The glorious Rocky Mountains are one of the biggest draws to the state of Colorado, offering over 54 peaks, endless trails, and a sense of adventure for the entire landscape.
Denver remains at a higher elevation thanks to the Rockies but is not considered a part of the foothills, and almost every Coloradan has spent some time wondering what life might be like, venturing further into the hills.
Most have spent their fair share of time skiing Breckenridge, exploring Estes Park, and perhaps even going to school in the foothills of Boulder.
It is hard not to fall in love and idealize what life may be like to get out of the city or the suburbs and set up camp permanently a few hundred feet higher above sea level.
The mountain lifestyle is almost superior to that of downtown living and promotes being outside, smaller, more tight-knit communities, and peace and quiet, literally and metaphorically.
Before preparing for this kind of expedition, it is crucial to know what you are in for to properly prepare yourself and your family for what lies ahead.
There Will Be an Altitude Adjustment
Those who have been residents of the Centennial State for some time are likely already well adjusted to being a mile above sea level, but whenever you are heading up the roads to the Rockies the ear-popping and lightheadedness will begin.
Some of the mountainous areas extend up to 10,000 feet above sea level, and this is quite different from what is experienced near Denver.
These kinds of elevations immediately mean thinner air, slightly cooler temperatures, and sometimes altitude sickness. It is something that you may acclimate to, but it is also something that takes some time for others.
Make Visits Before the Move
Whether there is a town set for the course or the attempt to find that idealistic place to move within the mountain range, visiting beforehand should help.
Committing to understanding how the body adapts, reacts, and changes to altitude helps people to better cope with these conditions.
Headaches, dizziness, and even nausea can be expected but should not be experienced over long periods of time.
Before locating the perfect Loveland movers to transport your household before the ski season begins, be prepared for the altitude change with these tricks:
- Pay attention to hydration and the amount of rest needed to help subside any form of altitude sickness!
- Temporarily avoid alcohol or caffeine and things that can exacerbate the symptoms experienced at high altitudes.
- Practice the art of acclimatizing. Taking things slowly when ascending onto higher altitudes.
- Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or anti-nausea meds.
- Consult with a local doctor or health professional if you are unable to treat altitude sickness or are experiencing concerning symptoms. There are certain medications available that will help these issues subside.
Weathers Shifts Should be Expected
The weather and conditions in the Colorado mountains greatly differ from what is considered normal in the Denver Metro area.
Denverites are used to snow in the morning that is completely melted by the afternoon.
These ups and downs can be even more extreme when living in the mountains!
Things can change pretty quickly, and the snow definitely comes in droves during the winter months.
Places like Crested Butte, Beaver Creek, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs are among the many known for their heavy snowfall, which has its perks for winter sports and fun.
The snow doesn’t melt quite as fast as it would in the city, making it difficult to get around and even harder to go outside in the evenings in the frigid cold.
The Spring and Summertime are gorgeous, providing mild, sunny, and comfortable temperatures.
Things can still get a bit chilly, so it is always wise to carry some layers when heading for a walk or bike ride on the trails.
Pack for All the Seasons
If the mountain fever has gotten to you, then it is natural to start daydreaming about a new North Face jacket and comfortable fleeces.
While these are great things to have during the cold months of winter, do not give up your shorts and t-shirts either.
You will be closer to the sun now more than ever, so it is extremely important to bring clothing and gear for all of the seasons.
This will include anything necessary for emergency preparedness during those chilly seasons.
Things like flashlights, backup heaters, batteries, and a first aid kit in case of any power outages or during severe winter storms.
When you have professional packing and moving companies at your disposal, this is all easy.
There is no need to fret about the details of what goes into boxes or needs to be wrapped with a local crew to handle it for you!
Transportation Logistics May Need to Change
It is widely known that the metro region has an amazing transit system and, although it is still growing and evolving, it is something that is easy to take advantage of until moving out past the foothills of the Rockies.
There is unsurpassable beauty and peace in the hills, but there is not the same amount of access to public transit, and a car, one that is good for all of the seasons, is certainly a necessity in the region.
Rolling around mountainous areas can be treacherous, so having your vehicle in good shape is essential for safety. It is generally best to find all of the following guidelines:
- Having a 4WD or an all-wheel drive vehicle. Some mountain roads will only allow for all-wheel drive cars, and regardless, without that traction on the road, many driving conditions can be unsafe without its promise.
- Keep up with maintenance on all vehicles to avoid getting stuck or stranded somewhere.
- Getting to know the area and the roads can and will be done through continuous travel but will help to keep trips in the car smooth.
- Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle packed with extra blankets, flashlights, additional clothing, coats, drinking water, and snacks, just in case!
RTD Options in Mountain Towns
The mountain towns of Colorado typically have bus services that run along all the main strips to get people and visiting tourists back and forth with good directions for free.
Anything outside of the main street or densely traveled areas does not offer as frequent public transit services, and the options are often not available as late in the evening hours.
For those who need to go for a longer venture, there are additional services like the Rocky Mountaineer and Winter Park Express Ski Train, which transports back and forth between the city and the mountains.
