16 Pros and Cons of Living in Denver, Colorado

With Denver, Colorado’s easy access to the outdoors, thriving food and arts scenes, and a seemingly endless list of things to do, it’s no surprise that thousands of out-of-staters decide to live in this city each year. Denver has something for everyone to enjoy, but if you’re thinking about spending time in the Mile High City, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you make your move.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of the essential pros and cons of living in Denver, which includes:

The pros of moving to Denver

• Proximity to the mountains
• Active and adventurous residents
• Lots of job opportunities
• Nice weather
• Easy access to Colorado destinations
• Dog-friendly city
• Great neighborhoods
• Always something to do

The cons of moving to Denver

• High altitude
• Traffic and limited public transportation
• High cost of living
• Drought and low air quality days
• Crowded outdoor spaces
• Untrained dogs in public spaces
• Gentrification
• A lot of activities for a limited calendar

Let’s get started!

Pro: Proximity to the mountains

One thing you’ll notice immediately when you move to Colorado is how much time people spend in the mountains. Because of this city’s proximity to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, residents often spend time hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and even trail running up and down the nearby mountains.

If you’re looking for an even bigger challenge, Colorado is home to 58 “14ers”—mountains with peaks 14,000 feet or higher. Here are three 14ers within driving distance of the city:

• Pikes Peak: With an elevation of 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is a great beginner fourteener for hikers, and it’s also accessible via train or car. No matter how you reach the summit, the views are outstanding, and it’s easy to see how the scenery inspired the poem that eventually became “America the Beautiful.”
• Mount Elbert: This is the tallest mountain in Colorado. It’s an incredible spot for hiking because you can take a relatively short trail to the summit—though with 4,500 feet of elevation over only 4.5 miles, “short” only refers to physical distance, not necessarily the duration of your round-trip.
• Mount Evans: At more than 14,260 feet, this majestic beauty is home to the highest paved road in the U.S. Once summer hits and the snow melts enough for the Mount Evans Scenic Byway to be driveable, you’ll be floored at the incomparable views of the Rocky Mountains along this drive.

Hiking all of the Centennial State’s 14ers is a challenge that many Coloradans take on, which can mean sharing the trails with lots of other people. For less crowded places, check out one of Colorado’s more than 600 13ers (mountains with peaks reaching 13,000 to 13,999 feet).

Con: High altitude

You don’t have to head to the mountains for high elevation—the Mile High City is quite literally one mile above sea level. Many people notice dry skin and hair at this elevation, and perhaps more frequent nosebleeds or mild headaches.

It can make exercising more difficult because you’ll be breathing harder and faster to receive the same amount of oxygen, and altitude sickness can occur if you gain elevation faster than your body can adjust.

Additionally, the higher the elevation, the closer you are to the sun. Since there’s less atmosphere above you to block out the sun and its UV rays at that height, daily sunscreen is a must for life in Denver.

The good news? If you’re planning on becoming a Colorado resident rather than a tourist, you’ll quickly get used to the atmosphere.

Pro: Active and adventurous residents

Denver is known far and wide for its adventurous sports and daring feats. Incredible hiking views? Check. Challenging rock formations to climb? Check. Unparalleled skiing? Double, triple, and maybe even quadruple check.

Many people who live in Colorado don’t stop there. Within a few hours of downtown, you’ll find great places for hang gliding, mountain biking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and fly fishing. It’s also easy to find like-minded outdoor lovers by joining local groups or attending events.

Con: Traffic and limited public transportation

Living in any big city, you might run into heavy traffic depending on the time of day you’re on the road. There are a few main reasons for Denver’s traffic troubles, and they’re all interconnected:

• Denver is a major metropolitan area: All big cities have rush hour traffic ranging from “Not Great” to “Very Bad.” Denver falls somewhere on that scale, though the debate is still ongoing about exactly where.
• There has not been enough infrastructure expansion to meet the recent surge in population: The roads and highways of the Denver metro area weren’t built to accommodate the tens of thousands of people who move to the city each year.
• There is a lack of public transportation options: The city does have a Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus system and the RTD light rail, but those are the primary alternatives. This leads to an increase in automotive traffic when there aren’t enough other viable options.

Pro: Lots of job opportunities

According to Forbes, Denver, Colorado is the fourth-best city in the United States for business and careers. Out of 200 major cities, it ranked 32nd in job growth and 18th in education. Several major companies have their corporate headquarters in Denver or the surrounding area. Some of those giants include Century Link, Wells Fargo, Davita Healthcare Partners, Dish Network, and Western Union.

Additionally, the University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, and MSU Denver employ large swaths of the population, along with recreational and educational institutions such as the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Con: High cost of living

You won’t see an increase in job opportunities and population growth without simultaneously experiencing a surge in rent and property prices.

Denver’s cost of living sits 14% above the national average, but housing costs account for most of this, coming in at 38% above the national average. The median home price is about $551,000, while average rent hovers around $1,600/month, though this can vary in different places, especially among up-and-coming neighborhoods in Denver.

While finding affordable relocation housing to rent can be daunting if you aren’t completely sure where you want to live, it is doable. When it comes to Denver and the surrounding suburbs, you’ll get far more than what you pay for: an outstanding community with vibrant culture and incredible career opportunities.

