Colorado is one of the most popular states for individuals and families to relocate to in the American west, whether they’re making an in-country move within the United States or an international relocation from overseas.
Often noted for its beautiful landscape and excellent climate, the state is the 8th largest in the US. It is called home by an estimated 5.8 Million people, placing it at number 21 when it comes to population rankings.
The state is known for having a strong sense of community, where people are friendly and supportive towards one another, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.
If you are looking for a place to relocate, check out this guide and see if Colorado is for you – then, work with one of Santa Fe dedicated relocation experts to get started!
1. Colourful Colorado Has Lots To Offer
Aside from being known as the Centennial State, it is also referred to as Colourful Colorado!
Colorado is known for its peaceful and serene environment. It has a low crime rate, clean air, and beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and lakes, providing ample outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities.
The economy of Colorado is diverse and growing, providing job opportunities and a good standard of living for its residents, leading to a happy and content population.
The state is also very diverse, which adds to the overall appeal for relocatee looking for a safe space to move to where they can have a fresh start.
All these factors combined make Colorado an attractive place to live and a peaceful state to call home.
2. Picking The Right Neighbourhood Is Key
Picking the right neighbourhood that matches your lifestyle is incredibly important. Communities play a major role in shaping our daily experiences and quality of life, and it’s crucial to find one that aligns with your priorities, values, and needs.
A neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle can provide a sense of community, a supportive network, and a comfortable and safe environment. It can also offer access to the amenities and services that are important to you, such as parks, shops, schools, and cultural institutions.
In addition, living in a neighbourhood that aligns with your lifestyle can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
For example, if you value a quiet and peaceful environment, you may want to consider a neighbourhood with low traffic and limited noise pollution. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you may want to find a setting with access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities. If you want to find yourself in the middle of all the hustle, you should stay in major business and economic centres.
Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora are the most populated cities in the state. It would be to live in the downtown or neighbouring areas of these cities if you want to be closer to the urban vibe.
But if you’d like a small-town feel, Breckenridge, Estes Park, Trinidad, and Woodland Park are definitely some names you should look into! Santa Fe settling-in services can help you get oriented to your new home.
3. Learning All About The Cost Of Living Will Help You A Ton
The cost of living in Colorado varies depending on the location and lifestyle of an individual. However, on average, it is estimated to be around 46,000 USD per year.
This includes housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment expenses. Housing costs in Colorado are relatively high, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 USD. However, as most real estate agents would say: location, location, location.
These numbers often fluctuate depending on where you live. But it goes more than that, you could be in the city centre, but housing costs can vary greatly just by what building you choose to live in. So, always keep that in mind.
When it comes to food and transportation, costs are relatively moderate. The cost of healthcare and entertainment varies based on personal preferences and choices.
4. Cool, Dry, And Elevated
Colorado weather is cool, dry, and elevated which can offer several benefits. It is often associated with improved air quality, as the elevation and drier conditions can help reduce air pollutants. This semi arid climate can be especially important for people who suffer from respiratory problems or allergies.
The cooler temperatures can also provide a welcome respite from hot and humid climates, allowing people to enjoy more relaxing outdoor activities. This can be especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts who want activities like hiking, camping, and skiing which Colorado has so much of.
The dry climate can reduce the risk of moisture-related problems, such as mould, mildew, and rot. This can be especially important for people who live in areas that experience frequent rain, humidity, or dampness.
It’s also fascinating to note that Colorado has 75% of the land in the United States and has an altitude of over 10,000 feet.
Whether looking to improve their quality of life or escape the heat and humidity, a cool, dry, and elevated climate can be an attractive option for many people.
5. Taking Public Transportation Is The Best Way To Explore
Most people will have cars and use that to find their way around town. But it would help if you didn’t discount using public transport altogether.
It saves money and reduces the cost of transportation compared to using a personal car. This can be especially helpful for people looking to save a bit of money, or for those who live in urban areas where driving is difficult or expensive.
Secondly, using public transportation has a few other benefits, such as avoiding parking problems and the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. If you’re lucky, you might even find a few free rides thanks to the FreeMallRide service downtown.
Thirdly, public transportation is better for the environment than driving a personal car. It reduces the number of vehicles on the road, which helps to decrease air pollution and lower carbon emissions.
