Over the last few years I have talked with more and more Bay Area homeowners who are privately thinking about a move to Denver. Some are still working and can do their jobs from anywhere. Others are planning retirement or a downsize from a long time home. Almost all of them want the same core things. A strong quality of life, better affordability, access to the outdoors, and a place that still feels vibrant and interesting.
Denver keeps coming up in those conversations for good reason.
Recently I sat down with my Compass colleague and Denver specialist Amy Randolph to get a true inside look at the city from the point of view of a Bay Area transplant. Amy is a Colorado native who has lived in Denver since college. She works all over the metro area and spends a lot of time helping people relocate from higher cost markets. Our conversation turned into a really useful guide for anyone considering moving from the Bay Area to Denver, so I want to walk you through the main points here.
Think of this as a friendly but honest briefing before you make any big decisions.
Where Denver Actually Sits And What It Feels Like
If you have only been to Denver for a quick visit, you might picture it as a ski town or a mountain town. In reality the city sits right where the high plains meet the foothills. To the west you see the Front Range and the taller peaks behind it. To the east it opens up into rolling plains that run all the way out toward the Midwest.
Two main freeways shape the region. Interstate 25 runs north and south. Interstate 70 runs east and west and takes you straight into ski country. You can think of 25 as a rough equivalent to 101 in the Bay Area, the backbone of the corridor, and 70 as the line that connects the city to the recreation zones.
The first thing that surprises most Bay Area folks is the climate. Denver gets a lot of sunshine. More than three hundred days a year on average. Yes, winters are cold and there is snow. But the snow tends to melt quickly when the sun comes out and it often does not linger the way people imagine. Amy and I talked in mid November and she mentioned they were in the low seventies that week. That kind of warm autumn stretch is not unusual there.
Summer tends to be warm and dry. If you like being outside, this climate makes it easy to stay active most of the year. You trade coastal fog for clear blue skies and big views.
Your Neighbor Sold their House too Cheap!
Why Bay Area Homeowners Look Twice At Denver
From a housing perspective, Denver looks very appealing if you are used to Bay Area pricing. That does not mean it is cheap. It is not. Denver has grown a lot and prices reflect that. But your dollar goes much further there than it does in most of the core Bay Area markets.
When Amy and I looked at actual listings, a few things stood out.
First, property taxes in the city of Denver are relatively low compared with many surrounding suburbs and certainly lower than what a lot of Californians are used to. Assessments are updated regularly, and owners can contest them, but the overall tax burden still tends to feel lighter.
Second, basements are common. Almost every home in Denver has one. They often count toward total square footage and are frequently finished with guest suites, family rooms, gyms, home offices, or even second kitchens. For someone who is downsizing from a larger Bay Area home, that extra lower level space can make the transition feel much easier.
Third, lot sizes vary. In some of the older urban neighborhoods you will see modest city lots. In newer communities or more suburban areas you can find more land. If you want a walkable lifestyle you will lean toward the city neighborhoods. If you want more space for a yard, a garden, or pets, there are many options just a short drive out.
Finally, there is a real mix of architecture. Denver still has a rich inventory of historic homes. Craftsman bungalows, Victorians, Denver Squares, Tudors. Many have been remodeled and updated while keeping the original charm. At the same time, a lot of newer infill construction has gone in, especially in the hottest central neighborhoods. Some of that is very modern. The city and neighbors have pushed back on designs that feel too stark, so the trend now is more transitional, blending new comfort with older character.
Getting To Know Key Denver Neighborhoods
If you are thinking about moving from the Bay Area to Denver, the big question is usually not whether Denver is nice. It is which part of the metro area might actually feel like home. Amy and I went through several areas that consistently attract people from California.
The Highlands
The Highlands has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in Denver. It sits just west of downtown, across the freeway, connected by pedestrian bridges and surface streets. About twenty years ago the city built better connections and the area took off. Now the Highlands is packed with restaurants, cafes, rooftop decks, and nightlife.
