Colorado Denver
Moving to Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado offers young professionals a vibrant urban lifestyle with unbeatable access to nature, a booming job market, and a welcoming, laid-back vibe. Located at the foot of the Rockies, Denver blends career growth with outdoor adventure and a strong sense of community.
From sleek downtown lofts in LoDo and RiNo to historic homes in Capitol Hill and the Highlands, Denver’s neighborhoods offer a mix of walkability, charm, and convenience. The city is bike-friendly and well-connected, with plenty of local shops, parks, and breweries.
Outdoor lovers thrive here—weekends are for hiking at Red Rocks, skiing in the mountains, or biking city trails. Parks like City Park and Sloan’s Lake bring mountain views and green space right into everyday life.
Culturally, Denver is lively and creative. With a nationally recognized food and craft beer scene, local art walks, music festivals, and museums, there's always something happening. Major industries like tech, healthcare, and energy fuel a growing economy that attracts ambitious professionals.
With sunshine year-round, a focus on sustainability, and a community that values balance, Denver continues to be a top choice for young professionals building both careers and lives.
Denver by the numbers
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Discover Denver: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Denver is a vibrant city where outdoor adventure meets creative urban energy. Known for its stunning mountain views, lively neighborhoods, and growing arts scene, Denver offers locals and visitors a dynamic mix of culture, recreation, and community spirit. Whether you’re sipping craft beer at a local brewery, biking through city parks, or enjoying live music at an open-air venue, Denver’s high-altitude charm invites you to dive in and connect with its uniquely Colorado vibe.
Creative Culture & Local Flavor
Denver’s culture is shaped by its Rocky Mountain backdrop, Western roots, and entrepreneurial growth. The city boasts a thriving culinary scene—from farm-to-table eateries in RiNo and Uptown to local favorites dishing out green chile and creative fusion fare. Independent coffee roasters, food halls, and one of the nation’s best craft beer scenes give Denver its local flavor.
Creatives and makers thrive here. Art galleries, street murals, and pop-up installations are everywhere—from the Santa Fe Arts District to alleyways in Five Points. Community hubs like the Denver Public Library and neighborhood art centers host workshops, readings, and events that showcase the city's diverse voices.
Arts & Entertainment
Denver’s arts scene is colorful and constantly evolving. The city is home to cultural gems like the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, along with a robust local theater, film, and music scene. Open-air concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, indie film festivals, and neighborhood block parties keep the creative pulse strong.
Live music is at the heart of Denver’s identity. Venues like the Ogden Theatre, Bluebird, and Globe Hall spotlight everything from local talent to national acts. Seasonal festivals like Westword Music Showcase and Underground Music Showcase draw crowds and celebrate the city's love for music and connection.
Community Events & Festivals
Denver’s calendar is filled with events that highlight its diversity, creativity, and outdoor lifestyle. Weekly farmers markets, First Friday art walks, and yoga in the park bring people together in every corner of the city.
Signature events like the Denver Parade of Lights, Five Points Jazz Festival, and Colorado Dragon Boat Festival celebrate the city's cultural heritage and community pride. From summer festivals in Civic Center Park to winter markets downtown, Denver offers year-round opportunities to connect and celebrate.
Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation
Denver is a city where an active lifestyle and outdoor adventure are part of daily life. With a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and over 300 days of sunshine each year, the Mile High City offers countless recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and interests—from passionate sports fans to outdoor enthusiasts.
Sports & Community
Denver is home to a full roster of professional sports teams that ignite hometown pride year-round. The Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Colorado Rapids (MLS) draw loyal fans to iconic venues like Ball Arena, Coors Field, and Empower Field at Mile High. Whether it's football in the fall or playoff hockey in the spring, Denver’s sports culture is vibrant and unifying.
Youth and adult leagues across the city offer accessible opportunities to get in the game. Through Denver Parks & Recreation, residents can join community leagues in soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, and the fast-growing sport of pickleball. Local schools also support competitive athletics with strong programs in track, baseball, and more.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Activities
Surrounded by natural beauty, Denver makes it easy to get outside and stay active:
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City Park is one of the city’s most beloved green spaces, home to the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature & Science, and miles of walking and biking paths.
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Washington Park offers running loops, paddle boat rentals, tennis courts, and vast open space for picnics and recreation.
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Sloan’s Lake provides water access for kayaking and paddleboarding with postcard-worthy views of downtown and the mountains.