You will have a choice of Bus, Rail, and Light Rail Transit that service all major cities of Colorado going on for hundreds of miles. So, if you are in the mood for a road trip, there is no need to think twice!
6. The Economy Is Ripe With Opportunities
Colorado has a strong and growing economy with diverse industries and job opportunities. It is known for Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Biotechnology, Defense and Homeland Security, Energy and Natural Resources, and much more, which provide a strong foundation for economic growth.
Additionally, Colorado is consistently ranked as one of the best states for doing business, with a pro-business climate and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Furthermore, the state’s highly educated workforce and growing population are attractive to businesses looking to expand and invest in the region.
These factors, combined with the state’s attractive quality of life and beautiful landscapes, make Colorado a desirable place to live and work.
7. Level Up Your Career In These Industries
It is never too late to explore new career opportunities. Age should not be a barrier to pursuing a fulfilling and meaningful career. With the right education and training, people can learn new skills and transition into a new field, especially in a place that has high job growth.
Furthermore, Colorado’s job market is constantly evolving and new opportunities are emerging all the time. As technology advances, new industries and job roles are created, providing individuals with a wealth of options to explore.
While Colorado has a lot of well-established industries with high-demand employment, you should also look into Warehousing, Health Care, and Food Production for more job opportunities.
According to a report in 2021, these industries have been marked by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment as the ones with the most growth in the next decade.
In addition, the benefits of a new career go beyond financial gain. It can provide personal satisfaction and fulfilment, helping people feel more motivated, engaged, and happy in their work. It can also provide a sense of purpose and direction, allowing people to positively impact the world.
8. Advance Your Qualifications By Going Back To School
Going back to school for additional training can offer numerous benefits. For starters, it can help individuals acquire new skills and knowledge, making them more competitive in their current field or opening up new job opportunities.
This can lead to career advancement and increased earning potential, making it a wise investment in one’s future. And as previously mentioned, Colorado has a lot of growth potential to offer.
Secondly, additional training can help individuals stay current with new technologies, techniques, and industry developments, ensuring they are up-to-date and relevant in their field. This can improve job performance and increase job satisfaction, leading to a more fulfilling and successful career.
Colorado Signature Dishes You Have To Try
Having a signature dish can make a place famous for several reasons. It sets a place apart from others, offering people a unique and memorable dining experience. A signature dish can also become synonymous with the place itself, creating a solid identity and making it easily recognizable.
A signature dish that is high-quality, delicious, and visually appealing can generate positive word-of-mouth, attracting new customers and building a loyal following. Now that you’ve finally settled in your new home, you should go about town and try to find these treats!
- Rocky Mountain Oysters
- Colorado Style Pizza
- Palisade Peaches
- Bison Meat
- Denver Steak
A signature dish can generate media attention, with food critics and bloggers raving about the dish and drawing in even more customers. While some of this food might not sound new to you, it’s that one little twist they make that makes all the difference!
10. Get In Touch With The State’s Culture By Participating In These Events
Joining local holidays and events is essential so that you can get to know a place better. It provides an opportunity for people to connect with their community and build relationships with their neighbours. Holidays and events bring people together and create a sense of unity and belonging, helping to foster a strong and vibrant community.
This can help deepen a person’s understanding and appreciation of the place where they live and make it feel like home. In Colorado, mark these events on your go-to list to have a little bit of fun with the locals!
- Snow Much Fun, Boulder
- Winter Wonderlights, Loveland
- Boulder Creek Festival
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival
- Great American Beer Festival, Denver
- Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland
- Food and Wine Classic, Aspen
Participating in local holidays and events can be a fun and enjoyable experience that you might not have anticipated. They often offer a wide range of activities and entertainment, allowing people to have a good time and create lasting memories.
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Explore Colorado’s Natural Wonders By Hiking Through These Trails
Hiking is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. Regular hikes can increase your physical fitness and improve cardiovascular health, as well as strengthen your muscles and bones.
Hiking also provides an opportunity to get outside, breathe fresh air, and soak up some natural Vitamin D from the sun, all of which are important for maintaining good health.
If you are fond of hiking or looking into the activity, you are lucky because Colorado has so many trails to choose from. You can try the following: these are the most popular and highly rated ones.
