Relocation Guide to Denver, Colorado
Embarking on your move to Denver, Colorado is an exciting yet daunting endeavor. But, it doesn’t have to be difficult. With this relocation guide to Denver, you get to know the essential facts about your new home and easily navigate the intricacies of transplanting your life to the Mile High City.
Be sure to read on before you start searching for homes for sale in Denver, CO!
Get to Know Denver, Colorado
Step 1
Key attractions
Living in Denver gives you convenient access to the beauty and wonders of nature while enjoying all the perks of a major city. There are several shopping centers and hubs of restaurants, shops, and specialty boutiques. You also have access to museums, sports venues, convention centers, gardens, parks, and zoos. And, around Denver, you can enjoy what other cities and places have to offer, like Central City and Black Hawk’s gambling scene, Georgetown’s history, and Rocky Mountain National Park’s outdoor adventures.
Step 2
Neighborhoods
Denver has over 80 neighborhoods. Their atmosphere varies from fully urban, a mixture of urban and suburban, small town, and a combination of urban and high-country. And, with their close access to parks, stores, amenities, and walkable streets, you can easily walk to the nearest place to grab what you need. The best neighborhoods in Denver include South Park Hill, University, Highlands, Cherry Creek, Five Points, Washington Park, and Golden Triangle. On the other hand, if you are looking for more affordable options, you can check out nearby suburbs like Commerce City, Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, Aurora, Centennial, and Arvada.
Step 3
The Denver Job Market
Denver's major industries in terms of investment include aerospace, aviation, bioscience, broadcasting and telecommunications, energy, financial services, and information technology. The city is popular among startups and has one of the largest employment and investments in the IT industry (particularly software publishing). The influx of investment and employees in these industries also led to the growth of health and wellness, tourism, outdoor recreation, and food and agriculture industries in the city.
Step 4
Taxes in Denver
The state of Colorado assesses a tax of 4.55% of an individual’s federal taxable income regardless of the amount, making it one of the only nine states with a single-rate tax structure. Colorado also has a tax rate of 2.9%, which is the lowest rate among states that impose a sales tax.
Step 5
Denver’s Cost of Living
The cost of living in Denver is 11% higher than the national average. Below is how Denver compares to the rest of the United States average per expense category:
- Housing: 36% higher than the national average
- Utilities: 13% lower than the national average
- Groceries: 6% lower than the national average
- Transportation: Equivalent to the national average
The Denver Housing and Real Estate Market
Finding a New Home in Denver
If you are considering buying a new home in Denver, you can use the guide below by The Gonzales Home Team on how to purchase one:
Set a budget for your new home
Get a pre-approval for your new home
Research about potential neighborhoods
Make at least one trip to your new city before moving
Determine your requirements and preferences for your new home
Go home shopping with the help of a local real estate agent
Browse our listings for homes for sale near Denver, Colorado.
Make an offer on your chosen property and have it assessed by professionals
Process the mortgage for finalization and close the purchase
Preparing for Your Move to Denver
- Set a budget for your moving expenses
- Account for changes in the cost of living from your old city to Denver, CO
- Prepare a budget for paying taxes in two states for the first year of the move
- Discuss the move with your children to help them process it and give them time to say goodbye to friends and teachers
- Choose a moving date
- Create a timeline and plan for packing your belongings
- Make your travel arrangements for the move
- Cancel or transfer gym, community club, and other similar memberships
- Transfer professional licenses to your new state
- Consult an attorney regarding child custody and child support laws
- Notify your children’s current school of the move to transfer their records
- Notify friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers of your move
- Arrange a shipping service for your vehicles if you are traveling by plane or have more than one vehicle
- Decide whether you will hire movers or do the moving yourself
- Hire movers or buy moving supplies for the move
- Empty your storage unit if you have one
- Transfer your utilities
- Setup snail mail forwarding with USPS to your new address
- Order furniture that will fit your new home’s floor plan
- Arrange for cleaners for a moving-out cleaning
- Pack at least a week’s worth of essentials (like clothing, food, toiletries, first aid, and medication) to take with you and use in your new home while unpacking
- Plan your move-in date so you are there when the movers arrive
- Give the keys to the new owners or the landlord
Settle Into Your New Denver Home
Adjust to the high altitude of Denver.
Give yourself time to get used to the altitude. You can make it easier by drinking water regularly and watching your alcohol intake until you are fully acclimatized.
Prepare your vehicle for winter.
You need to at least have winter tires with good tread depth ready at all times.
Register your pet.
Pet licenses are required in Denver. You can purchase it at PetData.com or Denver Animal Shelter.
Establish a new legal domicile for tax purposes.
You can find this information on the state of Colorado's website.
Schedule a handyman for your new home
Get a professional for the minor repairs, new fixtures, and other to-dos your new home needs.
Get a new driver’s license and register your vehicle.
Transfer your driver’s license within 30 days and register your vehicle within 90 days to Colorado’s DMV.
Make new friends.
Greet and start building a friendship with your neighbors and coworkers. Take classes, join clubs, get involved in the community, and join potential friends when they invite you to events or gatherings.
Start enjoying the local life.
Explore what locals do and find something you would like to do in the city.
Ready to Make Denver Your Home?
Partner with a trusted real estate agent for expert guidance in finding your dream house among the many homes for sale in Denver, CO. Take the first step towards making the Mile High City your new home. Contact The Gonzales Home Team for a free consultation to act upon this relocation guide to Denver!
