Colorado is a great state to move to, and it continues to attract new residents each and every year. What makes Colorado a great place to live is the balance between urban landscapes and nature. You’ll find plenty of busy cities like Denver and Boulder, along with scenic views, hiking opportunities, and natural attractions like the Rocky Mountains.
That said, there are many things to know before moving to Colorado, and we’re here to help. Read on to learn more.
5 Things to Know Before Moving to Colorado
Colorado is a wonderful place to live, but it’s not for everyone. Some of the most important things to consider about Colorado include:
- Marijuana is big in Colorado
- Colorado is a swing state
- Prepare for the altitude
- The cost of living can be high
- Winters in Colorado are intense
Learn more about each one below.
Marijuana Is Big in Colorado
As one of the first states to legalize marijuana, it has become embedded in the state’s culture. It’s the perfect pairing, really, because you have gorgeous views, hiking opportunities, and beautiful red rocks to enjoy – many people who use marijuana love to connect with nature.
Due to its prevalence, you may notice more head shops, medical marijuana locations, and people enjoying marijuana in public. If that’s something you’re uncomfortable with, Colorado might not be the best place to move.
Colorado Is a Swing State
We know that politics aren’t for everyone, but it’s important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals if you don’t want your blood to boil at your neighbor’s barbeque. For this reason, it’s important to note that Colorado is a swing state. Expect about half the people you meet to be Republicans and the other half to be Democrats.
While this leads to more discourse on political topics, you can still find many people who share your values. It’s also important to note that Colorado residents get a lot of attention from candidates every four years due to it being a swing state.
Therefore, if you don’t want to hear about your city on the news every Presidential election cycle, don’t move to Colorado.
Prepare for the Altitude
If there’s one thing that Colorado is known for, it’s the altitude. After all, Denver is called the mile-high city for a reason – it’s more than 6,000 feet above sea level! For this reason, you need to prepare for altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness is a common condition that people experience when acclimating to high altitudes. Don’t worry—it’s not fatal. It will just take you some time to get used to the change in oxygen.
This will get worse when you climb mountains or hike, so keep this in mind when exploring Colorado.
The Cost of Living
In Colorado, the cost of living is higher than the median, with average homes costing $500,000 to $650,000 in metropolitan areas. According to the Colorado General Assembly, the average income is around $63,000 per person, and due to the cost of living, a lot of that money is eaten up by expenses.
For this reason, you’ll likely need a six-figure income or two incomes to afford real estate. Also, renting is a viable option at around $2,000 to $3,000 per month in some cities.
Winters in Colorado Are Intense
Colorado is a great place to live, but be prepared to brave the cold. From November to around April, you can expect freezing temperatures, snow, and even blizzards. This only gets worse as you reach higher elevations or head up mountains.
In fact, mountains in Colorado can remain cold all year round, so keep this in mind before you mind. Overall, expect a few feet of snow each year if you live in Colorado.
Move to Colorado with Confidence Today!
Moving to any state can be a big change, so it’s always a good idea to learn more about the state before you move there.
Always plan your move to Colorado carefully, create a detailed moving budget, decide if you need to work with a vehicle shipping company (just make sure to check out expert reviews like this one), and make sure you have a checklist that includes some of the things to know before moving to Colorado that we covered in this article. The good news is that once you have a plan in place, moving to Colorado is a breeze.
