My Family is considering a move to the Denver Area. I grew up in Dallas, and my Wife in Houston. We have also lived in Portland, OR. If anyone could provide comparisons of these places from having lived in each of them I would appriciate the feedback. We have been looking at the southern suburbs, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Aurora, maybe Castle Rock(though it seems a bit too far out). My wife and I are in our 30's and our kids are not in school yet, but my oldest son will soon be starting kindergarden.
2006-06-11 02:00:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Denver
Denver is an excellent city. You are looking in the good neighborhoods. The main difference, I think, would be the weather. In Summer, it never gets too hot. Dry air and high altitude make it a joy to be outside. Winters are a mixed bag. If it is 35 degrees and the sun is out, it is almost shirt sleeve weather. When the winter weather gets really bad, it gets really good. The ski resorts open. Lots of places to go and things to do, even if you do not ski. I have a woman cousin who made her home and family south of Denver and has never been back to the Pittsburgh area. She and her family love it there.
2006-06-11 02:13:04 · answer #1 · answered by regerugged 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Colorado (Denver) is home and an awesome place to live. The people here are a mixed bag...sometimes hard to find a "native." I lived in Houston for over a year...and don't have a desire to go back, too spread out.
The weather here is completely different than what you and your wife are use too. Here we're semi arid. (Current temp. at 4:01 pm, 6/14/06 - 98.6 degrees and 10% humidity). The average humidity is 21% (Sahara Desert 23%). It's hot in the summer (dry heat). In the winter, depends. When a blizzard blows in (every few years) we can get 36-45" with much higher drifts. We don't get ice storms that DFW is use too. Things have to get really bad (winter weather wise) to shut down the city. Besides, that's what 4-wheel drive was made for...playing in the snow...ha, ha. ((Just remember, 4-wheel drive doesn't mean 4-wheel stop)).
Price wise, we do have a "higher cost of living." However, the job market seems to keep up with it. The burbs you mentioned are nice, if you look north of Denver, there are some good places too. Such as Broomfield, Northglenn, Arvada, Westminster and even Thornton. If you go to Aurora...make sure it is southeast Aurora...very southeast.
There's so much to do here in Colorado, places to visit...people pay to play in our backyard (Rockies)...
There's no place like it. Come on up for a visit and see if it's to your liking. You'll never know until you try.
God Bless!
2006-06-14 11:03:40 · answer #2 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignore that previous comment. People in Denver are very friendly compared to anywhere on the east coast, he has no idea what he's talking about!!
Anyhow, Denver is a relatively small city. We have great winter and summer activities. Our weather is crazy (days in the negatives, days in the 90's)
School districts in the suburbs are generally good. I would, however, stay away from aurora.
Winter time in colorado is amazing, the skiing here is amazing. Some areas in the mountains get 500 inches of snow a year.
People are generally friendly. Colorado has some fun things to do. Good luck!!
2006-06-11 17:36:59 · answer #3 · answered by Scott 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The mountains are gorgeous, and provide so many year-round opportunities for things to do. Some free like hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing. Some more expensive like skiing.
If you are independant you will like it here. People are not friendly. In fact, they can be quite agressive and nasty. Backing down from any situation, which includes simply using good manners, is an ego blow and people will not do it. Historically, Colorado has drawn people from elsewhere who were willing to leave their families behind and test their mettle against the environment. Many people have bad social skills and are emotionally immature.
In fact, almost all my friends here are from Texas, because they seem to be the only ones with social skills and a desire to be more social.
Sorry, I can't be more glowing, but the physical activities and the independant oportunities are the best things about Colorado.
But with a family of your own, it will buffer some. And I am sure moms will be friendly with other moms. People are intense here though and selfishly independant.
There are opportunities with work development, if you are determined and go for it. People may not help, and they probably wouldn't have the vision to help, but they won't stop you. The people here are down to earth in many ways. They are not impressed or concerned with what others have done or are doing, so there is not a lot of keeping up with the jones'. Materialism usually surrounds outdoor gear, not jewelry or $600 jeans. However, mean-spirited jealousy is an issue when people realize that you have many assests.
Castle Rock is the most friendly of all the areas that you mentioned. It shocks me how normal and friendly people are there. Just going to the store is a constant battle in places like the Denver Metro area.
2006-06-11 05:55:36 · answer #4 · answered by l l 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The main difference between Denver & Dallas/Houston is the humidity, Denver is dry in a high altitude, thus being a lot cooler, and cold winters. I love it. Great view of the mountains
2006-06-15 18:09:59 · answer #5 · answered by B pyro 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where that second person got their info, but Denver is a very friendly city. People are always eager to give directions and help you when you need it. Like any place, if you have a bad attitude, people will treat you poorly. All the suburbs you mentioned are very nice and you shouldn't have any trouble making new friends and finding interesting things to see and do. Best of luck with your move! Contrary to what that other guy said, you will be very welcome here!!!
2006-06-12 10:34:38 · answer #6 · answered by Annie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