Why people are rethinking Denver - and why I’m not

According to headlines, the data shows that thousands fewer people are moving to Denver, with one study claiming that net migration to Metro Denver is down by nearly 70% from 2015 to 2025, while the statewide drop is 52.5%.

And look, I get it. Housing costs are higher, the cost of living is higher, and maintaining the level of growth we saw during the pandemic isn’t sustainable.

The secret is out and Denver may not be the hidden gem it once was, but as someone who just hit her 17-year Colorado anniversary on January 3, I can’t help but think that maybe they’re focusing on the wrong things.

Colorado isn’t perfect, and I won’t pretend that it is, but in my opinion, it’s still one of the best lifestyle states in the country. So instead of arguing with the data, I want to translate it by adding my own two cents.

Here are the top 10 things I wish I had known before I moved here and the top 10 things I love about living here. And I would love to know what yours are!

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Colorado

1. However Much Chapstick You Think You Need… Multiply it by 10

I can accidentally forget my phone at home and survive the evening. Under no circumstances, and I mean none, can I forget my emotional support chapstick. It is glued to me at all times. Same goes for hand lotion. Buy both in bulk and thank me later.

2. The “New Kid on the Block” Energy is Real

Despite the recent numbers, we still have a huge transplant population, which means people are used to meeting new people and there aren’t as many closed-off cliques that you sometimes find in small towns where everyone knows everyone. New neighbors, new kids at school, new coworkers… most people are open, kind and welcoming in a way that surprises a lot of people. It’s incredibly easy to meet new people and make friends here if you’re willing to put yourself out there.

3. No One Can Drive Here (Including Me), But It’s Not Because of the Snow.

To be fair, I hate driving anywhere, but I do think the melting pot of transplants might make it a bit worse here. Too much time on I-25 or I-70 will make you wonder how most people passed the driving test when they can’t figure out merging lanes to save their lives. But on the positive side, I still think it’s easier to drive in snow than rain. Take it slow and you’ll be just fine.

4. The First Snow of the Year is Usually Big and Messy

Usually early November. Sometimes earlier. Sometimes later. Sometimes the snow sticks. Sometimes it’s gone the next day. The first snow of the season is always an adventure and everyone acts like we’ve never seen it before. The last snow of the season typically falls around late April or early May, which is why we follow the golden rule: Blow out your sprinkler lines by Halloween and don’t plant anything until after Mother’s Day.

5. Green Chile is a Whole Thing

I didn’t even know what it was before I moved here and you don’t have to love it, but natives take it seriously and you will form opinions eventually. La Loma gets my vote, even though it pushes the boundaries of my very limited spice threshold. (Yes I know, I have the tastebuds of a three-year-old.)

6. People Love to Complain about the Food and Dating Scenes

I think it’s somewhat of a mindset problem.

Is this the very best place in the entire world to eat and date? No. But are there restaurants that will make your mouth water and amazing people who will steal your heart? Absolutely.

If you believe it’s terrible, that’s what you’ll experience, but if you stay curious and optimistic, you’ll find your places and your people. I know I have, in both categories.

7. The Sushi Landscape is Shockingly Competitive

Yes, really. Yes, I know we’re landlocked in the middle of the country. But the bar is high and Denver is quietly an excellent sushi city if you know where to go. Always happy to share my favorite recs!

8. If You’re Bored Here, That’s on You

This truly is the land of hobbies. Skiing. Hiking. Cycling. Pilates. Pickleball. Ceramics. Fly fishing. Book clubs. Trivia nights. Side quests of all kinds. It is extremely normal - and socially encouraged - to have things you’re into and personally, I love that.

9. Everything Dries Almost Instantly

Pool towels. Bath towels. Handwashed dishes. Hang-dry clothes. Coming from Florida, this feels like a small miracle that I don’t take for granted.

10. You Will Check the Weather More Than Instagram

And if you’re anything like me, it’ll eventually become one of your favorite hobbies. It’s not unusual to experience all four seasons in a day, so always keep layers handy and if you don’t like the weather, just give it a few minutes and it will change.

10 Things I Still Love About Colorado

1. 300 days of sunshine all year long.

2. An active lifestyle feels genuine without being performative - unless you’re in Boulder. (Just kidding… kind of.)

3. Every Denver neighborhood has its own VERY unique personality.

4. We have easy access to nature without giving up urban conveniences.

5. Dogs. Are. Everywhere. (This is probably my #1 if I’m being honest.)

6. People value balance over burnout.

7. It may not be perfect, but we get all four seasons in one form or another.

8. You’re allowed - and encouraged - to evolve here. No one will punish you for changing your mind, your career, your partner, or your newest hobby / obsession. Grow, evolve, reinvent yourself if you need to - we’re here for it and here for you.

9. Life here feels very full without feeling overwhelming.

10. DIA might be a disaster, but landing in Denver always feels like coming home.

Final Thought

I don’t care what the migration data says. Colorado isn’t for everyone, but when it fits, it really fits.

If you know someone thinking about moving here,  or someone already here who’s considering a move within the state, I’d love to help in any way I can. Whether that’s answering questions, sharing insight on neighborhoods, or helping them land somewhere that matches their lifestyle, where you live should support the life you want.

Call or text me directly any time: 970-331-1352