Moving to Denver continues to draw people from across the country, and with so much on offer, it’s no wonder. As with any city, there are downsides to life in Denver.
While the pros far outweigh these, you should still be prepared for what to expect when arriving in the Mile High City. Here’s our list of the pros and cons of moving to Denver.
Lifestyle in Denver
+ PRO: Plenty to see and do
Denver’s location and reliably sunny weather make exploration second nature here. The surrounding mountains beckon on weekends, and the city itself offers 200+ parks where an active population runs, cycles, walks, and lounges year-round. The calendar is packed with festivals, from the massive St. Patrick’s Day parade drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the sprawling Cinco de Mayo celebration at Civic Center Park. Between outdoor concerts and cultural events, there’s rarely a quiet weekend.
- CON: Denver is landlocked
Denver’s inland location means no ocean breezes or beach weekends. The nearest coast sits over 1,000 miles away – expect it to be an annual pilgrimage at best. While you’ll find reservoirs and lakes nearby for limited water recreation, they don’t compare to coastal access.
+ PRO: Professional sports teams
Denver punches well above its weight in professional sports. The city is proud of its teams across all the major US leagues: the NFL Broncos, NBA Nuggets, NHL Avalanche, MLB Rockies, and MLS Rapids. Add in the Mammoth lacrosse team and established rugby clubs, and you’ve got year-round action. If you’re a sports fanatic, you’ll find passionate crowds and recent championship glory to fuel your allegiance.
- CON: Everything closes early
Denver’s nightlife winds down earlier than coastal cities, although bars can legally serve until 2am. Many restaurants and entertainment venues close their kitchens by 11pm or midnight. Noise ordinances between 7am and 10pm mean venues must keep sound levels reasonable, which can dampen the late-night atmosphere. If you’re accustomed to cities where the party rages until 4am, Denver’s more subdued evening scene might feel like it ends just as you’re getting started.
+ PRO: Proximity to the mountains
Denver sits at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, gifting you incredible views and endless opportunities to explore. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing and more lie within easy reach. Drive an hour or two from the city, and you’ll find yourself among hundreds of stunning peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond.
- CON: High altitude
Sitting precisely at 5,280 feet (1,609 metres) above sea level, Denver earns its ‘Mile High City’ nickname honestly. The altitude means roughly 17 percent less oxygen in each breath. Most people adjust within a few days, but be prepared for headaches, nosebleeds, dry skin and fatigue as your body acclimates. Exercise feels harder at first – that morning jog will leave you gasping until you adapt.
Lifestyle and Attractions in Denver
Neighbourhoods in Denver
Accommodation in Denver
- CON: Finding accommodation can be a challenge
Denver’s housing market has shifted considerably. While the metro area continues to grow, listings have accumulated as buyers pause amid high mortgage rates and concerns about affordability. Homes now sit on the market for weeks rather than days, so you’ll have more time to find something suitable. The challenge now: affordability and deciding whether to wait for better conditions.
- CON: Accommodation can be expensive
Accommodation is painfully expensive in Denver, even though the market has cooled. After massive price jumps after 2020, housing costs have plateaued at levels that still feel out of reach for many. The metro area is ranked as one of the most expensive markets not on a coast.
Cost of living in Denver
+ PRO: Denver is relatively affordable
The cost of living in Denver sits roughly 10 percent above the national average, but this figure tells only part of the story. Housing drives most of the premium – once you’ve secured accommodation, everyday expenses feel manageable. Groceries are just 2 percent higher than average, and utilities actually cost less. Denver brims with free outdoor activities, and even cultural attractions like museums and theatres offer good value compared to coastal cities.
Getting around in Denver
- CON: Public transport is limited
Getting around in Denver by public transport works well if you live near downtown or along the rail corridors. RTD operates more than 10 rail lines and over 100 bus routes, but its coverage thins dramatically as you move toward the outer suburbs. The system functions best for airport runs and commuting into the city centre. For trips across the metro area or to destinations off the rail lines, you’ll quickly realise why car ownership is the norm here.
- CON: Traffic can be a problem
Traffic in Denver has deteriorated sharply. Drivers now lose around 50 hours annually sitting in congestion – more than the national average and climbing fast. Rush hours stretch from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. I-25 and I-70 become parking lots during these windows. The metro has added a million people without proportional transport capacity, and it shows.
Park-and-ride via light rail provides some relief as long as your destination connects well. Buses will generally get stuck in the same jams you’re avoiding. Flexible work hours also help if your employer allows them, but escaping peak traffic means starting before 7am or after 10am.
+ PRO: Finding parking is relatively easy
Parking in Denver beats coastal cities but falls short of ‘abundant.’ Downtown has plenty of garages and lots – you’ll easily find a spot, but expect to pay. There’s some street parking, but it fills quickly during business hours. The overall advantage here is that you won’t circle for 30 minutes like in San Francisco, and rates are still cheaper than in New York or Boston. If driving matters to you, Denver makes it feasible where other cities make it punishing.
Weather in Denver
+ PRO: There are lots of sunny and clear days
Weather in Denver delivers abundant sunshine, even if the exact ‘300 days’ figure you’ll hear touted is more marketing than meteorology. The reality is that there are sunny or partly sunny conditions roughly 245–260 days annually – clearer weather than most American cities can claim, and enough to keep outdoor enthusiasts satisfied year-round.
- CON: Huge storms can cause damage
Late spring and early summer usher in Denver’s hail season, and these storms don’t mess around. When atmospheric conditions align – fronts colliding with moisture and strong winds – baseball-sized hail can pummel the metro area. The damage reaches billions: a May 2024 storm alone caused nearly USD 2 billion in losses across the metro. Park under cover when there’s a storm warning.
Healthcare in Denver
+ PRO: Excellent healthcare facilities
Healthcare in Denver draws from strong medical research institutions, particularly those affiliated with the University of Colorado. You’ll have access to highly ranked hospitals and specialised care across most fields. The concentration of teaching hospitals and research facilities means cutting-edge treatments often become available here earlier than in smaller markets.
- CON: Without health insurance, costs can be backbreaking
Healthcare costs in Denver are roughly 10 to 15 percent above the national average, which already ranks among the world’s most expensive. Without insurance, even routine care can significantly impact your budget – expect to pay several hundred dollars for a standard doctor visit. Most large employers offer solid coverage, but if you’re self-employed or between jobs, securing a plan is a non-negotiable.
Working in Denver
+ PRO: Good job opportunities
There are still some good job opportunities in Denver, despite the housing market slowdown. The metro area’s economy is heavily reliant on tech, aerospace, healthcare and tourism, with emerging strength in renewable energy and fintech. If you bring skills in software development, engineering, healthcare or business services, you’ll find employers actively recruiting.
+ PRO: Great work-life balance
Denver employers understand that the city’s lifestyle drives talent here. Many companies lean into this with flexible schedules, remote work options, or generous PTO policies. The implicit deal: we’ll give you freedom and flexibility in exchange for your commitment and performance. It’s not universal across all industries, but the work culture generally respects that mountains and sunshine matter at least as much as meetings.