Pros and Cons of Living in Denver: Everything Locals Love and Hate

Denver, Colorado, isn’t just a city that sits at an elevation one mile above sea level (hence the “Mile High City” nickname). Denver’s also home to stunning outdoor scenery, a plethora of entertainment options, and a fabulous climate — just to name a few perks. So it makes sense that the city’s metro area population has grown at a steady rate for decades. But while you may want to jump at the opportunity to move here with a Denver moving guide in tow, it’s still important to take a look at both the pros and cons of living in Denver first.

Fun Facts About Living in Denver, Colorado

• The city’s main demographics include a predominantly white population alongside a considerable Hispanic and Latino population.
• 32 of the 200 named mountain peaks visible in Denver soar to over 13,000 feet.
• Denver has one of the most walkable downtowns in the entire U.S.
• Coors Field — home of the Colorado Rockies — is known to be one of the best places to catch a home run because of its high elevation!
• Beer lover? There are countless breweries to choose from in Denver, and the city brews more beer than any other American city, touting over 200 beers produced daily.
• Many Denver restaurants, like Urban Farmer, pride themselves on always serving dishes made with fresh farm ingredients.

14 Pros and Cons of Living in Denver

It might seem like a no-brainer to move to Denver based on the breathtaking natural beauty alone, but there’s so much more to the Mile High City than meets the eye. What are the best things about Denver? What are the negatives of living in Colorado, especially if you need tips for moving to a different climate or somewhere with a higher cost of living? Check out the top pros and cons of living in Denver to see if this city is truly the right place for you!

With close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to enjoy the great outdoors when you’re living in Denver.

1. Pro: There’s Abundant Year-Round Outdoor Recreation

Upon moving to Colorado, one of the first things you'll notice living in Denver is how much time residents spend outdoors. Due to the city's proximity to the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to enjoy a wide range of activities on the front range, like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping.

But if you’re interested in taking things up a notch, you’ll only be a short drive away from popular ski resorts in places like Aspen and Breckenridge. And Colorado’s breathtaking scenery in places like Rocky Mountain National Park? That’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away, too!

2. Con: The City’s High Elevation Is Not Ideal for Everyone

Sometimes higher altitude can affect you negatively if you’re not used to it. For example, if you’re not well hydrated, you’ll likely experience headaches. Those who are new to the area may also find exercising more challenging, as you’ll need to breathe more heavily to get the same amount of oxygen you would at lower elevations. Altitude sickness, a more serious condition, can even occur if you gain too much elevation too quickly.

3. Pro: Job Opportunities Are Plentiful

There are a variety of large companies that contribute to the job market in Denver. The largest employers in the state include the city’s public schools, the City and County of Denver, and local healthcare facilities. Other companies with a notable presence include airlines like United and Wells Fargo, plus jobs in the food service industry.

Many residents also work for local universities, such as the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Denver. Other notable facilities include the Denver Art Museum and The Denver Botanic Gardens.

4. Con: Denver’s High Cost of Living Can Be a Turnoff

One of the worst things about living in Denver is the high cost of living. In fact, the cost of living in the city is 5.9 percent more than the state average and 27.6 percent more than the national average. That means the cost of living in Denver, Colorado, is more expensive than in other popular cities across the U.S. like Chicago and Tampa.

Denver has an average home value of $520,900, but you can find more affordable options in nearby cities like Colorado Springs, which has an average home value closer to $439,500.

There are plenty of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from when you’re living in Denver.

5. Pro: The Safest Neighborhoods in Denver Are Also the Most Beautiful

If you’re planning a move to the Mile High City, there are almost too many neighborhoods to choose from! No matter what vibe you’re on the hunt for or what demographic you fall under, there’s a suitable place to settle down for every walk of life. The best Denver movers would recommend eyeing some of the best-looking and safest neighborhoods in Denver.

Congress Park

One of Denver's historic districts, Congress Park gets top marks for safety and offers a wide range of restaurants and stores that are all within walking distance. This area comes with a walk score of 83 and is a great place to live if you’re looking to be close to everything.

Washington Park

When looking around the different neighborhoods, is Denver safe for families, considering its crime rate? The Washington Park community has been ranked No. 20 on Niche’s list for “Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in Denver.” The park itself is over 150 acres and comes with over two miles of trails, as well as Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake, for locals to enjoy. You’ll also be able to take advantage of everything Gaylord Street and Old South Pearl have to offer in Wash Park.

Cherry Creek

One of the pros and cons of living in Denver is its accessibility to arts and shopping, especially in Cherry Creek. Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood is best known for its variety of dining and retail options, specifically the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North. The neighborhood also hosts one of the largest arts festivals in the country, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Even with all of this activity, Cherry Creek residents feel safe in their neighborhood and note the effectiveness of local law enforcement.