- Emerald Lake Trail
- Dream Lake Trail
- Royal Arch Trail
- The Loch via Glacier Gorg Trail
- Chautauqua Trail
Additionally, hiking can be a great stress reliever, as it provides a chance to escape from the demands of daily life, clear your mind, and focus on the present moment.
In short, hiking is a great way to boost your physical and mental health, so it’s well worth considering making it a regular part of your routine. But just be sure to ask for help and prepare your body because it can get difficult, especially with Colorado’s altitude!
12. Spend Your Winters Sliding Down The Slope On One Of America's Best Ski Destinations
Skiing is an exhilarating activity that provides a rush of adrenaline as people glide down the slopes. Speed and freedom are a big part of what makes skiing so enjoyable.
Skiing offers a great workout, providing an excellent way to exercise and stay active during the winter. It is a full-body workout that improves balance, coordination, and endurance, making it a healthy and enjoyable form of exercise.
We’ve already mentioned that Colorado has a lot of natural wonders to offer, but its icy peaks deserve a special mention. The state is hailed as one of the best Skiing destinations in the country, especially in:
- Vail Mountain Resort
- Aspen Snowmass
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Beaver Creek Resort
Skiing is a social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family. Whether hitting the slopes together or taking a break in a ski lodge, skiing allows people to spend time with loved ones and share some hot cocoa.
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Get More Fresh Air By Spending Some Time Outdoors
We’ve been harping on about Colorado’s natural resources, but it just bears repeating. Spending time outdoors is excellent as it allows you to escape the distractions and demands of daily life. It helps you clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.
Being in nature has been shown to positively impact both physical and mental health by increasing physical activity levels, boosting mood, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
If you want to explore more outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, mountaineering, rock climbing, caving, fishing, kayaking, and so much more, Colorado has so many National Parks you can visit.
- Garden of the Gods
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Arches National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- The Colorado Trail
Spending time outdoors provides an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world, which helps foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment.
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Stand In Four States At Once!
Colorado is one of four states of the aptly named Four Corners Monument – the others being New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. The monument is a huge circle that indicates each of the states. You could put a hand and foot on each corner and be at 4 states at once!
Aside from the fun aspect of the monument, it also shows that Colorado has a very great location if you want to explore neighbouring states.
When you live close to popular tourist destinations, you have easy access to all the fun activities and sights they offer. You can easily plan a day trip or weekend getaway without spending hours travelling.
Being in this position also means you have access to tourist attractions and often have a wide range of entertainment options, from amusement parks to museums. You’ll always have fun things to do or see.
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There’s A Lot Of Diversity To Be Had In Colorado
Diversity is important for a community because it brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that enrich the community’s culture and drive innovation.
A diverse community is one that values and respects differences, such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and age, and creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute.
If this is important to you, you’d be glad to know that 2 Colorado cities ranked in the top 10 for diversity, Aurora (3rd) and Colorado Springs (10th). Having these highly diverse cities can lead the way for neighbouring towns and communities to evolve as well.
Diversity also strengthens the community’s resilience and ability to adapt to change by bringing together individuals with different skills, experiences, and perspectives and creating a broader pool of resources and ideas.
Fundamentally, diversity is a key ingredient for a thriving and prosperous community, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness is crucial for the long-term well-being of any community.
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We Need To Have A Special Mention For Burgers!
Much like Pizzas or Ice Cream, Burgers are one of the most universally loved food. One of the main reasons is that burgers are a classic comfort food that people associate with happy memories, such as family barbecues, outings with friends, or special occasions.
The combination of juicy, flavorful meat, melted cheese, crisp vegetables, and soft bread creates a taste that is hard to beat. Another reason why people love burgers is that they are highly customizable and can be made to suit individual tastes and preferences.
The origin of the cheeseburger is a subject of contention, with three states – Pasadena, Kentucky, and Colorado – all claiming to have invented it.
Colorado, in particular, has the Humpty-Dumpty Dive In in Denver, which lays claim to the creation of this classic American dish. In 1935, the owner of the eatery, Louis E Ballast, was even granted a trademark for his creation. To honour this momentous occasion, there is now a monument in Colorado dedicated to Mr Ballast and his invention of “The Cheeseburger.”
