City Guide / Denver

5 Tips for Moving to Denver

By Landing | Sep 12, 2020
Car moving to Denver, Colorado

If you’re thinking about moving to Denver, you’re not alone. Between countless job opportunities, easy mountain access, and a thriving city life, thousands of people have relocated to Denver within the past few years. 

So, if you’re already packed or if you’re sitting at home weighing the pros and cons of moving to a new city, Denver is certainly a wonderful option. So, looking for the five tips for moving to Denver? Take a look down below to learn more. 

Decide whether you want to rent monthly or long-term

While pricing is an extremely important factor in choosing a rental, you’ll also want to consider whether or not you actually like the neighborhood. If you’re looking to buy a home or find the perfect apartment, short-term monthly rentals can give you extra time to make an informed decision before settling down.

Additionally, if you’re moving from out of state, vacation rentals and long-term rentals can provide a temporary place to live during your search and eliminate the hassle of hotel reservations. 

Between short notices to move and increased flexibility, long-term vacation rentals are ideal if you’re not ready to sign a year-long lease agreement. Once you have a closing date on your home or after you’ve signed a long-term lease, you can give your landlord the required notice to move.

Consider renting a car

In addition to long-term rentals, many renters opt for a long-term car rental or monthly car rental during their search for a new place to live. 

If you’re moving from another state, keep in mind that rental cars are typically easier to drive than moving trucks. Most people aren’t experienced driving large vehicles, and renting a car or van will allow you to navigate Denver traffic without added stress. Rental companies like Avis typically offer affordable rates and a coupon code for cross-country movers.

There are many day trips you can take from Denver to see the beautiful surrounding scenery, so if you’re looking to explore the area while you’re in town, you may want to have a car at your disposal.

Research average rent prices

Housing is almost always your biggest expense when relocating to a new city. As an emerging tech hub, Denver has attracted engineers from the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in the country, which has significantly driven up housing prices across the city. In the past five years, Denver rent prices grew by about 18%.

If you’re looking for an affordable rental, average rent prices in places like Northern Denver, Park Hill, Southeastern Denver, and Aurora range between $1,200 and $1,500. 

Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Wash Park, Speer, Congress Park, Cheesman Park, and Capitol Hill fall toward mid-range rent prices, with average rent prices ranging from $1,500 to $1,900.

If you’re searching for high-end housing, average rent prices in popular neighborhoods like Cherry Creek, LoDo, Union Station, and Golden Triangle range from $1,900 to $2,700.

Of course, two and three-bedroom apartments will have higher average rent prices than studio apartments and 1-bedroom apartments. Overall, in the city of Denver, the average size for a 1-bedroom apartment is 841 square feet.

Make a list of your top priorities

Before signing a long-term lease, it’s important to set aside some time to list your top priorities. For example, you might prioritize a place that is within a close proximity to local landmarks, like the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, or the Denver Museum of Nature. If you’re working in downtown Denver, you might opt for a rental close to the light rail for easy access to Union Station and LoDo. Alternatively, if you love spending time outside, you might prioritize rentals closest to popular hiking trails and with beautiful mountain views.

In addition to proximity, be sure to make a must-have list of apartment features and amenities to help narrow down listings. If you’re not sure where to start, try asking yourself the following questions:

  • Do you have any pets?
  • Do you want an up-to-date kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops?
  • Do you want a studio apartment, 1-bedroom apartment, or 2-bedroom apartment?
  • Do you want outdoor access or a balcony?
  • What’s the parking situation like?

Once you’ve decided on your top priorities, you can use an apartment finder to filter by location, the number of bedrooms, and your other top amenities. 

Explore the job market

Between the tech industry, Lockheed Martin’s new headquarters, and the University of Colorado and University of Denver, Denver’s job market has grown exponentially over the last decade.

If you’re in the tech industry, job prospects and growth are significant in downtown Denver. Other industries, including finance, biotech, hospitality, healthcare, and cannabis are also prominent in Denver. Whether you’re searching for long-term work or seasonal work, Denver offers a wide range of employment opportunities.

With all that the city has to offer, it’s no wonder why Denver has become one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. 

Whether you’re moving from out of town or across the country, Landing takes the stress and hassle out of securing a lease. With fully furnished apartments in Denver, 24/7 concierge services, and no long-term leases or deposits, you’ll be able to explore Denver and find the perfect neighborhood for you.

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Landing

Ted may be the world's slowest typist and struggle to hold a pen, but he has mastered how to pursue a more flexible lifestyle throughout his airborne adventures around the U.S. Whether you're looking for more information before migrating to a new city or want to find an easier way to rent a nest—erm, apartment—Ted will always be here to share his best advice for where to live and how to thrive.