Why do People Move to Denver, and STAY?

Debe Maxwell, CRS has challenged us to write about our city and let the public know WHY we live and work in our City.   Why do I love Denver - let me count the reasons!   I personally have lived here since I was five, and that is a LONG TIME.   I have traveled to many places, but cannot think of ANYWHERE I would rather live!

The number one reason almost everyone LOVES living in Denver is the weather.   This sentence is a bit more difficult to write, as this winter has been more harsh than normal.    The normal is - we get a few inches, and in a couple of days, it has melted, and we are back into the 50's or 60's even mid-winter.   In early 2022, we had snow from January to April, then it was very nice.    We usually have very low humidity all year, which is wonderful, but we do have to lather on lotion to keep our skin hydrated.    The summers are now a bit warmer, and we do see some 100-degree temperatures, but not many.   In the winter, we don't see many below-zero temperatures either.   We do see some pretty good temperature swings!   It is not unusual to see 300 days of sunshine!

We ALWAYS know which direction is West!    The mountains never move and stay on the West side of Denver, so if it is light outdoors, you know which direction you are going!    When traveling to other cities, it is easy to get directionally challenged!

Many people move to Denver for outdoor activities!   You can drive a half-hour and get into the foothills and go hiking, fishing, skiing, bike riding, camping, or just sightseeing.   It is gorgeous!   Even living here for most of my life, I NEVER get tired of seeing the mountains, they are majestic.   There are many golf courses and reservoirs in the City to enjoy water activities.    There are hiking opportunities in many locations around town also.  In the Spring, you can go and ski and half a day, and come back into Denver and go waterskiing.   Most think Denver is in the mountains, but we are at the foothills.    

The job market is endless and we have only a 2.9% unemployment rate (The national rate is 3.4%).    There are large tech companies with hubs in Denver - Google, Xero, and Zoom along with many aerospace companies offering higher-paid positions.     Health science is another booming career choice with the Anschutz campus and university.     The legalization of marijuana initially brought many to Denver, opening dispensaries all over Denver, but are seeing a decline in sales now, which is nice!

Denver is a very diverse city and has so many food choices you are craving, you can find them in Denver in both restaurants and in food markets.    Restaurant week is held at least once a year, sometimes twice, giving you options to try out new venues and/or new food choices.

There is always something to do on the weekends.   There are several convention centers holding various events.    You can find boating, fishing, camping, home & garden or stock show fun!   The Denver Convention Center is the 12th largest center in the Country with 2,000,000 square feet with 1,000 parking spaces and opened in 1990, with the first event being the NBA Draft for the Denver Nuggets.   We have a Performing Arts Center in the heart of downtown providing plays and musicals and other venues in Denver for concerts and solo shows.

Residents of Denver LOVE sports!    We have all the major sports teams, and on occasion are able to celebrate a national win from a team.    The Broncos have won the Super Bowl (we are hoping the new management and coach will produce a better team this year), the Avalanche just won the Cup, and the Nuggets do well also.   The Rockies are exciting to watch in the summer.    We have soccer and lacrosse.

There are major shopping centers on every side of Denver, including downtown and Cherry Creek.    You can find the major stores, along with the local boutique shops owned by a local.

What are MUST-SEE destinations if/when you come to Denver?

• Coming to Denver (if it is only for a visit), you don't want to miss Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater!    This stunning place is on 738 acres where you will find wildlife and geological wonders along with absolutely breathtaking views at night of Denver.   It is located at 6,450 feet in elevation.    All the powerhouse entertainers want to come to Denver for its location and there is always a great line-up during the summer.   It is located right at the foothills in Morrison.
• Want to see how beer is made?    Coors Brewery is located in Golden, offering public tours, and even offering samples to those of legal age.
• The Denver Mint is another place you may want to visit!   It is rich in history producing billions of coins each year and provides a free guided tour.   The Denver Mint is located in downtown Denver.

I have worked with many relocation families, and when they get here, they say -- we probably will get transferred out.   Then when they do, they say --- we are trying to get transferred back to Denver - we just love it!