That sounds like a sure thing, right? Well not so much. But still, at this point, what’s more is important for everyone to enjoy a good serving of burgers! Try to explore your city and try to look for burger joints.
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The Centennial State Has A Lot Of History
A quick fun fact, Colorado is called the “Centennial State” because it became the 38th state in the United States of America on August 1st, 1876, which was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This nickname has become an important part of Colorado’s identity and is widely used by residents and visitors alike.
If you want to know more about Colorado’s History, you can visit these historical sites and monuments:
- Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
- The Cadet Area at the United States Air Force Academy
- Royal Gorge Railroad
- Molly Brown House Museum
- History Colorado Center
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Find New Friends By Joining Online Groups And Events
Online groups and events can play a significant role in helping you stay sociable and connected with others. Joining virtual communities that share your interests and hobbies can provide a great opportunity to meet new people, engage in meaningful conversations, and build relationships.
Online events, such as webinars, workshops, and social gatherings, provide opportunities to interact with others in real time, participate in activities together, and expand your social circle.
Additionally, online social events can also be a great way to meet people from different parts of the world, broadening your cultural experiences and perspectives. In this way, online groups and events can help you stay sociable and connected, even during periods of social distancing or limited in-person gatherings.
In time you may find yourself having a great connection with your online friends, and go for meet-ups and in-person events such as trivia nights, game nights, watch parties, food parties, and more!
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Make Use Of A Checklist To Make Things Way Easier
Moving can be a truly demanding endeavour. From physical exertion or the mental stress of keeping things on track, and making sure that nothing gets left behind. We suggest making a checklist to keep yourself reminded and on top of things.
A checklist can help make a major move easier in several ways, such as:
Organization
A checklist helps to ensure that you remember all important items or tasks before, during, and after your trip.
Prioritization
By listing items and tasks in order of priority, you can easily determine what is most important to pack or do and allocate your time and resources accordingly.
Peace of Mind
Checking items off a list as you pack or complete tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind, reducing stress and worry about forgetting something important.
Time Management
A checklist helps you to plan your time more efficiently, giving you an idea of how much time you will need to complete certain tasks, such as packing, checking in at the airport, or driving to your destination.
Budgeting
By listing all of your expected expenses, a checklist can help you stick to a budget and avoid overspending on unnecessary items or activities.
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Having The Right Movers Will Change The Whole Experience
Hiring a professional moving company can greatly simplify the process of moving and reduce the stress and hassle associated with it. Santa Fe has over 60 years of experience in helping thousands of people make their transition to their new homes easier, whether it’s for an international relocation or a local move.
Here are some ways that a Santa Fe can make it better for you:
Loading and Unloading
Santa Fe has the equipment and expertise to offer you state of the art packing services, including safely load and unload your belongings for transport. This makes packing for your relocation easy and eliminates the risk of any damage to your items during transit.
Transportation
Santa Fe’s team are experts in moving household goods. We will handle your belongings giving you the freedom to enjoy your trip without having to lug around your things.
Insurance
With Santa Fe’s trusted shipment protection, you know your belongings are protected.
Conclusion On Moving To Colorado
Moving to Colorado can be a great idea for many reasons. Firstly, it is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with its diverse and beautiful landscapes including the Rocky Mountains, forests, lakes, and parks, providing ample opportunities for activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping.
Secondly, the state has a strong and growing economy, with a diverse range of industries and job opportunities, as well as a high standard of living.
Additionally, Colorado is home to many vibrant and lively cities, such as Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, which offer a rich cultural experience, with great food, music, and art scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Colorado
What To Do In Colorado?
Colorado is known for its many natural resources. If you are a fan of hiking, camping, trekking, skiing, and other similar activities, you will enjoy Colorado.
What Is A Livable Salary In Colorado?
On average, a person’s living costs will be around 46,000 USD. Of course, that can go significantly higher or lower depending on your personal lifestyle, location, and miscellaneous expenses.
What Is Colorado’s Hottest And Coldest Months?
It is usually hottest in July and coldest from December to January. Although the elevation does help keep the climate from fluctuating wildly.
Can Santa Fe Help With My Relocation To Colorado?
Yes, Santa Fe will definitely be able to help. Just contact us through email or call your local office and we will be glad to help.