6. Con: Safety Is Not Always Guaranteed When Living in Denver

Is Denver safe? The statistics aren’t great, but there’s always more to the story in urban areas. The crime rate in Denver is pretty high, with a rate of 57 crimes per 1,000 residents. It's also among the highest in the nation compared to both large cities and small towns. One has a 1 in 21 chance of becoming the victim of either a property or violent crime, and over 96 percent of the other communities in Colorado have lower crime rates.

It’s important to remember, though, that more people means more incidents. Any large city is going to come with more people in a smaller area, meaning you should simply pay more attention. Stay aware of your surroundings and research the safest neighborhoods in Denver before making your move.

7. Pro: The Mild Weather Means More Time Outdoors

In Denver, the annual rainfall amounts to only eight to 15 inches. On the other hand, residents get to experience abundant sunshine each year. The city's winter weather is also characterized by mild temperatures compared to what most think, with temperatures reaching highs ranging from 46°F to 88°F throughout the year.

And since snow rarely lingers on the ground, outdoor cafes and golf courses are able to remain open throughout the season. Though it can reach lows around 23 degrees.

Denver also enjoys relatively low humidity during the summer, which means beautiful warm days and cool nights. In fact, the average high temperature in August is around 86°F. Sounds pretty nice, huh?

8. Con: Low Precipitation Leads to Harsh Drought Conditions and Potential for Wildfires

Due to Denver’s semi-arid climate, the lack of precipitation can lead to prolonged dry spells. This can make getting outside a bit easier, but it can also make it harder to put out wildfires, which can lead to poor air quality.

Although the drought level in the area varies depending on how much snow is received, Denver is still proactive and implements outdoor watering restrictions from May to October to conserve water levels.

You won’t have to search long for a tasty bite in Denver.

9. Pro: Incredible Food Options Are Always Available

Although it's not quite as diverse as other cities like Miami or New York, Denver is still proud to boast plenty of top-notch restaurants. Many talented chefs in the area are always opening new restaurants, and the city offers a wide variety of ethnic cuisines, such as Latin American, Asian, and Ethiopian food.

Sure, the heart of Denver's food scene is downtown, but you don’t have to be living in Downtown Denver to be surrounded by quality options. There are plenty of great places to eat in the surrounding communities, as well.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat after your initial move to Denver, keep these spots in mind:

• Alma Fonda Fina
• Sap Sua
• Beckon
• Hey Kiddo
• Lucina Eatery & Bar

10. Con: The Outdoors Can Become Too Crowded for Comfort

The proximity of the area's mountains and other outdoor activities in Denver can often result in an overwhelming amount of people in the local parks and trails. And because visitors travel to Denver year-round, you’ll quickly learn where the hot spots are and where you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. Overall, though, it’s important to be aware of trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles for exploring the outdoors.

11. Pro: You Can Dance the Night Away or Check Out a Casual Bar With Some Friends

Denver's dance floors are known for their variety. From techno to hip-hop, breakdancing to line dancing, the city's dance spaces have something for everyone. One of the most famous places in the city is the historic Grizzly Rose, which has hosted some of the biggest names in country music, including Taylor Swift (pre-pop days), Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks. The venue also offers country dancing lessons and live music on a regular basis.

Looking for an innovative cocktail lounge? The BEZEL Denver is a luxurious establishment located on the 16th Street Mall's ground floor of the Sheraton Denver. It features an extensive bar, an outdoor fire pit, and a lounge.

12. Con: You’ll Need to Plan Ahead for Traffic

Due to the high number of cars on the roads, traffic in and around Denver has become a major issue. For instance, if you want to hit up a mountain town over the weekend, it could take two hours to get there but eight hours to get home if you don’t time it just right. No joke.

In 2024, Denver was ranked as the 11th worst city to drive in nationwide by WalletHub. Additionally, attorneys at Bader Scott used TomTom data to determine how many hours Denver commuters spent in rush hour traffic. The results? On average, Denver commuters spend three hours per week navigating rush hour traffic. That’s around 156 hours per year behind the wheel.

13. Pro: Sports Enthusiasts Will Easily Fall in Love With Denver’s Culture

Denver's sports culture is easily one of the most appealing aspects of living in the city, and the teams supported by the community make it a great way for people to get involved!

The Denver Broncos are possibly the area’s most-hyped team. You can catch them during the NFL season at Empower Field. But the 2023 NBA champs? That’s the Denver Nuggets, and you’ll definitely want to catch one of those games at the Ball Arena. The arena is also home to the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, Stanley Cup winners that are beloved by local residents and people from all over the country.

