Your EZ Home Search Guide to Moving to Colorado

Are you ready to embark on a new life journey and plunge into becoming a Colorado homeowner? If so, you’re about to experience the wild ride of living in one of America’s most stunning states. Not only is Colorado home to spectacular natural scenery and wildlife, but it also offers incredible cities with ample job opportunities, access to some of the nation’s best craft breweries, and a full roster of world-class festivals.

So if moving to CO has been something you’ve been considering lately, let us be the first to welcome you! Here’s a quick guide full of must-know tips for settling into this state like a pro.

A Few Fun Facts

Did you know that Colorado is home to the highest paved road, the highest suspension bridge, and the tallest sand dune in America? Part of that is because Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state. Denver’s nicknamed “the Mile High City” because it sits one mile above sea level.

The Spanish named the area “Colorado,” as in “colored red” because of the famous red-hued rocks along the Front Range mountains.

Over 4,000 species of plants and wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears, call Colorado their home.

The “Centennial State” nickname is because Colorado achieved statehood when the US turned 100.

Colorado’s Many Regions

Covering 104,094 square miles, Colorado is a vast state that covers a lot of geography. Colorado contains 9,600 miles of fishing streams, 2,850 lakes, and over 1,000 peaks at least two miles high. So how do you delve into such a vast and diverse state?

Generally speaking, Colorado has four greater regions: the Eastern Plains, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Slope, and the Denver Metro Area. Each region offers its own unique personality and attractions. For example, the Eastern Plains are known for their rolling hills and prairies, while the Western Slope offers stunning geological formations and wineries.

The state’s tourism bureau further divided Colorado into eight areas. You may hear locals use terms like “Front Range,” “High Plains,” and “I-25 Corridor.”

“The Front Range” refers to the mountain chain along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, home to some of Colorado’s most popular attractions, like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are considered “Front Range” cities. Because the Front Range runs for hundreds of miles, some separate it out into the Denver metro, or the Pikes Peak Region around Colorado Springs.

“High Plains” is the eastern part of the state. This sparsely populated prairie landscape is home to Fort Collins, pioneer towns, and farms.

The Yampa, Colorado, and Gunnison rivers carved the canyon country of the Western Slope with dramatic landscapes. It runs down to southwestern Colorado with the stunning San Juan Mountains and the world-famous ski resort at Telluride. The Western Slope is where visitors explore the Old Wild West and Grand Junction or hunt for dinosaur fossils.

The Northern Rockies are Colorado’s glamor destination, where the upscale ski resorts of Vail and Aspen delight the slope bunnies. The rugged Southern Rockies are an adventure destination with whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and historic towns and old mines.

Climate

When it comes to climate, Colorado is famous for its sunny days, mild temperatures, and low humidity. Denver’s average 300 days of sunshine is more than Miami or San Diego!

Of course, the climate varies depending on the region and your elevation. The High Plains are semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The Rocky Mountains have a subalpine climate, which brings more overall precipitation and cooler temperatures.

No matter where you are, Colorado’s weather is famous for how quick it can change. There’s a reason Colorado residents wear layers. Be ready for wild temperature swings not just day-to-day but within hours! Locals keep jackets, hats, and mittens in their cars “just in case.”

The weather can deliver almost everything, with tornadoes and high winds roaring across the plains, golf ball-sized hail shredding plants in the spring, and snowfall coating the high slopes into June.

Another hallmark is the low humidity, which can be drastically different if you’re coming from a coastal city. Be prepared by drinking lots of water, wearing lotion, and maybe even adding a humidifier to your home.

But overall, residents enjoy comfortable weather year-round that makes it easy to get outside.

Demand Pushes Up the Cost of Living

The cost of living in Colorado varies depending on the city and region, but it generally falls above the national average. The 2022 Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) survey ranked Colorado no. 34 of all the states for its cost of living. The overall index score of 104.6 was more than in other mountain states like Wyoming or North Carolina. Housing scored 119.8, making Colorado cheaper than Arizona, New Jersey, or California but still pricey overall.

