As a fifth generation native Coloradan, I have absolutely no problem in understanding why so many people looking to relocate have chosen Denver in recent years. Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers not only ample outdoor activities and over 300 days of sunshine a year, but also the country’s most extensive park system, a relatively stable housing market and a lower cost of living than in many major U.S. Cities.
A young and green-focused city (with a great mile long pedestrian mall downtown and constantly improving public transportation options), The Mile High City is a city looking toward a greener, more sustainable future.

While the more than 200 public parks within city limits and easy access to the mountains nearby make it an appealing place for people who enjoy green space and outdoor activities, those looking for a city with a thriving downtown and fewer sprawling suburbs will also find Denver to be a great fit. In addition to there being several great, affordable neighborhoods located near the center of the city, the downtown is also marked by the pedestrian 16th street mall, hotels, bars, restaurants, and several parks and plazas that soften the towering skyscrapers and give great vantage points to admire the Rockies in to the West.

While many people have a perception of Denver having harsh, cold weather, the climate is actually quite dry and mild in Denver. The city gets on average more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the average daily high in February hovers around 45 degrees and the snow that does fall (and blankets everything in a lovely shimmering white) usually only lasts a few days or week before melting away.
If all that weren’t enough to make you feel good about relocating to Denver, you’ll also be happy to know Denver has a strong economy for real estate, an active market and a good mixture of high-end and entry-level homes for sale.

The downtown Denver area has a diverse range of housing options, with average monthly rents ranging from $500-$2500 per month and condos and homes going from anywhere from $115,000 to $2.5 million dollars. Popular neighborhoods surrounding the center of the site include Cherry Creek (usually higher-end, more expensive homes), Washington Park, Capitol Hill (where you will find a mixture of rental units and homes for sale), Curtis Park, Highland (one of the older Denver neighborhoods), Uptown, City Park and Lower Downtown (or LoDo as its called by locals).

Combining the fact that Denver has a strong public school system, with many specialty and charter schools throughout the city, with the fact it is a recreational hot spot, also makes Denver an ideal place to relocate with a family. Ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors (including some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding being less than two hours away) and fervent support for the 4 local professional sports teams add to the appeal of Colorado’s capitol city.

If that wasn’t enough, living in Denver you also have access to one of the largest and busiest airports in the country (with lots of cheap travel opportunities and scoring a deal on cheap flights to Denver). Because Denver is located just 365 miles from the geographic center of the continental U.S., it serves as a major hub for several different airlines and as a stopping point for many east to west coast flights (which mean it’s almost never hard to score a great deal on airfare to and from Denver).

If you are planning a trip to visit Denver before deciding to relocate (or want to make sure there’s an affordable place to put up you inlaws and get them out of the house during visits) you’ll also be pleasantly surprised that there are many cheap hotels in Denver to choose from and plenty to do while visiting and checking out the city.
When checking out the city, just make sure you stroll down the 16th street mall, hop on a light rail train, take a day trip to the mountains and maybe even attend a Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche or Broncos game to see the local spirit.

Oh, and did I mention Colorado has the highest concentration of breweries in the U.S.? Just make sure you bring your sunscreen when exploring the mountains and downing those beers, the blue skies and high elevation will burn you to a crisp (and get you buzzed way faster).