For those who venture further, the nearby Front Range and Rocky Mountains deliver world-class hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding—all within a short drive. Denver also boasts an extensive network of urban bike trails and greenways like the Cherry Creek Trail and South Platte River Trail, connecting neighborhoods and offering miles of scenic routes through the city.
Adventures
Adventures
Denver offers an exciting blend of urban energy, stunning mountain views, and rich Western heritage—making it a top destination for both everyday adventures and weekend getaways. Whether you're hiking nearby foothills, exploring creative neighborhoods, or heading into the Rockies for a day trip, Denver invites you to discover something new, every day.
Nature & Outdoor Exploration
Outdoor enthusiasts thrive in Denver's high-altitude landscape. Within the city, parks like City Park, Washington Park, and Sloan’s Lake offer space for biking, jogging, paddleboarding, and picnicking—all with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop.
Trails along Cherry Creek and the South Platte River run through urban neighborhoods and green corridors, perfect for walking or cycling. The Denver Botanic Gardens and Confluence Park bring nature into the heart of the city with curated green spaces and river access.
Just beyond city limits, the Front Range offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing. Popular destinations like Red Rocks Park, Lookout Mountain, and Chautauqua Park in Boulder are less than an hour away. For winter sports, world-class ski resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone are easy day trips—or quick weekend escapes.
History, Culture & Day Trips
Denver’s deep roots in Western history meet a vibrant modern culture. Explore Lower Downtown (LoDo) with its historic brick buildings, craft breweries, and Union Station—a transportation hub turned social hotspot. Nearby, the Denver Art Museum and History Colorado Center bring art and storytelling to life.
Cultural festivals, farmers markets, and First Friday art walks celebrate the city’s diversity all year long. Head to Golden for riverfront hikes and a tour of the Coors Brewery, or visit Estes Park—the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park—for scenic drives and wildlife sightings.
For something more relaxed, take a day trip to Fort Collins for small-town charm and craft beer, or unwind in Idaho Springs with a soak in natural hot springs and a stroll through historic mining streets.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Denver embraces all four seasons with a vibrant lineup of community events that celebrate its culture, natural beauty, and Rocky Mountain spirit. From festive winter traditions to sun-soaked summer festivals and colorful fall gatherings, there’s something happening in the Mile High City year-round.
Winter to Spring
Winter in Denver sparkles with holiday charm. Downtown Denver’s Parade of Lights kicks off the season with dazzling floats and marching bands, while the Christkindlmarket brings old-world holiday cheer with German treats, handmade gifts, and warm drinks. Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light transforms the gardens into a glowing winter wonderland, and ice rinks at Skyline Park and Evergreen Lake invite families to bundle up and skate under the stars.
As spring arrives, Denver blooms with events like the Denver March Powwow, celebrating Native American culture with traditional dancing and music, and the Denver Auto Show, which draws car lovers from across the region. Cherry blossoms in City Park and tulips lining 17th Avenue mark the return of warm weather. Earth Day events, outdoor yoga in Civic Center Park, and the reopening of seasonal farmers markets signal the start of Denver’s active season.
Summer to Fall
Summer is festival season in Denver. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival draws artists and art lovers from around the country, while City Park Jazz fills Sunday evenings with live music in the open air. Foodies flock to the Denver BBQ Festival and Tacolandia, while neighborhood events like Five Points Jazz Festival and South Pearl Street Farmers Market bring local flavor to every corner of the city.
As fall sets in, the Front Range explodes with color, and Denver celebrates the season with events like Denver Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Nights at the Botanic Gardens, and the family-friendly Boo at the Zoo. Day trips to corn mazes and pumpkin patches in nearby towns like Littleton or Longmont are a fall tradition, while Dia de los Muertos celebrations and ghost tours in historic neighborhoods mark the season with culture and fun.
Community Resources
Denver provides residents with access to a comprehensive healthcare system featuring nationally ranked hospitals, specialty clinics, urgent care centers, and a wide array of wellness resources. Whether it’s routine checkups or advanced treatment, Denver’s medical network supports the health and well-being of its diverse and growing population.
Major Hospitals
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)
Located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, just outside Denver, UCH is known for its excellence in cancer care, cardiology, neurology, and transplant services. As an academic medical center, it offers advanced, research-driven treatments and cutting-edge technology. It also features 24/7 emergency care, surgical services, and a wide range of specialty clinics.
