10 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado

Are you considering Colorado for your new home? The “Centennial State” is home to around 5.7 million people who reap the benefits of beautiful nature, world-class outdoor activities, and an amazing food and drink scene. So, whether you plan on purchasing a house in Denver or renting an apartment in Boulder, you will be sure to find the perfect place to call home. To help you figure out whether Colorado is a good place to live, this Redfin article will break down the pros and cons of living in Colorado. Keep reading to see what’s to love and what’s not to love about the state. 

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Quick Facts about Colorado

Population
5,773,714

Median home sale price
$602,900

Average rent in Colorado
$1,713

Largest cities in Colorado
Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora

Pros of living in Colorado

1. The sports scene is booming

If you love sports, this state is for you. Colorado has an electric sports atmosphere being home to teams across multiple professional leagues. Local favorites include the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Rapids (MLS), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Denver Nuggets (NBA). While in the area, be sure to catch a game at Empower Field, Coors Field, Dicks Sporting Goods Park, or Ball Arena. 

2. The scenery is stunning and the access to nature is unmatched 

Colorado is an adventurer’s playground with access to world-class ski resorts, beautiful national and state parks, and an abundance of outdoor activities like climbing, rafting, and biking. During the winter, locals enjoy skiing at one of over 25 ski resorts including Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Telluride, Vail, and Winter Park. 

Colorado is also home to four national parks, namely Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Some of the state parks you need to check out include Cherry Creek State Park, Roxborough State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and St. Vrain State Park. Not to mention you can climb one of the over 50 famous 14ers, a mountain peak over 14,000 feet. 

3. Colorado has beautiful weather 

Yes, Colorado does tend to have unpredictable weather. However, you’ll find that the state does receive a lot of sunshine year round, especially the further West you go in cities like Grand Junction. In addition, cities surrounding Denver see relatively low humidity making summer days feel dry and hot with cool, comfortable evenings. When living in the state, you’ll experience all four seasons filled with fall leaves, snowy winters, warm summers, and spring flowers.

4. The state is a beer lovers’ paradise

Colorado has a wonderful beer scene full of breweries, pubs, and taprooms in major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, and Boulder. In fact, there are more than 350 breweries in the state. While in Colorado, be sure to check out Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, and Avery Brewing Company. If you want to learn more about the malting, brewing, and packaging of Coors, be sure to take a tour of the Coors Brewery in Golden. Colorado also hosts one of the nation’s largest beer festivals, The Great American Beer Festival. 

5. Residents have many unique neighborhoods to choose from

Colorado has an array of unique neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct charm and appeal. For instance, Denver’s vibrant RiNo District is known for its eclectic art scene and trendy eateries, while Boulder’s Pearl Street offers a picturesque blend of shopping and dining against a backdrop of stunning mountain views.

Cons of living in Colorado 

Despite its many benefits, living in Colorado can also present some challenges, such as the high cost of living and housing in popular areas. Additionally, the unpredictable weather and extreme temperature fluctuations can be difficult to adjust to.

6. Home prices are high 

 With a median sale price of $602,900, Colorado’s real estate market demands a significant financial investment. This median sale price exceeds the national median sale price of $439,716, indicating the higher price tag associated with owning property in Colorado. When comparing to neighboring states, such as Arizona with a median sale price of $451,500 and Nevada with a median sale price of $458,400, Colorado’s housing costs remain notably higher. These figures underscore the challenge of finding affordable housing options within the state, with factors like high demand, limited inventory, and desirable locations driving up prices. Be sure to calculate how much home you can afford before beginning your home search.

7. Adjusting to the altitude can be a challenge 

Moving to Colorado comes with being at a higher altitude holding an average elevation of 6,800 ft. So, when first adjusting you may notice drier skin and have a harder time exercising. Given some time, you should be able to adjust to your new elevation. 

8. Colorado is a landlocked state 

Colorado is bordered by 7 states and is considered landlocked. So, while you have the mountains and incredible views, you will not be any where close to the beach. If you need to be near the ocean, this state may not be for you.

9. Traffic can be a nuisance 

As traffic is common in most major areas of large cities, Colorado traffic is no exception. Rush hour going in and out of the cities can add up to 3 hours to your commute and weekend commutes along I-70 get congested as people head to and from the mountains. 

10. There is a risk of wildfires

The Centennial state is prone to wildfires every year due to strong wind speeds, drought, and high temperatures. When moving to Colorado, be sure to do adequate research on whether your home is in a high-risk fire zone and what steps you should take to fireproof your home from wildfires. 

Methodology: The population data is from the United States Census Bureau and the median home sale price and average rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. 

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