group. “There are people running and biking all over the city. We love to plan hikes and stair climbs. We have Red Rocks Amphitheatre, not just for concerts, but for running up and down the stairs and hiking in the mornings.” But, first, she suggests, adjust to the elevation. You’re going to feel winded quick, even if you are in great shape. To get in on the fun, try renting a bike from B-Cycle, the city’s bikeshare that has stations throughout downtown, and explore the city on two wheels.
4. The city is full of entrepreneurs
Denver isn’t all brawn; lots of brainpower is here, too, and entrepreneurship is celebrated. “Denver is full of small business owners and start-up companies,” Reinhardt says. “There is a culture to network, share workspace and grow a company. We have a strong, robust economy.” In fact, Closetbox is based in Colorado and was started by a Denver entrepreneur.
5. Denver is soaked in sunshine
Not to steal any thunder from Florida, but Colorado is a Sunshine State, too. “Denver has 300 days of sunshine year round,” Reinhardt says. “Our snow melts within a few days and it’s not unusual to hit 60 or 70 in the winter on some days.” Be sure to wear sunscreen, even in the winter, since Denver also enjoys a high elevation.
6. The city loves beer
Denver is home to the Great American Beer Festival (get tickets early; it sells out fast) and breweries are gathering places for not just drinking beer, but things like yoga, swing dancing, trivia and more. “We love beer,” Reinhardt says. “Colorado is home to over 200 breweries and locals like the art of craft beer. The culture downtown is full of young people and breweries. Check some out when you move here.”
7. Denver has made it as a food city
It’s as if Denver was city at the kid’s table for the past few years, just waiting to graduate and move on into the top-tier food cities. The city has arrived. “Top Chef” filmed its most recent season in Denver and Condé Nast Traveler recently declared that Denver, is in fact, a food city. Get a sample of the city’s best food at the Denver Milk Market, which opens June 1 and is home to 16, all-local concepts run by acclaimed Denver Chef Frank Bonanno. The Milk Market is located in Denver’s “Dairy Block” development that previously housed the Windsor Dairy. The market has pizza, pasta, deli sandwiches, a craft beer bar, sushi, bao buns, gelato, hot chicken and more. “Guests can order a wild mushroom pizza from Bonanno Brothers, enjoy it at MOO Bar with a Negroni, venture to Cornicello for gelato; take home a French dip sandwich from Ruth’s Butchery for their spouse,” Bonanno says.
8. Yes, the cost of living is high
Beer, sunshine, great food, and an active population? As this list evolves into an ode to Denver, we should mention: Yes, the city is expensive. “The cost of living is high,” says Reinhardt. “For a state borders Nebraska and Kansas, Colorado pricing is very high.” According to the her latest report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, a single family home price in Denver now averages more than $500,000. “That’s the highest number ever recorded in the Mile High City,” she says. Rent prices are hovering around $2,000 a month for a three bedroom home in the Denver metro area, she says.
9. The city is down to earth
High altitude, yes. But Denverites are down to Earth, points out Reinhardt. “People are friendly and a lot of places are dog-friendly,” she says. “People smile and talk to each other here.”
10. Denverites hang out in their train station
Union Station, a historic train station, got renovated recently and has become a cool hangout spot for locals on the weekend. In the summer, there’s a farmer’s market and chef demonstrations in front of the train station and pop-up jets for kids to cool off in. Inside, is a popular brunch spot, Snooze, and other restaurants and shops.
