Is Denver a Good Place To Live?
Over the last few decades, Denver, Colorado, has been a popular destination for people looking to move. The Mile High City can be a great place to live, but it also depends on your own personal needs and wants.
Known for its year-round weather and ample recreational opportunities, the Mile High City continues to be a popular choice as there is plenty of nature in the area mixed with wonderful urban amenities. In other words, it’s a comfortable mix of both rural and urban attractions for all to enjoy.
Again, there are a lot of personal factors that can go into deciding whether or not living in Denver is right for you. It’s always a good idea to assess what you’re looking for in a residence and then compare those needs with the characteristics of your destination. Fortunately, we can help.
Here at Freedom Insurance Group, we love helping Coloradans, both old and new. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, there are several attractive reasons to move to Denver. Below, we explore these factors and characteristics. Learn more to see if the Mile High City fits your needs.
Is Denver Colorado a Good Place To Live?
Yes, Denver, Colorado, can be a great place to live for a variety of people. However, this will vary depending on what you’re looking to get out of a city. For example, if you’re looking to get close to the ocean or rather the seclusion of the woods, Denver may not be the best option.
But there are several great reasons that keep people not just visiting but moving to the Mile High City on a permanent basis. If any of these fit your needs, you may want to consider making the move:
A Strong Economy
Business is a huge draw for those living in Denver, CO, and there is a combination of attractive economic factors that help keep the Mile High City a great place for your pocketbooks:
- According to Tax Foundation, Colorado has a flat 4.40% state individual income tax rate., as well as its corporate income tax rate. State sales tax is at 2.9% and locate sales tax has a cap at 8.3%, with the total combined tax rate coming out to 7.78%. When you consider low property taxes and state gas taxes, there are serious financial reasons to love Denver.
- But the economic attractiveness is much more than just tax breaks. The report from S. News has Denver ranked as the third-best economy found in the United States. This comes as the report ranks the Mile High City 5th for a business environment, 6th for employment metrics, and 12th in terms of growth.
Denver is known for a variety of industries and with such a vibrant economy, it’s clear to see that there are several positive factors for businesses and workers alike to be excited for. If you’re working in one of the following industries, according to Metro Denver EDC, moving to Denver can be a great opportunity for your career:
- Aerospace
- Aviation
- Bioscience
- Broadband and Digital Communications
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Financial Services
- Food and Beverage Production
- Healthcare and Wellness
- IT Software Industry
Additionally, Buckley AFB may be technically in Aurora, but it’s safe to say that the military community plays a big role in Denver’s economy. Therefore, if you’re looking to work in national defense, there are also ample opportunities available.
Recreation
If you’re looking to get outdoors, Denver continues to be one of the best major U.S. cities to do so. Sure, you’re going to find plenty of urban attractions and we’ll get to those, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find residents not enjoying the great outdoors in a variety of fun, engaging ways.
Some of the really good attributes that Denver possesses when it comes to recreation is that there are great options for any season, age demographic, and interest:
- The natural beauty found in and around Denver is a huge draw for residents. 14,000 acres of parks can be found throughout the Mile High City represented through 22 accessible parks and 24 conservation areas.
- You’ll also have plenty of access to recreation outside of the city limits. Beyond the 80 miles of trails within Denver, there are many, many more throughout the countryside of the Centennial State that can be easily accessible to residents.
- There are also several opportunities to enjoy more extreme sports year-round. This includes world-class ski resorts, trails for snowmobiling in the winter and riding ATVs in the summer, rock climbing, kayaking, and much more.
- Denver also loves its sports and features several major league teams. So, it’s no surprise that you’ll find parks, courts, and fields throughout the city ranging from playing a quick pick-up game to adult leagues and of course, organized sports for kids.
- Residents can also find ample opportunities to hunt and fish near the city. There are even resorts and guides, ensuring a responsible hunting or fishing experience no matter what your skill level.
The natural beauty that is found living in Denver, Colorado, is arguably never better than when enjoying the great outdoors. A majority of the days are sunny and the weather is relatively much milder than many other locations in the United States.
Even in the winter, there may be some snow, but it’s much more manageable than in many other states. Overall, the combination of picturesque views, unique opportunities, and comfortable weather continues to make Denver a good place to live.
Entertainment and Amenities
It’s difficult to balance nature with city life but it’s also hard to find a place that does it better than Denver. You’ll find world-class luxuries, eclectic nightlife, chain restaurant favorites, along with local eateries, and much more throughout the city. Here are some of Denver’s best entertainment features:
- There are at least 17 museums ranging from art installations to historical preservation throughout the city.
- The Denver metro area is home to a variety of major league sports that include the NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, and NHL.
- Of course, having that many stadiums and arenas also makes Denver a popular host of various events including concerts and shows. However, the crown jewel is the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre which continues to bring in world-class touring acts for unforgettable performances.
- Throughout Denver, there are many highly-acclaimed craft breweries and if you’re 4/20 friendly, you’ll find plenty of shops as well.
- Denver Union Station is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to indulge in shopping, grabbing a bite, and socializing.
It doesn’t matter where you go, whether it be a local farmers’ market or a nationwide touring act, throughout all of the best neighborhoods in Denver, you’ll find plenty of things to do and a sense of community.
Is Denver a Good Place To Live for Singles?
Yes, Denver is rated as one of the best places in the nation to live if you’re single. If you’re tired of looking for love in the wrong places and wish to mingle ins a city known for its dating scene, then Denver is the place to be.
