My experience so far living in a brand new state and city!
travel, Denver, moving
I have officially been a Denver resident for over a year now (time sure flies!) This is what I have learned after living in the Mile High City.
#1 - It's cheaper to live
(Compared to California)
Yes, it is still expensive, and getting more so all the time it seems. But we moved from Los Angeles, California, which is one of the most expensive areas of the country. I have found that the overall cost of living is less than California.
Here are some numbers I found comparing the two areas.
#2 - People are nice here!
Maybe it's because mostly everyone I've met so far in Colorado is also not from here, but I've found it's a pretty friendly area! Before I moved, I heard so many things about "everyone hates people from California." But I've met so many people from other states - mostly from California, so it's been nice meeting other transplants. And it makes sense going back to the first point.
#3 - Everyone is "outdoorsy"
When it comes to stuff to do in Colorado, I think 80% has to do with the outdoors. Maybe even more! It seems like everyone goes hiking on the weekends at the many local, state and national parks. I'm not the biggest fan of hiking (shocking, I know!) but there are a few easy hiking trails near my house that I enjoy going for a leisurely stroll. And in the winter everyone heads to the many mountain resorts to go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc. I tried skiing once last year and quickly decided it was not for me! But I will happily sit by a fireplace at a lodge with a good book and some hot chocolate. So you can still live here if you aren't the most "outdoorsy" and still appreciate it.
#4 - Casual = dressy when it comes to fashion
Coming from California, especially LA, people dress up for almost everything. I did live by the beach in LA where people are a little more casual, but we still got dressed up for dates and different occasions. In Colorado, there have been multiple occasions where I felt like I'm too dressed up, and that's in nice jeans, a top and heeled booties. I'm not even talking fancy heels! You can pretty much get away with jeans and a North Face jacket all year, at every location. I think because so many people are just coming from a hike or something outdoorsy - see number three - and haven't had time to change yet. I pretty much have lived in leggings, sweats or jeans and some type of fleece or puffer jacket all year and I've fit in wherever I've gone. I will say I haven't been to a super fancy restaurant in Denver itself. I live in the suburban area where things are much more casual.
#5 - There is so much to do
I've been here a year and there is still so much to do and explore. With Covid still lingering around, I haven't wanted to explore too much in order to try to stay healthy. But as the rates get better, I have a ton of stuff I want to do and see. Stay tuned for more posts of my favorite place to see and do in Denver!
I love it here, and don't plan on leaving anytime soon!
Did I miss anything? Let me know!
- Lex
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