Many people think of mountains and natural beauty when they think of Colorado. With modern urban cities alongside the majestic landscape, it’s no wonder why people flock to Colorado.
More people move into Colorado than move out of the state. On average, the state population increased by about 60,000 to 75,000 people per year from 2011 to 2016! Colorado has earned its spot as one of the 6 most popular states to move to.
Thinking about moving to Colorado soon? There are some things you should know first. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before you pack up the moving truck and head for Colorado!
Craft Beer Galore
If you love craft beer, Colorado is your place! A whopping 10% of all the craft breweries in the United States call Colorado home!
Enjoy one of the annual beer festivals or go take tours of all the breweries. With new options popping up all the time, there’s always a new craft beer to try!
All Aboard!
Train enthusiasts should flock to Colorado to get up close and personal with locomotive history! Relive your childhood fascination with trains as you get ready to board a functional passenger train!
Several scenic passenger train routes meander through Colorado and pass by quaint little historic train stop towns. Bring your camera, but make sure you have the action setting on because these old trains are not as slow as they look!
Political Swing State
The political climate right now is more divided than we’ve ever seen. Some states vote red, some states vote blue, but Colorado is a swing state (let’s call them purple). For some people, this will be a benefit, for others it will be a flaw.
If you live in a state that is not a swing state, you might not have experienced political campaigns as you see in Colorado. Campaign committee members will come to knock on your door. Also, prepare for the barrage of political phone calls and ads during election season.
Low Property Taxes
If you have ever owned property, you know that property taxes are outrageous sometimes. Some states have lower property taxes than the rest, Colorado is one of those states!
Some areas of Colorado have dirt cheap property taxes while others are a bit more expensive, like any other state. House buyers in Colorado Springs are grabbing as much property as they can, knowing that the property value is on its way up!
Though the property taxes in Colorado are some of the lowest in the country, the home values are not cheap. Even a small percentage tax on a very expensive cabin is still a chunk of change out of your pocket each year! Keep that in mind before you sign the mortgage papers.
Moving to Colorado Is Good for Your Health
Yes, there are some couch potatoes too, but most of the people in Colorado are very health conscious and fitness-savvy. There are a plethora of options for fun and exciting fitness in Colorado. From hiking and mountain climbing to nature walks, people from Colorado love to stay active!
If you don’t enjoy physical activities outside, you can still find things to do. But, be aware that you will be in the minority and you’ll have fewer options for sedentary entertainment than in other states.
The Average Population of Colorado
In Colorado, the average adult age is younger than in other states, and many of those moving into the state are younger as well. That could be why they are more active than the average American.
Not only are people from Colorado younger on average, but they also have more people with advanced degrees!
While that means that the job market is very competitive, it also means that the average income is higher than in other states. In 2014, the average household income was $59,448, almost $6000 more than the national average that year!
Businesses Don’t Close on Account of Snow
In some northern states, winter snow means schools and businesses grind to a halt. But not in Colorado! These people are active all year round!
Many people learn to ski in Colorado as that is a favorite pastime to maintain an active lifestyle well into the winter months. If you don’t know how to ski, don’t worry! There are plenty of slopes and classes for beginners to get their feet wet.
Brace Yourself for High Altitudes
States like Florida have a low altitude, making the air rich and easy to breathe. In states like Colorado with a higher elevation, the air is harder to breathe because it is thinner.
If you notice yourself breathing harder or if you develop a headache or dizziness, take a break and sit down. The good news is that you will get used to the higher elevation pretty fast, but be cautious until you are.
Green Scene in Colorado
Yes, marijuana is legal to buy in Colorado, but it’s not a free for all. There are some important rules to remember if you choose to partake.
It is not legal in every city. If you find yourself in Colorado City, you’ll notice an absence of dispensaries while Denver is full of them!
Also, keep in mind that you cannot smoke wherever you want. It is illegal to use pot in public, so be careful where you light up.
One last note here. Marijuana is legal on the state level here, but it is still very much illegal on a federal level. You are risking arrest if you use marijuana at any time and anywhere in the United States!
Moving a Whole Family Is Not Easy, We’re Here to Help!
Packing all your things and your family and moving to Colorado may seem daunting, but with so many great benefits of living there, a temporary strain is worth it in the end! Plan well in advance to make sure you have all your bases covered and everyone accounted for. We don’t want any Home Alone moments!
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned a thing or two about why Colorado is awesome! If you have other tips to share, please feel free to leave a comment below!
1 Comment
It’s awesome to know that Colorado has some seriously low property taxes and land value is shooting up! I have been thinking about moving to the Denver suburbs for a while now so I can be close to the mountains. Your article does a great job of explaining why Colorado is a great place to live.