You find a mix of older bungalows and new townhomes here. Many homes are three story with rooftop decks that capture downtown views. Lots are on the smaller side, which encourages infill and vertical living, but you gain a very walkable lifestyle. This area tends to draw younger professionals, remote workers, and active people who want to be able to walk to dinner, a game, or a show.
Some empty nesters also buy second homes here so they can split time between the city and the mountains, especially if they enjoy concerts at Red Rocks or events downtown.
Sloan Lake
Just a bit to the west you reach Sloan Lake. The lake itself is a major park and recreation spot. You can walk or bike the loop, bring a paddleboard, or just sit and enjoy the view of the water with the skyline behind it.
Around the lake you see a similar pattern to the Highlands. Older homes mixed with newer modern construction. If the idea of morning walks around a lake a few minutes from downtown appeals to you, this area deserves a look.
Golden
Golden sits west of Denver at the base of the foothills. It has a classic small town feel with a very walkable main street, the Coors brewery, a river running through town, and direct access to the hills. It is also getting more attention from tech and engineering companies, which provides a nice mix of jobs and lifestyle.
Golden is ideal if you still want reasonable access to Denver for work or events but you do not want to feel like you live inside a big city. It feels a little like a cross between a college town, a historic western town, and an outdoor sports hub.
Evergreen and Genesee
If you picture waking up under pine trees, seeing elk in the yard, and driving a short distance into town, Evergreen and Genesee are probably what you are picturing. These are true mountain communities, yet they are only about half an hour from Denver when traffic is normal.
Evergreen has a charming downtown with restaurants and a lake in the middle of town. There are trails in every direction. Genesee sits a bit closer to the freeway with easy access into the city. Many Bay Area buyers are surprised you can have that mountain lifestyle and still be that close to a major metro area.
Washington Park And Platt Park
Washington Park, usually called Wash Park, is one of the most established and beloved neighborhoods in Denver. The park itself is a long, beautiful green space with lakes, paths, tennis and pickleball courts, and constant activity. People walk, jog, bike, rollerblade, fish, and gather there from morning to night.
The surrounding neighborhood is full of mature trees and classic architecture. Craftsman homes with big front porches, brick bungalows, and tasteful remodels. It is close enough to downtown that many people bike to work or take transit, but far enough out that it feels more residential and calm.
Just south is Platt Park. It is a sort of value alternative to Wash Park with excellent character of its own. It has its own main street on Pearl, lined with shops and some of the best restaurants in the city, including the well known Sushi Den that flies in fish from Japan daily. Platt Park sits between Wash Park and another green space called Harvard Gulch Park, which gives you multiple nearby options for walks and recreation.
This area tends to attract working professionals, families, and empty nesters. It has a neighborhood feel that many long time Bay Area owners appreciate.
Change Happens
The Outdoor Lifestyle That Reminds People Of California
One of the reasons Bay Area residents feel comfortable in Denver is that both regions place a high value on outdoor life. In Denver that shows up everywhere.
From the city you can bike along rivers and canals for miles. You can ride all the way to Chatfield or Cherry Creek Reservoir, where motorized water sports are allowed and there are marinas and beaches. You can run or walk around parks that are integrated into almost every neighborhood. Amy mentioned that the city of Denver alone has several hundred parks, which means you are rarely more than a short walk away from green space.
Then there is skiing and snowboarding. Getting to Tahoe from the Bay Area can be an all day ordeal when traffic is bad. Denver does have traffic on the way to the mountains along Interstate 70, and locals will be honest about that. You often need to leave very early or stay overnight to avoid long delays during peak times. The difference is that once you are on the road, you are driving straight into the heart of some of the best ski terrain in the country. Destinations like Winter Park, Loveland, Copper, Breckenridge, Vail, and others are within a couple of hours, with some smaller areas even closer.
In summer, those same mountains become hiking, mountain biking, and fishing hubs. The ability to finish work and be on a trail, at a concert at Red Rocks, or out on a bike path is a big part of Denver life.
