The Colorado state capital is known as the Mile High City because it’s situated almost exactly one mile above sea level. The rapidly growing city is ideally situated around mountains that represent year-round outdoor adventure for many of its residents with 300 days of sunshine. 

Today, Denver is a vibrant city with a rich history. It is the second-largest city in the state in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The lifestyle is different from other big cities because it is a relaxed and laid-back community where locals are not rushed. Packed with culture and creativity, Denver offers a congenial atmosphere, beautiful views, and a wonderful downtown area supported by pleasant weather and people.

Denver is connected to the rest of the state by Interstate 25, which runs north and south and also is the main route to the east. Denver is also connected to the rest of the nation by a network of interstates that span the eastern and western United States. Meanwhile, the Denver International Airport consistently ranks among the busiest and best airports in the U.S.

Many homes in Denver are beautiful, featuring unique architectural styles to fit the rustic, natural atmosphere. The historical buildings in Denver hearken back to the city’s original status as a gold mining town. If you’re looking for a Denver home, you have several options, such as urban townhouses, estates with large lawns, ranch houses, and various new construction styles springing up daily. Large decks and properties with outdoor living spaces are near the top of the list of house hunters’ demands.

What to Love

• Gorgeous mountain views and natural landscapes
• Large homes with views and outdoor living
• Year-round outdoor activities like skiing and hiking
• Easy access to other communities in Colorado

Local Lifestyle

Initially a boom-or-bust mining town, Denver in the 20th century increasingly attracted people from all over the world. After the tech booms and with the advent of remote work, the city is still growing fast today. Denver has added a lot of restaurants, bars, and cultural centers in the past few years alone. Downtown Denver remains the heart of the city, a place where houses, restaurants, art and culture centers, museums, and more coexist.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Denver residents and visitors enjoy various restaurants and stores. El Five is an upscale restaurant that sits five stories high for stunning city and mountain views. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-style dishes in its sleek indoor dining area and beautiful open-frame patio. Blue Sparrow Coffee is a modern shop in Denver's art district that serves sustainably sourced coffee and tap drinks like tea, soda, and nitro cold brew. 

Corridor 44 is a luxury cocktail bar with an intimate setting and chic space that serves classic American dishes. Blue Pan Pizza is a light and fun eatery that serves delicious pizza and other Italian classics. 

Denver has many indoor and outdoor shopping malls with boutique and luxury brands. Cherry Creek Shopping Center is along the banks of Cherry Creek and has luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, and more.

Things to Do

Denver is one of the most livable cities in the US. The city is known for its warm and friendly community, great public and private schools, and beautiful scenery. The Denver Botanical Gardens includes York Street and Chatfield Farms. Residents can tour the fantastic grounds and participate in special programming and events. 

Meow Wolf is a surreal art experience with immersive and eclectic displays that encourage audience participation. Garden of the Gods is a registered national natural landmark with stunning views of sandstone rock formations. Locals can visit the visitor and nature center to learn more about the grounds, walk the maintained trails, and even climb some formations.

For a Coors-themed summer day, you could visit the Coors Brewery in Golden, a town just west of Denver, then attend a home baseball game at Coors Field, which is considered one of the few most beautiful MLB stadiums. You also can catch a concert here. The city also comes together each year for A Taste of Colorado, a summer celebration held over Labor Day weekend. For Denver residents, the fall is a special time of transition between the gorgeous summer months and the impending ski season.

Schools

Denver Public Schools is the 12th-largest school district in Colorado and serves more than 90,000 students. The school system provides progressive educational programs as well as opportunities for career exploration and paths to a head start. Students may attend:

• Knapp Elementary School, grades Pre-K–5
• American Indian Academy of Denver, grades 6–8
• Lake Middle School, grades 6–8
• CEC Early College, grades 9–12
• Colorado High School Charter, grades 9–12