Some cities like Denver and Boulder have a higher cost of living due to their popularity and booming job market. In fact, based on January 2023 data, the most expensive markets based on their home prices were Edwards, Breckenridge, and Steamboat Springs. In 2022, the average monthly housing costs ran from $1,282 to $2,309. Utilities averaged $331, while food and groceries could run $342 per person per month.

Taxes Run High

While Colorado may seem to have affordable taxes initially, the high cost of living can impact your overall tax burden.

When it comes to the individual income tax, you’ll pay a flat 4.4% to the state. Some cities may also charge the local income tax, which can increase what’s taken out of your paycheck every month.

There is a statewide sales tax rate of 2.9%, but again cities and other jurisdictions can stack sales taxes on top of this. The statewide average sales tax rate is 7.78%. Cities cannot exceed an 8.3% sales tax maximum.

For property taxes, if you look at the average effective tax rate paid, it’s actually surprisingly low in Colorado. The thing is, with those high home values, even a one percent tax on $1 million will be pretty expensive. So in the actual amounts paid per capita, Colorado is one of the higher states. By Tax Foundation’s measure, the per capita, state, and local property tax collection of $1955 ranked the state 14th.

Diverse Job Market

Speaking of jobs, Colorado has a thriving economy with opportunities in healthcare, tech, hospitality, and education. At 2.8%, the state’s unemployment rate in March 2023 is lower than the national average.

Milken Institute ranked Colorado in 2020 as the second-best state for Technology & Science. It’s also received accolades for entrepreneurship, STEM work, and creative roles.

Around 6,000 manufacturers have set up shop in Colorado across a full suite of sectors. They include food and beverage processing to aerospace and biomedical.

But Colorado is also a strong agricultural producer, generating $5 billion for its economy alone. It’s among the top three craft beer brewing production and sales states. There’s also a strong livestock component to Colorado agribusiness.

Top-Ranked For Education

Colorado’s education system ranked the fourth best in the US for 2022, with higher education outrating K-12 education. Colorado State University and the University of Colorado public systems are the stars that elevated higher education to no. 4 nationwide.

Still, the K-12 public school system ranked a respectable no. 12 and is recognized for its innovation. Colorado’s schools allow for charters and partnerships, creating unique learning options for local youth. These Innovation Schools have more control over their curriculum and scheduling decisions.

The Colorado Department of Education works closely to ensure educational quality and releases performance data every year, revealing the most consistent top-performing school districts.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Living in Colorado is like living in a world of adventure. Everywhere you turn, there’s a new activity just waiting to be tackled. Hiking, biking, skiing, fishing—the list goes on and on. It’s encouraged by the breathtaking scenery surrounding Colorado residents and the pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the urban cities. Biking to work is actually common!

Living a healthy lifestyle here is easy, with plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. But the fun doesn’t stop when the weather gets cold. Colorado residents stay active across all four seasons. Even if you don’t like skiing, there’s still ice skating, snowshoeing, and running.

Craft Beer is Everywhere

Get ready to tap into the craft beer scene living in Colorado – it’s hop-tactic! Beer lovers can indulge in the state’s famous craft beer scene, with over 400 independent breweries across the state.

Fort Collins, in particular, is like the state craft beer epicenter, with countless microbreweries and a serious passion for all things hoppy. But don’t forget the big guns, like the Coors Brewery based in Golden, CO.

Marijuana is Legal

Marijuana is legal in Colorado, which may not be something you’re used to, depending on where you come from. While the general attitude is “do what you will,” it is not a free-for-all. Colorado does have stringent rules on where and how it is used. People can’t light up and walk down the street. The use rules do vary across cities, with some not allowing dispensaries in their city limits, so you may want to check the regulations if that matters to you.

Live Your Best Life In The Cities

Each Colorado city delivers major bang for their buck because of the interesting character and amenities. Choose from historic Wild West towns to opulent ski resorts to quiet suburban living.

