D enver, Colorado is a majestic city deep in the "Heart of the West." It is located where the east meets the west...where the Rocky Mountains begin and the eastern plains end. Only 346 miles west of the geographic center of the United States, Denver Colorado is centrally located and lies on the high rolling plains in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain region. Denver was born during the great "Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush" of 1859 when some flakes of placer gold were found where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek. The turn-of-the-century brought respectability and the wealth of the mountains was poured into parks, fountains, statues, tree-lined streets and elaborate mansions. Denver became the most elegant city in a thousand mile radius and was aptly named -- the "Queen City of the Plains." The building boom in recent years has seen Denver more than double in population since 1960. In 1983 alone, as much office space was added to the city as already existed.

Denver is the 20th largest metro area in America, and has an estimated population of 554,636, and has been named one of the fastest growing cities in America. Since it is a major metropolitan, the employment opportunities are as diverse as the city itself. Denver is a major center for health care, technology and finance in the west, with such industry leaders as Qwest Communications, Centura Health, and Wells Fargo Bank West N.A. leading the way. According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income was $34,232. In addition, Denver is the most educated city in the U.S. Denver has the greatest percentage of college graduates of any major metropolitan area in the U.S.

One of the most noteworthy aspects is that Denver has a central downtown area. A mile-long pedestrian mall cuts through the heart of downtown Denver and is surrounded by a series of parks and plazas that soften the towering skyscrapers and provide viewpoints from which to see and appreciate the modern architecture. "LoDo" is on the northern edge of downtown Denver and offers one of the nation's greatest concentrations of Victorian buildings and warehouses, many of which have been refurbished to house restaurants, art galleries, offices, shops and residential units. The arts and cultural scene in Denver is sure to rival any in the nation. With eight theaters offering 10,800 seats, the Denver Performing Arts Complex is the second largest performing arts center in the nation (after Lincoln Center in New York) in seating capacity and the largest in the world under one roof. The center is entered under a block-long glass arch and is noted for its unusual and striking architecture. Since diversity is key in Denver, the shopping and dining options are endless, which is just another reason why the quality of life in Denver is second to none.

The cost of living of real estate and general living expenses in the Denver Colorado area is lower than most major cities. Denver lends itself to a strong economy for real estate with good levels of appreciation and an active market that includes a good mix of both executive housing and entry-level homes. Downtown Denver has a very diverse range of housing options with more than 65,000 residents. Average monthly rent ranges from $525 to $2,300 for apartments and $115,000 to $2.5 million for-sale units. There are many options throughout the Denver area and surrounding communities, whether you are looking for something urban and contemporary or something with a more rustic flavor. Denver has the capability to meet all your needs and more. Some of the more popular communities that surround the downtown area include: Cherry Creek, Washington Park, Capitol Hill, Lower Downtown (called "LoDo" by locals), Curtis Park, Highland, Uptown, City Park and Central Platte Valley.

There is nothing about Denver, which is more misunderstood than the city's climate. Denver is located just east of the Rockies (far from any source of moisture), and it has a mild, dry and arid climate. The city receives 8-15 inches of precipitation and records an astounding 300 days of sunshine per year. Winters are mild with an average daily high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, 7 degrees Celsius in February. Snow does fall, but it usually melts in a short time. However if your looking for snow to play in, Denver sits at the entrance of the Rocky Mountains where you will find numerous winter activities. In the summer, dry relative humidity makes Denver feel cool and comfortable, offering natural air conditioning.

Anyone considering Relocating to Denver will be pleasantly surprised by the strength of its school system. Widely recognized today as one of the best urban school systems in the country, Denver Public Schools strives to meet the needs of the students in the Denver and surrounding areas. There are also a host of charter and private schools to round out the educational options in Denver. If you are looking to continue your education then look no further, Denver has a plethora of universities, colleges, or trade and technical schools with in close proximity.

One of the major draws for Denver, Colorado is the vast variety of recreational opportunities that surround the whole area. This, of course, is in addition to the slew of mountain and wilderness areas about an hour drive from the city. Denver has the largest city park system in the nation, and thousands of acres of open space are located around the city. The foothills of the Rockies provide challenging trails for experienced hikers and bikers and scenic leisurely strolls for those who are looking for outdoor adventure of all levels.. Denver's temperate climate offers golfers year round opportunities to improve their swing. With both private courses and more than 60 public courses in the Denver metro area, there is something for every golfer from the beginner to the pro. Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers an abundance of options for skiers and snowboarders. In less than two hours one can enjoy a day on the slopes of one of Colorado's famed ski resorts. Popular ski destinations for Denver residents include Aspen/Snowmass, Loveland, Steamboat Springs, Vail/Beaver Creek Eldora, Winter Park and Summit County Resorts.

To the delight of any sports fan, Denver has a full compliment of professional sports teams including the National Football League's 1998 & 1999 Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, the National Basketball Association's Denver Nuggets, Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies, and the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche, who won the 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cups. There is also a great many other opportunities for a great many types of sporting entertainment not limited to the aforementioned sports but also soccer and lacrosse.

Denver is a city that has just the right mix of everything you might need to have a great life in a city, from culture and art, to recreation and education. Whether you are starting out or ending up, Denver, Colorado is the ideal place to live, work, retire or raise a family. If you are considering moving here, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!