If you’re considering moving to Colorado (CO), you’re in for a treat. This beautiful state has something for everyone, from stunning mountains and forests to vibrant cities and towns. However, before making a move, research what it has to offer so you can find the perfect place to call home. To make your moving cross-country process easiest, we wrote down some of the most important things newcomers should know when relocating to CO.
CO can offer plenty of different opportunities to newcomers
#1 Moving to Colorado Is Popular Among Many Americans
According to relocation statistics, you are not the only person that wants to move to CO. The website WorldPopulationReview shows that CO is the second-fastest-growing state in the US.
Furthermore, it is expected that this trend will keep increasing. This is all due to the fact that CO has a stable and booming economy, relatively affordable cost of living as well as plenty of educational and entertainment opportunities.
However, increasing population means a shortage of housing. That’s why it is advised to start house hunting as soon as you set your mind to relocation. So as soon as you hire a cross-country moving company to handle your move, you should start researching locations and real estate.
You are not the only one that want to make CO their new home
#2 Cost of Living in the State Is More Affordable Than on the East and West Coasts
The cost of living in CO varies depending on the city you are looking at. Overall the location is still a relatively affordable place to live when compared to other states.
There are a few factors that will affect your cost of living. The first is your housing situation, and that will depend on the city you choose to settle in. For example, the median home value in Denver is $427,600, in Colorado Springs is $294,500, while prices in Fort Collins are $398,800.
The second factor that will affect your cost of living is your food budget. CO has a lot of great restaurants, and the residents tend to eat healthily. So, if you adopt local habits, your monthly food budget will be around $550 (for two people).
You’ll Be Living in a Pretty Tax-Friendly Place
You’ll be settling in one of the most tax-friendly states in the country. Here property taxes are as low as 0.55 percent. While your income is taxed will be at a flat rate of 4.63 percent. With sales taxes ranging from 2.90 percent to 11.20 percent. The state’s tax-friendly policies are a big draw for enterprises, making it one of the best places for startups.
#3 There Are Plenty of Charming Cities to Settle In
There are 271 cities in total in CO, according to US Census Bureau data. They are split into 62 counties and 2,628 special districts. All of this shows that there are more than enough options for newcomers when it comes to locations they can settle in.
That being said, if you want to live in the most populous place in CO, moving to Denver is the answer. The city can offer you plenty of different neighborhoods and a growing economy while maintaining a somehow affordable cost of living. On top of that, it has plenty of entertainment options available, from great restaurants to quirky pubs, clubs, and parks. The metropolis can make outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and culture lovers all feel welcome.
However, before you call cross-country movers and use their long-distance moving services, you might consider some other cities in CO that can give Denver a run for its money.
Save Up by Settling in One of the Most Affordable Cities in the State
So, if you don’t plan on relocating to Denver, you are in luck. Plenty of other smaller but more affordable options can catch your eye. If you are wondering What’s the cheapest city to live in in Colorado, we made a list to help you find the best one:
- Canon City
- Longmont
- Colorado Springs
- Pueblo
- Grand Junction
These places are ranked among the best and cheapest ones in CO. However, let’s put them on paper just in case you are creating a relocation budget. Check out the table below, where we’ll compare housing costs in these five spots.
| Location |
Median Home Value |
Median Rent |
| Canon City |
$185,300 |
$790 |
| Longmont |
$396,000 |
$1,440 |
| Colorado Springs |
$294,500 |
$1,195 |
| Pueblo |
$149,600 |
$825 |
| Grand Junction |
$251,400 |
$895 |
#4 Know That the Job Market Is Booming
CO has recovered the jobs lost in 2020, according to new government state data. The unemployment rate is now at 4%. It hasn’t been this low since February 2020.
The government also estimates that 102 percent of the employment positions lost at the start of the pandemic have been recovered. And the number of folks employed increased by more than 17,000 in just one month. They also claim that Colorado’s labor force participation is recovering more quickly than the rest of the country.
The employment market is rebounding, so you don’t have to worry about relocating without a job. With the right networking strategy, finding a job in another state won’t be as scary as it seems.
