Moving To Colorado? (The Truth About Living Here)

 

Picturesque Colorado, with its soaring Rocky Mountains, lush green valleys and roaring rivers, offers incredible natural beauty. It’s this rich natural landscape which continues to draw in new residents from the around the United States year upon year….perhaps even you?

Known as the Centennial State, due to it officially becoming a state exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Colorado is home to more than 5.7 million people. With age comes wisdom, and CO is certainly doing something right given that the US Census Bureau data shows that from 2017 to 2018, the population grew by 1.4%, putting it in the nation’s top 7 fastest-growing states.

If you’re thinking about adding yourself to that list of newcomers, you won’t be alone. It’s not just the stunning natural backdrop that’s drawing in new residents; Colorado boasts a booming economy, fantastic education options, and a thriving real estate market. It’s no wonder it’s so high on the list of potential new states to call home for home buyers and renters.

Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about moving to Colorado. Who knows, you might just fall in love with the state like so many others.

Where Are The Best Places To Live In Colorado?

 

Colorado is a diverse state with many cities and suburbs that provide excellent quality of life, but with so many options on the table where is the best place to find a home and settle down?

Although Denver is the capital city, and the most populous city in the state, there’s also a whole host of other fantastic locations to consider when planning a move to Colorado. Starting with the capital, let’s take a look at what a few of the state’s top areas have to offer…

Denver

Denver, known as the “Mile High City”, continuously ranks as one of the most desirable cities to live in the US. In fact, just this year US News & World Report ranked Denver as the 2^nd best place to live in the country.

Others are certainly taking note; in 2016 the city appeared high in the top 10 fastest growing cities in the country, and in 2019, the metropolitan area of Denver approached a population of almost 3 million.

The area is especially popular among the younger crowd, with hoards of young professionals relocating to this cosmopolitan city each year.

Why Denver?

Denver has a strong culture of sports and entertainment, and is home to the likes of the Rockies, The Broncos, Avalanche, and The Nuggets. It’s also home to the best live music scene in Colorado, with regular concerts held at the absolutely breath-taking Redrocks Amphitheatre, a short 15-minute drive from downtown.

For those interested in the arts, the city boasts an impressive seven art districts which each host regular art walks around the city, as well as a thriving craft beer scene with independent breweries seemingly popping up by the day.

With such a vibrant and thriving culture, you might expect Denver to come with an extremely high price tag, but fortunately, although prices are steadily creeping upwards, the city remains relatively affordable, sitting only six percent higher than the national average. When comparing the cost of living here to likes of San Francisco, LA or Seattle, it’s definitely a more affordable option.

House prices sit at an average of $426,200, while renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city will set you back around $1,250 per month.

Aurora

Just a stone’s throw from downtown is the Denver suburb of Aurora, which has become one of the most sought-after areas to live in Colorado. It’s so popular that it’s now the third-largest city in the state of Colorado.

The convenient mix of cosmopolitan city life with the space, peace, and quiet of suburbia makes Aurora a popular choice for a wide demographic of people. In fact, the town is noted for its diverse population, which contributes to a rich and vibrant culture enjoyed by families, retirees and young professionals alike.

AreaVibes has awarded Aurora an A+ rating due to the large number of amenities, proximity to downtown and the wide selection of parks and open spaces.

House prices are relatively reasonable, with an average house price of $356,500 according to Realtor.com.

Boulder

Home to the University of Colorado, Boulder enjoys a vibrant and progressive culture. Hip areas like Pearl Street Mall and 13^th Street are packed with trendy coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, including a host of microbreweries and stylish wine bars.

Nature also plays a large part in the lives of Boulder residents, as the city sits next to the stunning Eldorado Canyon State Park and Boulder Canyon, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking climbing, and various other outdoor pursuits.

The outdoors lifestyle also extends to the commute for residents of Boulder, and it was recently named one of the best bike cities in America by Outside Magazine. Whether you cycle to and from work, or simply enjoy cycling for pleasure, Boulder is a fantastic option for bicycle enthusiasts.

Boulder’s popularity has also affected the house prices and in recent years property prices have climbed swiftly, meaning that the median home value in Boulder in 2019 was a pricey $751,700.

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Castle Rock

Just 35 minutes outside of Denver is the charming city of Castle Rock. It’s consistently hailed as one of the best places to live in Colorado, due to its small-town feel, friendly locals and proximity to nature. There’s the famous Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail, a 2.3-mile trail through beautiful wildflowers and expansive vistas of the meadows below. There’s also the longer and more challenging Ridgeline Open Space, which is perfect for a full day’s hiking or biking.