Rocky Mountain Housing Market
If you have gotten this far in the moving process, chances are that the perfect destination has already been mapped out.
But if your eyes are set on somewhere like Aspen or you are considering the idea of moving to Monument then the housing and rental options are critical to pay attention to.
The prices tend to climb with the mountains the further out you go. However, this is not true for all regions of the Rocky Mountains.
Mountain towns are some of the most competitive places to purchase a home.
The inventory is almost always limited, and the prices are not what people are complaining about in Denver.
There are affordable rental units that remain a hot commodity, many of which are owned by private individuals.
Everything remains elevated, even when compared to what was the norm in pre-pandemic times.
Consider the Cost of Living
Housing is the first step to securing a place to call home, but the rest of the costs associated with everyday living cannot be ruled out.
Budgeting for everything that you deem necessary should be factored into the move.
The cost of living in a Colorado mountain town is well known for its price tag, especially in more remote areas.
When there are fewer goods and services available and a higher demand, inevitably drives the price of things up.
Real estate is one of the biggest costs associated with the hills, with substantial price changes when in the popular ski and snowboarding towns, but there are additional things to consider:
- Utility costs are typically higher, more specifically, heating costs. Many residents decide to do energy-efficient upgrades, double-paned windows, and garage doors with additional insulation to save money in the long term.
- Groceries and general household necessities are slightly more expensive due to general supply, and most will see seasonal fluctuations in this. Prices generally rocket during the on-season in ski towns and will slowly decrease in the off-season.
- Travel and transportation costs add up. The price of gas is often higher, and that, coupled with general car maintenance, snow tires, and vehicle upgrades, are all things to plan for.
Research the Job Market & Opportunities
Heading into the summit, most people already have careers and are capable of working remotely, which provides flexibility and opportunity in a landscape they are familiar with.
If you are not looking to stay in that current industry of work, there are still opportunities available.
The younger generations tend to head towards the ski towns to work for the on-season and take on supplemental forms of work in the warmer months.
Colorado’s mountain towns see the most common opportunities in the following industries:
- Season and nature positions working with the National Parks and Forestry Service. Employment options usually spark during different seasons but are continuously available for those looking to dedicate their time to the great outdoors.
- Construction and general maintenance are also popular positions in the area. The building and infrastructure in mountain towns are crucial to the economy and help to increase the quality of life within the community.
- Healthcare remains a necessity for everyone, and local hospitals or doctor’s offices are a great place to locate a new job!
- General service positions are a hot commodity, and most service providers in the hospitality, tourism, and restaurant industries are always looking for fresh employees.
- More recently, the tech industry has emerged into the forest. There has been a significant increase in these positions and career paths, with a large part of employees working remotely.
Embrace The New Culture & Community
There are hundreds of things one can worry about when moving to a new place, especially a mountain town.
But, the best thing about these places is the community and neighborhoods they offer.
These are places where everyone will get to know your name and your family members, and they will become people you can count on.
Walking down the street is not only full of tourists but also friendly faces and people you will get to know.
One of the most paramount parts of moving to the mountains in the Mile High is settling in and becoming one with the environment.
This is where laid-back lifestyles meet an active balance in the great outdoors.
It is where many find solace in a self-sufficient life.
Embracing the mountain culture means breathing in the air at a high altitude, enjoying winter sports as much as summer hiking, and making snow removal a full-time job on your new property.
It is jumping headfirst into local events, attending school board meetings, and having dinner with your neighbors.
Giving yourself a break from the city life and the fast-moving world around you, trading it in to live in the moment and explore.
Check Our Local Events & Things to Do
Mountainous areas are more than just a beautiful backdrop.
There is just as much going on as one would find in Denver.
Just about everywhere you turn, there is something to do, and getting involved allows residents to immerse themselves in the culture of the town.
From local festivals, concerts, boutiques, restaurants, and farmer’s markets there are plenty of ways to enhance your experience.
There are also artistic endeavors, displays, and galleries providing chances to support local creatives and businesses.
Get out there and participate in local parades and holiday festivities to get familiar with the culture.
Take a walk to explore the local shops, as most are independent businesses, and supporting such establishments feeds back into the local economy.
Choosing Movers That Know Their Way Around
Choosing to relocate out of bounds to one of Colorado’s glorious mountain towns is an easy decision, but hiring local movers is the key to getting these as quickly and safely as possible.
Looking for local solutions in Denver promises the safety of those who are experienced and offers swift navigation to the new home.
These are companies that will understand the nuances of mountain living, road conditions, possible constructions, and the easiest route to get there!
Local Movers Will Know What to Do
With the Denver Moving Company, clients can be assured that their move away from the city goes smoothly.
Our local moving company is dedicated to serving the people of Colorado with white glove service, premium packing, and safe transportation to the final destination.
We are here to make this transition a rewarding experience, as it should be.
Leave all the careful moving and planning behind and contact our experts for the journey into the ethereal Rocky Mountains.
