1. Living in Denver Means The Budget May Be A Little Tighter
The cost of living index in
Denver is 107 compared to the national index of 100, meaning it’s a bit more expensive to live in Denver than your average US city. You’ll also be spending a bit more than average on health care (106) and the same as average on groceries (100). However, at least you’ll save a bit on transportation (98) and utilities (93)!
2. Crime Rates Are Slightly Higher Than National Average
Unfortunately, crime rates in Denver are slightly higher than national and state averages. The rate of crime is actually 44% higher than the rest of Colorado and on a national scale it’s 38% higher. That being said, crimes (both violent and property) have been steadily declining over the past 10 years.
3. Denver Commutes Are Easy As Pie
The average commute time in Denver is 23.1 minutes, which is shorter than the national average. Additionally, Denver has a pretty extensive light rail system and it’s faster and more cost effective than other US cities.
However, it’s also important to note that Denver is a cyclist city! Not only is it better for the environment, but biking to work will give you a chance to soak up all of that Denver sun each day. In fact, there are over 100 miles of multi-use bike trails, 100 miles of bike lanes, 39 miles of sharrows, and almost 400 miles of signed bike routes.
4. You’ll Never See A Sunnier City Than Denver
Denver is one of the sunniest places on earth, in the winter or the summer. Though the winters can get intense, Denverites are used to it and enjoy the winter wonderland by going skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or snowshoeing.
The summers are equally amazing. The average temperatures range is in the 70s and 80s, it’s sunny almost every day, and there is so much natural beauty to explore on walks, hikes, kayaks, and rafts.
5. Unemployment Rates On Par With National Average
The median household income in Denver is $49,091, which is slightly lower than the national average of $53,046. However, the unemployment rate is 6% which is equivalent to the national average. Overall, Denver is your average city for unemployment and median incomes.
6. Beautiful Homes...But A Little Pricier Than Average
The median price of buying a home in Denver is $246,300, which is higher than the national average of $188,900. That being said, Denver is home to some gorgeous houses that always have lovely backyards, perfect views, and incredible interiors so you’re definitely getting more bang for your buck.
Additionally, home appreciation in Denver over the last 12 months is 11.30% percent, compared to the national average of 4.90%, meaning that the value of homes in Denver is increasing at high rates.
7. Denver Is Open For Business
According to Forbes 2015 Best Places for Business and Careers, Denver ranks #1. Denver is attractive for its diverse economy as well as the highly educated labor force. In fact, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions, a new technology and solar energy division of Panasonic North America, selected Denver over 22 other cities to be its primary U.S. innovation and sales center.
A large percentage of Denverites also work for the military industrial complex, with many of them working for companies like Lockheed Martin. However, again, bioscience, energy, and IT are all big employers in the area as well.
8. The Broncos Are Kind Of A Big Deal
Everyone in Denver cheers on the Broncos passionately! The Broncos are a great team, and the games are so much fun to attend. The Sports Authority Stadium is the perfect venue to house Broncos fans, as well as all of their excitement and energy!
9. And The Rockies Aren’t So Bad Either
Get ready to buy a ton of purple because The Colorado Rockies are Denver’s favorite MLB team. Coors Stadium is a great venue to watch the Rockies. There isn’t a Denverite alive who doesn’t love sipping on a cold one while watching some classic baseball at this awesome Denver stadium.
10. Denver Is A City For Foodies
Denver is a great city if you love to eat! The traditional Denver food spot might be a delicious steak house, a perfect burger restaurant, or some epic farm-to-table bistro. Denverites are also known for having a “pho following,” meaning the area has some of the best Vietnamese food around, including Pho95 for “fast” pho.
But if you have a hankering for a prime rib or a burger, you’ll want to try Broker Steakhouse. Or if you’re looking to try a more unique Denver food spot, definitely grab a table at Bistro Vendome, Panzano, or Tag. All three exemplify Denver’s farm-to-table dining.
11. If You Want To Try A Bit Of Everything, The Denver Gourmet Food Truck Festival Will Blow Your Mind
The Denver Gourmet Food Truck Festival is a combination of great food, music, and delicious craft beer. Enjoy gourmet food trucks like Crock Spot, Good Food Denver, Mestizos, or Aikopops, as well as craft beer from all over the Denver area. There’s also always live music or a great DJ. And, when the stars align, the gourmet food truck festival will even live stream a Broncos games.
