Denver County, Colorado comprises the city of Denver and is nestled between mountain ranges in the center of the state. There is plenty to love about this city, which is currently growing at an unprecedented rate as those from California, New York, and other major hubs come in search of the lifestyle Colorado offers. But the rose-colored glasses of a new way of life can easily make you overlook some of the less desirable parts of living there. So, before beginning your house hunt in the Denver County real estate market, we advise you to make sure you know the pros and cons of living in this gorgeous city.
Pros of living in Denver County, Colorado
It has stunning weather throughout the year
No matter what part of the year, Denver has incredible weather. From mild, sunny summers to crisp snowy winters perfect for hitting the slopes. Falls and springs are slightly shorter here, but you still get the beauty of all four seasons and can enjoy the many Denver County attractions throughout the year.
It’s home to many sports teams
Denver is home to numerous professional sports teams, such as:
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The Denver Rockies (baseball) playing at Coors Field
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The Denver Broncos (football) playing at Empower Field at Mile High
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The Denver Nuggets (basketball) playing at Ball Arena
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The Colorado Rapids (soccer) playing at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
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The Colorado Avalance (hockey) playing at Ball Arena
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The Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse) playing at Ball Arena
And while neither team is technically headquartered in Denver County, many residents religiously follow The Buffs and The Rams in college football. Needless to say, no matter what the sport is, Denver residents have a team to root for.
There are ample outdoor recreation options
From hiking and mountain biking trails to ski areas and white water rafting, there is no end to outdoor recreation in the Denver area. Within the Denver city limits, there are many bike trails and greenways that wind through the neighborhoods, and if you want to drive up to an hour away on the weekend (depending on what side of the city you live on), you’ll have access to wildlife refuges, trailheads, and wilderness areas.
For those who love to hit the slopes, there are several options not too far away. Winter Park is open from Halloween through Memorial Day (this might vary depending on snow conditions) and has runs that are great for all levels. It also is accessible by train leaving from Denver Union Station on weekends. Keystone is another favorite; though it’s a little farther from Denver, it’s great for beginners and also has an incredible terrain park with its own life. Finally, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is a smaller, more local-friendly ski area that isn’t as tourist-heavy as some of the ski resort towns.
It’s relatively cost-effective for a major city
Compared to cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and even Chicago, Denver is an affordable locale that offers many incredible amenities to residents looking to switch up their lifestyles. As many job markets have begun to include remote employment opportunities, Denver is a shining star among the major American cities when it comes to quality of life.
It has a buzzing job market
Don’t think that just because people are moving here from out of state, that means that Denver isn’t full of its own opportunities. It has exploded as a tech hub, as well as aeronautics, energy, and finance. Unsurprisingly, there is also a huge boom of cannabis companies that call Denver home. With so many industries thriving here, this is a great place to live for professionals who value a vibrant career paired with a high quality of life.
Residents have access to great weekend getaways
If they’re craving a weekend trip outside of Denver, residents have plenty of options for places to go. For the outdoor adventurers, head to Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting, and stay in Grand Lake or Estes Park for a night or two. If shopping and dining are more the weekend agenda, Fort Collins is a charming town just over an hour from Denver. Its main street inspired Disneyland, and you can alternate your time between the lake and the brewery. For a full change of landscape, drive four hours to the south to find Great Sand Dunes National Park. Stay in a hotel or cabin nearby or rent a campsite; no matter where you stay, there’s plenty of hiking and scenery to enjoy.
It’s home to a world-renowned restaurant scene
Denver has emerged as one of the top culinary scenes in the country, and certainly in a non-coastal city. With many chef-driven restaurants, local breweries, and high-end dining experiences, residents have a feast for the palate when it comes to dining out in the city. There are too many must-try Denver restaurants to list here, but try Chez Maggy, Mercantile Dining & Provision, and Il Posto to start with.
Cons of living in Denver County, Colorado
There is heavy traffic
Denver has grown more and more congested over the years, especially as more people move in but the roads can’t keep up. There are many pros to living in Denver, but the traffic is not one of them. This makes picking your neighborhood vital when it comes to quality of life.
The high altitude
While the mountain air can be a benefit, the altitude can also be detrimental to some — especially at first. Denver sits at a mile above sea level and visitors and new homeowners often suffer from altitude sickness if they don’t take the proper precautions. Even after the adjustment period, residents are still at higher risk of dehydration and sun damage and should be sure to take proper care of themselves when outside or active.
Home prices have risen over the last few years
Like much of the country, home prices are on the rise in the Denver County housing market, and buyers will not find the same price bracket they would before 2020. With influx of homebuyers from many larger cities, the market has seen a steep increase. However, it is still comparable and even better to many housing markets in larger cities and, as it begins to even out, homebuyers should be able to find what they’re looking for within their price range.
Looking for Denver County real estate?
Reach out to Denver R.E.S., who can draw on years of experience and knowledge to answer all of your questions and help you begin your journey toward calling Denver County, CO your home.
