5-minute read

As you research, explore, and consider moving to a Colorado community, here’s an overview of what you can expect when living in The Centennial State.

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Climate & Geography
Entertainment & Recreation
Cost of Living
Healthcare

Colorado's majestic scenery provides the perfect backdrop for its growing number of master-planned communities designed for families, active adults, and retirees alike. They often feature neighborhoods with homes, parks, schools, and shopping seamlessly integrated, and include resort-style amenities and a strong sense of community. Security is a focus, with gated entrances and well-maintained areas.

These communities cater to diverse needs, offering everything from single-family homes to townhouses, and even age-restricted areas for active adults. Locations of Colorado master-planned communities range from urban hubs like Colorado Springs and Denver metro to mountain towns, allowing homebuyers to get the perfect blend of convenience and nature. Focusing on lifestyle, Colorado communities are designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind providing easy access to trails, parks, and outdoor recreation. Family-friendly features like top schools and community events make them ideal for raising a family.

Colorado Climate & Geography

Colorado's diverse geography plays a major role in shaping its climate. Knowing the variations is important for anyone considering a move to Colorado. From the dry plains to the snowy mountains, Colorado offers a diverse range of landscapes and weather conditions.

Regions & Landscape

Rocky Mountains: The towering Rocky Mountains dominate Colorado's western landscape. These mountains create a dramatic rise in elevation, from the eastern plains to the peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.

Eastern Plains: The eastern third of Colorado consists of flat plains with lower elevations.

Western Plateaus and Canyons: Colorado's western regions also feature mesas, plateaus, and canyons, particularly around the Colorado River.

San Luis Valley: A unique geological feature is the San Luis Valley, a high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains.

Weather

Semi-arid: Overall, Colorado has a semi-arid climate, meaning it receives less precipitation than average.

Mountain Effect: The mountains play a significant role in precipitation patterns. Westerly winds carry moisture, and as the air rises over the mountains, it cools and condenses, bringing more snowfall to the western slopes. This leaves the eastern plains drier, creating a rain shadow effect.

Temperature Variations: Colorado's climate is known for significant temperature swings throughout the day and across seasons.

  • Cool Summers: Summers are typically warm and dry, with highs averaging in the 70s and 80s F (20s and 30s C). However, evenings tend to be cool, especially at higher elevations.
  • Cold Winters: Winters can be cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and some areas receive significant snowfall.
  • Sunshine: Colorado is known for its abundant sunshine year-round. This is due to its dry climate and high elevation, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground.

Colorado Entertainment & Recreation

With its stunning mountain ranges, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cities, it’s no wonder Colorado is such a popular place to live.

Hiking and Backpacking: With an extensive network of trails traversing through mountains, lush forests, and scenic valleys, Colorado is a hiker's paradise. From short, family-friendly hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking adventures, there's a trail for every skill level.

Skiing and Snowboarding: Colorado boasts world-class ski resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge, drawing in skiers and snowboarders from across the globe.

Whitewater Rafting: The mighty Colorado River and its tributaries provide exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences. Navigate through rapids, paddle through scenic canyons, and witness breathtaking landscapes on this adventurous activity.

Fishing: Colorado's rivers, lakes, and streams are teeming with a variety of fish species, making it a haven for anglers. Fly fish for trout in the mountain streams or cast a line for bass in a tranquil lake.

Hot Springs: Colorado is home to numerous natural hot springs, perfect for soaking and relaxation. Surrounded by scenic beauty, these hot springs offer a unique way to unwind and rejuvenate.

Breweries and Wineries: Colorado has a thriving craft beer and wine scene. Visit local breweries and wineries to sample their unique offerings, take a brewery tour, or enjoy a relaxing evening with a glass of their finest creation.

Live Shows and Performing Arts: Denver and other major cities offer a vibrant performing arts scene. Catch a Broadway show, a musical, a ballet performance, or an orchestra concert.

Professional Sports: Cheer on Colorado's professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), and Denver Nuggets (NBA).

Colorado Cost of Living

  • Overall: The cost of living in Colorado is estimated to be 6% higher than the national average.
  • Housing: 20% higher than the national average.
  • Taxes:
    • Income tax: Flat rate of 4.4%
    • Property tax: .48% (statewide average)
    • Sales tax: 2.9% (7.78% average combined state & local)

Colorado Healthcare

Colorado boasts high-quality medical care with well-regarded hospitals and professionals, and a higher-than-average insurance coverage rate compared to the nation, thanks in part to its Medicaid expansion efforts.

The state also has its own health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, which helps residents find and enroll in affordable health insurance plans, including Medicaid and subsidies.

Colorado’s top-ranked medical centers include:

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: Consistently ranked #1 in the state, it excels in various specialties

UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies: Located in Loveland, this UCHealth facility ranks #2 in Colorado

UCHealth Memorial Hospital North: Situated in Colorado Springs, it's another top-ranked UCHealth facility

Children's Hospital Colorado: The state's leading pediatric care center, offering a comprehensive range of services for children