Castle Rock is also a popular choice for families, due to its lower crime rate and good school system. The vast indoor Miller Activity Complex keeps kids and adults entertained year-round, with everything from an indoor pool to an 18-hole golf simulator, plus a gym and extensive play areas.

The median price of a home in Castle rock in 2019 was  $483,400, which is a 2.5% increase from the previous year.  If you’re planning on renting here, expect to pay an average of around $2,200 per month.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the perfect place for nature lovers to settle, as it offers plenty of outdoor activities in the setting of the stunning Rocky Mountains. The local’s favorite hiking trails are over at the aptly named Garden of the Gods, a 1300 acre natural park of sandstone rock formations.

The city is also home to the US Airforce Academy, as well as the historic district of Old Colorado City in the downtown area, which is packed with quirky bars featuring live music, independent coffee shops, and boutique clothing stores.

A huge perk of Colorado Springs is the cost of living here, which is 6% lower than the national average. The average house costs around $341,000 and the median rent sits at a very reasonable $1,070 per month.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a city steeped in history and old fashioned charm. The national historic district is packed with period buildings and quaint local stores. The charm is so much so that Disneyland modeled its Main Street USA on it.

The city is home to Colorado State University, and was recently ranked at number 3 out of the 50 Best College Towns poll by College Ranker. College kids are particularly fond of the 20+ craft breweries that pepper the city, which includes famous names such as Anheuser-Busch and New Belgium. Fort Collins produces over 70% of the states’ craft beer and has a proud brewing culture to be explored.

Nature lovers will also love Fort Collins for its easy access to the Cache la Poudre River, which offers stunning mountain views and endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as white water rafting, trout fishing, camping, and kayaking.

The average home in Fort Collins is around $425,000, while the average rental price for an apartment is $1542 per month.

Lakewood

Just a stone’s throw away from Denver is the beautiful city of Lakewood, home to lovers of the great outdoors. People flock here every year to enjoy the famous Bear Creek Lake Park, which boasts 2600 acres of natural open space. It’s filled with hiking and horse riding trails, as well as campgrounds and a stunning lake to cool off in.

City dwellers will enjoy the modern Belmar Downtown Shopping District which is filled with fantastic dining options to suit all budgets, as well as a cinema complex, extensive fashion outlets, bars and live music venues.

The average house price in the city in 2019 was around $300,600, and renters paid an average of $1,156 per month.

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How Is The Job Market In Colorado?

 

Unless you won the lotto or inherited a fortune from a long-lost uncle, working for a living is no doubt a reality you’ll be facing in CO.

The good news is that Colorado’s job market is thriving, with 73,000 new positions opening up over 2019 alone. Many people filling these jobs were residents moving in from other states, proving again that Colorado is seen as a particularly desirable state to live and work in.

Jobs vary from low skilled manual labor roles to highly skilled, highly paid positions at top Fortune 500 companies. The capital Denver boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the whole country.

Industries

Aerospace

Did you know that Colorado is home to the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy? As it also means that the state’s residents rank among one of the country’s most highly educated workforces in the nation.

Nine of the top aerospace contractors in the US operate from within Colorado, along with a huge presence of research and development from NASA and the US Department of Defense.

Tech

Tech companies in Colorado employ hundreds of thousands of highly skilled employees, and new jobs continue to be created daily. Colorado ranks as #6 in the country for it’s concentration of high-tech workers. For example, a recent $350 million satellite production facility at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton Canyon is one example of how the demand for skilled tech workers is continuing to rise across the state. If you’re good behind a keyboard or are a self-proclaimed “geek” ready to nerd out with the latest and greatest innovations, Colorado might feel right at home.

Craft Beer

Sud or dud, if you’re into the diverse craft beer scene you’re in luck. Colorado is famous for its craft beer, and in recent years the industry has grown rapidly. There are currently more than 300 craft breweries in the state, many of them operating on a huge national and international scale. According to a report by Brewers Association, the craft beer industry in the state has the best per capita economic impact of anywhere in the entire country. And hey, if you’re not into making or supporting the making of the beer, at least you can have a drink or two in appreciation.

Cannabis

Up in smoke? Only because the cannabis industry is HOT, HOT, HOT right now. Colorado famously became the first state to legalize the possession and distribution of recreational cannabis, and has since reaped the benefit of a $1 billion dollar industry. Sales of cannabis continue to rise month after month, and the industry employs thousands of people from highly-skilled, high earning positions, to low skilled, lower-paid jobs.

