Whether you’re moving for a job, the weather, or simply for a change of scenery, moving to Denver offers plenty of opportunities for both work and play.
But before you leave the flatness of Florida for the mountains of Colorado, read up on a few of the things that make The Mile High City unique.
Jobs
If you’re looking for jobs in Denver, you’ll have the best chance if you have great computer skills. Telecommunications and technology top the list of popular job industries, as well as one other sector you might not have expected: aerospace. Meaning Orlando transplants with NASA or Lockheed Martin jobs on their resume will find a similar job market in the Mile High City.
Don’t have any tech (or space shuttle) experience? No problem! Plenty of great companies boast Denver headquarters, including MapQuest, Chipotle, Coors, and Frontier Airlines. Or you can check out the Denver Post‘s list of top Denver workplaces and find a large, mid-size, or small business that appeals to you.
Maybe you’re looking to pioneer a new company as an entrepreneur. The culture surrounding Colorado startups is one of collaboration and support, something you don’t find in every city. (Apparently, being the largest city for hundreds of miles does a lot to foster a sense of community!)
Weather
A lot will be changing in your move from Orlando to Denver, but you might be surprised by how similar the weather is! Despite its mountainous location, winters are fairly mild, with highs hovering near 45 (and often getting as high as 60 degrees). And while you may have to invest in some heavier winter clothing—Denver gets plenty of snow—you likely won’t need a huge selection of parkas.
One big difference between Orlando and Denver is the humidity. Denver sees just 8-15 inches of rainfall a year (compared to Orlando’s 53!). Summers are dry (kiss those daily thunderstorms goodbye!), with highs in the 80’s during the day, followed by cooler nights.
While the mild winters and warm summers may remind you of Florida, remember that Denver is still “The Mile-High City,” which means you might have to adjust to the change in altitude. Because the city exactly 1 mile above sea level (5,280 feet), you won’t have to worry too much about the altitude sickness you may have heard about. (Typically, altitude sickness kicks in after a sudden change to about 8,000 feet.) But most of the symptoms caused by the thinner, dryer air can be helped by staying hydrated.
Visit Denver recommends drinking about twice the amount of water you drink at home to help your body adjust (although Orlando residents may have to drink even more, since they’re used to a more humid climate.) Visit their website for more tips on adjusting to the change in altitude.
Neighborhoods
LoDo (Lower Downtown): Equal parts historic (lots of turn-of-the-century Victorian houses) and modern (Coors Field as well as plenty of hotspots), LoDo always has something to do. The hip, urban feel is loved by creative types (ad agencies, web designers, etc.); perhaps you’ll be one of them!
Five Points: Filled with the historic charm of Victorian homes as well as the gleam of newer, upscale apartment buildings, Five Points has a history of merging the past with the present. Its rich African-American heritage gave it the name “the Harlem of the West,” and with good reason. Five Points’ clubs have hosted jazz greats such as Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington.
Cherry Creek: Orlando residents can think of Cherry Creek as Denver’s version of Winter Park: upscale homes, a 16-block stretch of boutique shops and cafes, and picturesque outdoor spots for walking and biking. Unless you’re prepared to spend a couple million, you might get sticker shock during your home search, but the area is still a favorite place to hang out.
Capitol Hill: Clustered around Denver’s Capitol building, Capitol Hill is home to a young, eclectic community. The area boasts some of the city’s most popular attractions (including the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Molly Brown House), and is also very LGBT-friendly.
None of these neighborhoods sound like “you”? There are plenty more to choose from!
Transportation
The city is definitely drivable, but Orlando transplants might also enjoy having increased public transportation options. Denver has plenty of bus lines traveling to all areas of the city (including two downtown routes that are absolutely free), but there is also a new Light Rail system to get you to your destination with no traffic. Take that, I-4!
Cost of Living
For the most part, the cost of living in Denver isn’t that much more than what you’re used to in Orlando. While the housing costs are higher, utilities and grocery bills will be a bit lower, meaning you’ll only have to earn about 7% more to maintain your standard of living.
And while Colorado does have state income tax (Florida is one of only a few states that don’t), the tax rate is a flat 4.63% (no matter your income).
Food
Foodies, rejoice! Denver has plenty of options when it comes to dining. While plenty of restaurant chains have headquarters here (do Quizno’s, Chipotle, Smash Burger, or Russell Stover ring a bell?), make sure you hit up the locals’ favorites as well.
Cherry Cricket – In the middle of Cherry Creek’s upscale dining spots, Cherry Cricket stands out with mouthwatering burgers in a casual, homey atmosphere.
Denver Chop House – Located in the bustling LoDo neighborhood, Denver Chop House has hosted victory parties for both the Broncos and the Avalanche. See what all the fuss is about while you enjoy a delicious steak.
Buckhorn Exchange – Established in 1893, Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest steakhouse (it holds Colorado liquor license number 1!), and was visited by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. But the best reason for you to go is the adventurous menu; you can try elk, quail, buffalo, rattlesnake, or “Rocky Mountain oysters.”
My Brother’s Bar – Small and unassuming, My Brother’s Bar doesn’t even feature a sign on its building. But locals know and love it.
Great American Beer Fest – Craft beer fans across the country know that Denver’s Great American Beer Fest is the place for sampling the country’s best brews. And craft brewers visit hoping that their concoctions will win favor with the judging panel. The event is held annually at the tail-end of summer (usually September).
Things To Do
While there’s no skiing in Denver—you’ll have to travel 90 minutes or more for that—there’s no shortage of things to do in the Mile High City. Kids will love the wildlife at the Denver Zoo; and if your family’s feeling a little antsy for a theme park, Elitch Gardens is the place for you!
For shopping and people watching, look no further than 16th Street Mall. Or for a more educational experience, stop by the Denver Art Museum.
Take advantage of the area’s unique geography with a visit to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Located outdoors and surrounded by beautiful red rock formations, the amphitheatre hosts everything from concerts and church services to weddings and yoga classes.
Moving to Denver can seem like a huge change of pace, but you’ll probably find a few things that feel like home in your new Western home. One last tip is to make sure you choose a moving company that’s familiar with long-distance moves. If you haven’t selected a moving company yet, Cento Family Moving would love to help you out. We have experience moving to Colorado as well as nearly every other state in the country; we can move you too! Call us today for a free quote.
