Has the lure of Colorado's ski resorts, 300 days of sunshine, and incredible mountain views been pulling you in lately? You're not alone! Colorado has been drawing in a boom of adventure-minded residents seeking luxury homes. But buying a house in Colorado comes with several important considerations, especially if you're new to the state. If you're thinking of buying a home in the Centennial State, read on for the things you should know first.
1: Colorado is more than just a perfect ski trip destination
Don't get us wrong, the skiing opportunities in Colorado are top-notch! With world-renowned resorts like Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone, a mountain town is perfect for every skier. But Colorado is also an amazing place to call home year-round. With sunshine a vast majority of the year, incredible mountain views, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that so many people are interested in buying a house in Colorado, whether you’re looking at Denver County real estate or condos for sale in Arapahoe County.
Besides skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. In the fall, go for a hike to enjoy the changing leaves, take the family apple picking and enjoy apple cider, enjoy the hatch and pueblo chilis in September, explore an epic corn maze like the 7-acre one at
Chatfield Farms, or even tour a haunted hotel!
In the spring, check out the
Mile High Beer Fest, watch sandhill cranes migrate through Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, attend a film festival, or hit the trails for hiking and biking. And in May, if you want to avoid the summer camping crowds, be sure to head out to the mountains for some solitude. Just remember to dress warmly!
The summers are perfect for enjoying farmers' markets, hiking, mountain biking, visiting one of Colorado's many amazing national parks during wildflower season, or whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River. Be sure to enjoy produce like fresh peaches from Palisade and cantaloupes from Rocky Ford.
And that's just the outdoors! For indoor activities, you can find art galleries, world-class museums, delicious restaurants, brain-stumping escape rooms, exciting nightlife, and so much more. So whether you are looking for other things to do in the off-season or even if you don't ski, Colorado is still an incredible place to live!
2: What life is like in Colorado
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If you're moving to Colorado from a more urban area, you'll be surprised by how different life is in many of the towns in the Centennial State. From the slower pace of life to the close-knit community feel, there's a lot to love about living in Colorado. If you still crave urban life, don't worry — you can find that in cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs!
One of the best things about living in Colorado is the access to the great outdoors. With so many national parks, forests, and hiking trails, you'll never run out of places to explore. And if you love skiing or snowboarding, you’ve found your place!
One thing to keep in mind is that Colorado is a very outdoor-oriented state. From hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and every snow-based activity you can think of in the winter, there are endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the incredible scenery.
If you're not an outdoorsy person, don't worry! There's still plenty to do in Colorado, from exploring the vibrant city life in Denver to checking out the many art galleries and museums.
3: School systems in Colorado
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If you're not sure where to start, we suggest talking to other parents in the area, contacting the school district directly, or checking out local school ratings on
GreatSchools.org. They'll be able to give you more information on the schools in the area and help you decide which one is right for your family.
4: Best places to visit in Colorado
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If you're looking for a weekend getaway, there are plenty of great places to visit in Colorado. Here are a few of our favorites:
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Rocky Mountain National Park: This world-famous national park is a must-see for any nature lover. With the Rocky Mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and fascinating wildlife, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular parks in the country.
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Denver: The “Mile High City” offers something for everyone, from great restaurants and bars to world-class museums and art galleries. There's also a lively music scene, and you can't visit Denver without visiting the Red Rocks.
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Boulder: Just a short drive from Denver, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado and offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of great food and drink options. If you're a fan of the outdoors, be sure to hike the Flatirons or explore one of the many trails in Boulder Canyon.
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Colorado Springs: Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is home to numerous outdoor attractions, including Garden of the Gods, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. There's also a thriving arts and culture scene, with the Broadmoor World Arena and the
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center being two of the most popular destinations
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5: The outdoor lifestyle
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As we mentioned before, Colorado is a very outdoor-oriented state. If you're not used to spending time outdoors, it might take some getting used to! However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors without being an expert hiker or climber. Here are a few ideas:
6: The cost of living in Colorado
Colorado is a great place to live, but it's important to be aware of the cost of living as you plan how to afford a house in Colorado. In general, the
cost of living in Colorado is higher than the national average by 12% and continues to rise annually. Housing costs are one of the biggest expenses in Colorado, with real estate running 34% higher than the national average. Utilities also run higher, at an average of $241 monthly per household compared to the national average of $171. On the bright side, Colorado has a
flat tax of just 4.50% on all taxable income and a base rate of 2.9% sales tax, but cities are allowed to add their own sales tax on top of that.
All in all, Colorado is a great place to live, but it's important to be aware of the cost of living before you move. With a little planning and budgeting, you'll be able to enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.
Ready to get started?
There are a lot of things to consider before buying a house in Colorado. We hope this list has given you a better idea of what to expect! If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact the experienced agents at
Denver R.E.S. From Arapahoe County and Douglas County to Denver County real estate, this is a team you can count on to serve their clients with professionalism and dedication to success.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