Agriculture

Agriculture is big business in Colorado, with almost half of the states’ land area dedicated to growing and producing fresh produce. While many of these jobs in the agricultural sector require a high level of skill and expertise, the industry also employs a huge amount of low skilled workers and provides a large number of blue-collar jobs.

Top Employers in the State

Within the tech and aerospace industries, the top employers include the likes of Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, and the Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Other major employers from outside these industries include the University of Colorado in Boulder, which employs around 13,300 people currently, as well as the University of Boulder who employs around 4,500 people at last count.

Rounding out the Top 10 Employers by Size:

1. Catholic Health Initiatives
2. DaVita Kidney Care
3. Chipotle Mexican Grill
4. TTEC
5. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
6. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
7. State of Colorado
8. Red Robin
9. City and County of Denver
10. JBS USA

How Is The Colorado Real Estate Market?

 

After years of steady growth, Colorado’s real estate market continues to trend upwards. This is mainly due to a strong economy across the state, as well as a strong appeal to outsiders to move to the Centennial State; Colorado continues to rank as one of the top places to live in the country. For example, Denver recently took No. 13 in the 40 Best Cities to Live for a Healthy Work-Life Balance.

The word is spreading around the country of Colorado’s promise of a better life, and as the newcomers arrive, the housing market picks up the pace.

The median price of a property listing in Colorado is currently $428,900, while the actual mean price of a sold house is $369,900. Property prices will vary greatly throughout the state. Interestingly, despite Denver being the largest and most populous city in Colorado, it is Boulder which has the highest property prices.

How Much Does It Cost To Live In Colorado?

 

Aside from purchasing property, how affordable is it to live in Colorado? Sure, moving is exciting, but it’d be a whole lot less nerve-wracking if you were able to figure out a budget in advance.

Let’s take a look at what some of the most common living expenses are like in the state…

Renting vs Buying

According to Apartment List’s data from 2019, the average you could expect to pay for a two-bedroom apartment in Colorado comes in at right around $1,305 per month, which is $130 more than the national average. However, keep in mind this is the “average” state-wide, so there is a lot of flexibility depending on the specific area you’re shopping in.

In Denver, to rent a studio apartment you’d be spending an average of $871 per month, and for a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll need to dig deep in those pockets so come up with an average of $1,064. Boulder is even more expensive, reflecting property prices there, with a studio costing $1,017 per month and a one-bedroom costing $1,158 per month.

Utilities

Tired of expensive utility bills? Interested in reducing your carbon footprint and making a difference with the environment? You’re in luck. A 2017 report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated that Colorado residents consume significantly less energy than the national average.

This is due in part to seasonal advantages as well as the lifestyle habits of the state’s residents. The average monthly utility bill in Colorado is $86.47, noticeably less than the national average of $111.67.

Food

We all have to eat right? Question is…what will it cost you in CO?

The cost of food in Colorado varies depending on where you choose to live. The national average monthly amount spent on groceries is currently $323.72. In comparison, residents of Denver currently spend $337.09, and people living in Colorado Springs spend an average of $348.53 per month, both higher than the national average.

These figures tend to suggest that food is slightly pricier than the national average, but it can also reflect the tastes and grocery shopping habits of Colorado’s residents, with many people choosing to spend more on organic vegetables and grass-fed meats, for example.

Transportation

The average price for a gallon of gas in Colorado is $2.78, according to data from Gas Buddy from May 2019. This is actually slightly below the national average of $2.90 per gallon.

Those who choose not to drive have the option of bus and rail services within Denver, Boulder, and other nearby cities. The average monthly cost of public transport for local services is $114, however, if you are commuting in a wider regional area, the cost rises to an average of $200 per month.

Healthcare

The overall healthcare costs in Colorado are above the national average. According to data from the Health Care Costs Institute, in the Fort Collins metro area you will pay 18% more than the median average, in Denver it’s 13% more, and in Boulder, it’s 6% more.

Things look a little brighter when we look at averages for employees’ insurance coverage contributions. In 2017, data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality showed that Colorado employees had an annual average insurance contribution of $1,375, which is $40 below the national average.

Colorado Taxes

Colorado operates a flat-tax system, meaning that everyone pays the same income tax rate of 4.63% regardless of how much they earn. If you’re in a high paying job this is fantastic news, however, those with lower incomes may struggle.

The base sales tax rate in Colorado is 2.9%, however, some cities and towns add their own taxes, which, to use the example of the upscale ski town of Snowmass Village, can get as high as 10.4%.

Homeowners in Colorado benefit from some of the lowest property tax rates in the country, with an average effective rate of just 0.57%. Interestingly, all property taxes are collected directly by the county of residence, and do not go to the Colorado state government.

