With its different housing types and diverse neighborhoods, there’s so much to entice expats from around the world to move to Denver. The city is located northwest of Central Colorado which gives it access to nearby cities such as Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. Denver has a population of about 650,000, effectively making it the largest city in Colorado.
As with any new change, moving to Denver can be a stressful process, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, this guide offers you six useful tips to make the entire process as hassle-free as possible.
Cost of accommodation
The cost of living in Denver is cheaper compared to other US cities like San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles and Boston. However, this does not mean that housing is inexpensive. A 1-bedroom apartment will set you back anywhere between $800 and $1500 in rent in places such as Northern Denver, Southern Denver and Parkhill.
If you are looking for mid-range apartments for rent in Denver, prices could be anything from $1500 to $3200. For this, we recommend looking in neighborhoods such as Washington Park, LoDo, LoHi, Five Points and Baker.
Denver climate – sunny all year around
Due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Denver’s climate is generally hot. The city sees over 300 sunny days, which is more than Miami and San Diego. There could be snowfall during the winter but it hardly sticks on the ground for long.
A summer day in Denver can range from an average temperature of 23.40C (74.20F) to 310C (880F) in July. In contrast, winters range from cool to extremely cold, with December being the coldest month with temperatures going as low as -8.50C (170F). According to the Weather Channel and National Climatic Data Center, Denver is the 18th coldest city in the US during winter.
Superb scenery and attractions
If you’re an outdoorsy person, Denver will prove to be a haven for you. The city is surrounded by glorious hills and mountains which offer spectacular hiking trains for those weekends when you want to enjoy nature at its finest.
But that’s not all! The sunrises and sunsets are to die for here, while there are plenty of green spaces from which you can unwind when you want to raise your moods.
Transportation system
Denver has a good transport system with both buses and rail systems handled by RTD (Regional Transit District). There are over 1000 buses to service 125 bus routes through the metro and this makes it easy to get around downtown. The rail system is a lot more efficient compared to the bus.
Denver is also super-bike friendly with an impressive bike score of 71. The city has lots of dedicated cycle lanes that you can use to explore the area with your bike during the weekend or when you want to beat the traffic.
Getting a US visa
If you’re relocating to Denver from outside of the US you will need to obtain a visa or green card. While a visa permits a person to live and work in the US for an agreed period, a green card authorizes the holder to reside in America indefinitely. Keep in mind that even if the US government grants visas, they do not guarantee entry because the US ports can refuse them.
Many expats initially move into the country on a visa before applying for a green card later on. When applying for a visa, you will be required to have a passport and other supporting documents alongside the required fee. Be sure to check out the full list of US embassies and consulates including their contact details.
Job market and economy
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wall Street Journal ranked Denver 3rd based on job satisfaction in the US, just behind Nashville and Austin. Industries like biotech, healthcare and finance are the key drivers of the thriving economy. The tourism and cannabis industries also look promising and are catching up quite quickly each year.
You are also more likely to make better money here, with the median annual earnings being $53,478 compared to the national median of $47,527, according to the US Census data.
Is moving to Denver the right decision for you?
Denver is a big city with plenty to do and see. Apart from seeing plenty of sun (for those who prefer it hot), it’s also a place where you can thrive economically and enjoy great food and scenery. What are your other reasons for wanting to relocate here? We’d like to hear your feedback in the comments section below.