Even though the Gourmet Food Truck Festival only takes place once a year, you can enjoy delicious Denver food trucks year-round as long as you know where to find them! Just look on Roaming Hunger to see the current locations of Manna From Heaven, the Biscuit Bus, Still Smokin’ Fusion BBQ, and so many other amazing food trucks!
12. Denverites Live In Outdoorsy Folk Heaven
Denverites are probably some of the most adventurous, outdoorsy people you will ever meet. Many of them pride themselves on how many “fourteeners” they’ve hiked (mountains that have peaks higher than 14,000 feet). For the best skiing and snowboarding around, head to Winter Park, Arapahoe, or Loveland.
13. You Can Do Some Adventurous Whitewater Rafting
Just 30 minutes from Denver are the Clear Creek Whitewater rafting trips which are not only exciting, but also provide beautiful views of a scenic Colorado creek. There are rapids of all levels for beginners and advanced to get out and venture through Colorado rapids. It’s an activity that Denverites never tire of, as it challenges them while also getting them out in nature.
14. The Denver Brewery Scene Is Epic
Denver’s brewery scene is awesome, and only getting more and more awesome by the day. There are tons of great breweries serving up delicious craft beers, like Wynkoop Brewing which brews an incredible Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout.
The Great Divide is another local favorite brewery. Order a Yeti and you’ll be happy! There’s also the Denver Beer Company which is great to take a tour of. Or, if you want to try everything, go on a Denver brew tour.
15. Denver’s Farmers Markets Are The Best In Colorado
Cherry Creek Farmers Market is an award winning seasonal market that is known for its beautiful flowers, local produce, gourmet products, and delicious cuisine. Stapleton Farmers Market takes place year-round, every Sunday, and has some great baked goods.
If you’re willing to go just outside of Denver, you can also check out Wheat Ridge Farmer’s Market in Wheat Ridge, known for their delicious peaches, cantaloupe, corn, tomato, and pumpkins.
16. The Underground Music Scene In Denver Is Alive And Well
Denver is home to the Underground Music Showcase that has been going strong for 15 years. It’s Denver, Colorado’s premier indie festival known for its focus on local talent and the local community. It’s a non-profit event that benefits the Denver Post Community Foundation, providing support to local artists and musicians, as well as local youth and education opportunities.
The most recent event showcased over 400 local and national music performances and spanned 4 days across 20 venues in the city of Denver. And don’t forget, the venues used in the festival are also open for underground music performances year-round, like 3 Kings Tavern, Badgers Pub, and Hi-Dive.
17. But The Best Music Venue Is Definitely Red Rocks
Even though Red Rocks is not “technically” in Denver, it’s just outside the city and the scenery is out of this world amazing. There are annual music festivals at Red Rocks, as well as frequent live performances at this open-air theater. You’ll get to soak in the crisp, Denver air surrounded by gorgeous rocks that glow red in the sunlight, while also enjoying some of the best music and dancing of your life.
18. Living In Denver Means You Can Choose To Indulge In A Recreational Activity That’ll “Elevate” You...
Colorado is one of the two states in the US where marijuana is legal to use for recreational purposes. And Denverites sure are enjoying it. The legalization has definitely caused a marijuana buzz in the city and there are several dispensaries where anyone over the age of 21 can walk in purchase some lovely, Colorado bud.
19. A Taste Of Colorado Festival Is Always Incredible
A Taste of Colorado is arguably the best way to wave goodbye to Denver’s summer and reign in the Fall. Taking place over Labor Day weekend, this event draws over 500,000 people to enjoy the four-day festival, complete with food from over 50 local restaurants, 250 marketplace artisans and vendors, seven stages with live music, and programs that promote celebrate the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region.
20. You Know You’re In Denver When You Head To The Bacon and Beer Festival
There are two things Denverites love more than anything: bacon and beer. And what better way to celebrate them by hosting a new annual festival where you get to eat all of the bacon and drink all of the beer? Enjoy Denver’s delicious craft beers while noshing on everything bacon, including bacon doughnuts, BLTs, and bacon-wrapped figs.
21. Denverites Are Some Of The Friendliest, Coolest People You’ll Ever Meet
Denverites are the OG hipsters, meaning everything everyone considers cool nowadays can be attributed to Denver (i.e. flannel shirts, long beards, and bikes? Psh, please. Denver’s been doing its thing for as long as we can remember).
That being said, Denverites are the most down to earth people you’ll ever meet and will never hold all of their amazing coolness over anyone’s head. They’re some of the friendliest, nicest people around and are some of the most loyal friends you’ll ever meet.
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