From Finding Top Neighborhoods to Getting Your Colorado License: Your Local Experts Denver Moving Guide

Moves can be exciting and a little stressful. Moving to Denver can be a grand adventure when you get excited about all the new opportunities and take the time to prepare and plan for your move. Luckily, you don't have to tackle this life transition on your own. I'm Marie, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Denver. I moved to Colorado Springs about 10 years ago from the Seattle area. Although I live about an hour south of Denver, I have several friends who live in Denver and am up there frequently to visit, catch a Rockies game, or to go to a water park. I'm here to help so that your move to Denver can be smooth and stress-free.

Things to Do Before Moving to Denver

Take the time to plan before moving to Denver; please don't just show up. If you can, take a trip to Denver several months before your move so that you can scout out neighborhoods near your job or in areas with great schools if you have children. If you are on a tight budget, there are many options in Denver. Check out these 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Denver. Think about your budget, lifestyle, transportation, and commute to narrow down some areas in which to live. On your visit, scope out a few places. Continue this research for Denver apartments online. Apartmenthomeliving.com offers great descriptions, pictures, and even 3D tours so that you can line up a place to live before you come out.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Denver

Neighborhoods in Denver

There are many unique neighborhoods in Denver. Find anything from historic buildings to modern sky rises downtown. Downtown living offers the benefit of being near museums, professional sporting venues, and an active nightlife scene. You can also opt for quieter neighborhoods. There are many options near Downtown, as well as quieter suburbs outside of the big city.

Here are a few popular and unique neighborhoods to consider in Denver.

• RiNo (River North Art District): If you are into trendy restaurants, vibrant murals on every corner, and an active nightlife, this might be the neighborhood for you. RiNo is a cultural hotspot with converted warehouses, cute shops, and art galleries.
• Capitol Hill: A highly walkable area, Capitol Hill offers many historic buildings, cultural attractions, and easy access to downtown and Cheesman Park.
• Washington Park: A family-friendly area in the city with quaint local coffee shops, outdoor activities, and more. Washington Park is kind of like suburbia in the city.
• Highland: Full of Victorian-era homes, Highland is full of restaurants, independently owned shops, parks, and beautiful gardens, all close to Downtown.
• Five Points: One of Denver's oldest neighborhoods, Culture and diversity reign in Five Points. It's an interesting blend of old and new.

Making the Move to Denver

When you are ready to move your belongings, there are many options depending on your needs and budget. For the do-it-yourself people, you can pack up everything and rent a truck to take care of the moving. Purchase boxes, or check online groups for people giving them away. For anyone who likes to have a gradual moving experience, consider a service that offers a delivered container. Park a container at your place and gradually fill it with your belongings. When you are ready, the company will come pick it up and move it to your new home. You can also pack all of your stuff and have a moving company come and pick it up, or hire someone to do all the packing and transport. There are many options, and everyone has to decide what works best for them.

Things to Do Once You Have Found a Place to Live in Denver

Once you have secured a place to live and arrive in Denver, you can start transferring your life there. Start by updating your address with the USPS, IRS, subscription services, bank accounts and other necessary entities. You are required to get a Colorado driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles has all the information you will need to get your Colorado license or ID. You can also use this website to register your car and get Colorado plates. Be sure to check the box to include a Colorado State Parks annual pass in your vehicle registration. Choosing to add this to your vehicle registration gives you access to our beautiful parks for half price. While you are taking care of your car, don't forget to update your voter registration, you can usually do this at the DMV.

Next, you will need to set up utility accounts for your new home. Most Denver residents get their electricity (and sometimes gas) through Xcel Energy. The City of Denver has entered into a Franchise Agreement with this company that delivers utilities to homes, businesses, and public areas.

Finally, you will need to seek out medical providers, childcare, schools, and other services you may need. Explore the area near your home and find stores, restaurants, parks

Getting to Know Denver

After you have finished all these tedious tasks, take some time to enjoy your new home and city. There is an abundance of options for public transportation, beautiful parks and opportunities for outdoor recreation, farmers markets, festivals, professional sports teams, and cultural activities. Of course, those who enjoy skiing can also get out of the city and enjoy epic runs at one of many ski resorts outside of Denver.

Public Transportation in Denver

Denver offers a robust bus and light rail service. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) oversees both of these services, giving residents and visitors multiple options to get around Denver. Fares are affordable, and there are many convenient stops around Denver. You can pay for your bus trip right on the bus, but you do need a ticket or boarding pass before getting on the light rail. Vending machines are available at stations, many of which also offer free Park-n-Ride lots. You can take the light rail to get to the airport, professional sporting events, museums, or just to get to work and home again.

When you come to visit Denver, you can utilize public transportation to get around if you don't want to rent a car. There are also many options for ride-shares. If you do rent a car, or have one once you move to Denver, the major interstates that run through Denver are Interstate 25 and Interstate 70. I-25 runs north to south and I-70 runs east to west. There are also auxiliary and loop interstates, including Interstate 76, which originates north-west of Denver and heads toward Nebraska, Interstate 225, which connects south Denver to the airport, and Interstate 270, which connects I-25 and I-70 in Commerce City. Just be aware that traffic is definitely an issue in Denver. Check your routes before leaving to make sure there are no accidents or major back-ups. If there are, you might want to find an alternate route.

Visit Denver's Top Attractions

Over time, immerse yourself in all that Denver has to offer. Everyone may have their own opinions about what Denver's top attractions are, but here are a few to check out.

• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater: Attend a concert or go for a hike in this beautiful place filled with sandstone and stunning views.
• Union Station: Visit Union Station to hop on public transportation and while you are there, visit the shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars.
• Denver Botanic Gardens: Explore more than 24 acres of themed gardens and view unique and diverse plant collections. Also watch for seasonal events.
• Coors Field: Cheer on the Colorado Rockies in this fun stadium with far flying home runs thanks to the altitude.
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Catch an IMAX film or planetarium show and check out the interactive exhibits to learn more about our world.
• RiNo Art District: Even if you don't choose to live in the RiNo Art District, it's still a fun place to visit to check out the art and nightlife.
• Denver Zoo: Come say hi to the animals, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy time in the outdoors.
• Cherry Creek State Park: Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice in the amount of outdoor activities in Denver. Cherry Creek State Park offers camping, hiking, boating, and more.

Hopefully, reading more about moving to Denver has made you excited to come. I love living on the Front Range in Colorado. It's beautiful here, with comfortable weather, plenty to do, and kind people. If you are ready to make the move, don't feel stressed. Take things one at a time and utilize the advice in this guide. Plan your move in advance, visit Denver first to scope out different areas and housing options, make the move and take care of the small details, and then get on with life and enjoy exploring Denver. I know you will love it.