Moving to Denver

Where to Live in Denver

Most people moving here start by asking which neighborhood is "best." The better question is how you want to live day to day. Here's where I'd start, depending on what matters most to you.

Compare all nine side by side on the neighborhood guides page.

Cost of Living and Taxes

Denver costs more than the national average, mostly because of housing. Taxes are moderate, and property taxes are low compared with many states.

Income tax: Tax Foundation. Sales tax: Avalara, 2026 rates. Home prices: REcolorado closed sales, November 2025 to October 2026.

• Income tax. Colorado has a single flat rate of 4.4% on taxable income. There's no separate city income tax for most residents, though Denver charges a small monthly occupational privilege tax to people who work in the city.
• Sales tax. In the City of Denver it adds up to 9.15%: 2.9% state, 5.15% city, 1% for RTD transit and 0.1% for the region's arts and science district. Rates differ in the suburbs.
• Property taxes. Colorado's rates are low by national standards, and they're paid a year behind. Your exact bill depends on the assessed value and the mill levies where you live.
• Home insurance. Plan for higher premiums than in many states. Front Range hail is the reason, and insurers look closely at roof age and condition.

Want to see what a specific home would cost each month? Try the monthly payment calculator.

Schools

How you enroll depends on the district, and that depends on the address.

Denver Public Schools and SchoolChoice

Denver Public Schools uses an application system called SchoolChoice. Families rank the schools they want, and DPS matches students to schools by lottery and priorities. In some parts of the city, an enrollment zone guarantees a seat at one of several nearby schools rather than a single neighborhood school.

• Round 1 usually opens in January and closes in February for the following school year, with results in March.
• Round 2 runs from spring through late August on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's open to families who are new to DPS.
• You'll need proof of a Denver address to enroll, so time your purchase or lease with the school calendar in mind.

Suburban Districts

Suburban districts like Cherry Creek, which serves most of Greenwood Village, generally assign students by address. Always confirm the assigned school for a specific home with the district before you buy, because boundaries can split neighborhoods.

Getting Around

• The airport. Denver International Airport sits well east of the city. The A Line commuter train runs from Union Station downtown to the airport, and the east-side neighborhoods have the shortest drive.
• Light rail. RTD light rail runs along I-25 through south Denver to the Tech Center, with stations near Platt Park, Washington Park and Greenwood Village.
• Driving. I-25 runs north and south through the city, and I-70 heads west to the mountains. Most central neighborhoods are within 15 minutes of downtown outside rush hour.
• Biking. The Cherry Creek Trail and South Platte River Trail connect much of the city, and neighborhoods like Wash Park and Platt Park are easy to get around by bike.

Altitude and Weather

Denver sits at 5,280 feet, one mile above sea level. Most people adjust within a few days. Drink more water than you think you need, go easy on alcohol at first, and wear sunscreen, because the sun is stronger up here.

The weather surprises most newcomers in a good way. Winters are sunnier and milder than people expect, and snow in the city usually melts within a few days. Spring brings wet snow and hailstorms, summer afternoons often bring short thunderstorms, and fall is long and dry.

New Resident Checklist

The first few weeks in a new home go smoother with these handled early.

1. Set Up UtilitiesBefore move-inXcel Energy provides electricity and natural gas across most of the metro, and Denver Water serves the city. Your title company or seller can confirm providers for a specific home.
2. Enroll the KidsAs soon as you have an addressApply through DPS SchoolChoice or your suburban district with proof of address.
3. Get a Colorado Driver's LicenseWithin 30 days of residencyTransfer your out-of-state license at a Colorado DMV office. Book an appointment ahead of time.
4. Register to VoteAfter you moveColorado lets you register online, and every registered voter is mailed a ballot.
5. Test for RadonAny timeRadon levels are high across much of Colorado. A simple test kit tells you whether a home needs mitigation.

Driver's license deadline: Colorado DMV, New to Colorado.

Buying From Out of State

Most relocating buyers can't fly in every weekend. Here's how we can make the search work from wherever you are now:

• Narrow it down first. We start with a video call about how you want to live, then pick two or three neighborhoods to focus on.
• Live video tours. I'll walk homes with you on FaceTime or Zoom and point out what photos hide: street noise, the neighbor's yard, the condition of the alley.
• One focused trip. When you do fly in, we tour a short list of homes you've already vetted, and you can often write an offer before you fly home.
• Remote closing. Much of the paperwork can be signed electronically, and the title company can arrange a mobile notary for the rest.

Relocation FAQ

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