What Living In Colorado Is Really Like

The Vibe: The Midwest Meets The Mountains

Colorado is filled with friendly people more interested in climbing mountains and drinking craft beer than focusing on the typical stresses of life. This laid back culture has made the state very appealing in recent years, as younger crowds from all over the country have flocked to rapidly growing Colorado cities like Denver in pursuit of a life that’s simply more fun. If you’re looking for a state that’s got a growing economy, plenty of outdoor sports, and some of the most spectacular natural attractions in the country, Colorado might be calling your name.

Local Flavor: There’s Always A Reason To Celebrate Here

With tons of sunshine and a vibrant tourism industry, the state of Colorado is constantly throwing some sort of party. From the long list of world-class concerts hosted at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater to the many Oktoberfest celebrations spread throughout the tiny picturesque mountain towns around the state, there’s always something to do. Two of the most unique events include the Winter Carnival in Steamboat Springs with ski jumping, chariot racing, and a crazy fireworks display, as well as the Pikes Peak Marathon, a foot race in which runners race to an elevation of more than 14,000 feet on the summit of Pikes Peak and then back down to Manitou Springs.

Cuisine: Game Meats And Green Chili

People from all around the world are attracted to Colorado, making the food in this state as diverse as the people that live there. With all the local wildlife, game meats are very popular as items as Bison burgers and elk sausage tend to sneak onto the menu on regular basis in this state. Colorado also has some of the best Mexican food in the country, especially the green chili. Something that’s often featured as a condiment rather than a soup, green chili gets put on everything here, whether it’s being ladled over a massive breakfast burrito or engulfing the famous Colorado “slopper” burger. Every recipe for this spicy sauce is a little different, but they’re all as addictively delicious. Plus, you can’t forget to try the “rocky mountain oysters,” mostly a novelty in this day and age, but still something that’s worth sampling. Here’s a hint though, they don’t have much to do with seafood.

Nightlife: The Folks Around Here Sure Love Their Beer

With a mix of ski town bar streets that go crazy during the winter and a growing Denver nightlife scene that getting even better by the year, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to finding some nighttime entertainment in Colorado. The people in this state love being social and they love drinking local beer, meaning there are always plenty of people out and about regardless of where you’re at. If you want more of a big city experience, Denver is really your best option with neighborhoods like the Highlands leading the charge, filled with tons of modern restaurants and watering holes. However, if you’re looking for something a little more low key, you’re never far from a great brewery in Colorado, as over 200 call the state home.

Weather: Sunny Days With A Side Of Snow

It’s hard to complain about the weather in Colorado, especially if you enjoy participating in snow sports. With warm, dry summers, filled with some of the sunniest days in the country, there’s no excuse not to grab a few tan lines before the long winter hits. However, despite what you might think, even the winters here aren’t too bad. First snowfall brings a whole new variety of outdoor options to life as skiing and snowboarding take over the state. Most places in Colorado tend to experience a decent amount of snowfall, but warm temperatures during the day often melt away problems on the roads and the time-tested snow readiness infrastructure typically takes care of the leftovers. The average temperature in Denver during the summer months tends to hang around 70 degrees, while winter months drop down to a still very tolerable average of 34, with cities in the mountains being quite a bit colder. With enough snow for skiing and enough sunshine for a little warmth, Colorado winters are actually the best of both worlds.

Safety & Crime: Even The Big Cities Are Safe

Colorado boasts a crime rate that’s actually under the national average, at 2,967 reported criminal acts per 100,000 people. Even the crime rate found in Colorado’s largest city, Denver, tends to hang around 4,275 reported acts per 100,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average, but low for a big city and decreasing at an annual rate. There are cities that are a little more dangerous, like Pueblo. Overall, you don’t have too much to worry about when it comes to staying safe in Colorado.

Commute: Whether You’re On Two Wheels Or Four, There’s No Reason To Stress Here

Getting around in Colorado is pretty easy, as even long distances travelled through the mountains are made quicker by high speed limits of 75 miles per hour. Places in the Denver area tend to have an average commute time of around 25 minutes, typical for a big city, while mid-sized places like Colorado Springs and Pueblo have commute times closer to 20 minutes. Most of the larger cities also offer some sort of public transportation, whether it’s a bus system or the ever-growing light rail system in Denver, a service that’s been expanding over recent years to include even more of the many local suburbs. Most places in Colorado have a great walking and biking infrastructure, with many greenway paths that make alternative means of transportation an option for the more active residents all around the state.

Cost Of Living: One Of The Cheapest Hot Spots Around

Despite the huge number of people moving to Colorado, prices have stayed relatively low, especially outside of Denver. On the same cost of living scale that scores average America at an even 100, Colorado gets a 106, likely inflated due to Denver’s score of 107, mostly due to the recent housing market boom. However, smaller cities around the state have managed to stay affordable, with places like Colorado Springs, a city with close to 700,000 residents in the metro area, scoring a 99. Places like Greeley and Pueblo are even cheaper, scoring a 97 and 81, respectively. There are obviously exceptions to this low cost of living, as certain places like Boulder and Vail are more expensive, but most places around this state won’t break your bank.

Sports: There’s Always Someone To Cheer For In Bronco Country

Snow sports aren’t the only thing that have people cheering in this state, Colorado is also home to a large range of professional and collegiate sports that the locals are constantly showing love for. Denver is home to the big 5 professional sports, with the Broncos on the gridiron, the Nuggets shooting hoops, the Rockies taking to the baseball diamond, the Avalanche slapping pucks around the ice, and the Rapids kicking goals in the nearby Commerce City. Schools teams like the CU-Boulder Buffaloes and the Air Force Academy Falcons in Colorado Springs also make for a great afternoon at the big game. There’s always someone to root for in the Centennial State.

Nature: There’s Always A Reason To Go Outside

The state greeting “Welcome to Colorful Colorado” couldn’t ring more true, with beautiful natural attractions stretching to nearly every corner of this state. Home to 53 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet tall, over 25 ski hills, 42 state parks, and places like the Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s always something to do outside in Colorado. Even just driving through the state can be jaw-dropping, as beautiful mountain roads like Loveland Pass making high altitude scenes visible for anyone with a car, while the Pikes Peak Highway takes visitors to the summit of one of America’s most famous mountains. This is one state where you’ll have no problem constantly getting some fresh air.

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