This is part one of a two part discussion about why Denver is so great and why people love living here so much.
This is not only my opinion but now a certifiable fact. It turns out that when most people are realizing that the grass is greener elsewhere—they’re thinking about 
Denver, and they’re right!
According to a new national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends project; 43% of respondents replied that they would like to live in Denver and it’s surrounding metropolitan area. After reading the entire 45 page report (you can too at: http://pewsocialtrends.org/assets/pdf/Community-Satisfaction.pdf I think the people who didn’t vote for Denver and it’s suburbs probably just don’t know enough about it to realize that it is most likely the right answer for them too!
As I write this I am gazing out my office window, in the heart of the Denver Tech Center, out to the snow capped mountains above Golden and Evergreen. I wonder who has the statistics on cities with the highest level of playing hooky! When I was eating lunch today, in the sun and sixty-something degree February weather, I almost called it a day and went biking or skiing instead of prepping for my evening showing in Centennial. That said, our Economic Development Council will tell you that our workforce is very efficient, probably prompt, and has some very high level of attendance— but it’s tough on days like today.
The quality of life Denver offers its residents is hard to quantify but I believe its fueled by the freedom of the hills. Take me for example: I am a work-a-holic and spend a great deal of time in front of clients, the computer, and driving, but I know that on any given day—I can run up to the mountains, melt my stress away with crisp, mountain air. Deep blue-skies and a dose of fresh powder or a run along a beautiful single track trail! The fact is, I probably won’t have a chance to get out there tomorrow—but I might. And if I lived in Cleveland; I know I wouldn’t. So I work a way, happy as ever living in the Rocky Mountains.
Another reason Denver is so great is our cost of living. According to the highly regarded Council For Community and Economic Research or C2ER.org Denver is significantly less expensive to live in based on prices of more than 60 goods and services than the other top cities.
iPhone pic no editting!
Take San Diego for example: I have moved many families to Colorado from San Diego and the story is virtually always the same. Houses are expensive in and around San Diego, schools are horrible, the traffic, crime and overall atmosphere makes it difficult to be happy. In all fairness, I suppose recent transplants to Denver, virtually always bash their previous city of residence. But the fact is the average home in San Diego costs 85% more than in Denver! ($638,081 versus $343,969) Well, let me tell you, I would be a little less pleasant if I spent $640,000 on a house and found out that it was just average. Overall, living in San Diego is about 25% more expensive than Denver. Seattle (a distant third place in the poll) is also significantly more expensive, with their average home price at about $445,978 a full 30% more than Denver! I think I could use that 30% for better things—like sending my kids to college, mountain bikes, recycling or bailing out local retailers.
I’ll wrap this up with some more interesting facts in”Denver is THE Best Place to Live Part Two” If you’re hungry for more great reasons to love Denver; take a look at my earlier posts: http://www.denversrealestatenews.com/denver-luxury-homes-in-the-mountains-of-golden/ or Denver Average Temperature for more.
And if you’re still not convinced that Denver is the best place to live– check out this Evergreen Real Estate and picture yourself living here with only a 30 minute commute to downtown Denver and 60 minutes to skiing!
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Great post — the Denver area has everything the future of America needs!
Hi JB,
You’re preaching to the choir! Not only is Denver well known for affordability at the very top of the market– think big, quality craftsmanship and amazing views for fractions of what comparable homes would be on either coast BUT Denver also provides foe a terrific quality of life. Including a very active and highly educated population, quick access to lakes, mountains, skiing and some of the most beautiful places on Earth. I’m just about to start marketing a spectacular custom home in the Evergreen Golden area that is a perfect example: 20 minutes from Denver and yet on large acreage overlooking a picturesque alpine valley. The finishes in this home rival those twice as expensive within 20 minutes of Boston or Los Angeles. Stay tuned for the details!
I live in South Carolina, which turned out to be not that great. It is high in crime, no employment, taxes, I am a baby boomer that has one German Shepherd and a need to find a place that is for chapter two, of my life. I would like to experience Co. where is a safe, place, reasonable rentals, for my dog and myself. O yes I was a millionaire investor that lost his shorts and needs time to dwell. I have to start over like most who has lost and do not know where, Loveland? or Co.Springs? could use some help, I would consider driving out if I knew I had a game plan thanks EDWARD