Colorado is a beautiful state, full of mountains and sunshine. But what are the best parts about living there? And what are some things you should think about before moving there?
You’ll spend half your income on housing.
If you’re moving to Colorado, be prepared to spend more on housing than in most other states. The average household spends around 30% of its income on housing costs, compared to the national average of 22%. While renting is also more expensive in Colorado, owning a home can be affordable if you’re willing to live outside of Denver or Boulder.
Colorado’s median sales price for homes has been steadily increasing, from $200K in 2013 to over $300K now (2017). However, this is still below the national average of $350K.
The altitude is no joke.
The altitude in Colorado is no joke. It’s important to consider how it will affect you and your loved ones before moving here, even if it’s just for a short time.
There are three major effects of the high altitude:
- Breathing is more difficult because there is less oxygen in the air at 5,000 feet above sea level than at sea level. If you have trouble breathing at sea level (if you have asthma or bronchitis), expect it to be worse at higher altitudes. Before doing anything strenuous—like mountain biking through the Rockies—make sure you’re up to date on any medication you might need and that your doctor has given you permission for physical exertion in high altitudes.
- Sleeping well can be challenging when living in Colorado! The body requires more red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout its system since there is less oxygen in each breath taken at higher elevations.
- Exercise performance decreases by 8% for every 1,000-foot increase in elevation over 5,000 feet above sea level (this means that people who live above 5,500 feet might find themselves becoming winded walking down their driveway). This explains why athletes train hard before competing in sports events held above 7,000 feet like ski races or triathlons – they want their bodies acclimated so they’ll perform better during competition!
You’ll enjoy 300 days of sunshine every year.
You’ll enjoy 300 days of sunshine every year. That’s right, no matter if it’s summer or winter—you’ll get to bask in the golden glow of our sun. It also means that there are fewer rainy days and much less snow than you might be used to. The average temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) during the summer months, which makes this a great time to visit Colorado if you love outdoor activities like hiking and biking. In the wintertime, temperatures can drop as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius), but even then it rarely snows more than 6 inches per month on average.
The highest elevation point in all of Colorado is 14,440 feet above sea level at Mt. Elbert; however most residents live closer toward sea level at 4,300 feet above sea level in Denver City itself!
You’re going to need to invest in some snow tires.
- If you don’t already have snow tires, now is the time to get them.
- Snow tires are not required by law, but they are recommended. They’re made with a deeper tread and softer rubber compounds than regular tires, so they grip better on ice and snow. Plus, they’re more expensive than regular tires—but if you plan to be in Colorado for a few months or years (and especially if you live up in the mountains), I think it’s worth investing in at least one set of these bad boys.
You’ll see some incredible wildlife here, but you do need to be careful.
Colorado is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from black bears and mountain lions to elk. While it’s easy to admire these creatures from a distance, you still need to exercise caution when hiking or camping in their natural habitats. Be sure to carry bear spray with you at all times—while rare, there have been reports of people being attacked by black bears in the wild. If you see signs posted about animals nearby, be sure not to disturb them. In fact, if you see any kind of warning sign that indicates an aggressive animal may be nearby (such as “Warning: Mountain Lion Area”), don’t go near it!
It can be tough to get a job here these days.
Colorado faces a unique challenge: its economy is not as strong as many other states’. In fact, the state has a high cost of living and low unemployment rate—a sign of a strong economy (if you’re looking for work, that is). But when it comes to job growth and population growth, Colorado is lagging behind other states.
If you are moving here from another state with better opportunities or looking for work in general, you may want to consider relocating somewhere else first. It’s not impossible to find employment in Colorado—it just might take some time and effort on your part!
There are plenty of things to do in Colorado.
Colorado is a state of many contrasts. It’s home to the highest peaks in North America and some of the nation’s largest cities, but it also has vast stretches of open space and wilderness areas. Some people live in small mountain towns or on big ranches, while others find themselves in bustling suburbs or bustling cities. If you’re planning on living in Colorado for an extended period of time, you’ll need to decide what kind of life you want: Do you want your own house with a yard? Or are you content to live in an apartment? Do you prefer being close to nature or within walking distance from city amenities?
Colorado has lots to offer residents who love hiking and camping; there are trails for everyone from beginner hikers all the way up through expert mountaineers who want challenging terrain and difficult conditions. And if that doesn’t sound like enough activity for your lifestyle, there are plenty of other outdoor recreational activities available throughout the state—from kayaking along rivers and lakes to rock climbing at local cliffs.
Colorado is one of the best states for education, especially primary and secondary education.
Colorado is one of the best states for education, especially primary and secondary education. Colorado has some of the best schools in the country, and its students consistently test at or above national averages in math and reading. The state’s schools are also highly ranked as it comes to student achievement, graduation rates, and academic performance on standardized tests like the ACT.
The public school system here is considered one of the most equitable in the country. That means that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have access to similar resources as those who come from wealthier families. Because of this equity in funding levels across districts (which is why we chose this metric), rural areas aren’t left behind compared with urban centers like Denver or Boulder when it comes to funding levels or quality of teachers; all children receive an equal opportunity for learning how to read/solve equations/use technology effectively etceteraetcetera…
People love living in Colorado, but it’s expensive and has its challenges too.
Colorado is a beautiful place to live, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and even a few ski resorts to help you keep cool during the summer months. But it’s not without its challenges.
The cost of living in Colorado is high, especially if you have children or plan on starting a family soon. Despite this, it’s still considered one of the best places in America for young people looking for jobs (especially those in tech and healthcare). The state has many outdoor activities like hiking and camping that give residents access to nature year round—but winter can be hard on your wallet if you’re not prepared with proper gear or experience. While summers usually aren’t too bad because temperatures tend rise into the eighties by mid-July, there are occasional heat waves when temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit!
Conclusion
All in all, we think Colorado is a great place to live. We know that living here has its challenges, but we love it because of all the amazing things this state has to offer. If you’re looking for an adventure-filled life and a warm climate, then Colorado might be just what you need!
