Colorado is one of those rare places where you either dream of moving to for years, or you visit once and can’t even think about leaving and going back to your old life. Obviously, it is one of the most beautiful states in America, and nearly everyone knows this is the place to live for the active outdoor enthusiast. However there is also a rich culture and arts scene in many cities, and you cannot overlook the fact that there are friendly bars and pubs here in abundance.
Whatever your reason is for moving, there are a few things you should know.
Adjusting to the Altitude
Colorado is noted for its breathtaking and vivid landscape, made of mountains, canyons, high plains, plateaus, forests, and rivers. You also know that there is award-winning skiing to be found here, but have you stopped to think about how the high altitude will affect you? You will get used to it, but everyone adapts at their own pace. Below are a few tips to help you adjust.
- Stay below 7,000 feet at least for the first couple days. There will be plenty of time to explore higher altitudes.
- Limit exercise the first day. If you are moving, do yourself a favor and hire a moving company. There is no need to exert yourself while trying to adjust.
- Make sure you drink a lot of water. Your body dehydrates faster at higher altitudes. This means limit alcohol and caffeine until you adjust too, because these beverages dehydrate you.
- If you are taking medications, ask your doctor if they are affected by altitude, as some are.
- Eat healthy foods. Avoid salt because it increases blood pressure. This can exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms. A high carbohydrate meal will help your body absorb oxygen.
- Remember that you are in a high altitude when you are baking in the oven.
Get Active
One of the reasons everyone is so happy in Colorado is because there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities. You will find that you will start spending less money on designer label clothing and electronics so you can buy a new hydration pack for hiking or a season lift ticket at a nearby resort. Getting outside and active is the fastest way to meet people and make friends. If you have never skied, do not let intimidation get in your way. Take one group lesson and you will feel comfortable enough to tackle the slopes. If hiking and mountain biking are more your style find out where the coveted trailheads are.
Best Cities to Live<
Colorado is jam-packed full of desirable cities. Quite honestly, picking one is not easy, and it may even come down to a coin toss. Below are a few of the most popular ones though.
- Denver – Who doesn’t love Denver? Nobody! It offers more than 300 days of sunshine annually, a ton of attractions, fantastic sports teams, and it is voted one of the nation’s healthiest cities. Coveted neighborhoods include Cherry Hills, Bonnie Brae, Greenwood Village, Park Hill, Washington Park, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree.
- Colorado Springs – Like Denver, Colorado Springs is also one of the healthiest places to live in the country. There is a strong job market, top-rated schools and of course, Garden of the Gods is here. Check out Old Stage Road, Broadmoor, Old North End, Audubon, Rockrimmon, Peregrine, and Briargate.
- Louisville – If you prefer more of a small town feel, you will want to take a look at Louisville. The Rockies are your next door neighbor, crime is scarce, the real estate market is stable, and there is an excellent golf course.
- Boulder – Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and only 25 miles from Denver is Boulder, an outdoor-lover’s dream city. There is a large number of aerospace, technology, communications, and atmospheric companies here, and you are just a short commute from the thriving job market in Denver.
There are a ton of large cities and small towns worthy of a mention. A few additional recommendations include Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Durango, Aspen, Greenwood Village, Telluride, and Snowmass Village.
