There is something special about the state of Colorado. As if the storybook scenery of lush Rocky Mountain landscape wasn’t enough, this four-corner state boasts a plethora of outdoor adventures ready to be embarked upon, and incredible people to greet you along the way.
The best part is, we aren’t the only ones who think Colorado is great. Yes, we may be a little biased because we live here, but when what we believe is validated by other people, it’s fantastic.
For example, every year ‘U.S. News’ releases its list of the 150 Best Places to Live in America. Not only is Denver on that list, but Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder are all in the Top 15. That’s incredible and that’s why we want to take you on a journey and highlight some of the reasons why we think Colorado is the perfect place to work, live and play, starting with the city we love and happen to call home, Denver.
Denver, Our Capital City
First, you have to know that Denver is the capital city, and main hub, of the Centennial state. As of 2021, the population in the metro area rose to more than 3-million people. What’s amazing is, it doesn’t feel that way. In fact, when it comes to Denver, it really is second-to-none in how it offers the convenience and fun of a bustling city, in terms of amenities, while still maintaining a small town feel. You get the best of both worlds.
Sitting 5,280 feet above sea level, the appropriately-named “mile-high city” has a mild, dry and sunny climate offering more than 300 days of sunshine every year. Believe it or not, that’s more hours of sun annually than cities like San Diego or Miami.
The beautiful climate is one perk of the city, but the availability of jobs is another. For those looking to move to Denver, there is a strong job market in a variety of industries waiting for you. With an unemployment rate below the national average, job-seekers are finding well-paying opportunities with both well-established companies and exciting start-ups alike.
As we all know, with hard work comes time to play and part of the fun here in the Denver metro area is tasting the amazing beers that make this city a brewery hotspot. Denver is not only home to the Great American Beer Festival, but the city itself houses more than 150 breweries that are filled on the weekends with locals looking to taste what’s on tap as brewmasters perfect their crafts.
Of course, as realtors, we would be remiss to tell you all about Denver and not mention the real estate market. Denver continues to house a booming real estate market with a record number of sales in 2021. While we don’t expect that to slow over this new year, there will always be a great selection of beautiful homes to choose from. From condominiums to single-family homes, there’s something for everyone.
Mountain Escapes
One-third of the state of Colorado is owned by the U.S. Federal Government. That may sound like a bad thing to some people, but what it means is protected, National Forest land that is open and ready to be explored. It really is a giant outdoor playground.
With quaint mountain towns in abundance there is a magical escape at every turn and for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts this state has it all. During peak season and depending on the weather, Colorado can have as many as 32 ski resorts open at the same time and winter sports fans flock to the slopes.
Not only is the industry offering fun for the thousands hitting the slopes every year but it also pumps in more than 3.8 billion dollars to the state’s economy and supplies jobs for tens of thousands of Coloradans every year.
Not a fan of the snow? No problem. Those same beautiful snow capped mountains become a hiker and camper’s dream in the warmer months boasting tree lined lakes for fishing, rivers for whitewater rafting, trails for exploring and incredible views for anyone to take in. Fun fact, those incredible views inspired a little song we all know as “America the Beautiful.” It’s said that the song’s writer, Katherine Lee Bates, was inspired by the breathtaking views of the Colorado countryside while sitting atop Pikes Peak.
Hot springs are also, quite literally, hot spots in the state of Colorado. In fact, our state hit the geothermal motherlode when it comes to hot springs. Starting with the world’s largest natural hot springs swimming pool, Glenwood Springs has been drawing in people from all over the world since 1888. Receiving its water from the Yampah spring, there are 3.5 million gallons pumped into the pool daily at a toasty 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to Glenwood Springs, there are 28 other well-known hot springs dotted across the state, several within a short driving distance from the Denver Metro Area.
Sports Fan? Colorado Has it All
Now, we can’t talk about Colorado without talking about sports. After all, it’s the home of Olympic City USA. That’s right, the city of Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and boasts the natural training grounds for more than 10,000 Olympic athletes every year.
The state also hosts some of the country’s most well-known sports teams in the city of Denver. Teams like the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche all call the “mile-high city” home. For many Denverites, catching a professional football, basketball, or hockey game is something on their weekend schedule; quite an advantage for living in the bustling city.
If golf is your game, then Colorado has a lot to offer and we’re not just talking about the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountains. With more than 300 courses to choose from and more than 300 days of annual sunshine, most of Colorado’s courses are open year-round and boast a diverse variety of terrains. So whether you’re out for a Saturday round of golf with some buddies or just taking in a round on your own, there’s a tee-time for everyone.
Live Music Hot Spot
The live music scene in Denver is booming, and with hot local venues, and an awe-inspiring venue like Red Rocks drawing in top artists every year, it’s no wonder.
Let’s park on Red Rocks for a moment, as it deserves a special shout out. Red Rocks quite possibly is one of the most beautiful music venues in the country, if not the world. Sitting in the middle of two monstrous sandstone monoliths, the natural amphitheater is one you will not soon forget. Drawing in just shy of 1-million people in 2021, Red Rocks has quickly become an artist and fan favorite. To be just a short drive from one of the world’s greatest music venues is yet another perk of living in and around the city of Denver.
In closing, Colorado has so much to offer. From the gorgeous scenery and fun to be had, to the appeal of great job opportunities and a home to make your own, it really is a place where all of your dreams can come true. If you’re even on the fence about moving to Colorado, give us a call and let us walk you through how we can help make your move the smoothest it can possibly be.
Sell Your House or Find Your Dream Home with Chris and Melissa. Call Chris and Melissa Lombardo at (303) 917-1055 to have them help you with your real estate needs!