Three hundred days of sunlight means there is so much to do in Denver. Known as the Mile High City, Denver elevates itself 5,280 feet above the current sea level. A natural landscape, the city offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and blue skies.
The city is every bit as modern as it is historical. You can fully explore seasonal attractions that range from sports to artistic endeavors. From 19th-century buildings to live music festivals, Denver brings the best of both worlds. Get to know more about the 19th most populous metropolitan city in the United States!
Overview & History of Denver
Denver dates back to the Old West. Back in 1858, gold prospectors wanted to make their money. Originally from Kansas, they needed to set up an establishment in this new territory. Historically, this old settlement became Denver. Many settlers built gold mining towns nearby due to the prospecting boom known as Pike’s Peak Gold Rush.
Eventually, General William Larimer sought these lands and named the city after James W. Denver. By doing so, Larimer would try to gain favor from the Kansas governor. However, the governor already resigned by then, resulting in a futile maneuver.
The name Denver is a leftover reminder of this historical fact. Nonetheless, Larimer made a comfortable living with merchants and miners. Soon enough, Denver City became a popular area to exchange goods. It was a no longer unexplored territory in a mountainous region.
By 1861, Denver was no longer part of Kansas territory but rather Colorado. Denver City became the territorial capital in 1867. A statewide ballot in 1881 voted Denver as the state capitol. By this time, Denver City became known as Denver.
Before the end of the 1860s, Denver began to incorporate the transcontinental railroads. Residents began to fundraise in their efforts to connect Denver to the nearby Cheyenne. Despite the accumulated debt, Denver citizens did not want to be overtaken by Cheyenne in historical importance. By 1870, the Denver Pacific was completed, allowing the city to interact with the rest of the country. A new age of prosperity was on the horizon.
In the next decade, immigration took over the growing population. Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans were among the many workers and the Italian, German, and Chinese. However, there was a housing shortage, not to mention the Silver Crash of 1893. A rise in corruption took place with local gangs.
Despite this, Denver withstood its ground. Charity organizations were formed to help feed the poor. Its population grew more prominent by the day. Within the next few decades, Denver would expand in floriculture, which is the cultivation of flowers. They also took part in the early history of automobiles, also known as the Brass Era.
Today, Denver is the most populous city in the entire state of Colorado. It went from a small gold mining town to a metropolitan area. Denver runs a significant airport, plenty of interstate highways, and commuter rails.
Cost of Living in Denver
In 2019, Denver hosted a population of over 727,211 residents. It’s only inevitable the numbers continue to grow since then. Given the wide popularity of Denver, it means the city is more expensive. According to BestPlaces, the overall costs of living in Denver ranks at 128.7 compared to an average city with 100. Denver is slightly more pricey than other Colorado cities, which average at 121.1 respectively.
The median home cost of Denver is $426,200, which is considerably higher than the national average of $231,200. By state comparison, Colorado is only $384,000. These costs result from several factors, such as a growing population, lower interest rates, and housing prices. To afford a comfortable living, a household should make anywhere between $29,000 to $56,000.
When you look up apartments or houses to lease, use online tools at your disposal. It would help if you (previously to moving) always did your research beforehand to get the best deals possible. At the very least, rent prices are going down, in comparison to the last few years.
Do you want to start a new chapter of your life in a different location? You need to weigh in your options with the state costs carefully. What you need to do is determine how much you have to pay. Below are things to consider with the costs of living in Denver:
- Housing affordability
- Food and drinks
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Entertainment
- Utility bills
- Overall salary
Last but not least, it’s essential to mention the job market regarding Denver. There are reasons why living costs are higher than the national average – there are so many job opportunities available. You should consider a move to Denver if you want to grow your entire career exponentially.
The Job Market in Denver
There are several industries you can make a name for yourself in Denver. From high-tech infrastructure to oil and gas companies, Denver provides you plenty of career paths. Just last year, the United States reported Denver with a 7.4% unemployment rate, in comparison to the national average of 10.2%. The 2020 Census reports over 50% of Denver inhabitants carry a Bachelor’s Degree. Despite an increase in costs of living, residents enjoy a significant pay raise.
There are many high-demand jobs in the Denver area. These include nurses, physical therapists, teachers, database administrators, and software engineers. Most of these offer a good salary with career benefits like a paid vacation. The job market continues to rise since a growing population ensures demand for certain products and services. Denver also provides higher levels of education, which can further advance careers.