Other local professional sports teams include the MLB’s Colorado Rockies, the MLS’s Colorado Rapids, and the National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth. The National Women's Soccer League also awarded Denver its 16th franchise, the Denver Summit FC, which debuted in the 2026 season.

If summers at the beach are a must-have, then living in Denver might not be the thing for you.

14. Con: A Landlocked City May Not Be Desirable for Those Who Love the Water

Since it’s landlocked, Denver doesn't have an ocean or other huge body of water nearby. The easiest way to get to the ocean would be to fly to a coastal state like California, but Denver as a whole isn’t the best place for those who need summer days on the beach. Still, there are plenty of lakes and rivers surrounding the Rocky Mountains ideal for water activities like kayaking and white water rafting.

The Wrap-Up: The Pros and Cons of Living in Denver, Colorado

Denver is one of the most beautiful and unique cities within the U.S., and it’s truly the perfect place to settle down for those who like to stay active year-round. While the high cost of living, dry weather, and occasionally crowded natural areas are some of the worst things about living in Denver, the city still offers a high quality of life with tolerable weather all year! Here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of living in Denver.

What Are the Pros of Denver?

• It’s perfect for outdoor lovers: Proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers hiking, skiing, camping, and more, with easy access to national parks and ski resorts.
• There are lots of employment opportunities: Thanks to major companies in the city, like Wells Fargo and large airlines, as well as universities and cultural institutions.
• You have your pick of safe and beautiful neighborhoods: Areas like Congress Park, Washington Park, and Cherry Creek are both safe and scenic with great amenities.
• There’s mild weather with lots of sunny days: The city gets tons of sunshine annually, tolerable winters, and low humidity in the summer, making for pleasant conditions.
• You’ll never be without delicious dining options: Residents enjoy a diverse culinary scene with top-notch restaurants.
• The days have sun, and the nights have fun: From dance clubs like Grizzly Rose to upscale cocktail lounges like BEZEL Denver, there’s something for everyone.
• Sports fans need not travel far to get their fix: Home to professional teams like the Denver Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, Rockies, and Rapids, it’s a sports lover’s paradise.

What Are the Cons of Denver?

• Some people have trouble adjusting to the high elevation: Altitude can cause headaches, dehydration, and difficulty exercising, with the potential for altitude sickness.
• The cost of living is high: The cost of living in Denver is higher than the national average.
• The crime rates are high, too: Denver has a higher crime rate compared to other cities, although property crime is a bigger issue than violent crime.
• There’s a chance of drought and wildfire: Low precipitation leads to dry spells, water restrictions, and increased wildfire potential.
• Outdoor spaces are popular…maybe too popular: Trails and parks can become overcrowded, especially during peak seasons.
• Traffic can be a bear: Denver is ranked as one of the worst cities for driving, with long commute times.
• The city is landlocked: There are no nearby oceans or large bodies of water, which may disappoint those who love being close to the shore.

Pros and Cons of Living in Denver — FAQs

Whether the pros and cons of living in Denver skew toward the positive or negative depends on your unique situation and priorities for where you live. Determine the final details that could seal your decision.

Q: What are the downsides to living in Denver?
A: Some of the qualities that distract locals the most are the high cost of living, wildfire-prone climate, and traffic density. Other concerns include no access to a coastline and high crime rates, among other concerns.

Q: Is $120,000 a good salary in Denver?
A: Is Denver a good place to live if you don’t make over a certain salary threshold? Ideally, you would make at least $110,520 for a family, so $120,000 would be enough. A single adult with no children needs to make an annual salary of $55,380 before taxes to cover basic necessities in Denver, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator. However, if you want to live comfortably in the area, you’ll need to make over six figures.

Q: Is it cheaper to live in Denver or Seattle?
A: It is more expensive to live in Seattle, requiring around $13,170 per month on average, which is 143.9 percent higher than the national average. This is equivalent to around $158,040 per year for a family.

Q: Is Denver a good place to live?
A: While almost 717,000 people feel that Denver is a good place to live, the city has been experiencing a lack of significant population growth. However, with plenty of vibrant neighborhoods to choose from offering all the outdoor recreation you could ask for, those who move to Denver often don’t regret it!

Q: Are people in Denver friendly?
A: For the most part, Denver has a reputation for being a friendly city because of its open-mindedness and inclusivity. We can’t guarantee you’ll never run into a grump or two, but outdoor lovers tend to be happier.

Q: Why is Denver so popular?
A: Denver is most popular for its scenery and outdoor activities (those mountain views!), but the city also has excellent dining, brewery, and entertainment scenes. See? More reasons to love living in the Mile High City in our breakdown of the pros and cons of living in Denver.