In the case of Marijuana, Colorado’s famous new legal recreational activity, the drug is subject to a 2.9% sales tax, the same base rate as all sales tax on other products across the state, as well an additional 15% sales tax and a 15% marijuana excise tax.

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Is Colorado A Good Place To Retire?

 

While some dream of beaches and palm trees, for others approaching their golden years, the serenity of nature and clean crisp mountain air are like chicken noodle for the soul. Colorado is seen as a wonderful place to spend retirement years. From the stunning natural beauty, endless opportunities to keep fit and enjoy the great outdoors, as well as the high standard of health care, Colorado ticks most of the boxes when it comes to a retirement destination.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why so many seniors choose to call Colorado home.

Tax Breaks

Colorado is an incredibly tax-friendly place to live for retirees. There’s a large deduction on all retirement income, bringing the effective tax rate for over 65’s down to 0.57%. Colorado also has some of the lowest property tax rates in the United States.

It’s also worth noting that food and medicine are exempt from sales tax, making it much easier to meet the cost of living for seniors.

Healthy Living

Colorado residents are overwhelmingly active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, ranking 8^th in the country for good health, according to a study conducted by the United Health Foundation.  It also boasts the second-lowest obesity rate in the nation. This is due to the fact that residents are surrounded by countless opportunities to stay fit and healthy, alongside a culture that places a large focus on health and wellness.

Colorado retirees will find themselves surrounded by people who value an active and healthy lifestyle, and this mindset is sure to rub off on newcomers.

Health Care

The state of Colorado has over 100 quality hospitals, some of which boast top national rankings. UC Health University of Colorado in Aurora is ranked the best hospital in the state and ranks nationally in a total of seven specialisms, as well as working closely alongside the highly-rated University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Outdoor Activities

One great way to embrace a healthy lifestyle in retirement is to stay fit and active in nature, and what better place to partake in outdoor adventures than Colorado? The state boasts four spectacular national parks, including the famous Rocky Mountain National Park, alongside Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde.

Retirees can embrace the area’s natural beauty by taking regular hikes and joining walking groups with like-minded outdoorsy people.

Invigorating Climate

Colorado boasts not just two, but four beautiful seasons per year. Witness the blanket of wildflowers during the spring, enjoy the warmth of the dry summer sun, see the rich autumnal leaves fall and make the most of the ample snow during the winter ski season. The favorable climate also brings over 300 days of sunshine per year, helping retirees to get outside and make the very most of their golden years.

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What Are The People And Culture In Colorado Like?

 

Colorado is a rich and diverse tapestry of races, cultures, and communities living alongside each other. This melting pot society means that there is a wealth of cultural experiences to embrace when living in the Centennial State, from music to dance to culinary celebrations.

One large part of Colorado culture that unifies its residents is the love of the nature. Colorado is a place full of outdoorsy people who regularly enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking and exploring the natural world around them.

Politically, the state of Colorado is relatively mixed, with certain areas leaning towards more conservative values and others more liberal. When it comes to social issues however, Colorado tends to be more liberal than the average state. This is evident from issues such as the legalization of recreational marijuana, which the majority of the state voted in favor of.

Overall the people in Colorado are known to be friendly and welcoming to visitors and new residents moving from other parts of the country.

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What Are The Coolest Things To Do In Colorado?

 

When it comes to activities to try and things to do in Colorado, there’s an overwhelming focus on nature and the great outdoors. There are simply far too many incredible places to list them all, but let’s take a look at some of the most popular attractions in the state that we think are worth taking time to check out no matter if you’re making the move or simply passing through on vacation.

Colorado Fruit and Wine Country

In the areas of Palisade, Grand Junction, Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Cedaredge sit some of the country’s finest vineyards and wineries to explore. It’s possible to take a week-long tour through the region sampling the delectable wines and exploring the sloping vineyards and orchards.

Shine Pass

During the springtime, this is one of the most spectacular places to witness Colorado’s famous wildflowers in bloom. The rolling meadows are blanketed with vibrant colors, blooming into a kaleidoscope of nature. The trail offers a spectacular 360-degree view including the soaring Mount of the Holy Cross in the Sawatch Mountain Range.

Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls path is a hiker’s paradise that traverses the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains until you reach the roaring 40 ft falls. The fall’s astounding noise and cooling spray can be felt long before you reach them. The area is also home to countless other hiking and biking trails to explore.

