{"id":16370,"date":"2013-08-19T03:06:17","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T10:06:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/?p=16370"},"modified":"2013-08-19T03:06:17","modified_gmt":"2013-08-19T10:06:17","slug":"move-to-denver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/move-to-denver\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Reasons You Need To Move To Denver"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Denver<\/a> Has Every Major Sports Team and Then Some<\/h2>\n

\"Sports<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr user deege@fermentarium.com<\/div>\n

If professional sports are your thing, there are plenty of options in the Mile High City. Denver is home to all of the big four major sports teams with the Broncos, Avalanche, Nuggets and Rockies. For the non–traditionalists, there are also two professional lacrosse teams as well.<\/p>\n

2. The REI Flagship Store<\/h2>\n

\"REI<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user rtadlock<\/div>\n

Colorado<\/a> is an outdoor lover\u2019s dream and this amazing store has everything you need to get out there. With the ability to test ride mountain bikes, boots and even cold weather gear you can\u2019t help but be prepared for all things outdoors.<\/p>\n

3. Red Rocks is the Home Venue<\/h2>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user banjo boy<\/div>\n

There are many folks out there whose bucket list contains a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. This geological gem is a mere 20 minutes from the city and serves as the go-to venue for concerts, movies and even church services. .<\/p>\n

4. Our Chili is Green<\/h2>\n

\"Hatch<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user terriko<\/div>\n

This Denver<\/a> staple is made using Hatch Chiles from New Mexico. You will find it both simmered with pork, chicken or completely vegetarian, and is usually smothering a burrito or tamale. Other states brag about their \u201cchili\u201d but it has nothing on the Colorado green.<\/p>\n

5. Work and Play Downtown? Yes, Please!<\/h2>\n

\"Downtown<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user ladybugbkt<\/div>\n

Lower Downtown or \u201cLodo\u201d is a true living and working part of the city. Many people that enjoy loft and apartment living with everything at their fingertips flock to live down there. The nightlife downtown<\/a> is incredible and the ability to walk home after dinner and a show or just to be able to get to work without transportation is a huge plus. .<\/p>\n

6. The Cherry Cricket<\/h2>\n

\"Cherry<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user wallyg<\/div>\n

Located in Cherry Creek North, a higher end and snooty neighborhood lined with shops and restaurants, the Cherry Cricket is nothing like its surroundings. This down-to-earth, laid back bar and restaurant is a staple among Denver residents. Locals love the upside down hockey rink that adorns the Cricket\u2019s ceiling along with the solid food and beer menu.<\/p>\n

7. Cows and Horses Are All the Rage at the National Western Stock Show<\/h2>\n

\"National<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user clarkmaxwell<\/div>\n

This two week event takes place every January just north of Downtown Denver. It includes everything from a full-on rodeo to prized livestock auctions to dancing horses. Western fans come from all over the globe to take in the cow parade or perhaps even buy a pig. Future little ropers can even test out their skills at the kids challenge.<\/p>\n

8. Don\u2019t Have a Bike? No Problem.<\/h2>\n

\"Bike<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user mclcbooks<\/div>\n

Denver B Cycle is a city-wide bike sharing system. People can purchase varying packages depending on their needs. Options include an annual pass, 30 day card, 7 day card or one that\u2019s good for just 24 hours. Stations are located all around town and bikes can be accessed and returned at all of them.<\/p>\n

9. There\u2019s Gambling Just 30 Minutes Away<\/h2>\n

\"Gambling<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user raging wire<\/div>\n

Just head about 30 miles West on I-70 into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and you will find two small adjacent towns where gambling is legal. Blackhawk and Central City have everything Las Vegas has to offer. Well, except the Super Star Celebrity acts and shopping. However, if you like to gamble and eat at buffets there are plenty of places to choose from.<\/p>\n

10. The Denver Chop House<\/h2>\n

\"Chop<\/p>\n

Flickr user: elmada<\/div>\n

Meat is king in Denver, and the Chop House is always a good place to go to satisfy that urge. Located just a few blocks away from Coors Field, they offer all the yumminess of a traditional steakhouse and have solid happy hour offerings as well.<\/p>\n

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11. RockyGrass Music Festival<\/h2>\n

\"RockyGrass<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Zen Curmudgeon<\/div>\n

Summertime in Colorado is laden with amazing music festivals. From bluegrass and blues to rock and roll, there is something for all festivarians. Rockygrass takes place in Lyons, just 45 minutes from Denver at the end of July and is a total blast. Folks can set up camp for the four day festival, play in the grounds and tube the river while rocking out to some tunes.<\/p>\n

12. Money is Made in Denver: Literally<\/h2>\n

\"Mint<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Ken Lund<\/div>\n

Denver\u2019s branch of the U.S. Mint first started producing coins in 1906. The general public can swing by, take a tour of the facility and see currency still being made for circulation.<\/p>\n

13. Denver is a Craft Beer Mecca<\/h2>\n

\"Great<\/p>\n

Source: flick user wallyg<\/div>\n

Although initially known for Coors, the Mile High City has been a huge player in the craft brewery revolution. There are micro breweries located all over Colorado and many within the Denver city limits. You can\u2019t go wrong with any of them but I am partial to Great Divide Brewery located in Downtown Denver. They have amazing beer, a brewery tour and a tap room.<\/p>\n

14. Beware of the Street Sweepers<\/h2>\n

\"Street<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user clarkmaxwell<\/div>\n

If you reside in the city and county of Denver, it would behoove you to learn the street sweeping schedule. Or at least know how to read the street signs when parking your vehicle. From November through April if you don\u2019t pay attention you will be forced to battle the parking gods.<\/p>\n