Denver Health Medical Center
As the city’s primary public hospital, Denver Health provides high-quality care to all residents regardless of income or insurance status. The hospital operates a Level I trauma center, a large network of community health clinics, and specialized services in pediatrics, women’s health, infectious disease, and behavioral health. It’s a cornerstone of the city’s healthcare safety net.
Saint Joseph Hospital (part of Intermountain Health)
Centrally located in the City Park West neighborhood, Saint Joseph Hospital offers advanced care in cardiology, maternity services, orthopedics, and surgery. Known for its patient-centered approach, it blends modern medicine with a strong legacy of compassionate care.
Mental Health & Community Wellness
Denver offers a robust network of mental health resources. Mental Health Center of Denver (now WellPower) provides comprehensive behavioral health services including crisis response, therapy, substance use treatment, and housing support. Numerous private therapists, group practices, and nonprofit organizations help address the emotional well-being of individuals and families.
Community wellness is also emphasized through support groups, mindfulness workshops, peer counseling programs, and outreach services focused on youth, veterans, and underserved communities.
Urgent Care & Preventive Services
Residents have access to a wide range of urgent care providers such as NextCare, Concentra, and UCHealth Urgent Care, offering walk-in treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and telehealth services. These clinics provide convenient care outside regular office hours.
Preventive health is promoted through public initiatives led by Denver Public Health, including vaccination drives, smoking cessation programs, diabetes prevention, nutrition education, and fitness campaigns. The city’s many parks, bike trails, rec centers, and gyms help foster active lifestyles that support long-term health.
Denver is a vibrant city that values education and lifelong learning, with a strong public school system, top-tier higher education institutions, and a wide range of enrichment programs for learners of all ages. The city offers families and individuals excellent academic resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Public Schools
Denver Public Schools (DPS) serves the city with a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and preparing students for college and careers. Notable schools include:
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Denver School of the Arts – Renowned for its rigorous arts curriculum alongside strong academics.
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East High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and diverse extracurricular opportunities.
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North High School – Offers advanced placement courses, STEM programs, and leadership development.
The district features specialized programs such as IB, STEM academies, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and language immersion, helping students explore fields like technology, health sciences, and the arts.
Higher Education & Lifelong Learning
Denver is home to several respected institutions that serve the community and region:
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University of Denver (DU) – A private university known for its strong programs in business, law, international studies, and the arts.
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Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) – Offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees with an emphasis on affordability and workforce readiness.
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Community College of Denver (CCD) – Provides associate degrees, certificate programs, continuing education, and adult learning opportunities.
The Denver Public Library system supports lifelong learning with branches throughout the city offering workshops, literacy programs, tech classes, and cultural events for all ages.
Denver provides residents with reliable public services and infrastructure designed to promote safety, convenience, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident, Denver’s well-managed municipal resources ensure access to essential services and community programs that support a resilient, thriving city.
Government & Safety
Denver is governed by the City and County of Denver, which oversees public safety, community development, and city services with a focus on sustainability, equity, and innovation.
The Denver Police Department (DPD) provides law enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency response throughout the city. The department emphasizes community engagement, transparency, and building public trust.
Fire protection and emergency medical services are handled by the Denver Fire Department (DFD), known for its rapid response, fire prevention education, and disaster preparedness programs.
City departments manage a wide range of services including waste collection and recycling, public works, parks and recreation, building inspections, and emergency management to foster a safe and livable community.
Transportation
Denver offers strong connectivity for commuters and travelers:
Major highways like Interstate 25 (I-25) and Interstate 70 (I-70) run through the metro area, linking Denver to neighboring suburbs and the broader region.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates an extensive network of buses and light rail services across Denver and the metro area. The RTD Light Rail system connects downtown Denver with suburbs, airports, and key employment centers.
The Denver International Airport (DEN), located northeast of the city, is a major hub offering numerous domestic and international flights, making travel convenient for residents.
Denver also supports active transportation with miles of bike lanes, trails like the Cherry Creek Trail, and growing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Vehicle and driver services in Denver are managed by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), with several local offices in the metro area. Services include:
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Driver’s license and REAL ID issuance
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Vehicle registration and renewals
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Title transfers and emissions testing (in designated areas)
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Disability parking permits and learner’s permits
Colorado offers comprehensive online services for appointment scheduling, fee payments, and document management, making it easy for residents to access DMV services remotely.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.