An inside look into why people are flocking to the nation’s most lifestyle-inspired state
BY BRITTANNY HAVARD, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
The secret is out that Colorado features a quality of life that makes it one of the best places in the country (and arguably the world) to live, work and play. With its vibrant economy, abundance of outdoor activities, and welcoming atmosphere as a place for education and business, there are many reasons to visit to Colorado, and today, an increasing number of people are viewing the state as an excellent place to stay. Offering a quality of life, hard to match anywhere in the world, it is hard to ignore the question, is living in Colorado right for you?
DENVER FEATURES THE LARGEST PUBLIC PARK SYSTEM OF ANY U.S. CITY ,
WITH 205 PARKS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS
UNPARALLELED SETTING
Home to more than two dozen world-class ski resorts, nestled among the majestic, Rocky Mountains, few people realize that locals wake up to more than 300 days of sunshine each year in Colorado. In metro Denver, temperate conditions bring only 8 to 15 inches of precipitation annually, where the nearby mountains and ski resorts often receive a significant amount of the light, fluffy, “champagne” snow Colorado is known for. In Summer, Colorado enjoys low humidity, making for beautiful, sun-filled days and cool, comfortable evenings. The average daily high temperature in August is a mild, 86 degrees. Denver features the largest public park system of any U.S. city, with 205 parks within the city limits, more than 60 miles of bicycle paths, 374,000 acres of open space, and more than 100 public and private golf courses in the metro Denver area alone.
Colorado boasts ten pristine national parks and monuments and 42 state parks, offering endless recreational opportunities for biking, hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and more. Whatever your interests are in the outdoors, Colorado answers the call for adventure.
BOOMING ECONOMY – DENVER
With a population of approximately 3 million people, metro Denver’s cost of living is just slightly above the national average, but well below many other major cities. The median household income in Denver is 25.8 percent higher than the national median income, and business-friendly tax laws welcome entrepreneurs into the state.
PEOPLE WHO CARE – HEALTHCARE
Metro Denver is home to some of the finest hospitals and medical research facilities in the world, with the National Jewish Medical and Research Center ranked in the top two best respiratory hospitals in the nation for the past 20 years, Craig Hospital, ranked sixth nationally in rehabilitation, and Children’s Hospital Colorado ranked seventh nationally in pediatrics.
Additionally, the number of new healthcare facilities continues to rise. Centura’s St. Anthony Central Hospital recently constructed a $440 million, 330 bed hospital in Lakewood, and the redevelopment of Fitzsimons military base, resulted in a 227-acre Anschutz Medical Campus for education, research, and hospital facilities. For families seeking some of the top healthcare in the nation for their loved ones, Colorado delivers the best personal care and cutting-edge research available.
BREEZY TRANSPORTATION
Located 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver, Denver International Airport is the 18th busiest airport in the world. An iconic Denver landmark, DIA provides nonstop service to more than 188 domestic and international destinations, with nonstop service to 25 international destinations in eleven countries. The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel is now conveniently located just steps from the main terminal.
For easy transportation around the metro Denver area, the state offers the Regional Transportation District (RTD) line, which is in the process of building out its entire mass transit system, adding hundreds of miles of rapid Light Rail transit and expanding its existing bus network. Currently, there are more than 1,071 buses on 170 fixed routes. A new rail line running from downtown Denver to Denver International Airport in just 37 minutes, makes local and international travel easier than ever before.
A ‘HOT’ HOUSING MARKET
Throughout many of Colorado’s popular real estate markets, sellers sit in the driver’s seat, enjoying the fruits of what many consider a booming time in real estate. The state’s low unemployment rate, combined with
the opportunity to purchase homes in a place that offers unparalleled lifestyle opportunities, continues to position Colorado’s real estate market as one of the strongest in the country. Buyers enjoy still-low interest rates and the opportunity to purchase homes in a state whose home values will likely continue to rise.
Most 2018 real estate market predictions remain bright, with some minor adjustments. Inventory levels for the average metro Denver home should increase slightly by summer, and will likely take longer to sell in mid to upper price ranges. Mortgage rates are projected to inch up from 4%, to between 4.5% and 5%, before year-end.
THE LIFE YOU LOVE
With the numerous recreation, health, wellness and employment opportunities that Colorado offers, people ar e continuing to invest in the plac e that’s being recognized as one of the best places to live in the country. Whether one is considering a move to Colorful Colorado based on lifestyle preferences or employment, understanding the reasons why people are drawn to the state will help consumers make better real estate decisions whether considering a move.
Relocating to a new area can often be an exciting, yet challenging process. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty understands this challenge, and is committed to making these transitions as seamless as possible.
For more information, please contact Kim Taylor, VP of Relocation and Referral Services at 720.488.6035, or relocation@livsothebysrealty.com. To buy or list your home for sale with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, please visit www.livsothebysrealty.com or call 303.893.3200. Let us help you live the life you love. #thelifeyoulove
VISIT or STAY?
- Panoramic views of the majestic Rocky Mountains
- 300+ days of sunshine each year
- Dozens of world-class ski resorts
- 100+ public and private golf courses
- Championship sports teams
- Home to the Denver Performing Arts Complex
- Home to the Denver Art Museum
- Home to the nation’s largest public park system
- Ranked as one of the fittest cities in the country