Moving to Colorado Checklist

Colorado has been voted one of the best states to live for several years running now! Unsurprising, given the plethora of things to do, its diversity, and it’s rising economy. It’s full of beautiful scenery, kind people, and an endless variety of fun and enjoyable activities.

However, the process of moving to Colorado isn’t always easy, though. That’s why it’s so important that you’re aware of what you need to consider, and what you need to do. Need a “Moving to Colorado Checklist?” Keep reading to find out more about moving to Colorado. 

Prepare for the Higher Altitude

Colorado has a mean elevation of 6,800-feet above sea level. Out of all the states that comprise the United States, Colorado has the highest mean altitude. 

As your first point in the moving to Colorado checklist, always prepare for the altitude change. When people first come to Colorado, they often experience “altitude sickness”. Altitude sickness is when your body isn’t used to the higher altitude, and you feel sick and fatigued. Much of this sickness is due to the fact that air works a little bit differently at higher altitudes, and when your body isn’t used to that, it needs time to adjust.

If you’ve already been to Colorado, and are familiar with the higher altitude, then this won’t be as much of a problem. But, if you’re moving to Colorado and you’ve never experienced the effects of the higher altitude, it may be a shock to your system.

In order to prepare for the altitude, it’s important to remember that altitude sickness is temporary. If you just wait for twenty-four-hours, there’s a good chance that the altitude sickness symptoms you’re dealing with will be gone. Your body just needs some time to adjust to the air of the high altitude, that’s all.

While you’re waiting for your body to fully adjust, it’s important that you drink at least a liter-and-a-half more water than you normally drink. This will ensure that you’re completely hydrated, and it will lessen the effect of the symptoms. And, alongside that, make sure that you aren’t exerting yourself too much.

• Altitude sickness often leads to feelings of nausea, fatigue, as well as headaches
• To prepare for the higher altitude, remember to drink lots of water and to not exert yourself
• Within 24-hours, give or take, your altitude sickness will go away, and your body will be acclimated to the higher altitude

Prepare for the Winter Season

The winter season in Colorado is often rather intense, and heavy snows are a frequent occurrence. Although, it is worth mentioning that the intensity of the cold does depend on where you’re living – Fraser, up in the mountains, is often colder than Denver, for example – but no place in Colorado is exempt from the low temperatures.

To prepare for Colorado’s winter season, it’s very important that you wear multiple layers of clothing. Ideally, you’ll have a long-sleeve shirt on, a jacket or sweatshirt, and then a coat. If the temperature becomes higher throughout the day, which isn’t uncommon, then you can take off the coat and the sweatshirt. But, if it becomes colder and colder, you’ll have the necessary protection that you need.

For your feet and hands, high-quality socks and gloves are also a necessity. Wool socks are ideal for Colorado’s winter season, because it keeps your feet warm and insulated. For gloves, it’s best to purchase gloves that are able to keep water out and to insulate your hands. If you’re going to be working outdoors, then gloves that allow for you to do that will also be ideal.

When it comes to driving, snow tires can be very useful, but they aren’t necessary. That is, unless you live in the mountains. If you’re living in the mountains, snow tires will make driving a lot easier, and a lot safer. Plus, there are times when the Colorado Department Of Transportation will implement a Traction Law that requires all drivers to have snow tires, four-wheel drive, or tires for that have been designed for mud and snow. 

• Colorado has intense winters – the higher the altitude, the colder it is
• Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the easiest way to keep warm in the winter
• Wool socks and insulated gloves are ideal, because they keep your feet and hands insulated and warm
• Snow tires aren’t necessary if you’re at a lower altitude, but if you’re on the mountains, they are necessary

Finding The Right Place To Live

Colorado is comprised of a total of 104,100 square-miles. That is quite a bit of land, and as such, you have plenty of choices when it comes to where to live. Colorado is also unique with respect to its mountain towns. Many are popular in terms of tourist attractions, but still boast tranquil settings and smaller town settings.

Add this to your moving to Colorado checklist. 

If you’re a city-person, and you’re looking for a fast-paced metropolitan life, then you can’t go wrong with Denver. Denver is a big city that serves as the hub of Colorado. You can find just about anything in Denver, and if you’re looking to have a lifestyle that is fast-paced and full of activities, then Denver is the place to be.

If you want to live in a city that isn’t too big or too small, then Boulder is a great place to be. There are plenty of things to do in the city, and it’s right by the Rocky Mountains, so within minutes you can be out in nature, partaking in a fun outdoor activity such as climbing or hiking. 

Perhaps, you would like to live in the mountains, away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city. Living in a place like Fraser would be great for you, because you have easy access to nature, you can partake in a bunch of fun outdoor activities, and you’re surrounded by a tight-knit community that takes care of its own!

Ultimately, finding the right place to live in Colorado comes down to knowing the kind of lifestyle that you wish to live. Colorado is a big place with plenty of cities and towns to choose from. No matter the kind of lifestyle you intend to live, you’ll be able to find a place that’s right for you.

• Finding the right place to live comes down to the kind of lifestyle that you wish to live
• If you want the big city life, then you simply can’t go wrong with Denver, the hub of Colorado
• For something that’s less fast-paced and much closer to nature, yet still fun and enjoyable, Boulder is the place to be
• Fraser is a lovely place to live if you want easy access to nature, a plethora of fun outdoor activities, and a simple and relaxing life

Outlining A Budget For Your New Life In Colorado

Moving to Colorado checklist means understanding your budget. Living in the Centennial State isn’t cheap. Luckily,  some areas are more affordable and investing in real estate in a Colorado mountain town might be the right move for you! In order for you to have the most successful move, you need to be aware of the kind of lifestyle that you intend to live, where you’re going to be living, and the average costs of that particular place.

Housing will, in all likelihood, be your biggest expense. Much of this is due to the fact that housing prices have gone up quite a bit, in recent years, and this means you’ll be spending a decent amount of money on your home – regardless of whether you’re renting or buying. So, make sure to do some research on the housing market, with regards to your needs and what is within your budget.

When you first move in, it may be tempting to try out all of the interesting restaurants and eateries, but many of them are quite expensive. So, instead of doing that, you should visit the nearest grocery stores and take a look at both the foods that they offer, and the prices. Then, consider what you would like to be cooking and eating on a regular basis. That way, you can set a regular grocery budget that’s realistic, and works well for you.

If you have a job that requires a commute, it’s always wise to look at the public transportation options that are available. Denver, in particular, has an excellent public transportation system that will allow you to save a lot of money.

Those are just three things to research and budget for, but they’re very important and they will affect a significant chunk of your budget. There are plenty of other things that you should research and budget for, though. For example, if you live in Fraser, you’re surrounded by wonderful mountain landscapes and nearby resorts. If that’s something you’re interested in, you’ll want to budget for that.

• Living in Colorado isn’t cheap, but it can be a lot less expensive if you research where you’re living and what you’ll be spending, before moving
• Focus on budgeting for housing, food, and transportation – those will cost you the most money
• If you familiarize yourself with your expenses and the costs of where you’re living, it’ll be easy to budget and save

Colorado Mountain Living

Many moving to Colorado are quick to choose a popular metro city like Denver or Colorado Springs. Did you know that Fraser, CO is one of the closest mountain towns to Denver? You can live peacefully in a tranquil setting like Grand Park and still have access to a larger city without the constant traffic. Check out our amenities and consider a smaller Colorado mountain town to invest in real estate in 2020.

Whatever you decide, use this moving to Colorado checklist to your benefit before you make your move!