Moving to Colorado? Here’s What You Should Know.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado

Welcome to Colorado! Whether you’re trading cityscapes for mountain views or just chasing that high-altitude lifestyle, here are a few things you need to know before settling into the Centennial State.

1. Altitude, Altitude, Altitude

First things first—Colorado is high, literally. The elevation can hit you hard if you’re not prepared. You’ll need to drink more water than you think (seriously, keep a bottle with you at all times) and take it easy for the first few weeks. Trust me, no one wants to be that person who passes out on a hike five minutes in.

2. Weather Mood Swings

Colorado weather has personality, and not always the good kind. You’re looking at sunny mornings, snow by noon, and maybe even a thunderstorm for good measure. Layer up, my friend. Flannel and a jacket are your new best friends.

3. Outdoor Paradise

If you’re not an outdoor person, Colorado might just convert you. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking—whatever floats your boat (or snowboard). The Rocky Mountains are a playground unlike any other. But hey, don’t be that hiker—know the trails, check the weather, and for Pete's sake, leave no trace.

4. There is a Cost of Living

Fair warning—Colorado’s stunning views do come with a price tag, especially in Denver or Boulder. But if big-city prices are a little above your limit, check out some of the small-town gems in the surrounding area. You’ll still get that Colorado charm without totally blowing your budget.

5. Learn to Love Green Chili

You’ll quickly find out that smothering everything in green chili is a culinary rite of passage here. Burgers, breakfast burritos, fries—you name it. Give it a shot, and if you don’t like it, well... better keep that opinion quiet. Coloradans don’t mess around with their chili.

6. Traffic on I-70

The good news? You’ll love the idea of heading to the mountains for a weekend. The bad news? Everyone else does, too. That stretch of I-70 from Denver to the mountains can be an absolute nightmare on weekends and holidays. More good news? If you plan ahead, you can avoid spending hours in what feels like the world's longest parking lot.

7. You’re About to Become a Beer Snob

Colorado takes its beer seriously. With over 400 breweries, you’ll never run out of IPAs to try or taprooms to visit. You might start saying things like, “Does this stout have notes of chocolate and coffee?” without even realizing it. Welcome to the club.

8. Know Your Seasons for Houseplants

If you’ve got a green thumb, don’t say I didn’t warn you—Colorado’s dry climate can be tough on plants. But the good news is that local nurseries are packed with drought-tolerant plants that actually thrive here. (Hello, succulents!)

9. Get Connected

Colorado is filled with tight-knit communities, and you’ll find that locals are (generally) friendly. Join a hiking group, volunteer, or maybe just strike up a convo with your barista—they’ll probably share some hidden gems.

Colorado’s a stunner of a state, no doubt about it. Yeah, the air is thinner, and the snow gets wild, but once you’re here, it’s hard not to fall head over heels with the place. Now, get out there, start exploring, and make Colorado your home!