Denver is an excellent place to make a good amount of money with a low unemployment rate and lower interest rates. A healthy job market in the metro areas means you have good opportunities to advance your career. Take advantage (and you may find many here…) of the situation while you can! Beautiful scenery is just a bonus for a strong career and financial security.
Popular Neighborhoods
When you consider a move to Denver, you need to be aware of the surrounding areas. Denver is a fast-growing city with beautiful natural backdrops. There are several top places you can visit once you spend your time here in Denver. Here is a quick Denver guide to the most popular neighborhoods. Keep in mind it doesn’t follow a particular order.
First and foremost is Capitol Hill, which is not to be confused with the Washington D.C. area of the same name. Capitol Hill is a residential district with old-time mansions and historical value since it houses the Colorado State Capitol. However, it also offers a modern approach with the pun-based 13th Avenue, along with bars and restaurants. You can visit many parks, such as Congress Park, Cheesman Park, and Governor’s Park.
Another popular Denver neighborhood in Cherry Creek. It’s an upscale area similar to Capitol Hill, with plenty of apartments and houses to rent. There is a mix of old-school residences and posh living areas in this trendy neighborhood. There are also vibrant shopping districts, art galleries, small coffee shops, and fashionable businesses.
Downtown is a divided area between the Central and Lower parts. The Central Business District is precisely as it sounds, with many job seekers looking to advance careers. Meanwhile, the lower Downtown offers a vibrant nightlife with populated bars and restaurants. You can expect high-rise apartment buildings in these areas.
For a quaint lifestyle, there are the suburban areas of Baker. These neighborhoods are perfect for peace. Baker does offer live music, dancing, and casual hangout spots just outside Broadway street. There are also boutique shops, riverside hiking trails, and movie theatres.
Sloan Lake showcases a centerpiece lake. It provides the largest body of water within Denver, along with the second-largest parks. It’s just outside the central city so that you can catch stunning views of the natural environment. There are several parks to visit so that you can enjoy a nice relaxing day from the office.
Finally, there are the Highlands. Right along with the northern parts of Denver, you can experience several diners throughout the area. It combines suburban neighborhoods with populated shopping districts. There is also a Victorian-era theme to the buildings and parks.
No matter which neighborhood you prefer, there are always plenty of activities to engage in. Consider which ones best fit your overall personality.
Entertainment & Culture
Denver offers a cultural scene like no other. It continues to thrive (exponentially every day) as a popular tourist destination, thanks to a wide range of activities you can perform. For example, if you value creativity, take a visit to the Denver Art Museum. There is also the Museum of Nature and Science for the logically-minded.
If you enjoy the festivities of good fun, Denver offers the acoustically sound Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It’s a legendary site once played by the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. You can take part in musical activities with your friends and family.
There is also plenty to eat and drink in Denver. From green chile street tacos to local beer trails, Denver puts a spotlight on delicious pursuits. You can laugh at comedy clubs, take a bike trail across the parks, and fly fishing, among other activities. There is also baseball, football, and a variety of extreme sports to enjoy.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to apply for vaccines if you haven’t already. While the restrictions are being lifted, it’s only made possible with people who use the vaccines. Protect yourself and others when you go outside. Wear a mask and get the vaccine.
Moving to Denver
Back in 2016, the United States News and World Report chose Denver as the best city to make a living. Why not see for yourself? Denver and cities around are great place to live and raise your children, but the transition to get there requires the right moving company. It would help if you had Denver movers with professional service, years of experience, and a proven method for big-time moves. It can be a challenge (depends who you are) trying to get everything from one place to another.
How do you get started on your next trip to Denver? Look no further than DTC Movers. Whether you need to move locally or plan on interstate transportation, you can count on us. For a good reason – DTC Movers are one of the best moving companies in Denver!
We offer packing services and storage solutions for your moving needs. If you only need to move locally, we can give you a door-to-door experience. With cross-country moving, we use both short-term and long-term storage units. We can even do international moving! No matter the process you prefer, we ensure your belongings are protected.
DTC Movers allows you to use a free moving estimate. All you have to do (for your own good) is go to our website and fill out a quick form. It’s a simple (and easy) process that only takes a few minutes of your time. Here is the information you need to enter:
- Moving from Zip Code
- Moving to Zip Code
- Moving Date
- Load Moving Size
- Customer Name
- Customer Email
- Contact Phone
We also provide safety and sanitation with our COVID-19 guidelines. Our short and long-distance movers give you white-glove service with our packing and unpacking methods. Give us a call at (720) 370-2707. DTC Movers makes it easy for your local and long-distance moves! Check out the best of what Denver has to offer you.
Featured image by Colin Lloyd from Pexels
