5 Worst things about living in Denver Colorado (2024)

Hello and welcome to our website! This article discusses the worst things about living in Denver. The article starts with a brief introduction of Denver and highlights the main pros and cons of living in Denver. It later discusses the things Denver is known and famous for. Relax and read it through!

Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado

Worst things about living in Denver Colorado

Denver, Colorado is a city with deep roots and an exciting history. Founded in November 1858 as a gold mining camp, the city has since grown to become one of the most populous cities in the United States.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a major transportation hub and cultural center for the Rocky Mountain region, Denver has been witnessing to some of the most important events in American history.

Modern Day Denver
Modern Day Denver (Creator: Uncover Colorado)

Living in Denver is an amazing experience and there are so many things to enjoy. From the beautiful Rocky Mountains to bustling city life, there are a lot of great things about living in this wonderful city. However, like any place, Denver has its downsides too. Below are the worst things about living in Denver!

Worst things about living in Denver Colorado

1. Traffic Congestion

Living in Denver has its pros and cons, with traffic congestion being among the main issues. This bustling city has an ever-growing population, and along with it comes the inevitable surge of cars on the roads. It’s not uncommon to spend hours stuck in traffic while commuting from one side of town to another.

Denver traffic during peak hours
Denver traffic during peak hours

It doesn’t help that the city is constantly undergoing construction projects, resulting in more traffic jams and delays. Road closures cause lengthy detours and backups on already heavily congested highways, making travel a daunting task.

Not only does this create frustration for drivers, but it also causes air pollution due to idling engines as well as wasted time that could have been spent doing something productive or enjoyable.

2. High Cost of Living

One of the biggest cons of living in the Mile High City is its high cost of living. From its housing market to groceries, Denver residents often have to pay more for goods and services than those living elsewhere.

The city’s rent prices are among the highest in the country, with a one-bedroom apartment costing an average of $1,994 however, the prices vary depending on the location, size, and quality.

Additionally, Denverites will find that their grocery bills tend to be pricier too due to high demand from out-of-state visitors and tourists.

3. Limited Transportation Options

Denver is known for its elevation of 5,280 feet, making it a picturesque mountain town with plenty of recreational opportunities. However, this altitude also affects air quality and can make using public transportation difficult or even impossible at times due to a lack of infrastructure and services.

Those who prefer to get around by car will find themselves limited in terms of routes and highways thanks to Denver’s landlocked geography; while Uber and Lyft are options in certain areas, they may not always work out as planned due to driver availability or surge pricing.

4. Crowded Tourist Destinations

With so many people visiting the area for its various attractions, hotels, restaurants, and more, it can be hard to find a place to stay or a good spot for dinner. This can make it difficult for locals to enjoy their city without having to compete with out-of-towners for everything from parking spots to tables at the local cafe.

Denver’s popularity has also caused prices to rise in certain areas. Because of an influx of visitors and real estate investment in recent years, rent and home prices have increased significantly throughout the city- particularly near popular tourist hot spots like Coors Field or The Denver Zoo.

This means that living close to all of these attractions comes at a premium cost – something not everyone can afford!

5. Weather Challenges

The Mile High City has a semi-arid climate, which means summers can reach hot and dry temperatures while winters can be cold and dry. This type of climate creates natural hardships for many people who may not be used to it.

Also Read // 6 Worst things about living in Boston 

Best things about living in Denver

Despite the above discussed cons of living in Denver, Denver is still an amazing place to live! It has the following;

1. Beautiful scenery

First and foremost, Denver is known for its stunning beauty and scenery. Mountains line the skyline while blooming wildflowers fill the meadows below.

Best things about living in Denver
Denver Hiking Trails (Creator: The Denver Post)

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, there’s plenty of time to get out and enjoy nature! In addition to providing breathtaking views, these outdoor spaces also offer ample opportunities for activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and more.

2. Good job market

One of the biggest draws is its excellent job market. Whether you’re seeking a role in tech, finance, or any other industry, Denver offers plenty of opportunities for career growth and success.

With the city’s economy on the rise and unemployment rates at their lowest levels in years, now is the time to explore what Denver has to offer.

Things Denver is known and famous for

1. Historic Sites & Cultural Attractions

Things Denver is known and famous for
Union Station – A historic landmark in Denver (Creator: Visit Denver)

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Denver is Union Station. Built-in 1881, this magnificent train station has served as an essential transportation hub throughout its long history. Inside Union, Station guests can enjoy restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more – all while admiring its beautiful architecture.

Things Denver is known and famous for
Denver City Park (Creator: Visit Denver)

Another fantastic destination in Denver is City Park. This 330-acre park offers plenty of outdoor activities such as biking or walking trails and paddle boating on Smith Lake. It’s also home to one of the country’s largest collections of public art with over 40 sculptures located around the grounds.

2. Craft Beer Scene

Things Denver is known and famous for
Photo Credit: Thrillist

When it comes to the craft beer scene, Denver is one of the most popular cities in the world. Boasting a wide variety of unique flavors, styles, and breweries, there’s something for every kind of beer lover!

From traditional ales to daring IPAs and more, the Mile High City has a craft beer selection like no other. Visitors from around the world flock to Denver just to get a taste of these spectacular brews – giving them an experience they won’t soon forget!

3. Outstanding Shopping Destinations in Denver

Things Denver is known and famous for
Photo Credit: 10Best

Denver is a gem of the American West, offering a plethora of activities, excellent cuisine, and fantastic shopping. As the Mile High City is known for its excellent outdoorsy lifestyle, there are also plenty of outstanding shopping destinations to explore.

From bustling downtown markets to local boutiques and everything in between, Denver has something for everyone when it comes to finding that perfect item or souvenir.

Also Read // Things Sedona Arizona is known and famous for!

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Denver is an amazing and unique experience. From the stunning mountain views to the delicious local restaurants, there is something for everyone. Even with its drawbacks, such as high rent prices and cold weather, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this city.

Denver is a vibrant place that has plenty of cultures, outdoor activities, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for an exciting adventure!

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