Pro: Nice weather

Those who are new to life in Denver are often surprised to discover how pleasant the weather typically is. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year (more annual hours than Miami and San Diego!), mild winters, and a lack of humidity, most of the days are downright gorgeous.

Con: Drought and smoke from fires

Many western states are currently experiencing drought conditions, and Colorado is no exception. While the lack of heavy precipitation is nice for enjoying the outdoors, it results in long-lasting drought conditions.

Drought levels vary depending on the snowpack each winter, but to be proactive, Denver implements outdoor watering rules from May through October to help preserve reservoir levels. These conditions also mean that it’s easier for wildfires to start and difficult to put them out, which results in poor air quality days that can trigger respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Pro: Easy access to Colorado destinations

One of the best things about life in the Denver area is how close the city is to some incredible destinations. Whether you want to go for a drive on some of Colorado’s scenic byways or have a specific spot in mind, it’s easy to find things around the city to keep you entertained.

From ghost towns to major breweries, distillers, and wineries to the unlimited recreation options and national parks, Denver’s location makes it easy to visit a wide variety of destinations during a fun-filled day trip or weekend trip.

Con: Crowded outdoors

Because of the proximity to the mountains and other outdoor adventures in Colorado, it can get crowded on the trails and in the parks. Make sure that everyone has a good time and that these spaces can stay open and accessible by learning about trail etiquette and becoming familiar with Leave No Trace principles before you go.

Pro: Dog-friendly city

Zillow and Rover recently ranked Denver as the No. 1 emerging dog-friendly city, which is obvious from the number of dogs you’ll encounter during a walk wherever you rent in the city. If you’re new to the area, it’s a great way to meet other dog lovers and future friends! Many restaurants have patios (partially because of the great weather) where dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of parks that your furry friend will love.

Con: Not all of the dogs are trained

Unsurprisingly, the sheer number of dogs in the city means you might have a negative interaction with other pet owners and their pups. People don’t always train or leash their dogs, which can be scary if you have a timid dog or are trying to ensure that yours behaves well. Do your part by making sure that your dog is always leashed when it’s a requirement and picking up after it.

Pro: Great neighborhoods

If you’re considering moving to Denver, Colorado, there are countless neighborhoods with varying personalities and demographics. Start your apartment search in one of these beautiful Denver neighborhoods:

• Capitol Hill is a wonderful neighborhood if you’re looking to enter into the unique history of the city’s past. This lovely residential district features old mansions and beautiful homes.
• Highland is close to downtown Denver, offering a glimpse of city living with its trendy restaurants and shopping while being a residential neighborhood at heart.
• Sloan’s Lake is known for its walkability, abundant green space, and to-die-for food and drink options. Check out the neighborhood’s namesake for great fishing, kayaking, and stunning views of the mountains.
• Congress Park is part of Denver’s historic district and offers urban living at its very finest. With tons of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and parks within walking distance, Congress Park is a great place to be if you want to be close to the action.
• Washington Park is a residential, family-friendly community with sports facilities, playgrounds, green space, bike trails, and golf courses that Denverites love. This area is filled with environmentally conscious and community-minded residents who enjoy the peaceful vibe and many small, independently owned businesses.
• Cherry Creek is one of the city’s premier suburbs with retail and dining options, including the more than 160 stores at Cherry Creek Shopping Center and high-end restaurants featuring innovative, award-winning chefs. Head to Cherry Creek State Park for a respite from normal city life with all that you would expect from a state park as well as activities like horseback riding and even a family shooting range.

Con: Gentrification

Rapid population growth often leads to gentrification that can make it harder to find affordable housing and can also result in the loss of things that made those places special. While change is inevitable, support local businesses and restaurants when you can. Help preserve the sense of community that make these areas great places to live.

Pro: There’s always something to do

Denver is a bustling city year-round, and with a wide variety of paid and free things to do and places to go, this city makes it easy for you to stay busy. From music and beer festivals to incredible drinks and dining with a view to outstanding cultural events and museums, you’ll never be bored in the Mile High City.

Here are some ideas for affordable things to do:

• Enjoy a downtown food tour
• Check out a Colorado craft brewery or distillery
• See the street art in River North (RiNo) Art District
• Watch the sunset over the mountains during a ballgame at Coors Field
• Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
• Stroll Larimer Square at night
• Rent a pedal boat at City Park

Con: There’s almost too much to do!

The city’s stacked event calendar means that you might find yourself with multiple great options on the same day. Choosing between sports games, festivals, food and drink tours, outdoor activities, art, museums, hanging out downtown, and community events will be a challenge, but it’s a welcome one.

Finding an apartment in Denver, Colorado

Every city has its perks and flaws, just like there are pros and cons of living in Denver. As you embrace the pros, you can either ignore the cons or find ways around them.

If you’re looking to move to the Mile High City, Landing offers fully furnished apartments in Denver with flexible leases that let you live on your terms. Enjoy a hassle-free and low-commitment stay in the city to enjoy everything Denver has to offer new residents.

With no long-term leases and an easy relocation process, you can change your mind about Denver at any time—but with this pro-heavy list of pros and cons, we doubt you will. Browse Landing’s available apartments to rent in Denver today!