The American West is a beautiful region, and one of its jewels is the state of Colorado. If you’re looking for a place to settle, the state has variety, from small mountain towns to bustling urban areas.
Colorado is known for its clear, picturesque landscape, with pristine rivers, fiery canyons, extensive forests, mountains, and mesas.
The best way to truly understand life in Colorado is to experience it. But you already knew that if you’re planning a move to Centennial State.
Now there’s a lot to consider, things to adjust, and challenges to overcome before and after your move to Colorado.
We’ve prepared tips to make your move an easy one so that you can settle in fast and start enjoying the perks of living in Colorado.
Table of Contents
1. Research the Housing Market
Before you even plan to move to Colorado, you should look for where to land. Consider your needs and budget, as that will help you find the right city or town to move to.
The thing is, Colorado is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, with a hot housing market. Cities like Denver and Aspen have a high cost of housing, whether you’re buying or renting.
More affordable cities would be Fort Collins and Sterling. Towns like Rocky Ford and Trinidad are good options as well.
2. And the Overall Cost of Living
While looking into the housing market, it’s worth considering the overall cost of living in Colorado.
The beauty and fame make the state a favorite for many, and you can see that when you compare the state’s cost of living index to the national average. The state measures higher at 131.
That said, as expensive as Colorado can be, there are more affordable places. The city of Pueblo, for instance, has a lower cost of living index compared to the state average, at 93.4. At 107.8, Colorado Springs is another affordable option.
3. Moving Truck vs. Full-Service Company
Moving across states is a ton of work and isn’t cheap. Your choice of how to move your stuff can make that transition easier or not.
You will have to consider your budget and the work involved in the moving process. It would be cheaper to rent a moving truck like UHaul, but then you’ll have to get everything done yourself.
A full-service moving company takes the work out of your hands and delivers your things to your next destination, but they tend to be pricier. You’ll have to decide which option makes things easier for you.
4. Understand Weed Laws
You may come from a state where cannabis is not legal or has mixed laws. Either way, it’s important to familiarize yourself with cannabis laws in Colorado to avoid problems with the authorities.
If you’re on medical marijuana, you can continue to benefit from it in Colorado, provided you follow the necessary steps required to become a medical marijuana recipient.
Marijuana Doctors is an excellent resource if you want to get started with your patient application.
5. Consider the Altitude
Colorado is at a high elevation, which can cause altitude sickness to anyone visiting. Places like Idaho Springs, at an altitude of about 8,000 feet, increase your chances of experiencing altitude sickness.
You may still experience the illness at lower altitudes, like in Denver, which has an elevation of about 6,000 feet.
There’s no telling whether or not you’ll be among those who suffer a little from the illness, but there are ways you can minimize your chances and have a smooth transition.
Consider moving to places with lower elevations but if that’s not an option, help your body acclimate to high altitudes in bits. Stop in places with moderate elevations, like Denver, and stay a day or two.
A prescription for Diamox will also help you manage the symptoms.
Altitude sickness is usually mild, and the body tends to adjust to the elevation. But it can also be serious and life-threatening.
You should consider the altitude where you’re moving to in Colorado and make preparations on how you’ll acclimate. If the conditions aren’t good, descend to a lower elevation until your system adjusts.
Conclusion
Colorado is the land of stunning outdoors and plenty of opportunities for happiness — it is one of the happiest states for a reason. Hopefully, our tips will make your move an easy and pleasant one.