Mile-High Denver is a bustling city with a thriving downtown area. Besides its mega-sized performing arts scene, you can catch a Broncos or Nuggets game, sample some of the tastiest craft beer in the country, or indulge in the world’s longest commercial street, Colfax Avenue.

Over in Colorado Springs, nature is its calling card. Out the backdoor awaits the stunning Garden of the Gods Park and the iconic Pikes Peak. This is where US Olympic athletes come to train.

Boulder boasts a beautiful college campus, trendy restaurants, and shops set against Rocky Mountain backdrops. Don’t miss the hiking trails around Chautauqua Park or the famous Pearl Street Mall.

Fort Collins is known for its lively music scene and craft breweries, including the beloved New Belgium and Odell’s.

Pueblo is a small-but-mighty city with a rich history that’s quickly making a name for itself as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike.

And we haven’t touched on the ski towns!

Hot Food Scene

Foodies will rejoice in Colorado’s abundance of delicious eats. With award-winning chefs and Top Chef contestants, Colorado’s dining spots will have you feeling like a food critic in no time as you debate who does it best.

If you’re a lover of Mexican cuisine, you’re in luck because Colorado’s unique love of roasted green chili peppers is everywhere. It’s called ordering “Colorado-style.”

Besides this spin on Mexican food, the state’s other famous foods are Rocky Mountain oysters, Olathe Street corn, Palisade peaches, and bison burgers.

Colorado also throws down on the food festival. Check out the Aspen Food and Wine Classic, where you can sip and savor your way through some of the best bites and drinks Colorado offers. Or, get some finger-lickin’ goods at the Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco. Crested Butte, Keystone, and Breckenridge also throw down their own wine festivals during the summer months.

Colorado Loves Pets

Furry friends will love how pet-friendly Colorado is. The communities have plenty of dog parks, hiking trails, breweries with outdoor patios, for you to explore together. Dogs will have the time of their lives! Your four-legged friend might even be more popular than you. Just don’t forget about the cold weather days when it’s unsafe for your furry friend to be outside for too long.

Altitude is no joke

If you’re coming from sea level, you may be surprised how living at this higher elevation impacts your body. It will adapt in time, but you’ve got to give it time. Go slow and be generous with yourself when starting up physical activity. You will likely find yourself winded more easily.

It helps to stay hydrated, which also helps combat the impacts of the drier climate. Limit alcohol and caffeine for a few days or weeks until you acclimatize. If you’re out on a hike or walk and start to feel light-headed, or have headaches or dizziness, try and get to a lower altitude.

Bucket List Attractions

Look, there is a crazy amount of things to do in Colorado. It’s no wonder the people are so fit and active–it feels like you could live a lifetime and not experience everything! We can’t fit in all the activities, but here are a few leading attractions to help you get to know your Colorado home.

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park with its breathtaking mountain vistas, scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife. Hike to alpine Bear Lake or drive the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US.

Visit the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This natural wonder features towering sandstone rock formations and offers excellent hiking, rock climbing, and stunning photo opportunities.

Colorado is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, such as Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride. There are multiple places with special passes and ski lesson specials. It’s worth trying at least once, even if you decide skiing is not for you.

Take a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway, an iconic stretch of the US Route 550 in southwestern Colorado famous for its spectacular mountain views, hairpin turns, and steep cliffs.

At Mesa Verde National Park, learn about the ancient past by exploring the Ancestral Pueblo people’s well-preserved cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.

Colorado has numerous hot springs where you can unwind and soak in mineral-rich waters. Glenwood Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs are popular choices.

Hike one of Colorado’s “14ers,” or peaks above 14,000 ft. The state has 58 of them, so you’ve plenty of choices. Just be prepared before you go by doing some practice hikes, preparing for fast-changing weather, and giving yourself ample time.

Moving to Colorado

Whether hiking through the Rockies or enjoying one of the state’s many festivals, there is something special about living in this unique part of the country. Don’t forget to enjoy all of Colorado’s stunning mountains, friendly people, and outdoor recreation opportunities while you’re here. So strap in, take the plunge, and become a proud Colorado homeowner – the experience will be unlike anything else!