Ute Mountain Tribal Park

Situated near Cortez, the Ute Mountain Tribal Park can only be accessed through a unique program guided by Ute natives. The land is home to Ancestral Puebloans who called this place home for over 1000 years. The park only allows a maximum of 1,300 visitors per year in order to preserve the natural peace and beauty of the place.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Enjoy a concert at this stunning and unique amphitheater that is one of the crowning jewels of the Colorado music scene. Dramatic red rock outcroppings rise out of the earth to create a natural amphitheater with perfect acoustics. Enjoy an early evening show here to make the very most of the majestic atmosphere.

Strawberry Parks Hot Springs

Strawberry Parks Hot Springs is an incredible lagoon of natural beauty that lets you have an indulgent and relaxing experience in the lap of stunning natural beauty. There are changing rooms provided, hiking trails and picnic areas dotted around the immediate area, so you can enjoy a full day experience here.

Toltec Scenic Railroad

Starting in Antonito, Colorado and ending in Chama, New Mexico, the Toltec Scenic Railroad spans 64 miles of beautiful countryside. A ride on this narrow-gauge heritage railroad feels like going back in time. The steam engine chugs its way through famous natural landmarks such as the Rio Grande and Carson National Forest.

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The Pros And Cons Of Living In Colorado

 

Now that we’ve taken an in-depth look at Colorado, let’s examine some of the pros and cons of moving to the Centennial State.

Pros

• Outdoor living – What could be better than living with Colorado’s unrivaled natural beauty on your doorstep? It’s a paradise for skiers, hikers, cyclists, swimmers and adventurers of all kinds.
• The weather – Colorado boasts better weather than most other states in the nation. Although the climate can be unpredictable at times, the state enjoys sunshine throughout the majority of the year, as well as lower levels of humidity that plague many other states during the summer months.
• Health care – The US Department of Health and Human Services place Colorado in the nation’s top 10 providers of medical care in the country. This, along with a strong culture of health and wellbeing means that the state ranks as one of the overall healthiest in the country.
• The option of legalized marijuana – As the first state in the nation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, Colorado earns over a billion dollars per year in revenue which directly funds infrastructure and educational programs.
• Income tax ratesIncome tax rates – A flat income tax rate of 4.63%, regardless of income levels, means that if you are a high earner, Colorado is an extremely tax-friendly state to live in.

Cons

• The comparatively high cost of living – This is especially prevalent in cities such as Denver and Boulder. The cost of living in Colorado can sit too high above the national average to be affordable for lower-income earners.
• Traffic – Colorado has a worse than average traffic problem which means that rush hour can seem constant, not just during the morning and evening commute. Weekends can also be particularly bad as people head up into the mountains for recreation.
• Better healthcare at a higher cost – Although the standard of health care is high in Colorado, for those who do not access insurance through an employer, the costs are higher than the national average.

Strange Laws & Fun Facts About Colorado

 

Strange Laws

Every state has its fair share of odd and outdated laws that both bemuse and amuse residents and visitors. Let’s take a look at what Colorado has to offer.

Don’t drink and ride

It’s illegal to ride a horse under the influence of alcohol in Colorado. This perhaps very sensible law got the better of one Boulder resident, who was arrested in the downtown area for Riding Under the Influence in 2013.

Keep your dandelions under control

Since they are considered a weed, the city of Pueblo puts a restriction of 10 inches maximum on dandelions growing on your lawn.

No catapulting in Aspen

The medieval practice of shooting your enemies with catapults is strictly forbidden in this famous ski town, in fact even owning one as a toy can land you in trouble.

Louisville is a chicken-free zone

It’s illegal to own a chicken in Louisville, however, those who wish to can own up to a maximum of three turkeys.

Challenging a police officer is not an offense

At least until he or she asks you to stop, in which case you must back down or you could face arrest.

Fun Facts

To wrap up our overview of moving to Colorado, let’s look at some fun facts from the Centennial State.

• At Four Corner’s Monument you can stand in 3 other states at the same time… Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
• The Grand Mesa, close to Grand Junction, is the world’s largest flattop mountain.
• Colorado has the highest paved road in the U.S., the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
• Colorado is home to the United States’ highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canyon City.
• In 1976, Colorado became the only state in history to turn down the Winter Olympics.
• The tallest sand dune in America is located in San Louis Valley, Colorado.
• The name Colorado means ‘colored red’.

Ready To Make The Move To The Great State of Colorado?

Those who are residents of the state already know why so many find it attractive. As the second fastest-growing state in the nation, Colorado is no longer a “hidden gem” but a coveted destination for many looking to pick up and set down roots somewhere new.

From the high quality of life, to beautiful weather and a vibrant environmentally friendly and healthy culture, the state has a lot to offer. We hope you found this guide helpful and that you’ll take the time to visit the state and explore all it has to offer for yourself.

 

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