15. Washington Park<\/h2>\n

\"Washington<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user wallyg<\/div>\n

Whether you prefer to run around the park or just simply take in the scenery for a picnic, this is great spot to do it all. Weekends are packed with volleyball players, bike riders and there are even two different playgrounds for the kiddos. Plus, young singles have plenty of eye candy during prime time workout hours.<\/p>\n

16. There\u2019s an Amusement and Waterpark in One<\/h2>\n

\"Elitch<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user J. Trent Adams<\/div>\n

Elitch Gardens is distinguished from most amusement parks in that it is actually located in the heart of the city. It has the standard carnival side as well as a huge water park for tons of fun. They sell season passes which are very convenient for the locals. It beats an average amusement park like Six Flags any day of the week.<\/p>\n

17. There are 300 Days of Sunshine a Year<\/h2>\n

\"Sunshine<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user \u221efurbychan\u221e<\/div>\n

Colorado folks don\u2019t really like to share this information since the general perception is that it is always cold. However, the Denver area enjoys more days of sunshine than any other city, making it a phenomenal place to play. Some good advice; invest in a good pair of sunglasses.<\/p>\n

18. Sixteenth Street Mall<\/h2>\n

\"16th<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Beaster725<\/div>\n

A fun part of the downtown experience is the 16th Street Mall. It\u2019s a pedestrian-only street that contains shops, restaurants, bars, and office buildings. You can catch a ride on the free mall shuttle, listen to the music of the street performers or even take a carriage ride.<\/p>\n

19. Denver Art Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Denver<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user fotobydave<\/div>\n

They are often free days at the museum where entry fees are completely waived for the general public. It\u2019s a great way to check out all the Denver Art Museum has to offer and take part in the changing exhibits.<\/p>\n

20. Being a Raider Hater Comes With the Address<\/h2>\n

\"Denver<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user deege@fermentarium.com<\/div>\n

Denver Bronco fans are passionate about their team and take their rivals seriously. The distaste for all teams in the AFC West is strong but there is a special place of hatred reserved for the Oakland Raiders. Nobody like fans that dress up like the Insane Clown Posse to watch a game, am I right?<\/p>\n

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21. Love Great Modern Comfort Food?<\/h2>\n

\"Steuben's<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Sam Howzit<\/div>\n

Then Steuben\u2019s is your kind of place. They serve yummy versions of the stuff we grew up eating, with a foodie twist. The happy hour and brunch are super popular and draw big crowds. Steuben\u2019s also has a mobile food truck so folks can get their fix around town.<\/p>\n

22. Casa Bonita<\/h2>\n

\"Casa<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user paulswansen<\/div>\n

This gimmicky Denver restaurant makes this list for the unique attractions alone. It is equipped with indoor cliff divers, musicians and an amusement arcade. Casa Bonita was even featured on the cartoon South Park as a primo Mile High tourist destination. Be prepared though, the food is pretty awful.<\/p>\n

23. Denver Zoo<\/h2>\n

\"Denver<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Scorpions and Centaurs<\/div>\n

Denver\u2019s Zoo is a great place to see animals from all over the globe. A unique event that takes place every year is Zoo Light\u2019s. Each winter for a few weeks, the grounds are transformed into a beautiful lighted exhibit that is a blast to grab a hot chocolate and meander through.<\/p>\n

24. A Bike Rider\u2019s Dream<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user dan long<\/div>\n

The Cherry Creek Bike Path is a 40-mile picturesque route that begins in Downtown Denver and continues into many area suburbs including, Parker, Centennial and Aurora. It\u2019s a great way to get to work or just ride for recreation.<\/p>\n

25. If You Don\u2019t Like the Weather, Wait 10 Minutes<\/h2>\n

\"Weather<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Scorpions and Centaurs<\/div>\n

The weather can change extremely quickly in Denver so you must always be prepared. Besides sunglasses, a long sleeve layer is never a bad thing to have on hand because you never know what will happen.<\/p>\n

26. Rocky Mountain National Park<\/h2>\n

\"Rocky<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user wallyg<\/div>\n

America\u2019s national parks are truly awe inspiring and are a must-see. The beauty of the topography and animals in their natural habitat bring tourists from all over the world. Rocky Mountain National Park is a few short hours by car from Denver and can be accessed from either Estes Park or Grand Lake.<\/p>\n

27. Denver Nature and Science Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Denver<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user Matthew Saunders<\/div>\n

This fun and highly educational museum covers everything from dinosaurs to the human body. It has an in house IMAX theater with rotating films as well. You will also find a kids zone where your little ones can experiment and play.<\/p>\n

28. My Brother\u2019s Bar<\/h2>\n

\"My
\nThis Denver staple is so popular and has been around for so long that it doesn\u2019t even need a sign to let people know what it is. The food is incredible and so is the patio in the summertime. Beatniks like Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady used this bar as a hangout and it is known as the oldest bar in Denver.<\/p>\n

29. Altitude Television<\/h2>\n

\"Altitude<\/p>\n

Source: flickr user dherrera_96<\/div>\n

Denver has its very own local sports television station, Altitude Sports & Entertainment. It is actually owned by the same person as the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Rapids, the major league soccer team in town. Therefore, you get the best local coverage of all the teams.<\/p>\n

30. There\u2019s a Demon Blue Horse to Welcome You<\/h2>\n

\"Blue<\/p>\n

flickr user Cavalier92<\/div>\n

While some call the blue horse statue located outside of Denver International Airport art, others are calling for its destruction. It has fiery red eyes and, to be honest, is kinda creepy. There was even a grassroots Facebook campaign to remove it, stating that it brings bad luck to the city.
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