WalletHub conducted a study that ranked cities throughout the United States on the prospects of dating. Not only did Denver come out third in terms of overall dating opportunities, but the city also claimed the third-highest ranking overall. In addition to dating opportunities, the study also took into consideration economic factors and entertainment.
This trend could actually be gaining steam if the recent housing trends are anything to go on. The Denver population has been trending more and more towards renting in recent years with the U.S. Census showing that 49.6% of homes were occupied by their owner.
Overall, renters are more likely to be single than in relationships. This trend is a positive one for singles looking to mingle as the city continues to be a destination for those not in relationships all while cultivating an affordable, entertaining platform in which to socialize.
Is Denver a Good Place To Live For Climbing?
If you’re a fan of rock climbing, then look no further than the Mile High City. Truth be told, there may be smaller cities in Colorado better equipped for easier access, but there are several popular climbing locations that are only a short drive from Denver, including the following:
- Castlewood Canyon State Park is within an hour of downtown.
- Rocky Mountain National Park can be found around an hour and a half away.
- Garden of the Gods is also around an hour and a half away from Denver.
But if you’re serious about bouldering, you’re going to need more than just the outdoors. Thankfully, Colorado is well equipped to handle such demands with around a dozen indoor climbing gyms, plenty of stores for purchasing equipment, and a thriving community of climbing enthusiasts.
Colorado has the second-largest amount of indoor climbing facilities in the U.S. and is lagging only behind the much higher populated state of California. If you’re looking to maintain your hobby or try something new, there are ample opportunities to be found while living in Denver.
Is Denver a Good Place To Live for Young Professionals?
Life in Denver, Colorado, means having access to a strong economic region across many industries. There is also plenty of entertainment, recreation, and nightlife. On top of it all, as we’ve mentioned before, the Mile High City continues to be a great place to spark a relationship. Denver is a great place for young professionals to find their way while building up hobbies, a social life, and a resume all at the same time.
Is Denver a Good Place To Live With Asthma?
Research on high-altitude climate therapy (HACT), such as studies executed by the National Library of Medicine, show that there can be some benefits for living in higher altitudes if you suffer from asthma and you won’t find a major city with a higher elevation than Denver.
With that being said, this isn’t medical advice and you’ll need to consult with a healthcare provider before making any major decisions. There are several reasons for this, including the following:
- Life in Denver, CO, continues to be a desirable one for many Americans, but it’s not perfect. One of the drawbacks can be found in many major cities and that’s pollution. This can be amplified at times as it remains trapped among the mountains.
- It’s also worth noting that research on HACT is still needed to fully understand its effectiveness. The practice has been around for quite some time and it continues to be looked at as a great option for asthma and allergy sufferers, but far from an absolute means of management.
- Finally, everyone is different. Our bodies work in a myriad of ways and what may work for someone greatly might not work for you. Again, you’ll need to speak with a healthcare professional to better understand your options.
What County Is Denver In?
While the heart of Denver is found in Denver County, the metro area as a whole is a part of several other counties. These include Adams County, Arapahoe County, Broomfield County, Clear Creek County, Douglas County, Elbert County, Gilpin County, Jefferson County, and Park County.
How To Save Money on Coverage While Living in Denver
It’s clear to see that Denver is a good place to live and if you’re looking to make the move, there are plenty of great reasons to do so. Whether you are a single professional looking to start a career, a business owner looking for a place to launch your new venture, or a family looking to raise a family, the Mile High City has a lot to offer.
But whether you rent or own, your home, you’re going to need protection. It’s also against Colorado car insurance laws to operate a vehicle without at least a minimum amount of liability coverage. Additionally, sticking to these minimum coverages may leave you vulnerable.
While living in Denver, Colorado is great, there are also several risks involved, as there would be with any city. Here is a breakdown of coverages available that can help you save money and protect yourself in a variety of ways:
- If you’re a homeowner, home insurance policies are going to be a must. Not only are you protecting your home but you’ll also gain personal liability coverage against certain risks along with protection for your personal property, even when it’s outside of your home.
- For renters, having renters insurance is going to go a long way in protecting your personal property while your landlord takes care of protecting the physical structure of your home.
- Auto insurance in Colorado comes in many shapes and forms through different coverages that protect in different ways. There’s even cheap full coverage auto insurance in Colorado and bundles available to help you save while protecting more.
- Sometimes liability claims can exceed the amount of coverage you have with your home and auto policies. Fortunately, there are supplemental policies through umbrella insurance in Colorado that can help you safeguard from this risk.
- Finally, you’ll also want to consider flood insurance in Colorado. This coverage has become more and more important over the last several years as the threat of flooding and unpredictability of the weather event continues to be a risk. Both homeowners and renters will need flood insurance to protect against this peril.
Insurance can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. At the end of the day, everyone has different needs and risk tolerances. The best thing you can do is simply assess what risks can affect you and your finances, safeguard against them with the appropriate policies, and enroll with peace of mind.
Here at Freedom Insurance Group, our team is here to help you find personalized coverage in Denver while also saving money. There are no gimmicks and no extra cost to you. We partner with many of the top-rated insurance companies, assess your needs, compare your coverage options, and quickly deliver you the right policies at the lowest price possible.
On average, our clients save 40% when making the switch and because we work with a variety of brands, the focus is on your needs not those of a particular carrier. Give us a call at the number above or get a free, accurate home insurance quote, an auto insurance quote, or a flood insurance quote online today!