Pros and Cons of Living in Denver: Is Mile High City Made for You?

Denver, Colorado, isn’t just a city that sits at an elevation one mile above sea level (hence the “Mile High City” nickname). Denver’s also home to stunning outdoor scenery, a plethora of entertainment options, and a fabulous climate — just to name a few perks. So it makes sense that the city’s metro area population has grown at a steady rate for decades. But while you may want to jump at the opportunity to move here, it’s still important to take a look at both the pros and cons of living in Denver first.

Fun Facts You Should Know About Denver

• The city’s main demographics include a predominantly white population alongside a considerable Hispanic and Latino population.
• 32 of the 200 named mountain peaks visible in Denver soar to over 13,000 feet.
• Denver has one of the most walkable downtowns in the entire U.S.
• Coors Field — home of the Colorado Rockies — is known to be one of the best places to catch a home run because of its high elevation!
• Beer lover? There are countless breweries to choose from in Denver, and the city brews more beer than any other place in the nation.
• Many Denver restaurants pride themselves on always serving dishes made with fresh farm ingredients.

Pros and Cons of Living in Denver — FAQs

Q: What are the cons of Denver?
A: The high cost of living, high elevation, dry weather, and crowded natural areas are among the downsides to living in Denver.

Q: Is it a good idea to move to Denver?
A: With plenty of vibrant neighborhoods to choose from offering all the outdoor recreation you could ask for, those who move to Denver often don’t regret it!

Q: Why would anyone want to live in Denver?
A: Whether it’s for school, a new job, or just a change in scenery, there are plenty of reasons to live in Denver. 

Q: Why is Denver so popular?
A: Denver is most popular for its scenery and outdoor activities (those mountain views!), but the city also has excellent dining, brewery, and entertainment scenes. 

14 Pros and Cons of Living in Denver 

It might seem like a no-brainer to move to Denver based on the breathtaking natural beauty alone, but there’s so much more to the Mile High City than meets the eye. Check out the top pros and cons of living in Denver to see if this city is truly the right place for you!

Due to the city's proximity to the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to enjoy a wide range of activities on the front range, like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping.

Pro: There’s Abundant Year-Round Outdoor Recreation

Upon moving to Colorado, one of the first things you'll notice is how much time residents spend outdoors. Due to the city's proximity to the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to enjoy a wide range of activities on the front range, like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. But if you’re interested in taking things up a notch, you’ll only be a short drive away from popular ski resorts in places like Aspen and Breckenridge. And Colorado’s breathtaking scenery in places like Rocky Mountain National Park? That’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away, too!

Con: The City’s High Elevation Is Not Ideal For Everyone

Sometimes higher altitude can affect you negatively, if you’re not used to it. For example, if you’re not well hydrated, you’ll likely experience headaches. Those who are new to the area may also find exercising more challenging, as you’ll need to breathe more heavily to get the same amount of oxygen you would at lower elevations. Altitude sickness, a more serious condition, can even occur if you gain too much elevation too quickly.

Pro: Job Opportunities Are Plentiful

There are a variety of large companies that contribute to the job market in Denver. Some of the major ones include Wells Fargo, CenturyLink, and Davita Healthcare Partners. Many residents also work for local universities, such as the University of Colorado Denver, MSU Denver, and the University of Denver. Other notable facilities include the Denver Art Museum and The Denver Botanic Gardens.

Con: Denver’s High Cost of Living Can Be a Turnoff

One of the worst things about living in Denver is the high cost of living. In fact, the cost of living in the city is nearly 6 percent more than the state average and 28 percent more than the national average. That means the cost of living in Denver, Colorado, is more expensive than other popular cities across the U.S. like Chicago and Tampa. 

Denver has an average home value of around $575,200, but you can find more affordable options in nearby cities like Colorado Springs, which has an average home value closer to $455,600. 

Washington Park (aka Wash Park) features over two miles of trails, as well as Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake, for locals to enjoy.
(Source: Jewels of Colorado Real Estate via Facebook)

Pro: Beautiful Neighborhoods Make Up the True Charm of Denver

If you’re planning a move to the Mile High City, there are almost too many neighborhoods to choose from! No matter what vibe you’re on the hunt for or what demographic you fall under, there’s a suitable place to settle down for every walk of life. Take a look at some of the top neighborhoods found throughout the city. 

Congress Park

One of Denver's historic districts, Congress Park offers a wide range of restaurants and stores that are all within walking distance. This area comes with a walk score of 83 and is a great place to live if you are looking to be close to everything.

Washington Park

The Washington Park community has been ranked No. 8 on Niche’s list for “Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in Denver.” The park itself is over 150 acres and comes with over two miles of trails, as well as Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake, for locals to enjoy. You’ll also be able to take advantage of everything Gaylord Street and Old South Pearl have to offer in Wash Park.

Cherry Creek

Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood is best known for its variety of dining and retail options, specifically the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North. The neighborhood also hosts one of the largest arts festivals in the country each summer, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? 

Con: Safety Is Not Always Guaranteed in the Mile High City 

The crime rate in Denver is pretty high, with a rate of 74 crimes per 1,000 residents. It's also among the highest in the nation among large cities and small towns. One in 13 residents in Denver is a victim of either property crime or violent crime, and over 96 percent of the other communities in Colorado have lower crime rates.

It’s important to remember, though, that more people means more incidents. Any large city is going to come with more people in a smaller area, meaning you should simply pay more attention. Stay aware of your surroundings and research the safest neighborhoods. 

Residents get to experience over 300 days of sunshine each year, which is more than the days of sunshine experienced in other popular cities like San Diego and Miami.
(Source: VISIT DENVER via Facebook)

Pro: The Mild Weather Makes for Pleasant Outdoor Living

In Denver, the annual rainfall amounts to only 8 to 15 inches. On the other hand, residents get to experience over 300 days of sunshine each year, which is more than the days of sunshine experienced in other popular cities like San Diego and Miami.

The city's winter weather is also characterized by mild temperatures, with days often reaching 60 degrees Fahrenheit. And since snow rarely lingers on the ground (thanks to all that sunshine!), outdoor cafes and golf courses are able to remain open throughout the season.

Denver also enjoys relatively low humidity during the summer, which means beautiful warm days and cool nights. In fact, the average high temperature in August is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Sounds pretty nice, huh?

Con: Low Precipitation Leads to Harsh Drought Conditions and Potential for Wildfires