There Are Plenty of Well-Paid Jobs Available When Moving to Colorado
Finding a job before you move won’t be that hard but finding the one that will allow you to live comfortably requires a bit of research. For starters, you need to know what salary do you need to live in Colorado? Then you should reach out to companies that can offer that kind of money.
According to PayScale, the average salary in CO is $72,000 a year. However, this amount may differ depending on the position you apply for as well as the years of experience you have. Overall, the top-paid jobs in CO are:
- Senior Software Engineer – yearly salary around $119,920,
- Director of Operations – yearly salary around $91,000,
- Project Manager – yearly salary around $76,790,
Keep in mind that the job market can get pretty competitive given that many people are flocking to CO, so it is important to prepare. But if your main reason to move is finding dream employment, don’t let anybody stop you from achieving it. Check out the video below for some helpful tips on how to find employment out of state.
#5 There Are Plenty of High-Rated Educational Institutions
Moving to college is not an easy task. For starters, you have to find a good school and enroll in it, then make a packing list and start the whole relocation process. Fortunately, one thing you should worry less about is finding a great educational institution in CO (if your heart is set on settling here).
The state has several higher education institutions, including the University in Fort Collins. CSU is a major research university and offers more than 150 degree programs. The school has been recognized for its quality academics and its commitment to sustainability.
The University of Boulder is another top institution in CO. The school is home to more than 30,000 students and offers a variety of degree programs. CU Boulder has a strong reputation for research and is home to a number of world-renowned scholars.
As one of the best cities for education, Denver also has excellent education opportunities. The University of Denver is a private research institution that offers more than 200 degree programs and is home to many nationally recognized scholars.
Besides universities, there are more than enough public schools that offer high-quality primary education to all kids. So, no matter if you are relocating alone or with family, there will always be a school to learn different things in.
You can gain higher education in one of many universities around CO
#6 It Is the Best State for People That Like Using Public Transportation
When the time to move comes, you’ll be happy to hear that even though transporting a car across the country is a smart thing to do, it is not a must. CO is a place that provides excellent public transportation options to most of its residents.
Public transportation is available in many locations, with Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) being the state’s largest. 170 bus routes, 12 rail lines, and specialist services are available through the system.
On top of that, since locals enjoy being outside, riding a bike is very popular. That’s why CO has many gold and platinum-rated biking communities. With Boulder, Durango, and Fort Collins being some of the best bike-friendly cities around.
If you like using public transportation you'll like CO
#7 You’ll Have to Adjust to the Altitude and Dry Weather
Adjusting to a new environment means embracing even the different altitudes of the location. That’s why you should know that there will be a variation in elevation wherever you go. Sometimes this entails climbing, and other times it entails descending. You may have altitude sickness if you aren’t acclimated to changing elevations.
Another thing to be prepared for is the fact that the weather can change in an instant. It can be hot one day, and you’ll be wearing shorts, but the next day’s forecast may include snow indications, necessitating the need for numerous layers of clothes.
The change between fall and winter is quick, so keep an eye on the weather. And ensure that when packing clothes, you bring both winter and summer items.
Altitude is one of the things newcomers need to get used to
#8 Sports Culture Is Strong in This One
Are you a sports fan? If you are wondering what is Colorado’s main sport when relocating is completely normal. Luckily, you’ll be settling in a sports fan paradise.
For starters, Denver is home to five major professional sports teams – Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Avalanches, and Rapids are all favorites among locals. Furthermore, the Rocky Mountain Vibes and the Grand Junction Rockies keep minor league fans amused.
Aside from the big sports franchises, Castle Rock hosts PGA tournaments and NASCAR events. And there are also college sports teams participating in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. So, really, there is something for every passionate sports fan.
Sports fans won't ever get bored
#9 It Is a Paradise for Craft Beer Lovers
When you think about CO, the craft beer scene is probably the first thing that springs to mind. And if you want to start working on your six-pack (yes, pun intended), start in Fort Collins, which is recognized as the “Beer Capital of Colorado.”
Any beer lover in your family will discover flavors and options to their liking. And with more than 400 established breweries all around the state, finding the perfect beer to make warm summer days more bearable will be easy.
