The American economy is chugging along pretty well right now, and nowhere is that more true than in Colorado. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked The Centennial State’s economy as the best in the country based on factors like growth and business environment. Colorado is attracting talented professionals from other, more expensive parts of the country, like New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a great time to move West and find a slice of paradise in the Rocky Mountains. The people are friendly and there’s plenty of options for both indoor and outdoor recreation. It’s no wonder that Colorado also ranks as one of the top 10 best states for millennials because of its affordability and quality of life.
The Denver area
Denver serves as both the capital of the state and the biggest city in Colorado. It has a population of about 700,000, which also places it in the top twenty biggest cities in all of the country. You’ve probably heard it called The Mile High City due to its staggering elevation, although the word “high” has taken on a new term ever since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana a few years back. It’s not just a place for stoners, though. Coloradans are health-conscious in several respects. They like to stay physically fit, and they don’t like smoking, as the state has a low percentage of people who identify as smokers. That can mean the people who do smoke feel even more isolated if they don’t have much company when they step outside a bar and light up. Some people in search of an alternative have turned to vape juice, which feels like smoking but is generally regarded as less dangerous because there are fewer chemicals involved. Vape juice is available with or without nicotine, and the flavors include basics like mixed berry and far-out tastes like glazed donut. Chances are, you’ll walk outside and see someone vaping, whether they’re waiting alone at the bus stop or chatting casually in a group of friends.
Other cities
Drive south of Denver for about an hour and you’ll find yourself in Colorado Springs, the second-biggest city in the state, at about 465,000 residents. The defense and tech industries are major players in the local economy, and the city is also home to organizations like the U.S. Olympic Committee and Focus on the Family. The incredibly selective U.S. Air Force Academy is also based in Colorado Springs, meaning you may run into a few cadets around town.
Those who would prefer to stick a bit closer to Denver without being in the middle of everything can head northwest to Boulder, a town of around 100,000 residents about 25 miles from the capital city. The University of Colorado is headquartered there, but it’s not simply a college town. It’s full of culture and job opportunities, and you’re just as likely to find high-quality condos in Boulder as you are to find fraternity and sorority houses near campus. If you’re interested in an environmentally-friendly town, look no further than Boulder and its highly-supported carbon energy tax. It’s also got plenty of bike-friendly paths and roadways for those who would rather leave their car in the garage. Like many places in Colorado, Boulder is lively, beautiful, and growing fast.
