With incredible access to nature, friendly people, and a reputation as the “Napa Valley of beer,” Denver has a lot to offer anyone. But it’s an especially practical place to call home for young professionals and new college grads looking to lay down roots. With the perfect blend of engaging activities, career opportunities, social events, and an affordable cost of living, Denver should be on the top of your list of cities to live in.
1. One of the Best Job Markets in America
Whether you’re a fresh college grad just entering the workforce or a young professional looking for a change, you’re going to want to be in an area with plenty of opportunities to launch or advance your career. Denver is the perfect city for that, recently ranking number 3 in the hottest US job markets, and beating out powerful markets like San Francisco and Seattle. In January 2020 the unemployment rate for the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield metropolitan area was just 2.7 percent, and in 2018 the income per capita was $42,116, almost $10,000 higher than the national average.
2. Hot Spot for Both Big and Small Businesses
The top industries in Denver run the gamut from energy and telecommunications to healthcare and financial services, according to Denvergov.org. Some well-known, Denver based corporations include Janus Capital Group, Smashburger, Ball Aerospace, and CorePower Yoga, further highlighting the wide array of industries the city supports. It’s also a destination for small businesses ranking 10th in both startup activity and best cities to start a small business. Many people who are getting priced out of startup hubs like the Bay Area and New York are finding entrepreneurship opportunities in Denver.
3. A Reliable Public Transportation System
Although Denver’s sprawl leads many people to believe it’s impossible to live there without a car, Denver has a pretty extensive public transportation system. Their RTD includes a bus and train system that starts at just $3 per ride. They also have a reliable light rail and commuter rail system that transports passengers from all around the Denver metro area. In addition, Denver is a commuter cyclist’s paradise: There are over 100 miles of multi-use trails, 100 miles of bike lanes, 39 miles of sharrows, and almost 400 miles of signed bike routes.
4. Denver Summers Are as Beautiful as the Winters
While most people flock to Colorado for its famous winters, the summers are just as worth the trip. The average temperature ranges in the 70s and 80s, it’s one of the sunniest cities in the US (ranked 20th according to Move.org), and there is so much natural beauty nearby to explore while you’re soaking up those rays. Just watch out for the combination of sun and high altitude and make sure you’re always packing sunscreen. Even in the winter, the sun is intense in Denver.
5. Hiking, Skiing, and Rafting Are in Your Backyard
Denver’s incredible weather is conducive to the residents’ favorite pastime—getting outside. Denver locals are probably some of the most adventurous, athletic people you will ever meet. Colorado boasts the most “fourteeners” (mountains that exceed 14,000 feet) of any state with 58. Coupled with the world famous rock climbing destinations the Front Range has to offer and, of course, the world class skiing and snowboarding, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to take advantage of year round. There’s also amazing white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and more. You’re definitely going to fall in love with the outdoors.
6. The Nightlife Is Just as Active
Denver has a history of having the best nightlife in America. Since the city is historically a mining town, it has a long history of drinking and saloons. There’s even a legend that the first building ever constructed in Denver was a drinking establishment. So if you’re looking for a good time, head to Lower Downtown (lovingly nicknamed “LoDo”) which is one of many epicenters of nightlife in Denver. The area has everything from excellent sports bars, like Society Sports and Spirits, live music venues like Herb’s Hideout, and dance clubs like Milk. Get a taste (and sip) of history by visiting the oldest bar in Denver, My Brother’s Bar, which has been in operation since 1873.
7. And the Brewery Scene Is Hopping
It’s no secret that Denver’s brewery scene is unmatched. With so many breweries, it’ll be hard to choose a favorite. Wynkoop Brewing’s Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout is just as wacky and wonderful as it sounds, and it’s actually made from bull testicles. Not so adventurous? There are over 140 breweries to choose from in the Denver metro area with enough variety to satisfy any beer lover’s taste buds. Great Divide is a favorite as well as Crooked Stave and Epic Brewing. But there are so many to try, if you want to get a real taste of the beer scene, go on a Denver brewery tour and try a little of everything.
8. Broncos Fans Are the Best Fans (No Matter What Anyone Says)
OK, technically they’re the seventh, according to a 2019 Emory study, but the energy and passion from the crowd at Empower Field, also known as Mile High Stadium, says otherwise. They have a lot to be proud of. Not only have the Broncos historically been a great team, the games are always epic to attend with a view of the Rockies and the Denver skyline to greet you. You’ll be blown away by the energy level in the stadium.
9. But When It’s Baseball Season, It’s Rockies All the Way
The Broncos rule in the winter, but come April, the Colorado Rockies are king. Coors Field, located in the heart of LoDo, is surrounded by some of Denver’s most popular breweries, but catching a Rockies game with a Coors in hand is still a Denver tradition. As a bonus, the thinner air makes Coors Field a hitter-friendly park, so you’re more likely to see some dingers.
10. Denver Cuisine Will Satisfy The Pickiest Foodie
It’s no secret that Denver has a very respected culinary scene. While Denver definitely has its own cuisine that reflects the local tastes (i.e. epic steakhouses, burger joints, and delicious farm-to-table bistros), there are also tons of restaurants that have innovative, eclectic, and diverse menus that represent food from all over the world. If you’re looking for a classic Denver meal, head to the Columbine Steak House for the best steak you’ve ever had. If you want to try something more, definitely grab a table at Bistro Vendome. The truly great thing about Denver cuisine, regardless of where you go, is the farm-to-table movement has swept the city. Denverites have spoken and they want their restaurants to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some restaurants that really exemplify this are Panzano and Tag.
11. The Dress Code Is Always Casual
All of those people who graduate college and need to invest in a new “professional” wardrobe don’t know how good they could have it if they’d only move to Denver. The relaxed Denver outdoors and beer lifestyle means that most professional environments don’t have dress codes. Nice jeans and a flannel shirt are considered “dressing up.” So don’t go throwing away all of your sneakers and jeans when you move to Denver. That’ll be your new business casual attire.
12. It’s One of the Capital Cities of Legal Marijuana
Colorado was one of the first two states in the US to legalize marijuana for recreational use, paving the way for places like California, Illinois, and Oregon. Denver locals have embraced this liberty—both for its mind-altering and economy-boosting properties. There are several dispensaries around the city where you can pick up a little something to “elevate” your weekend. Enjoy!
13. End the Summer with a Taste of Colorado
A Taste of Colorado is the be-all-end-all of summer celebrations. Over 500,000 people come to this free three-day festival to enjoy food from over 50 local restaurants, 250 marketplace artisans and vendors, seven stages with live music, and programs that promote and celebrate the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region. This is the icing on the cake that will be your Denver summer.
14. Red Rocks Is the Coolest Music Venue in the World
Even though Red Rocks Amphitheatre is not technically in Denver, it’s just outside the city, carved directly into a beautiful rock formation. There are annual music festivals and other live performances at this open-air theater that provide you with incredible scenery while you get your dance on. This is, by far, one of the most beautiful venues in the world and one of the greatest perks of living in Denver.
15. Denverites Are Friendly and Genuine
People assume Denverites are all hipsters because of their flannel shirts, long beards, and love for cycling and craft beers. But Denver locals were doing all these things before hipsters made them “cool.” In reality, Denverites are some of the friendliest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet. In fact, in 2017 Travel + Leisure ranked Denver the 20th friendliest city in America.