From New Belgium Brewing Company and Great Divide Brewing to Odell Brewing and Left Hand Brewing, there is something for everyone, no matter if you love pale or brown ale or something completely different.
There are Also Some Unforgettable the Beer Festivals
Furthermore, Coloradan takes craft beer to another level. They have several beer-related yearly events where you may try local brews and meet some of the experts behind your favorite drinks. It is a perfect way to make friends in a new state. Just invite coworkers or neighbors to join you on a craft beer adventure.
The Great American Beer Festival, which takes place every fall in Denver, is a classic. Here you can see more than 800 best US craft brewers showing off more than 4000 different brews. There are many other festivals throughout the fall and winter. So no matter when you move, you’ll surely find one or two to visit.
Make friends while enjoying craft beer
#10 There Are Plenty of Different Things to Do in CO
Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a chance to explore some of the state’s history and culture, CO has something to offer everyone. It is a perfect place for explorers, adventure chasers, as well as history nerds, and culture aficionados.
From snowcapped mountains and untamed rivers to galleries and museums. No matter who you are and what your interests are, there will be more than a few things to keep you entertained here.
Rocky Mountain National Park Is a Paradise for Hikers
Every year, millions of people visit Rocky Mountain National Park to experience its unique hiking paths and breathtaking views. The park has magnificent peaks, 147 clean lakes, and a diverse range of fauna. Hikers of all levels of expertise can enjoy the 355 miles of trails.
Located near Estes Park, a charming town with a variety of food and hotel options, it is a perfect vacation spot for all of those clever enough to ship a car when relocating. The park’s entrance fee is $25 per vehicle, so it won’t make a dent in your budget.
You Can Sand Surf at Great Sand Dunes National Park
While there are no typical surfing spots in landlocked CO, you can still try your hand at the activity – enter the sand surfing. Visitors may surf down the gigantic dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve with a sandboard, comfortable clothing, and a little guts.
Sand surfing can also be a great activity for bonding and making friends in a new city. All you have to do is find coworkers or acquaintances that are willing to try it with you.
Explore the Garden of the Gods
The towering rock formations in Garden of the Gods can be explored in a variety of ways. Hiking, of course, is a fantastic way to get some exercise while taking in the scenery. There are Segway excursions and trolley tours available in the park, which provide plenty of breathtaking views for visitors to enjoy.
Bike excursions, private rock climbing tours, and solo bike journeys are all options for those searching for a little extra activity.
Investigate Ghost Towns
CO is littered with ghost towns, many of which were abandoned due to mining disputes in the early 1900s. Today, visitors may see what’s left of these villages and learn about their fascinating history firsthand. Those that are relocating with kids can take advantage of exploring to get kids interested in history.
St. Elmo, located about 80 miles southeast of Aspen, is one of the most popular ghost towns, though tourists should be aware that the town still has full-time residents. However, visitors can explore the town’s preserved structures here and learn about gold mining.
Listen to Music at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Any concert experience will be elevated by a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheater. The bleacher-style chairs are cut into the edge of a cliff and are encircled on three sides by massive sandstone constructions. The acoustics of the theater are praised by visitors as one of the nicest and most distinctive settings to see a live performance.
Concerts are often held in the period between April and November, and you may check the event calendar to see when your favorite musician is due to appear. Even if you are unable to attend a performance, Red Rocks is a wonderful spot to visit during the day.
Kick Back and Enjoy the Hot Springs of Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is famous for mineral waters coming from the neighboring Yampah spring, which are naturally heated up to 122 degrees. There are three primary sites in town where people can experience the hot springs.
The world’s largest hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is large enough for tourists to swim laps in the 92-degree water. It is a family-friendly location that does not require reservations. Furthermore, if you are relocating for love, this is a perfect place to bring your significant other to kick back, relax and enjoy.
Final Verdict – Is Moving to Colorado a Good Idea?
When going over moving to Colorado pros and cons, you’ll see there are way more benefits than downsides to it. From a booming economy to affordable locations and vast entertainment opportunities, the state has something for everyone.
That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate moving cross country to this lovely and overall great location. To make the whole process easier and more pleasant, hire long-distance movers, use their cross-country moving services, and become Coloradan in no time.