Cost Of Living And Equity For Bay Area Sellers
While no move is purely financial, it is impossible to ignore the money side when you are comparing the Bay Area and Denver.
If you have owned your Bay Area home for a long time, there is a good chance you are sitting on significant equity. Denver allows you to convert that equity into either a much nicer home for the same monthly payment or a similar home with a lower payment and more financial flexibility.
For example, a home in the one and a half to two million range in a prime Denver neighborhood is likely to be larger, more updated, and on a better lot than the same price point in many Bay Area communities. You can find beautifully remodeled homes in Wash Park or the Highlands in that range, with basements, garages, and walkable locations.
In the eight hundred thousand to one million range you can still find very attractive properties, sometimes with income potential from a finished lower level. Amy walked me through an example in Sunnyside where the basement had a second kitchen and a separate feel, ideal for a long term tenant or a mid term rental.
Property taxes and general living expenses also tend to be more manageable than in coastal California, although of course any individual situation depends on your exact neighborhood, price point, and lifestyle.
A Few Practical Considerations Before You Commit
Relocating is a big step, and there are a few realities worth keeping in mind as you think about Denver.
The first is altitude. Denver truly is the mile high city. At over five thousand feet, the air is thinner and drier than what you are used to in the Bay Area. Most people adjust within a couple of weeks, but some notice the difference in the beginning, especially during exercise.
The second is winter. You will have cold snaps and snow. The tradeoff is sunshine and four distinct seasons. If you have always wanted real fall color and the feel of a crisp winter morning, you may love it. If you strongly dislike cold, you will want to think through how often you plan to travel or where you want to be within the metro area to maximize sun exposure and convenience.
The third is that the region is growing. Denver has become a major destination for people from across the country. With that growth come more restaurants, more cultural options, and more traffic. Where you choose to live relative to your daily patterns will matter.
The fourth is that the market is still competitive and nuanced. Amy mentioned that days on market stretch out when sellers overprice, which is similar to what we see here. Well priced homes in desirable neighborhoods still move quickly. Timing your sale in the Bay Area and your purchase in Denver takes some planning.
Timing is Everything in Life
Why Working With Local Experts Matters
When you move from one region to another, you are not just changing houses. You are changing weather, tax structures, building styles, commute patterns, and social networks. The choices that feel minor at first, such as which side of a park you live on or whether your home is in the city or an unincorporated pocket, can end up having a large impact on your day to day life.
My role is to help you evaluate whether a move even makes sense, based on your current home, your long term goals, and your financial picture. If Denver looks like a fit, the next step is to connect you with someone who lives and works in that market every day.
That is where a partner like Amy is invaluable. She understands which neighborhoods appeal to former Bay Area residents, how to interpret the local data, what to watch out for with things like short term rental rules, and how to align your expectations with what is actually available.
Together we can coordinate the sale of your Bay Area home and your purchase in Denver in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes your options.
Is Moving To Denver From The Bay Area Right For You
If you are a Bay Area homeowner who loves the outdoors, values culture and good food, and wants more space and flexibility without giving up everything you enjoy about urban life, Denver is worth a serious look.
You gain a vibrant city with a strong economy, a deep restaurant scene, professional sports, and respected universities. You get quick access to mountains, lakes, and trails. You get a climate that invites you outside much of the year. And in many cases, you get to unlock equity from your current home and put it to work in a way that supports your next chapter.
If you are curious about how this might look in your specific situation, I am always happy to have a confidential conversation. We can look at what your Bay Area home might sell for, what types of properties in Denver could make sense for you, and whether this move supports your larger life plans.
And when you are ready to explore Denver in person, I will gladly connect you with Amy so you can see neighborhoods like the Highlands, Wash Park, Platt Park, Golden, Evergreen, and others through the eyes of a local expert.
If Denver is on your radar, reach out. We can start with a simple conversation and take it from there.
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